by jdansmall

Psalm 113

ChildrenPraise ye the Lord, Hallelujah!
All His servants, praise His name!
Bless His name now and forever
All His wondrous deeds proclaim!

From the rising to the setting
Everywhere the sun doth shine
Praise His name, He is exalted
Highest glory, Lord divine.

Who is like the Lord Jehovah
Now enthroned in heav’n above?
Stooping down He sees the needy
Lifts them from the dust with love.

Raised us up from dust and ashes
Set us up as princes fair,
Caused the childless ones to prosper
Children’s voices fill the air.

Praise ye the Lord, Hallelujah!
All His servants, praise His name!
Bless His name now and forever
All His wondrous deeds proclaim!

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 112

BlessedPraise ye the Lord, Hallelujah,
All who fear the Lord are blest
In His ways they find true pleasure
Untold riches do possess.

Their descendants sure to prosper
Heirs who walk in righteousness
Wealth and riches, light in darkness
Everything they do is blessed.

They are gracious, kind, and upright
Quick to lend a helping hand
Fair and just in all their dealings
Long respected in the land.

Never fearing evil tidings
Trusting in the Lord always
Confident they face their battles
Victors stand through hard-fought frays.

Never selfish, always giving,
Sharing goods with those in need
Well-respected, loved, and honored
Endless praise for righteous deeds.

But the wicked writhe with envy
Gnash their teeth and waste away
Their desires come to nothing
All their dreams in dust decay.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm111

worship2Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
With thanks my heart o’erflows
Amazed, I have His works explored
This song for Him composed.

Words can’t describe His glorious deeds
Exploring brings delight
Majestic splendor far exceeds
And all He does is right.

Beyond His works His grace displayed
In mercy doth provide
Keeping the promise He has made
The Lord is on our side.

His every act is good and just
His words forever true
His precepts we must always trust
And earnestly pursue.

He ransomed us, our souls reclaimed
Eternal cov’nant signed
Holy and awesome is His name
Gracious, and good, and kind.

True wisdom comes from fearing God
And walking in His way
Praise Him for’ere, His works applaud
You’ll grow as you obey.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 110

priestThe Lord has said unto my Lord, “Sit down at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies bow down at My command
From Zion You shall rule and reign amidst the enemy
Your troops arrayed in holy garb will serve You willingly.

The Lord has taken up an oath and sworn most solemnly
“As priest in great Melchiz’dek’s line You’ll serve perpetually”
At Your right hand the Lord will stand to judge the earth’s great kings
After the battle be refreshed by water from the springs.

He’ll punish nations, shatter thrones, give You supremacy
Your youth renewed like morning dew each day by His decree
Th’Eternal Sovereign made a vow which none can ever break
Your kingdom will forever last when You the scepter take.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

TMI (too much information)

At the risk of flooding inboxes with unsolicited updates, I realize that I haven’t actually updated my health on this blog for months.  I guess I assumed most were connected via email or FB.  For the rest of you, here’s a thumbnail sketch:

Through the summer my condition improved to a point where, in August, I was nearly ready to give up my Handicap parking permit.  It was amazing to walk into stores and not need the motorized cart.

That was shortlived, however, and by September my cell counts were going crazy and my energy tanked.  The downturn was steady through October and the swelling of my spleen meant even less room for food and the  whole digestive process.  As a result my weight went down finally breaking into the 130’s.  That was when my doctor got serious.

So, for the past six weeks I’ve been on the special mutation-inhibiting drug (Jakafi) designed to stem the progress of this disease.  It’s a really, really special product (I remind myself as I pop 2 pills a day at $150 each).  This has seemed to push back some of the symptoms resulting in better appetite and slight weight gain.

Things were looking up through Thanksgiving -had a delightful day with 19 around the table, but, with lots of guests often come visiting viruses.  I didn’t succomb until last week when the sore throat hit with a vengeance.  Not good timing!  Now when I had a bit of an appetite I couldn’t swallow a thing. When the fever hit we started on antibiotics.

It’s been five days and symptoms are finally starting to ease but the wear and tear on my intestinal system from all these meds has created another set of pains.  Do your repair, probiotics!!

So, there you have it.  Every breath is grace, every day lived is a gift.  If all I can do is lay here and pray down God’s blessings on each of you, may it be worth every moment!

If you’re following my daily (more or less) installment of Psalms a Tempo, you’ll note that for the past couple of days they haven’t been as timely.  I’m thankful for the mental energy today to get back on task.

May your meditations this holiday season bring life to you and yours!

The Lamb of God born in a manger -how appropriate!

J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 109

VengeanceDo not be silent, O God of my praise
As deceitful tongues against me are raised
Words filled with hate, tho I’ve done them no wrong
They repay with evil my good all day long.

Display righteous judgment and vengeance on him
Appoint wicked judges to deal with his sin
Let the Adversary stand up and accuse
Bring a guilty verdict, give him his just dues.

So cut his days short, bring an end to his life
His children be orphans, a widow his wife
Give to another his leadership role
His children be beggars with none to console.

Homeless and wandering, with poverty faced
May all his descendants inherit disgrace
The sins of their fathers and mothers remain
Until, once for all, the Lord blots out their name.

With no hint of kindness he hounded the poor
Oppressed the downtrodden their death to ensure
The whole thought of blessing to him was absurd
But cursing came nat’ral, was always preferred.

So now, Adonai, let those curses turn ‘round
Engulf him, consume him, a belt to surround
In this way, O Lord, my accusers repay
Reward those who slander and do not delay.

But deal with me kindly for Your name’s sake, Lord
Because of Your love with deliv’rance reward
Afflicted and needy and wounded within
My strength quickly fading, I’m just bones and skin.

My accusers attack with their scorn and disdain
They taunt, shake their heads, their disgust making plain
So help, Lord my God, in Your love rescue me
And let them all know that it was done by Thee.

While they may be cursing I know You will bless
Reduce those attacking to utter distress
Wrap them in shame, clothe them all with disgrace
And I will rejoice in Your love and Your grace.

Overflowing with thanks I will gladly confess
In the midst of the throng the Lord’s name I will bless
Who stands to defend the unjustly accused
And delivers the poor, helpless, weak, and abused.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 108

grace-and-gloryO God, my heart is set on praise –to lift my voice to You
At break of dawn I’ll sing and play a melody that’s new
All peoples hear my song of thanks, my praises as they rise
To You whose love and faithfulness is higher than the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens
May the radiance of Your glory fill the earth
In the midst of battle, hear, and bring salvation
By Your strong right hand deliver those You love.

In Your holiness You gave Your word of promise
“I’ll divide the land and give each one their portion
Every tribe will know their place and play a role
O’er your foes I cast my shoe and shout in triumph.”

But You, O God, have cast us off and left us on our own
How can we take the fortresses and break through Edom’s walls?
Mere human help is sure to fail, please help against our foes
With You we can do valiantly ‘gainst all who do oppose.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 107

Ocean StormO give thanks unto the Lord for He is good
Showers us with lovingkindness now and evermore
Let all those redeemed from bondage readily confess
Those He gathered from dispersion: north, south, east and west.

Long in desert wastes they wandered looking for a home
Hungry, thirsty, souls were fainting, finally cried for help
He delivered them from troubles, out of their distress
Down a straight path to a city ready to possess.

Oh, that men would thank the Lord for all His wondrous works
With grateful hearts declare His goodness to the sons of earth
He satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry heart
We recount the many blessings that His goodness doth impart.

Once they sat in deepest darkness, in death’s shadow dwelt
Bound with chains and sore afflicted, labored ‘neath the captors whip
This oppression came upon them because they rejected God
Spurned His counsel, disobeyed, then felt the stinging judgment rod.

Down they fell with none to help them, so unto the Lord they called
He, in mercy, broke their chains, and saved them from their deep distress
Oh, that men would thank Him often for all of His wondrous deeds
Gratefully declare His goodness which our evil supersedes.

Fools, in their rebellious ways and sins did often suffer grief
Lost all appetite for food, hopeless, drew near to gates of death
Then cried out to the Lord to save, He sent His word to heal
He once again delivered them, saved from the captor’s heel.

Oh, that men would thank the Lord for all His wondrous pow’r
With grateful hearts declare His goodness to the sons of earth
Sacrifices of thanksgiving let them offer willingly
Much rejoicing for His mercy, mighty works that set them free.

Men who toil on ships at sea, on oceans ply their trade
See the mighty pow’r of God as storms their craft doth shake
Foaming waves that lift them high then plummet to the depths
Staggering like drunken men they fear a certain death.

And as their soul melts in distress, they cry out to the Lord
With swift command He calms the storm, stills waves and guides them home
Oh, that men would thank the Lord who, in His goodness, saves
Exalt His name with all the saints, ‘midst elders shout His praise.

To judge the wicked in their land He sometimes sends a flood
At other times springs are dried up and drought destroys the fields
But for the needy and oppressed He waters thirsty ground
Providing for their crops and herds a harvest that abounds.

He feels the misery and woe the poor must oft endure
So pours contempt on noble lords and makes them wander ‘bout
He lifts the needy from their plight, they flourish like a flock
The righteous see it and rejoice but wicked mouths are stopped.

May all who contemplate this psalm consider what they read
The wise will learn and understand, good counsel they will heed
Observe the lovingkindness and the goodness of the Lord
And choose to walk in humble ways which He will oft reward.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 106

Moses Strikes RockHallelujah! We give thanks to Adonai
Hallelujah! Thank Him for His endless love
Hallelujah! Adonai, our Lord is good

Count His wonders, tell His praise.
Blest are all who walk uprightly
Keeping justice all their days

Lord, with favor look upon me
Count me with Your chosen ones.
Then will I rejoice with gladness
Praising You with all the saints.

We, Your people, have done evil
Sinned against You willfully
Like our fathers down in Egypt
Mindless of Your mighty deeds
Soon forgot Your acts of kindness
And rebelled at the Red Sea.

But for Your name’s sake You saved them
Making known Your mighty pow’r
Led them ‘cross the dried up water
Rescued from their enemies
Then the waters were unfettered
For their foes a watery grave.

Joyful songs, His praises singing
Grateful for His promises
But then quickly they forgot them
Waiting not for Him to guide
In the desert wastes they lusted
Testing God with their complaints.
God relented, granted wishes
But with leanness to their soul

When their leaders they did envy
Moses, Aaron, God’s select
Ground was opened and did swallow
Abiram, Dathan, and their kin
Fire fell upon their foll’wers
And consumed the wicked lot.

Then they made a calf in Horeb
Worshiping a man-made god
They exchanged their God of glory
For an ox that lives on grass.

They forgot the Lord their Savior
Who had done great things for them
Great deliverance from Egypt
And the Red Sea miracle
God decided to destroy them
But His servant, Moses, pled
Asking God to turn from anger
Rescued them from certain doom.

Then they grumbled, wouldn’t enter
Canaan’s pleasant Promised Land
They would not believe God’s promise
Chose instead to doubt His word
That’s when God declared His judgment
In the wilderness they’d die
To the nations they’d be scattered
Since His voice they would not heed.

Then they worshiped Baal at Peor
Fellowshipped with demon-gods
Once again God’s anger stirring
Deadly plague began to spread
Phinehas arose with courage
Interposed to stop the scourge
He will always be remembered
Honored for his righteous deed.

When at Meribah they grumbled
And complained against the Lord
Moses struck the rock in anger
Bringing judgment on himself.

When they finally entered Canaan
Failed to wipe out pagan tribes
Mingled with their evil customs
Worshiped idols, were defiled
Sacrificed their sons and daughters
Filled the land with murd’rous deeds
Adult’rous hearts preferring idols
So God turned His back on them
Gave them over to their enemies
Sent them off to pagan lands
They were crushed by cruel kings.

O’er and over down through hist’ry
God would rescue, they’d rebel
When by sin destroyed and wasted
He would hear their piteous cries
Call to mind His cov’nant promise
Turn again to heal and save
He would change the hearts of captors
Causing kindness to prevail.

Save us, Lord our God, we beg You
Gather us from foreign lands
Then we’ll bless and praise and thank You
Boasting in Your holy name
To the Lord, the God of Israel
Everlasting praises be
Join all peoples in agreement
Hallelujah! and Amen!

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 105

pillar of fireO give thanks unto the Lord and call upon His name
Sing His praises, tell His wonders, spread abroad His fame
Ye who worship Adonai rejoice with gladdened hearts
Never cease to seek His presence and His strength He will impart.

Call to mind His countless wonders, untold marvels, wise decrees
Sons of Jacob, all His chosen, come before Him, bend your knees
He, the Lord our God, is righteous, faithful to His promises
For a thousand generations He will do just what He says.

Once He promised Canaan’s portion as their lasting heritage
Abra’m, Isaac, Jacob, Israel –wand’rers on a pilgrimage
God preserved them and protected “touch not My anointed ones”
Warning kings of foreign nations not to harm His chosen sons.

As His sov’reign plan unfolded, Canaan’s famine caused them grief
But He sent ahead a savior who would bring them much relief
Joseph, sold as slave in fetters, down to Egypt bound with chains
Tested, tried, and oft rejected, in dark prisons he remains.

Then, when time had reached its fullness, he would see his dreams come true
Pharaoh made him prince of Egypt, wise men sought his point of view
Then it was in Ham they settled, Jacob’s humble tribe of few
There they prospered and were hated as their numbers grew and grew.

Over time they were subjected to oppressive slavery
God had turned the hearts of Egypt planning their delivery
Moses, Aaron, chosen servants, worked His signs and wonders there
Caused the captors grievous troubles driving them to deep despair.

When the land was cloaked in darkness, Egypt would not set them free
Water turned to blood around them, frogs and flies, a scourge of fleas
Hail and light’ning shattered trees and hordes of locusts ate their fields
Hardened hearts would not surrender, still to God they would not yield.

Then the firstborn sons of Egypt, pride and joy of every home
Were the object of death’s angel, Israel now was free to roam
Throughout all the tribes of Israel no one stumbled or was hurt
Egypt gave them all their treasures, having earned their just deserts.

Out they went with cloud to shield them, fiery pillar lit night skies
Quails and manna, food from heaven, water from a rock supplies
Faithful to His sacred promise, out they came with joyful songs
Eating crops they had not planted, now the land to them belongs.

All these things the Lord accomplished, faithful to His covenant
As He promised Abraham with sacred oath and testament
So these loved and chosen people would His will and laws obey,
Follow closely all His teachings, from His precepts never stray.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!  All God’s children sing His praise!
Shout for joy, recount His blessings, to His throne your voices raise!

© 2014  J Dan Small