the Vine

A very healthy Vine

 

O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; (Ps 80.14)

What/who does the "Vine" represent?

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 

• Plainly stated, the Lord indicates He is the "true vine."  
• We will look further in answer to the Psalmist statement to "visit this vine."

The first question that we would entertain is "why did 'they' go away from this vine?"

The Lord is very clear on what happens to those who do so.  Why did the "branches" wither on the vine?

Working in the Vineyard

Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that i may bring forth more fruit. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;

I AM the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.

IF a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they ARE burned. (Jn 15.1-6)

"Vine" in the Hebrew means, "to bend; as twining, particularly the grape vine."

Simply put, the branches that did not bend and dried up, were probably never fully developed shoots.

Branches may die due to disease, overwatering or winter injury.  There are techniques to bring them back to health. However, it's best to prune them all the way back to the vine so new shoots may replace them.

The point of the branch is to "bear fruit."

To any believer, spiritual application should be obvious.  The Lord was plain about His role as the vine. He was also clear about what happens to unfruitful branches.

• The Psalmist prayed that the God of heaven would visit the vine.

What will God find when He visits your branch?  Clearly, God the Father and God the Son have much communion and fellowship.  A Father loves His Son and wants to visit Him often.  Again, "what will God find when He visits The vine you are attached to?  

• Will He find ripe, juicy fruit attached to The healthy vine?
• Will He find a withered, brown, good for the fire branch?

The Lord has no use in His work for things that are withered and used up. (Mt 6.30)  Joshua reminds us in 24.15, to choose you this day whom ye shall serve.  

• Will you remain healthy and fruitful by absorbing His Word? (Eph 5.26)
• Will you remain disease free? (Deu 7.15, Eph 4.13)
• Will you stay confessed up and free from sin as much as possible? 
• (Mt 24.12, I Jn 1.7-9) 
• Do you desire fellowship with the Father?
  

or this?

Does your fruit look like this?

• 
  

Ups and Downs

 Sometimes our emotions ARE up and down.  

• How are we to remain even and "steady?"

Recently, this blogger has been in that frame of mind.  

• How is one to combat such conflicting emotions? 
• It is true that life gives us plenty of emotions, "up and down," "happy and sad," "calm and anxious..."

Current devotions have been in the Psalms. The Psalmist reflects this posture frequently.  It simply means we are human.  Still, 

• how do we remain more constant, thus peaceful?

The first verse that comes to mind is not in Psalms but in the NT, in 2 Corinthians.  The statement, yea, declarations, have calmed my heart on many occasion(s).  In verse 8 and 9, the most profound thoughts should calm any anxious soul; We are troubled on every side, YET NOT distressed; we are perplexed, BUT NOT in despair; Persecuted, BUT NOT forsaken; cast down, BUT NOT destroyed; (my favorite)

Why or how can we stay "upbeat?" Because we are always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest IN OUR (the believer's) body. (V10)

Then, in verse 15 we are given further explanation on how we may remain steady and peaceful.  We have the knowledge that For all things are for your sakes, that the ABUNDANT GRACE through the THANKSGIVING of many redound to the GLORY OF GOD. Bro. Paul said this best, I die daily. (I Cor 15.31)

Grace, grace and more grace with thanksgiving may keep a believer, "steady and peaceful."

Back to current devotion in the Psalms.  The writer said in 75.1, Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks...for that Thy name is near any wondrous works declare.  Then, he recognized that "fools" act "foolishly." The tone of the verse also seems to indicate that such ones are proud and arrogant in their dealings and behaviors, indicated in verses 4-6.  

When realizing how "foolish" such behaviors are, he also notes a truth in verse 6 and 7; 

promotion cometh neither from the east...west...(or) south. BUT GOD is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another. After this realization, faith comes back into the light when he says in verse 9, I WILL declare for ever; I WILL sing praises to the God of Jacob. 

With this affirmation, another truth is remembered in verse 10, ...the wicked also will I cut off; BUT the righteous shall be exalted.

IT IS peaceful, in the arms of my Lord...

Yes, as human beings we are prone to "ups and downs."  As believers, however, when immersed in the Word of the Lord and what words we have "hid in our hearts," we may remain calm, steady and peaceful.  The song writer said it best, "it's so peaceful in the arms of my Lord..." 

God bless and keep you as you navigate this most holy faith. (Jude 1.20)

Where did his feet go?

Psalm 73.2

"But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped."

• The Psalms are full of encouragement.  
• The Psalmist is full of discouragement.  
• The Psalms are full of praise.
• The Psalmist is full of fear

Why so many contradictions of emotion? Uh, because we are human.  Some folks seem to lead happier lives than others but are they really happy or masking fear, discouragement or sadness?

First, we must understand the meaning of the word "Psalm."  

• Webster's 1828 Dictionary states; "PSALM, as a noun is a sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise of God. We have a collection of one hundred and fifty chapters in this book of the Old Testament.
• Strong's Concordance Hebrew #4210 explains that a Psalm "is a poem set to notes."

If you've read this far then you will conclude simply, Psalm may be another word for song. 

When do you sing? Most folks would agree that one sings when one is happy.  To further illustrate; children often even "skip" when they are happy or excited.  When children are sad, sometimes they will still sing to encourage themselves or lift fear that may be in their little souls.

So, why in the middle of all the conflicting emotions in a believers life did the Psalmist say, my steps had well nigh slipped? The heart of this blogger feels compelled to examine the "why" in this matter.

The Psalmist says that he was "envious at the foolish...when he saw (their) prosperity." (v3)

Still the question remains - How did he get to this point after "singing" Psalm 23?

In verse 17 a light begins to dawn, when he went into the sanctuary of God, THEN he understood.  Is the sanctuary merely a building or something much more intimate?

In verses 24-28, the writer reminds himself of Whom he is to trust and lean on. The sanctuary would be that "inner place" with the Lord.

Still, "where did he slip?"

Psalm 72.20 says the prayers...are ended. These words caused this believer to ask, 

• "have my prayers ended?" 
• "Do I pray woodenly, routinely and of duty?"
• "Where did I slip in my prayer life?"

Many things take our time and attention in daily life.  Certainly, daily routines like eating, bathing, exercise (which profiteth little, I Tim 4.8) and jobs are necessary but should never be our focus.  We are told in I Thes 5.17 to pray without ceasing, which is doable at every activity in daily routines as well as time set aside for just this purpose. 

Once again, back to the Psalms for why we are to call on God at all times.

• repentance, Ps 51.1-12
• protection, Ps 91.14
• guidance and deliverance, Ps 143.1-12
• upon waking each day, Ps 5.1-3
• trust always, Ps 25.1-2
• thanksgiving, Ps 103.1-2

These verses demonstrate a range of emotions, from deep despair to confident praise, suitable for daily prayer. Back to our question, where did I/he slip? Where did his/my feet go?

Quite simply, he/I quit praying.  

There was a time in this bloggers life that a prayer closet was entered, words came, then whatever burden on the heart was laid at His feet, then peace.  The peace came from just knowing the Lord heard my cry.  Whether the burden was taken out of my life or not, I understood and sensed He loved me and would be with me every step of the way.

To make this a bit more personal, where did my feet slip? The burden on the words are clear, "I  quit praying as before.  I entertained my heart and mind with vanity. (Eccl 1.2) No need to explain here, you know what your problem area is. If you know to do good and don't...it is sin!(Jms 4.17)

Forgiveness has been requested at the Throne.  Mercy is granted.  My feet have been settled back on solid ground (Ps 61.2). 

My prayer is the same for anyone who reads these words.

God bless and keep you is my prayer

 

The end of gossip

Evidently, the Psalmist endured slander and gossip.  He understood he had sinned and would forever live under "the sword." (2 Sam 12.10)  He understood God's law of sowing and reaping. (Pro 11.18, Prov 22.8, Hos 10.12, Gal 6.7, 2 Cor 9.6, Gal 6.9)  He probably taught this particular law to his son, Solomon. Which would indicate why Solomon spoke of this law in Proverbs.

Nevertheless, his heart would've been in a repentant state and would be sorely burdened by those that spoke evil against him.

Psalm 64 is a prayer by King David for protection against hidden enemies who use slanderous words and secret plots as weapons, like arrows shot from ambush. It explores the fear caused by unjust, secret attacks, highlights God's swift, retributive justice, and concludes with the righteous rejoicing as the wicked fall by their own schemes.

Key Themes and Meanings:

The Power of Malicious Words: The enemies in Psalm 64 are not using swords, but tongues like swords and bitter words like arrows. It highlights how gossip, rumors, and slander can be more damaging than physical warfare, with attackers acting like "snipers" in the shadows.

Fear of Hidden Enemies: David asks to be preserved from the fear of the enemy, recognizing that the anxiety, anticipation, and dread caused by not knowing when or where a verbal attack will come is often more exhausting than the attack itself.

Inward Corruption of the Wicked: The psalm describes the enemy as having deep-seated, hidden, and premeditated evil, believing their schemes will go unnoticed.

God's Retributive Justice: The turning point in the psalm is that God shoots His own arrows at them unexpectedly. The very plots designed by the wicked to destroy others end up ruining themselves.  God intervenes to expose evil, the righteous are called to fear (revere) God, declare His works, and rejoice in Him.

Structure of the Psalm:

• Verses 1–2: David's prayer for protection and a plea for safety from a conspiracy of evildoers.
• Verses 3–6: A description of the enemies' attacks—bitter words, secret plots, and the deep, dark, and malicious thoughts of their hearts.
• Verses 7–10: A prophetic assurance of victory, as God strikes the wicked down, causing others to fear and recognize God's, judgment.
• Psalm 64 is considered a, practical lesson on trusting God’s protection, especially when facing injustice or verbal attacks, as it promises that God will ensure justice prevails. 
• Our prayer is that you guard your heart (Pro 4.23), thus, guarding your tongue.
• God bless and keep them both is our prayer. Ps 57.7

"My tongue is the pen of a ready writer"

What does the Psalmist desire to say?

What would you write?

My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: 

my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

2. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee forever. 

• A sober question to be sure, is "grace poured (from my) lips?"

Next verse indicates that with grace we are to be ready to battle, when necessary. "Gird thy sword..."

3. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.

4. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

• When one speaks with "grace, truth, meekness and righteousness," spiritual and sometimes material or physical prosperity follows. 

5. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. 6 Thy throne, O god, is for ever and ever, the sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

• There is no doubt that wise words are sometimes "sharp" to an enemy. (Heb 4.12)

7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy god, hath aointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, (like cinnamon) out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

• For those that love and practice "righteousness," the heart will be glad and the spiritual fragrance will be pleasant to others.

 9 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. 12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour. 13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

• The descriptions given in verses 9-14 imply that the King's daughter is "honourable" and definitely favored above others.  So, when a believer acknowledges their faith, loyalty and alligience to our Lord Jesus, our worth is "honourable" and highly favored as in Luke 1.28.

15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace. 16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth. 17 I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee forever and ever.

• When the tongue is governed by the Holy Spirit, then that one will be "remembered in all generations...forever."  In other words, what one does and says for the Lord will last.  Great is your reward. (Mt 5.12)

God bless and keep you is my prayer. Ps 57.7

He thinks about you

Psalm 40

1.  I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, AND heard my cry. - a most comforting thought, the Lord hears the cry of His children.

2. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, AND established my goings. - When a believer understands he/she is "heard," then, it follows of all one is delivered from.

3. AND He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. - the Psalmist sings only in praise to God.  When others "see it," there remains a testimony that also magnifies the Lord.

4. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. - It is a conscious decision to trust the Lord while dismissing proud people and those that would lie.

5. Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they (His thoughts) cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. - A powerful reflection; His thoughts of us are more than can be numbered! The Creator that stepped out on nothing and created everything "thinks" about His children all the time! While meditating on the title of this post, another word leaps to the heart, "us-ward."

Ephesians 1.19 states   ...And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to 'us-ward' who believe.

Second Peter 3.9 notes The Lord is not slack concerning His promise...;but is longsuffering to 'us-ward,' not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Examining the term "us-ward," the magnificent doctrine of election comes to mind.

This blogger believes in the sovereign, election of God's chosen peoples, Jew and Gentile.  In this particular way, the Lord "thinks about" His own.  Also, in this particular way, this heart is blessed to comprehend, meditate and praise His Name forever that He "thinks about me!" 

1.  His thoughts are to us-ward (saved folks)
2.  The greatness of His power is given to us-ward who believe
3.  Us-ward indicates "who" will come to repentance.

Others may continue to debate and discharge this truth but truth needs no defense.  If you belong to Him in the free pardon of sin and salvation thru the Lord Jesus Christ, you will

1.  come to repentance
2.  be given the greatness of His power
3.  and be blessed that His thoughts are about you

God bless and keep you is our prayer.  Ps 57.7

Psalm 35.13 - Fasting

Fasting - literally, the abstaining from food. The Hebrew meaning puts a slightly different perspective by stating the term this way, (6684) "to cover the mouth."

Let us examine the verse which the Psalmist used to choose this word.  

He said, "...I humbled my soul with fasting; and prayer returned to mine own bosom."  

When read in context, one understands the writer of this verse was battling physical and emotional enemies that wanted to destroy him.  Much of what is indicated in this passage has to do with deceitfulness in words.

Why would he choose the practiced spiritual art of "fasting" to fend off his enemies?  The literal answer in his own words is, a "humbled soul."  A soul that would know "prayer returned." Stating the obvious, "where did his prayer go?"

What is the result of a prayerless believer? Fearful thinking which leads to wrong choices and decisions and usually a prideful attitude towards things of the Lord.

 What difference does prayer make in your life? James 5.16 explains "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

There are many verses dedicated to prayer and praying (Phil 4.6,7; Col 4.2; Mark 11.4; Ps 145.18...) and why a believer should make it a constant, daily habit and the first choice instead of the last choice. But, why is fasting and prayer covered in the same sentence?

The writer of this scripture told us that he "humbled his soul with fasting." In my experience, everything slows down when there is no food for energy in this corrupt flesh. Life has a clarity, I believe, may only be found in fasting.  Once in my life I fasted for three days.  Did anything change?  Not immediately. Did I "slow down?" Not really. Did I receive any revelation or leadership from the Lord? No.  The third day I broke the fast but didn't need to because food had became secondary.  I was not hungry.  The desire for such an earthly need went away.  I made a conscious decision to break the fast but it taught me one thing; "Greater is He that is in you..." (I Jn 4.4)  I believe I could have gone longer but didn't.

Did "fasting" humble my heart?  Actually, due to the circumstances of life at the time, prayer was indeed paramount.  There was a moment during this intense time in life as I prayed I felt the arms of the Lord cover me so gently and lovingly that somehow I knew everything would turn out alright. I have not experienced such a physical move of God on my soul in that way before or since.  

I can say beyond doubt, however, "fasting brought peace" to my troubled heart.  

Fasting is a way of denying ourselves in favor of His way and His will. The Lord Jesus taught in Matthew 6.16-18, never to do it for show.  The Lord also explained in Matthew 17.21 that certain circumstances required such self denial.  The apostle Paul had an important decision to make in Acts 13.2 that urgently called for fasting.  There is something far above this mortal realm that is touched by denying oneself in this way.

Whether you do or don't is entirely up to the Lord's leadership and the Holy Ghost urging in your heart.  Remember when the Lord Jesus fasted for forty days in Matt 4.1-11?  Fasting will try your spirit no doubt but it also allows the power of the Anointed One to use you in ways you could never imagine.  Fasting is never about one's personal "spirituality," it is always about Obedience!

My prayer is that you will "humbly" explore this "spiritual tool" for yourself.  My desire is for a humble heart in obedience to Him.

God bless and keep you is my prayer.

P.S. Food isn't the only thing to fast.  I believe you can "fast" on social media or personal desires as well. Do you really need that addition to your (doll, figurine, baseball card...)
collection? Just saying....

Psalm(s)

 Strong's Concordance identifies the word "Psalm" as "properly instrumental music, a poem set to notes."

Websters 1828 dictionary defines "Psalm" as  "a sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise of God.

Currently, this blogger is in chapter 30 of the book of Psalms and morning devotions. This would be the third or fourth read thru the scriptures and it always amazes me at the new things seen each time.  Presently, questions arise after many of the declarations of the Psalmist.

• 
  (19.7) The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul... - Is His law perfect to you?
• (19.10) The heavens declare the glory of God... - Do you?
• (20.5) We will rejoice in the Thy salvation and in the name of our God...  - Do you?
• (20.7) Some (trust) in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. - Who/What do you trust?
• (24.1) The earth (is) the Lord's... - What do you claim that belongs to the Lord?
• (25.21) Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; - What/Who "preserves" you?
• (27.6) ...therefore will I offer...sacrifices of joy...I will sing praises unto the Lord - What will you offer Him? Why is "joy" a "sacrifice?"
• (28.7) ...with my song will I praise Him. - How do you praise Him?
• (29.2) Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of HIS holiness. - What do you give Him?
• (30.4) ...give thanks at the remembrance of HIS holiness. - What do you thank Him for?

The apostle Paul also gives insight to the mind of the Lord with questions and lists. (Gal 5.19-21, Rom 1.29-31, Gal 3.2, Rom 8.35)

Maybe you have another way to study scripture.  Personally, this blogger finds defining words from the Hebrew, Greek and Webster's 1828 dictionary profitable for the soul.

Clearly, the Psalmist spent much time meditating on the Lord and all known and discerned about Him, spiritually, physically and emotionally.  The Lord is all that and so much more. When you study the Word correctly it will indeed be like "a song or hymn" to your heart.  Songs or hymns can aid in your darkest moments.

However, dear reader, you choose or have studied scripture until now, DON'T QUIT!  It is the only way to stand against the wickedness of this world and the wicked one's attacks.  ALWAYS rebuke the wicked one when he causes you to question God and the truth of His Word. 

2 Tim 2.15 encourages every believer "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The Psalmist said...

 Although, the authoress of this blog is already into personal devotion in the Psalms, we will continue with chapter 25.21.

"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee."

According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary,

• integrity means entire, unimpaired state of anything, particularly of the mind
• uprightness is honesty, conformity to rectitude (rightness of principle or practice) and justice in social dealings

We all understand right from wrong, although we may not practice the right thing always.  However, the Hebrew translation for "integrity" means completeness.  In my mind this indicates a peace in one's soul to feel "complete" when doing what is true and right in a given circumstance or to another.

"Uprightness" according to the Hebrew translation means just that, 'right.' "Equity" is also used in describing "uprightness."  In other words, one never places oneself above another when "doing the right thing."  It almost seems to declare a humility in the "preservation" of peace in the soul.

Case in point:  In a recent church service an individual was given time and opportunity to present a "children's work" by means of a "dummy" from which ventriloquism was used. One may read the following link to understand how the writer of this blog feels on this. This blogger did not have liberty to get up and walk away, so what does one do?

According to the Psalmist one is to "wait on Thee."  In Matthew 5.25, we are to "agree with (our) adversary quickly..." The individual who "performed" the skit is not my adversary, the church leader would be because it was allowed.  You may think "why is this a big deal, it was for the children." However, another saint who felt the same way wept while the "skit" was being played out.  

When the Holy Ghost is grieved, it touches the heart of a saint.  The solution to "Let integrity and uprightness preserve thee...?" Patience.  Does it need to be addressed?  I believe the church leader should know it upset one of the flock. Yet, patience, to deal with the situation must be exercised to avoid conflict that could disrupt the entire flock, if possible.  So, "quickly" dealing with the situation may still require a bit of patience.  The time must be right for "integrity and uprightness" to prevail.

When you are faced with such a challenge, remember the Psalmist learned as he got older that patience was needed to maintain "integrity and uprightness."  If a situation requires swift action, do it!  If you are allowed a bit of time while the Lord works on the heart on both sides, then wait before acting.

God bless and keep you is our prayer.

First Sunday 2026

 

Spurgeon 

 "Prince of Preachers"

The best of Charles Spurgeon's insight and wise counsel on themes that are as relevant to our day as they were in his day.

 January 4th, 2026

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”— 2 Peter 3:18

“Grow in grace”—not in one grace only, but in all grace. Grow in that root-grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have done. Let faith increase in fulness, constancy, simplicity.

Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended, more intense, more practical, influencing every thought, word, and deed.

Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie very low, and know more of your own nothingness. As you grow downward in humility, seek also to grow upward—having nearer approaches to God in prayer and more intimate fellowship with Jesus.

May God the Holy Spirit enable you to “grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.” He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed. To know him is “life eternal,” and to advance in the knowledge of him is to increase in happiness.

He who does not long to know more of Christ, knows nothing of him yet. Whoever hath sipped this wine will thirst for more, for although Christ doth satisfy, yet it is such a satisfaction, that the appetite is not cloyed, but whetted.

If you know the love of Jesus—as the hart panteth for the water-brooks, so will you pant after deeper draughts of his love. If you do not desire to know him better, then you love him not, for love always cries, “Nearer, nearer.”

Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence of Jesus is heaven. Rest not then content without an increasing acquaintance with Jesus. Seek to know more of him in his divine nature, in his human relationship, in his finished work, in his death, in his resurrection, in his present glorious intercession, and in his future royal advent.

Abide hard by the Cross, and search the mystery of his wounds. An increase of love to Jesus, and a more perfect apprehension of his love to us is one of the best tests of growth in grace.

My prayer is that you and I will indeed,  "grow in grace..."

Happy New Year!