Psalm 147

Psalm 147

There is so much wonder and beauty in this Psalm one hardly knows where to begin. Verses 3-10 will be our focus. What is a person to do who has suffered deeply? Not just a bad day or a couple of weeks of stress but, say, 70 years of misery. Certainly those of us who have suffered lesser hardships can learn from this master course of pain. The answer is to practice the discipline and pattern of praise and giving glory to God. In that praise we find that God heals hearts that have been shattered into splinters, verse 3. Those that fear God, that is, revere Him, receive His favor. Those who are waiting and hoping for His mercy have the advantage.

In the midst of hardship, we tend to focus on ourselves and our suffering rather than on the agents of our pain. That is understandable, but the shift to focus on God's greatness is essential. Verses 4-10 are a beautiful example of that kind of praise. Notice how this is very unlike much of our praise music. Here the focus is not on our feelings or experiences but only on God's greatness. Nothing is significant when it is compared to the greatness of God.

“In my suffering, Lord, help me to turn my focus on you. AMEN."

Piglets are available

 Available Saturday Sept 12.

If you are interested in a pig for food, breeding or to just have on the farm, I have three piglets for you.   Margret dropped her litter the night of July 16-17.  Yum-Yum is due any time, and Pee Wee in a couple of days.   I will begin selling these piglets Saturday, Sept 12, at 8:00 AM at my place in Ariton, AL, near the intersection of US 231 and AL 51.  From Hwy 231 turn east toward Ariton and look for the sign “Pigs For Sale”. I have just over 100 names of people who say they are interested in a pig. (But I know talk is cheap.) However, there may be more demand than supply.  

Moms and Daddy

Dad is a cross between a Hampshire and an American Yorkshire.  Mom is a full-blooded (not registered) Meishan.  Breed details listed below.

Their parents have been pasture-fed with supplemental high-quality, local, mill feed.  The moms are very sweet and could be made a pet; however, a 300-pound lap pig might not be a great idea. Dad, Moe is over 400 pounds.  Both parents are docile and friendly. 

The Piglets

These are not meant to be pets.  They are meant to be butcher stock. By Sept 12th they will have been wormed and the males castrated.  

Prices are Firm

Discounts are available if you take multiple pigs.  

One or two pigs: $75.00 each

Three to nine pigs: $65.00 each

Ten or more pigs: $50.00 each

For information or to order, text "I want a pig" to 334-249-5600.  I generally do not answer phone calls from unsaved numbers. I will reply to you by text as I am able.

First Come First Served

I cannot predict how many of the 100 or so people who have inquired will actually show up.  I will sell the pigs to those who arrive first.  I will not hold pigs even with payment, so bring transportation, cash (exact if possible) and the ability to handle wiggly, squirming piglets. 

Breed Information

Moe is the father of these pigs: *Hampshires are known for large loin eyes, hardiness, and strong mothering abilities in sows and are a popular choice for both meat production and breeding. They are vigorous, efficient foragers and good-tempered, contributing lean muscle and growth traits to crossbred offspring.  American Yorkshires are famous as the "mother breed" for their excellent maternal traits and producing large litters and are known for their large frame, long body, white color, erect ears, and high proportion of lean meat. They are hardy, perform well in confinement, and are highly valued for adding length and leanness in crossbreeding programs. 

Margaret, Yum-Yum, and Pee Wee are the mothers. Meishan pigs are known for their hyperprolificacy (huge litters), docile temperament, and exceptionally marbled, flavorful red meat, often called the “Kobe beef” of pork, with superior lard quality. They are also recognized for their distinctive wrinkled faces, large udders, and ability to thrive on rougher diets, making them popular heritage homestead pigs. 

Psalm 146

Psalm 146

This begins a series of “Hallelujah” Psalms, five songs that begin with “Praise the Lord” and call for the worship of God. The historical setting of this song gives us a fuller understanding. We believe the psalm was written when Cyrus had a change of heart about his support of the post-exile Jews, hence verse 3.

We all have a tendency to look to human leaders for our help and to place our trust in them. This change of heart by the king is the occasion for the reminder to not trust powerful men or institutions. Even the greatest ruler will one day become dust. Trusting in men will always result in an emotional roller coaster.

In contrast, in verse 5 we see that the person who places his hope in the Lord is “blessed.” The blessed life is one in a right relationship with God and is not dependent upon circumstances. The blessed person lives with an all-prevailing sense that all is and will be well. It is the life that is enviable and desirable. Why put our trust in anyone who is unable to provide that kind of confidence?

“Help me, Lord, to always place my complete trust in you and you alone. AMEN.”

Psalm 145

Psalm 145

This is the last alphabet song in which each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. A slow and methodical study of each verse would be both a great value and an encouraging delight. 

For our purposes we will only look at verse 8. There are four descriptions of the Lord in this verse. First, He is gracious. This term highlights God's willingness to forgive and extend grace. God is not distant or capricious but intimately and caringly involved. Second, He is merciful. This word describes God's deep love for His creation. It describes how He draws us into the covenant relationship we have with God. He deeply cares and is committed to us. He is working harder in this relationship than we are. Third, slow to anger is the next description. In all human conditions, we want justice, revenge, and payback, and we want it as soon as possible. But despite our multiple provocations, God holds back our just punishments. Fourth, God is great or gigantic in His unwavering loving commitment and devotion to us. What a beautiful picture of God's passionate pursuit of a relationship with us.

“Lord, help me to respond to your pursuit of me. AMEN.” 

Psalm 144

Psalm 144

The order of the songs is most appropriate. In Psalms 141-143 we have seen David in dire circumstances pleading for God's rescue. Now at the end of this Psalm we see the Psalmist in happy, hopeful, and peaceful circumstances.

In verses 1-4 we see David doing what he ought by acknowledging God is the One who causes victory. In verses 5-8 he talks about the might and the glory of God. The phrase “bow of Heavens” is to say, “Even the Heavens sag under the weight of God's glory and might.” Man may participate, but God is the one who is the real actor and the real cause. We see in verses 9-11 the appropriate response on the part of a godly person: praise and worship. The new song is not for the sake of novelty, but because new experiences with God's mercy call for new expressions of our praise. In verses 12-15 we see the life of God's people in the peaceful kingdom. We see the multiplication of children, produce, grain, livestock, and peace. Verse 14b is descriptive of a society without a need for police. We conclude in verse 15 that humble people who are under God's care are a blessed people.

“Lord, we ask for life in Your kingdom and whatever blessing that may entail. AMEN.” 

Psalm 143

Psalm 143

The emotion and situation behind the psalm are almost beyond comprehension. We believe it was written by David as he was fleeing from Absalom. During the persecution of Saul, he was within a hair's breadth of destruction and was forced to hide in caves. Now he finds himself in similar circumstances, but this time the killer is his own son.

In the midst of these difficult moments, David gives us three insights that will find application in our lives. First, in verse 2, David admits that he needs mercy, not justice: "No man living is righteous." Both David and Absalom were guilty of great evil. So why should God side with David and not his enemy? Because God always chooses the side of those who have a heart of true repentance. Second, God is never late but rarely early. In verse 8 we get the impression that if David doesn't get some good news in the morning, his cause may be lost. Often our situations seem hopeless, but our God is great at the last-minute rescue. And third, in verse 10, we see David's anticipation of the spirit of God leading him. The Lord's Spirit is the author of all our good desires and holy purposes.

“Lord, lead me in the midst of my greatest perils. AMEN.”

Psalm 142

Psalm 142

Everyone has a low point. For David it was in the cave of Engedi, hiding from Saul. David has retreated and found himself taking refuge in a cave only to find Saul and his army surrounding the cave and Saul himself coming in. David's complaint is not that of a weak, whining, wilted lily but of a strong hero who is completely spent. He has come to the end of all of his resources, and now there is nothing left. The word "overwhelmed" in verse 3 is descriptive of someone who is completely covered or buried to the point of suffocation and passing out because of the physical exhaustion, emotional distress, and spiritual burden. David feels alone. There is no one on his right; that is his sword hand, and it means that the defense of a fellow combatant’s shield is not available. He is completely spent and without resources. Yet David has his greatest hope: passionate prayer!

Verses 5-7 are the confidence of a man who, in spite of the distress he suffers because he is faithful to God, will be heard and rescued from what appears to be a helpless situation.

“Lord, be my strength when there is no other. AMEN.”