"Breathe" by Michael W. Smith

Here is a music video of "Breathe" by Michael W. Smith



I hope you like it as much as I do!

Lead Me in Your Righteousness

Psalm 5 (KJV)

1. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

2. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my GOD: for unto thee will I pray.

3. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

4. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

5. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

6. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

7. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

8. Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

9. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

10. Destroy thou them, O GOD; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

11. But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

12. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Vs. 5: I Will Never Leave You or Forsake You

Hebrews 13 (ESV)

1. Let brotherly love continue.
2. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
4. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
5. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6. So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear;
what can man do to me?"
7. Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
9. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
10. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.
11. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp.
12. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
13. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
14. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
15. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
16. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
19. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Benediction

20. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
21. equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

22. I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
23. You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.
24. Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.
25. Grace be with all of you.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

My Redeemer Lives!

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Job 19:25-27 (ESV)

25. For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth.

26. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see GOD,

27. whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

All Scripture is breathed by GOD

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2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

16. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17. that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!

Isaiah 55:11 (ESV). "so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
I had quit posting to my blog for over 2 years because I grew weary and stopped studying the Scriptures. I was still praying, but I was still in what I call that 'dying man mode'. The prayers were all about me, my problems, and "Just what ARE we supposed to do to solve these things? What do you want us to do, give us wisdom, LORD. This is such a mess, I just can't see my way."
I was bombarding heaven with these prayers. How could GOD say anything with me talking so much?
And of course satan was there reminding me of my failures and how much it was my fault and all the terrible outcomes that could occur. I did it and I will have to 'suffer the consequences of my sin' even if GOD does forgive me.
It wasn't until this last fall that I determined to read the English Standard Version of the Bible. I read 2 chapters a day because it's not to see how fast I can get through it but to read those 2 chapters and then contemplate what GOD may have to say to me. In other words, I shut up and started to listen. And then in January I started reading Charles Spurgeon's devotional, 'Morning and Evening'.
Lo and behold, GOD started talking again. I also receive a daily devotional from David Wilkerson Ministries by e-mail. Pastor David died in April of 2011 but his son, Gary, is doing a fine job of filling his shoes.
All 3 things were lining up in agreement. Then came that moment when my knees buckled. I read David Wilkerson's devotional "All that is earthly is being shaken" Psalm 124:2-8, "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us: then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the Lord who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
I am not the only one in trouble. I am not the only one facing financial problems. These are the end times and people everywhere are under attack. What a testimony to the unsaved when our GOD delivers us from all our troubles!
There is NOTHING we can do to solve our own problems, but GOD has said He would do it! "I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten". Joel 2:25 from David Wilkerson's Jan. 3rd devotional.
Charles Spurgeon's message on Morning, January 24th, was on Psalm 91:3 "Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler." Then David Wilkerson's messages Jan. 23rd, 'Right on Time", and Jan. 29th, "Our Father's Provision". I was brought to my knees!
Everywhere I read in the Bible, GOD is highlighting scriptures. I am having an awful lot of hot flashes!
I have repented, GOD is in control now. He said He would take care of it. I am free!
Charles Spurgeon, Feb. 21st, Morning, "He Hath Said". No matter what our problem, GOD has a word (or more) for us in the Scriptures. Unless we are searching this reservoir of life, we may not find it. And GOD's Word is eternal. Just because He spoke that word in the past doesn't mean it's not for us. He spoke the earth into existence in the past but it still exists, right? "'He hath said' must be our DAILY answer to quench satan's attacks. 'He hath said' is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort, let it dwell in you richly, as 'A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life.' So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life."
Again, "The Well of the Living GOD Who Sees Me"!


Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

The Well of the Living God Who Sees Me

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I was studying Sunday about the well where Hagar saw the Angel of God and Ishmael found water to save his life. After Abraham died, Isaac chose to live next to it. Read Genesis 16:14; 24:62; and 25:11.

She named the well "Beer-lahai-roi", "The Well of the Living God Who Sees Me" because she was amazed that she was still alive after seeing GOD! She was also amazed to find out that 'GOD saw her'. GOD knew her, He cared about her, and He had plans for her.

It is an awesome thing to find that out in your own life. It's one of those times He takes your breath away, or causes your knees to buckle, or give you a hot flash!

We all have that place in us where we go to meet God and talk or pray or just hang out because we find it hard to put something into words. Scripture calls it our heart. Jesus called it our secret closet. GOD's presence is eternal because He is eternal. He's going through everything with us, all the time. It is the Well of Living Water that we need to camp by in our daily lives for our life's sustenance from GOD. Others, like Ishmael, came and went but Isaac LIVED there.

As I was contemplating this, GOD immediately sent a sunbeam through a skylight in the roof of the mall that shined on me and it never had before! GOD was confirming His word to me! (and I got a hot-flash!)

Tell of All His Wonderful Works

Psalm 105:1-8 (ESV)

1. Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!

2. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all his wondrous works!

3. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

4. Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!

5. Remember the wondrous works that He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He uttered,

6. O offspring of Abraham, His servant, children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

7. He is the LORD our GOD; His judgments are in all the earth.

8. He remembers His covenant forever, the word that He commanded, for a thousand generations . . .

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

My Help and My Deliverer

Psalm 40 (ESV)

1. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.

2. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

3. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our GOD. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

4. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

5. You have multiplied, O LORD my GOD, Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us; none can compare with You! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.

6. In sacrifice and offering You have not delighted, but You have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.

7. Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

8. I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart."

9. I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.

10. I have not hidden Your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not concealed Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness from the great congregation.

11. As for You, O Lord, You will not restrain Your mercy from me;
Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness will ever preserve me!

12. For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.

13. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!

14. Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt!

15. Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, "Aha, Aha!"

16. But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!"

17. As for me, I am poor and needy, but the LORD takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my GOD!

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

The LORD is my strength!

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV)

17. Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,

18. yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the GOD of my salvation.

19. GOD, the LORD, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer's; He makes me tread on my high places.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

My Soul Thirsts for You

  
Psalm 143 (ESV)

1. Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In Your faithfulness answer me, in Your righteousness!

2. Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is righteous before You.

3. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.

4. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.

5. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done; I ponder the work of Your hands.

6. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.

7. Answer me quickly, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.

8. Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.

9. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to You for refuge.

10. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my GOD! Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

11. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life! In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!

12. And in Your steadfast love You will cut off my enemies, and You will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am Your servant.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

From Clarisse

Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

Taste and See That the Lord Is Good

  
Psalm 34 (ESV)

1. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

3. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!

4. I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

5. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

7. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

8. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

9. Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him have no lack!

10. The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11. Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?

13. Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

14. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry.

16. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

19. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

20. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

21. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

22. The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart

 
Psalm 139  (ESV)

1. O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

2. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

3. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

4. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.

5. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me.

6. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, it is high; I cannot attain it.

7. Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8. If I ascend to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there!

9. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10. even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.

11. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,"

12. even the darkness is not dark to You; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with You.

13. For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb.

14. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.

15. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

17. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18. If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with You.

19. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O GOD! O men of blood, depart from me!

20. They speak against You with malicious intent; Your enemies take Your name in vain.

21. Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.

23. Search me, O GOD, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

24. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

Our Help Is in the Name of the LORD

Psalm 124  (ESV)

1. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—let Israel now say—
2. if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us,
3. then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;
4. then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;
5. then over us would have gone the raging waters.
6. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
7. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers, the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
8. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

Praise for the Lord’s Mercies

Psalm 103  (NKJV)

1. Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2. Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3. Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4. Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5. Who satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6. The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
7. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
8. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9. He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.
11. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13. As a father pities his children,
so the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14. For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.
15. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
17. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children,
18. To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.
19. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
20. Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.
21. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
22. Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

New King James Version (NKJV)
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

An Everlasting Song

Colossians 3:16  (ESV)
"16.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

My son, Steven, and I were talking the other day and we got on the topic of heaven (as usual).  God has placed in each one of us "a new song".   

Psalm 98:1(ESV)
"Oh sing to the LORD a new song,
   for He has done marvelous things!
His right hand and His holy arm
   have worked salvation for him."

We believe we are to sing of all the wonderful things GOD has done for us personally in this life. All our songs are different.  And there will be an enormous cloud of the LORD's redeemed.  In the life that is to come, we will all get to sing our songs before the throne. And guess what?  They are all pieces of the same song!  An enormous outpouring of praise that will go on for all eternity!

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

My Refuge and My Fortress

Psalm 91  (ESV)

1. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my GOD, in whom I trust."
3. For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
4. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6. nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
9. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—
10. no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.
11. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
12. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14. "Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name.
15. When he calls to Me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers

Linda Rosenbaugh
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!