His gift

What a beautiful Psalm!  It brought so many good things to mind.  I honestly didn't plan this, but it's another good Psalm to meditate on as we approach Easter.

Psalms 111

The first verse reminds me of the Church.  When the Church is of one mind and filled with the Holy Spirit, it's an awesome experience and pleases God very much.
1 Hallelujah!
I give thanks to God with everything I've got —
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.

2 God's works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study — endless enjoyment!
3 Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.
4 His miracles are his memorial —

I can testify to this!  I've been studying the Bible for 34 years now, almost 35.  The more I study, the more I understand and enjoy.  His Word is so amazing, applying to everyday of my life.  Do I know it all?  Nope!  Just a bit more than when I started.  I'm also on a prayer team.   We get to see miracles.  Jobs turn up for people just in the nick of time.  People get well, and problems are solved.  God is so full of compassion and love- miracles.

But there's something else too.  The older I get, the more I understand the clouds and appreciate the differences in the sky.  I understand personalities in animals so much more.  I have 2 cats.  Frankie is shy around new people, he loves to hunt and bring me presents.  He has stuffed animals all over the house.  He brings them to me, meowing at the top of his lungs.  I tell him, "Thank you.  What a good boy."  He sits up with his chin high, so proud of himself.  Jake is my teddy bear.  He has short legs and a wide body, six toes on his front paws.  He loves to sleep and snuggle; he has a very loud purr motor but never meows.  He loves people and is fearless.  He'll greet the mailman wagging his tail.  Animals do have personalities.  I love to study the world around me.  God's creation is amazing: flowers, animals, people, stars, planets, the ocean.  Study it all!  Really look and see His handiwork.

This God of Grace, this God of Love.
5 He gave food to those who fear him,
He remembered to keep his ancient promise.

6 He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
Hand them the nations on a platter — a gift!
7 He manufactures truth and justice;
All his products are guaranteed to last — 
8 Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true:

Jesus paid the ransom for us.  We were doomed to death, by His sacrifice we are saved.  His blood was our ransom.  His gift is for all nations and people.
9 He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.

He is personal with all of us and that is a gift.  Each time I open my Bible it applies to my situation that day.  A verse that gave me courage to stand up to harassment a year ago, gives me courage to trust God as I make career changes today.  He never gets bored with my prayers but always listens.  The fear of God is a healthy respect.  If you are smart, you won't approach a rattle snake with your bare hand.  God is the most powerful being in the Heavens and earth.  He deserves our respect.  In my experience, He also requires honesty about ourselves.  He's not real fond of false claims, pride and arrogance.  He knows the truth already.

He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.
10 The good life begins in the fear of God —
Do that and you'll know the blessing of God.
His Hallelujah lasts forever!
THE MESSAGE

Hallelujah!  Thank You Father for everything!  
(I put a link to a photo of Jake & Frankie in the comments)