Author Archives: jgarrott

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About jgarrott

Born and raised in Japan of missionary parents. Have been here as an adult missionary since 1981.

Yielding Our Way to God; July 15, 2024

Posted on July 16, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 142:3 When my spirit grows faint within me,    it is you who watch over my way. The attribution of this Psalm says it was written when David was “in the cave,” that is, fleeing from Saul. That was indeed a very … Continue reading →

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Covering; July 14, 2024

Posted on July 15, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 140:7 Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,    you shield my head in the day of battle. This is linguistically a very interesting verse. Different translations render it differently. Most English translations say something about “day of battle,” or something similar, but the Japanese … Continue reading →

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Forgiveness; July 13, 2024

Posted on July 14, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 130:3-4 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,    Lord, who could stand?But with you there is forgiveness,    so that we can, with reverence, serve you. The Japanese here includes something that I think is an interpolation, but it’s not unreasonable. It … Continue reading →

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Respect; July 12, 2024

Posted on July 13, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 123:3 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us,    for we have endured no end of contempt. This is an interesting, brief Psalm. It rather goes against the little rhyme most English-speakers learn as children: “Sticks and stones may break … Continue reading →

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The Depth of the Word; July 11, 2024

Posted on July 12, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light;    it gives understanding to the simple. Different translations render the image in the first part of this verse differently, with “unfolding” common in English translations, but the Japanese says “when the door … Continue reading →

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Death; July 10, 2024

Posted on July 11, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord    is the death of his faithful servants. This verse is very famous, but I think it is greatly misunderstood. I think the misunderstanding comes from combined human weaknesses. In the first place, we tend … Continue reading →

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Walking in Truth; July 9, 2024

Posted on July 10, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, Lord,    that I may rely on your faithfulness;give me an undivided heart,    that I may fear your name. This is a prayer that every believer can and should pray. We do know God’s way in general terms, because the … Continue reading →

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God’s Reputation; July 8, 2024

Posted on July 9, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 79:9-10 Help us, God our Savior,    for the glory of your name;deliver us and forgive our sins    for your name’s sake.Why should the nations say,    “Where is their God?” Once again, this is a Psalm written by a descendent of Asaph, because Jerusalem … Continue reading →

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Meditating on God; July 7, 2024

Posted on July 8, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 77:11-12 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.I will consider all your works    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” This Psalm is attributed to Asaph, but it seems likely that it was written … Continue reading →

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Influence; July 6, 2024

Posted on July 7, 2024 by jgarrott

Psalm 69:6 Lord, the Lord Almighty,    may those who hope in you    not be disgraced because of me;God of Israel,    may those who seek you    not be put to shame because of me. This is a prayer of a genuine servant of God. Every time a … Continue reading →

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