voices of truth

I had the blessing of spending this weekend in the woods with some friends.  My very favorite part of the weekend was all of the time that we spent around the fire.  Our campsite was on a lake... so between the reflection on the lake, the starry sky, and the warmth of the campfire, I started imaging heaven.  Friends, laughter, fellowship, quiet, beauty... I just loved it.

Before we departed on Sunday morning, we spent some time passing the Bible around the fire, each sharing from our favorite Psalms.  It was beautiful... and so meaningful.  I loved how the Psalms that spoke to THEM, also spoke to ME.  It was like Jesus saying, "Daughter, you need to hear this.  Take it in.  Listen.  Be encouraged by your friends and by Me."  And so I was...

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.  I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.  Your way, O God, is holy.  What god is great like our God?  You are the God who works wonders; You have made known your might among the peoples.  You with Your arm redeemed Your people."
~Psalm 77

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.  Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!  The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
~Psalm 34

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.  I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
~Psalm 23

"He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.  Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place--the Most High, who is my refuge--no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.  'Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name.  When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.'"
~Psalm 91

Sometimes the Word of God just speaks and there is no mistaking it.  And as I was turning the pages of my Bible just now to find and type these Psalms, I could still smell the campfire in the pages.  I love it. =)

may i never forget the gospel...

"The crucified Christ is not merely a heroic example to the church: he is the power and wisdom of God, a living force in his present risenness, transforming our lives and enabling us to extend the hand of reconciliation to our enemies."
~Brennan Manning