Faith Brings Health

Faith Seeker

Matthew 8:5: And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,6: And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

 7: And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

8: The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9: For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

10: When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

11: And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12: But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13: And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour

 

Faith Honor

Faith is honored by God.  Faith based in understanding of authority, moves God quickly.  In our journey in this life, it serves us well to remember how Jesus honors faith in authority.  Remember, His authority was so evident the people marveled.   Authority is important to Jesus.  He looks for those that understand and invoke His authority through faith.

 

Taylor's Preparation

In preparation for what he knew would be a demanding life in missions, the young Hudson Taylor would sleep at night in the cold with little to no blankets.  He rigorously worked on his endurance and ability to go without food for long times.  Later in the inland part of China, this rigor would prove valuable.  Food was scarce and had many unlikely forms.  In faith, he deprived himself of comfort in order to bring the comfort of the scriptures to others.  To him, faith was a matter of absolute trust that God could sustain and provide.  His faith was rewarded over and over and over in new believers added to the kingdom and leaders to continue the work added to the kingdom.  His faith was rewarded with endurance to complete the task assigned to him of his Father.

 

ACT!  Do you have a situation requiring authority?  requiring faith?  Invite Jesus into it.

 

PRAY!  Father, I place myself and my friend, Evotion, under the authority of the name of Jesus.  Even as the centurion placed his servant under Jesus' authority, so do I place me and my household.  Cover the property entrusted to me.  Cover my family's health.  Cover the thoughts of my mind.  Take my friend, Evotion, into that place of trust and provision in Christ.

 

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Customary

Customary

Matthew 8:2: And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3: And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4: And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

 

Clean or No Contact

Under the covenant, a leper was required to be declared clean by the priest.  Also, he was required to stay away from other human contact.  Jesus supported the law.  Even knowing the man was no longer a leper, Jesus asked him to handle it according to the custom of the people.  He was not interested in putting fear in people or disturbing the custom without need.  He is considerate of others, their customs, and the law of the land.

 

ACT!  How can you honor a custom of someone you know?  Is there a custom in your workplace that you have been violating?  Think about it.

 

PRAY!  Father, give me the sensitivity of Jesus to customs.  In my limited life, I only see through my filters.  Help me to see what is important to others.  Help me to build their comfort so that they might receive the rich treasure of Jesus in me.

                                                                                                                                                    

 

The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is concerned about assisting the faith community in effective measures in serving the community.  I invite you to take a day and dedicate time to learning, meeting others, and open discussion.  These issues discussed on this day are a concern and a responsibility for each faith leader. 

FAITH COMMUNITIES WORKING TOGETHER TO PREVENT SEXUAL & INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE  

Space is LIMITED! Register by October 15,2010.

Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Organization:____________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ E-mail:__________________________________

Fax registration information to (405) 524-0711 or email to amy@ocadvsa.org

Featuring Keynote Speaker Phil Larson, Prayer Metro!

Phil has worked in the faith community in Oklahoma and nationally for three decades. Leadership in fathering initiatives among hundreds of congregations and community organizations communicates his passion for healthy families. PrayerMetro undergirds pastors with prayer and personal counsel. A unified force of people of faith alongside government, education, business, and community establishes social stability and peace.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 from 9:15am—2:00pm

Moore Public Library—Conference Room "A"

225 S. Howard, Moore Ok, 73160

Forum is free and lunch will be provided at no cost to participants.

Following the Keynote there will be a panel discussion on sexual abuse,

human trafficking, and more! The panel will include Phil Larson from Prayer Metro, Ann Lowrance from OSU-OKC, Mark Elam from OATH, Deb Stanaland from YWCA, and Jennifer McLaughlin from OCADVSA.

Intended audience: Faith Leadership, Lead Ministers, Youth & Children’s Ministers, Board Members.

Phil Larson, as a minister of the Christian gospel for over 30 years and a businessman and a child abuse investigator, has worked in many situations involving various Christian denominations and differing sizes of congregations.  He has counseled pastors, women, men, and children damaged and damaging.  Incidents in congregations involving leadership indiscretions and abuse are many times hidden and unresolved.  Children abused turn into adults in pain.  The danger is to both male and female.  There are simple protections that can be taken to remove exposures and temptations.  These are responsibilities.   Getting a good program of education in place for ministers, board members, and youth and children's workers is simple and effective.

 

N. Ann Lowrance, MS, CDSVRP, has worked with victims of violent crime for almost 30 years.  She is currently Department Head of Social Services and Assistant Professor of Crime Victim Survivor Services at City.  She has directed domestic violence and sexual assault programs in Oklahoma and .  In her 16-year service with the State of Oklahoma, she was responsible for domestic violence and sexual assault programs throughout the state, and the mental health response to the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in .  Ann holds a Masters degree in Family Relations and Child Development from , and has post graduate studies in Psychology of Women.  She has spoken extensively at state and national events on the subjects of domestic violence and sexual assault, has served as an expert witness and has published on both subjects.  She has also presented on victims of crimes and response to disasters.  Ms. Lowrance was cited by the United States Department of Justice for "Outstanding Dedication and Service to Crime Victims".  The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault named an award in her honor.

  

 

Mark Elam became aware of human trafficking in 2005, and traveled to , South Asia and the to work with organizations that rescue girls from sex trafficking. His international organization, Angel Eyes, helps support safe houses and prevention centers in , and the with teams on the ground working to rescue and restore victims of sex trafficking. While raising awareness and support for the global problem, Mr. discovered that human trafficking and child sex trafficking is happening here in as well.  Mr. visited several of the Dept. of Justice Task Force cities to learn from them what our federal government is doing to combat this problem here in and then implemented that plan here in July 2008, forming the Coalition O.A.T.H. – Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans. In the first year of operation O.A.T.H. has partnered with over 60 federal, state and local organizations to service victims of trafficking found here in . In February of 2009 O.A.T.H. was asked to become the state-wide coalition to bring awareness, education and training about the subject of human trafficking and to assist in networking law enforcement agencies, service providers, NGO’s, business leaders and the faith community in providing care for trafficking victims.  Additionally Mr. moderates the Central Oklahoma Human Trafficking Task Force and the Tulsa Human Trafficking Task Force where they are currently working active cases within our boarders 

 

 

                                

 If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know.  Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. .  www.prayermetro.com   Phil@prayermetro.com

 

Evotion, Are You Worth Following?

  The Irregular Daily Dose

Work Day Devotions That Work

Worth Following

Matthew 8:1: When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

 

Honestly

Few people in life seem to be worth following.  Honesty is out of style.  Truth is irrelevant.  Integrity wanes to the way of the world.  Our leadership examples today are flawed and full of gaping holes.  Jesus is worth following.  Not only that, but He changes us to be worth following.  His example and presence change us to be more like Him.  Follow.

 

Jake’s Morning

…..Jake was ready to follow this Jesus again.  The morning back  in the presence of God at church had impacted him.  He wasn’t sure how to explain his feelings to his wife or to his old friend, Greg, or to Sally, who had invited him.  He just knew he needed to get back in line and follow.  Whatever that meant!  He was going to find out…..

 

ACT! Be worth following.  It was his confidence, authority, and kindness that resulted in so many following.  Find a place to be kind today and reach out to someone who can't help themselves at the moment.

 

PRAY! Father, help us to be leaders worth following.  It is our example to which others look.  Help Evotion and me to be the Christians of integrity that You seek.  Encourage our faith to be bold in those areas in which you have commissioned us.  Empower us to continue to do good to those around us in You.  Let people see Jesus and follow Him in us.

                                                                                                                                                     

 

The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is concerned about assisting the faith community in effective measures in serving the community.  I invite you to take a day and dedicate time to learning, meeting others, and open discussion.  These issues discussed on this day are a concern and a responsibility for each faith leader. 

FAITH COMMUNITIES WORKING TOGETHER TO PREVENT SEXUAL & INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE  

Space is LIMITED! Register by October 15,2010.

Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Organization:____________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ E-mail:__________________________________

Fax registration information to (405) 524-0711 or email to amy@ocadvsa.org

Featuring Keynote Speaker Phil Larson, Prayer Metro!

Phil has worked in the faith community in Oklahoma and nationally for three decades. Leadership in fathering initiatives among hundreds of congregations and community organizations communicates his passion for healthy families. PrayerMetro undergirds pastors with prayer and personal counsel. A unified force of people of faith alongside government, education, business, and community establishes social stability and peace.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 from 9:15am—2:00pm

Moore Public Library—Conference Room "A"

225 S. Howard, Moore Ok, 73160

Forum is free and lunch will be provided at no cost to participants.

Following the Keynote there will be a panel discussion on sexual abuse,

human trafficking, and more! The panel will include Phil Larson from Prayer Metro, Ann Lowrance from OSU-OKC, Mark Elam from OATH, Deb Stanaland from YWCA, and Jennifer McLaughlin from OCADVSA.

Intended audience: Faith Leadership, Lead Ministers, Youth & Children’s Ministers, Board Members.

Phil Larson, as a minister of the Christian gospel for over 30 years and a businessman and a child abuse investigator, has worked in many situations involving various Christian denominations and differing sizes of congregations.  He has counseled pastors, women, men, and children damaged and damaging.  Incidents in congregations involving leadership indiscretions and abuse are many times hidden and unresolved.  Children abused turn into adults in pain.  The danger is to both male and female.  There are simple protections that can be taken to remove exposures and temptations.  These are responsibilities.    Getting a good program of education in place for ministers, board members, and youth and children's workers is simple and effective.

 

N. Ann Lowrance, MS, CDSVRP, has worked with victims of violent crime for almost 30 years.  She is currently Department Head of Social Services and Assistant Professor of Crime Victim Survivor Services at City.  She has directed domestic violence and sexual assault programs in Oklahoma and .  In her 16-year service with the State of Oklahoma, she was responsible for domestic violence and sexual assault programs throughout the state, and the mental health response to the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in .  Ann holds a Masters degree in Family Relations and Child Development from , and has post graduate studies in Psychology of Women.  She has spoken extensively at state and national events on the subjects of domestic violence and sexual assault, has served as an expert witness and has published on both subjects.  She has also presented on victims of crimes and response to disasters.  Ms. Lowrance was cited by the United States Department of Justice for "Outstanding Dedication and Service to Crime Victims".  The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault named an award in her honor.

  

 

Mark Elam became aware of human trafficking in 2005, and traveled to , South Asia and the to work with organizations that rescue girls from sex trafficking. His international organization, Angel Eyes, helps support safe houses and prevention centers in , and the with teams on the ground working to rescue and restore victims of sex trafficking. While raising awareness and support for the global problem, Mr. discovered that human trafficking and child sex trafficking is happening here in as well.  Mr. visited several of the Dept. of Justice Task Force cities to learn from them what our federal government is doing to combat this problem here in and then implemented that plan here in July 2008, forming the Coalition O.A.T.H. – Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans. In the first year of operation O.A.T.H. has partnered with over 60 federal, state and local organizations to service victims of trafficking found here in . In February of 2009 O.A.T.H. was asked to become the state-wide coalition to bring awareness, education and training about the subject of human trafficking and to assist in networking law enforcement agencies, service providers, NGO’s, business leaders and the faith community in providing care for trafficking victims.  Additionally Mr. moderates the Central Oklahoma Human Trafficking Task Force and the Tulsa Human Trafficking Task Force where they are currently working active cases within our boarders 

 

 

                                

 If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know.  Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. .  www.prayermetro.com   Phil@prayermetro.com

 

Evotion, A Little Authority

                                         The Irregular Daily Dose

Work Day Devotions That Work

 Authority

Matthew 7:24: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.28: And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

 

Ring of Truth

Too often we hear varied opinions that sound right.  The argument is logical.  The reasoning seems to flow.  Yet, there is no ring of truth to what we hear.  Jesus has the ring of truth.  There is no doubting His positions.  There is no doubting His stance.  There is no doubting whether living like Him will work.  It will work.  His life example is a solid rock on which we can stand.  He has authority because He is the author.

 

Morning Message

The morning message shook Jake out of his thoughts into a fresh world.  Immediately, his attention went to the words being spoken.  How could Jesus have authority over his life?  Hadn’t he ignored his relationship with Christ for many years.  Yet, somehow the message was challenging his thoughts and the most hidden secrets of his soul.  He did not even know this preacher lady in the pulpit.  Yet, the words had a ring of truth that took him back to his first days of commitment to Christ in college.  It was unsettling and settling at once.  He was discomforted and placed in a comfortable position.  How could this be?  How could Christ take him back so quickly after so many years?  Yet, that is how he felt.  He felt as if Christ were standing right in front of him and holding out the hand of an old friend.

 

ACT!  Think through some of your foundational thoughts.  Do they match His?

 

PRAY!  Father, it is Your authoring in our lives that makes such a wonderful difference.  Let us move with You.  You are in us and we are in You.  Your life moves within us.  Let us build on the example of the rock of Jesus Christ.  He is the chief cornerstone.  Let Evotion and let me build from the starting point of Jesus’ example each day.  Let our thoughts find their origination in Him.

                                                                                                                                                     

 

The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is concerned about assisting the faith community in effective measures in serving the community.  I invite you to take a day and dedicate time to learning, meeting others, and open discussion.  These issues discussed on this day are a concern and a responsibility for each faith leader. 

FAITH COMMUNITIES WORKING TOGETHER TO PREVENT SEXUAL & INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE  

Space is LIMITED! Register by October 15,2010.

Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Organization:____________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ E-mail:__________________________________

Fax registration information to (405) 524-0711 or email to amy@ocadvsa.org

Featuring Keynote Speaker Phil Larson, Prayer Metro!

Phil has worked in the faith community in Oklahoma and nationally for three decades. Leadership in fathering initiatives among hundreds of congregations and community organizations communicates his passion for healthy families. PrayerMetro undergirds pastors with prayer and personal counsel. A unified force of people of faith alongside government, education, business, and community establishes social stability and peace.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 from 9:15am—2:00pm

Moore Public Library—Conference Room "A"

225 S. Howard, Moore Ok, 73160

Forum is free and lunch will be provided at no cost to participants.

Following the Keynote there will be a panel discussion on sexual abuse,

human trafficking, and more! The panel will include Phil Larson from Prayer Metro, Ann Lowrance from OSU-OKC, Mark Elam from OATH, Deb Stanaland from YWCA, and Jennifer McLaughlin from OCADVSA.

Intended audience: Faith Leadership, Lead Ministers, Youth & Children’s Ministers, Board Members.

Phil Larson, as a minister of the Christian gospel for over 30 years and a businessman and a child abuse investigator, has worked in many situations involving various Christian denominations and differing sizes of congregations.  He has counseled pastors, women, men, and children damaged and damaging.  Incidents in congregations involving leadership indiscretions and abuse are many times hidden and unresolved.  Children abused turn into adults in pain.  The danger is to both male and female.  There are simple protections that can be taken to remove exposures and temptations.  These are responsibilities.    Getting a good program of education in place for ministers, board members, and youth and children's workers is simple and effective.

 

N. Ann Lowrance, MS, CDSVRP, has worked with victims of violent crime for almost 30 years.  She is currently Department Head of Social Services and Assistant Professor of Crime Victim Survivor Services at City.  She has directed domestic violence and sexual assault programs in Oklahoma and .  In her 16-year service with the State of Oklahoma, she was responsible for domestic violence and sexual assault programs throughout the state, and the mental health response to the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in .  Ann holds a Masters degree in Family Relations and Child Development from , and has post graduate studies in Psychology of Women.  She has spoken extensively at state and national events on the subjects of domestic violence and sexual assault, has served as an expert witness and has published on both subjects.  She has also presented on victims of crimes and response to disasters.  Ms. Lowrance was cited by the United States Department of Justice for "Outstanding Dedication and Service to Crime Victims".  The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault named an award in her honor.

  

 

Mark Elam became aware of human trafficking in 2005, and traveled to , South Asia and the to work with organizations that rescue girls from sex trafficking. His international organization, Angel Eyes, helps support safe houses and prevention centers in , and the with teams on the ground working to rescue and restore victims of sex trafficking. While raising awareness and support for the global problem, Mr. discovered that human trafficking and child sex trafficking is happening here in as well.  Mr. visited several of the Dept. of Justice Task Force cities to learn from them what our federal government is doing to combat this problem here in and then implemented that plan here in July 2008, forming the Coalition O.A.T.H. – Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans. In the first year of operation O.A.T.H. has partnered with over 60 federal, state and local organizations to service victims of trafficking found here in . In February of 2009 O.A.T.H. was asked to become the state-wide coalition to bring awareness, education and training about the subject of human trafficking and to assist in networking law enforcement agencies, service providers, NGO’s, business leaders and the faith community in providing care for trafficking victims.  Additionally Mr. moderates the Central Oklahoma Human Trafficking Task Force and the Tulsa Human Trafficking Task Force where they are currently working active cases within our boarders 

 

 

                                

 If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know.  Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. .  www.prayermetro.com   Phil@prayermetro.com

 

 

Standing Lessons

Ephesians 6:10-14 As a recognition of the implacable good will of God toward us we need to acknowledge that our strength is in Him and in the Lord alone.  It is the dynamic release of His might within us that causes us to endure.  Fasten about yourself in every way the whole armor of God that we may have increased and sustained ability to stand and position ourselves in victory against the wearying and tricky ways of the devil, the enemy of our soul. 
This portion of Ephesians 6 leads us into a needful lesson.  We need an increased and sustained ability to stand in the face of opposition and answers that take longer than we desire.  All of us need it. 
 
The Church
Over ten years ago, I spent two years praying the book of Ephesians.  Going through the book on a daily basis end to end built a different perspective of the "church" in my heart.  Praying for couples that ended in divorce did not encourage me.  Praying for those with illnesses and watching them die did not encourage me.  Praying for financial answers for friends and watching them suffer with no job did not encourage me.  Long answers to prayer don't build much encouragement.
 
A Connection
One friend for whom I prayed took over twenty years to enter a relationship with Christ.  Twenty years of standing in prayer seems so short for an eternity of living in Christ.
 
A Health
In an instance, a friend gave prayer for six years.  A life long illness was removed as he prayed for others.  He did not pray for his own health, he prayed for others.  His illness was removed.
 
A Persistent
A friend reminded me recently they have been working on an issue for the last 13 years.  It just doesn't seem to get to an answer.  Progress is small and resistent.  We continue to pray.
 
Present Results
Saturday night many men broke through in tears to a new place of relationship and confidence in the Father.  For the last month, I've seen men and women break through in minutes over issues that have plagued them for a lifetime.  It is awesome.  It is a result of prayers of decades.  It does not happen in an instant, but over time and study and prayer and standing.
 
This life is meant to be covered in constant persistent prayer for others.
 
Inventory:
Do you have a situation that needs. change?  Has it persistently refused to change?  Are you still standing?
 
Prayer
Father, Phil, like all of us is in need of standing power.  Together, we need that increased and sustained ability to stand in the face of opposition and long coming answers.
Strengthen, Father.
Bless and add no sorrow with it.
Bring a sure and broad path on which to stand underneath my friend's path.
Give vision to see a new day and a new way.
Irregardless of the passage of time, Father, cause us to continue.
Let us believe.
Let us pray

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

On Prayer

Maybe we would have more peace if expectations of a “politically conservative Christian nation” were not as strong.  Our nation has had many years of ecumenical Christian influence prior to the recent season of evangelical politically conservative Christian influence. 

 

Obama is not a heathen because he is not evangelical.  You will find the largest number of those that go by the name of Christ are much like him.  He has been  elected by such.  Many are more socially liberal and more tolerant than the social conservatives.  It does not make them unchristian or wrong, just different in interpretation of how best to preach the gospel of salvation in Christ.

 

 Someday, Christ promised we would be one – united in Him in Spirit and in truth.  We may all be surprised at His definition of truth on that day.  Most likely it will not match any of ours in entirety. 

 

Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to get rid of your enemy is to make a friend out of him.”   You have had such a great visibility and impact in praying for prior presidents.  Surely God has good intentions to bless President Obama.  Surely God is committed to work through our government as His word challenges us to pray for those that have rule over us as instruments of justice.

 

National Day of Prayer:  Has the voice of God become so weak that we need the government to dictate such a day?  Would this not better be served as coming from the Christian community in an act of unity in Christ?  The National Day of Prayer is an all inclusive, all religion government event.   That is really not anything in which I personally see much value.  Unity comes in unity of faith.  Power comes in agreement.   It is a good and agreeable day, but not likely to warrant much of God’s action on our behalf.  What if the Christian community declared a national day of repentance and prayer away from the government?  Are we so weak we need a man’s acknowledgement in order to pray?  Have we lost the face of God as our focus?

 

What could happen if our focus was on praying for respect for God and daily bread and the will of God and the kingdom of God and forgiveness and deliverance from evil on behalf of our nation and president?

 

 Isaiah served under five or six kings in Israel.  Most were not Godly.  He served in the “Whitehouse” alongside them as a counselor.  Billy Graham had the same blessing.  It is sad that no one has had the discretion and understanding of this man to take that place.  We need to pray for such a man with a combination of discretion and valor and discernment and personal commitment to holiness in Christ.  Our nation needs that man and that voice.

 

These are just a few thoughts.  It amazes me that Christians so expect a president to be just like them that they struggle so greatly.  God is God.  Man is man.  Our political world spins our direction and sometimes not.  God rules over it all.

 

 

Phil Larson, 508 Tumbleweed Dr., Yukon, Oklahoma 73099  405-388-8037

 

More on Love and Victory

Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
"His love endures forever."
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love endures forever."
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
"His love endures forever."
5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and he answered by setting me free.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!
16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"
17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;
23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.
27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Psalm 118 is a song and teaching of love, respect, thankfulness and victory. How often have I gone to this psalm when nothing else could touch my soul and lift me? How often have I gone to this psalm when it seemed a relationship was not working? How often have I gone to this psalm when business or ministry was in a struggling time frame? How often have I gone to this psalm when victory was in my hand? How often have I gone to this psalm when all was well and needed undergirding to stay well?

God respects us. God loves us. God encourages us. God supports us. We return the same plus thankfulness.

Victory grows in love. Love grows in victory. Love flourishes under accomplishment and support. Love can be birthed and built in thankfulness. Love can be unconditional and chosen. Love flourishes under accomplishment and support. Love develops strong when expressing respect.

Men don’t talk much about love for their leaders. They will follow a military leader into death if they love him and feel loved by him. They will grumble and lose the battle if they feel unsupported and unloved by him. They don’t talk about it. They do it.

Men don’t talk much about love for their wives and families. It is true. We exemplify the husband that tells his wife how much he loves her. We put him up as a hero and a strange phenomenon. But a man that feels supported and encouraged will give his life day and evening to serve his wife and family. He will grumble and move on if he feels unsupported and not respected and not loved and not thanked by his wife.

Respect and love are not two different items. Respect is an expression of love birthed in a relationship. That relationship started through attention gained in personality, accomplishment, or personal touch. There is a start through some action or attention. Real respect simply flows out of love. Love requires feeding to stay alive and prosper.

God not only understands this, He designed this. He designed us creatures of thankfulness. Thankfulness takes love expressed in respect. Thankfulness for support is easy. Thankfulness for encouragement flows quickly. Thankfulness for thankfulness is a quick reciprocal.

God not only understands this, He designed this. He designed us creatures of victory. Victory takes love expressed in respect. A battle for a business or family or community or economy or principle takes a love for the ones that will benefit. Some love themselves and battle. Some love others and battle. Some love themselves and others and battle. But love is the heart of every battle and the love expression of respect and dignity engages victorious action.