Sunday, July 31, 2011

Psalm 96- Nature sings

The Lord is so worthy of our praise and gratitude for who He is and the salvation that He has offered. The psalmist encourages us to look for ways to recognize God's greatness then to sing about it and bring offerings to Him. Nature is full of things that bring glory to God. Have you been to a body of water lately? You can look and the water is beautiful and powerful. There is a whole world of activity below the surface that is happening that we are totally unaware of and barely able to fully grasp. It teaches me of the importance of having faith in the unseen. The fields are amazing at the crops that will grow from a tiny seeds to full lush plants that produce multiple fruits that provide food that can sustain life. Each fruit produces many more seeds in order to do it all over again next year. It teaches me that God can turn small seemingly dead things into great living and purposeful things. The trees of the forest sing and rustle with joy. Their roots continually grow and spread seeking water and nutrients to help its trunk and leaves grow strong upwards towards the sun soaking in its light in order to thrive. It teaches me how we need to live by the spirit to flourish. Look for new ways this week that nature gives glory to God and have it teach you something about His greatness.

Psalm 96 Questions -

1. Do you have new songs to sing or has your testimony of his marvelous deeds become dated? Do you receive new mercies daily and proclaim and experience the joy of his salvation?

2. Who have you told of God's greatness lately? Do you give Him the glory?

3. What idols are competing for your attention?

4. What offerings do you bring God. Do you give him your priority or your left over time? Do you serve Him only when it is convenient and easy?

5. How do you contribute to the spread of the gospel in your community? Globally?

6. How does nature glorify God and reflect his character?

7. When the Lord comes to judge the earth, what will be your verdict?

8. How ill you measure to God's standard of righteousness and truth?


Saturday, July 30, 2011

Psalm 89 What are you following?

All of of us are leaders in one realm or another. We lead in our homes with our children, we lead a group of students in a bible study, we lead a game at a party, we lead co-workers, we lead the way to get somewhere...you get the picture. However, we lead--only if others are following. One can not be deemed a great leader if he/she never has any followers. So the question is--who is following you? Do your children follow your lead? When you say “come” or “no” do they listen right away? Does your small group of students seem to be following and thriving? Are your co-workers being challenged to follow? Do they trust your leadership? Are you leading your home in the roles God has given you--with your time, money, presence, etc.?

A few years ago I went hiking in Montana for a week with a group of students. We were navigated through a group called Leader Treks. Leader Treks set up the trip for the students to have a day of leading. Two students would have a map, compass and destination. They had to get us there. One day after hiking at least 10 hours we had come to the place we thought was our end for the night. According to the map and compass we were there! But little did we know our trail had taken us to the edge of a cliff. We had two options. We could hike down the cliff to water (which we needed because all of our nalgene's were empty and our dinner was prepared with water over a fire) or...we could hike back a few miles (which means hours in the wilderness) to a water hole we had previously passed. Turns out our map was outdated and our trail had lead us to false hope. We decided to take the challenge of scaling down the mountain. God protected and provided a way--but every student was crying...we set up our tent site in pitch darkness...and we ate processed snacks for dinner because it was too late to cook over the fire. It was a testing time to say the least. I’d like to say the trip got better and we ended on a positive note--but that was the just the beginning of the difficulties we faced in the wilderness.

All of that to say is--what are you following? Are you following the lead of an “old map”? Listening to a friend that isn’t giving you Godly advice? Listening to your “gut” instead of God’s word? We live in a time that it is popular to listen to your heart and your intuition. And yes...there are times to do that. But are you feeding your heart and intuition with God’s word? Are you going to the Word of God first?

Psalm 89 is about how God rules over the surging sea; his strong arm scatters our enemies; the heavens and earth belong to Him; God created the north and the south. I don’t know about you--but I know the one that I want to follow! And that is the God we are worshipping through our scripture--who created the heavens and the earth--and most importantly--YOU AND ME!!

Psalm 91 Lyrics


One of my favorite songs these days is SMALL by JJ Heller. Here are some of her words:

“I don’t want to make you small. I don’t want to fit you in my pocket--a cross around my throat. Cause you are brighter then the sun; your closer then the tiny thoughts I have of you and I could never fathom you. Broken people hit the ground when they discover you are not here for our benefit. You love in-spite of us--you use the least of us to prove the strong aren’t really strong at all.”

I think those are some powerful words that can humble you and I. How often do we make God small...so he can fit our tiny little thoughts and dreams? We put him in our pocket and pull him out when he have a sudden need. But psalm 91 says “Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him. I will protect him for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Do we acknowledge him more then the cross around our throat? Do we pull God out of our pocket when we need him...or do surrender to his will no matter what? When times get tough do we run to what might immediately satisfy (a drink, a friend, a lover, a child, a career?) Or do we run to the God who says he will command his angels concerning you to guard you all in your ways?
Thank you Lord for teaching us through the least of us--that the strong aren’t really strong at all. It is only you Lord...and you in us...that is really strong. Thanks for your love in-spite of me.


Psalm 94 - Winning Team

My son Wes is so determined to win that when we play games he will switch "teams" or add someone to his "team" in order to give himself an advantage. I want him to learn to play fair and be a good sport but I kind of like the analogy of realizing you aren't going to win on our own accord so you jump on to the winning person's team. But in this world, it doesn't seem like God is winning the game. The wicked are jubilant, boastful, they oppress and crush the weak and righteous. They kill emotionally, spiritually and even physically. But this is what faith is: joining the team that promises to win in the end. It is believing what the Bible says and trusting the future reign of Christ will restore righteousness. According to verses 17-19 it is only by God's help that we stay in the game. His love supports us when our foot slips and he consoles us when we are anxious replacing fear with joy to our souls. Jesus is our get out of jail free card and our ace in the hole advantage in the game of life. Won't you stop trying to win on your own and let Christ play His hand in your place. Accept Christ as your fortress and rock and take refuge in Him before the last hand is dealt.
Psalm 94 Questions -
1. What are you proud of? Are you arrogant about your things, position, title, or wealth? Do you boast about your families success without giving glory to God?
2. Does it seem like God is absent from your life? The world? What hope does this Psalm give you?
3. Do you think because you continue to "get away" with a certain behavior that it isn't wrong or that God doesn't care? What warnings does this Psalm give you about your life or attitude?
4. Are your thoughts pointless and incapable of producing results? How can your thoughts have useful purpose?
5. Do you look at discipline from God as a blessing? Do you thank Him for it?
6. Do you feel like an area of your life is slipping? Is anxiety great within you? What hope does this Psalm give you?
7. Will the Lord be repaying you for your sins or have you accepted that Jesus paid for them by his death on the cross for you? Is their someone in your life that you need to explain that they are playing on the wrong team?

Psalm 92 - Beauty tip

Put away the injections, lasers and creams. I've just discovered the secret to staying fresh and useful. Starting in verse 12 on these verses claim that the righteous are like a flourishing palm tree and a growing cedar. Cedars are sweet smelling, long lasting, strong and its wood is very weather resistant. Palms are an evergreen that live long and can thrive in arid and tropical climates. Planted in the house of the Lord they will flourish bearing fruit even in old age, staying fresh and green. When we live close to the Lord through His spirit it is likened to having living water that flows out from you. Living a spirit filled life is the key to flourishing even into old age and staying relevant and useful for God's purposes. Verse 7 says that evil doers flourish too but only for a moment but then will be forever destroyed. So being successful isn't the key, both righteous and wicked flourish but where you are planted makes the difference if your success is evil or of God. So ask God to convict you if your roots are not rooted in Him and his word, if you are going elsewhere for water or if you are going to the living water of the Holy Spirit to satisfy your life, and to see if your fruit is ripe and useful or is it rotting or underdeveloped. Are you fresh and green or are you withering under the hot sun of this world's pressures? Praise God for being Holy and being your Rock. Praise Him for his love, faithfulness and great works in your life.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Psalm 90 - Unfailing love of a failure

When you fail does it make you want to try harder or cling to God tighter? But what happens when you don't have the will or strength to even cling. This psalm says our days pass away under your wrath, every day we fail, every day deserves God's wrath. He knows our ever sin, even the hidden ones. Even if we live a long life it goes by too quickly and is filled with trouble and sorrow. But this is the miracle of God's grace. Even though we deserve wrath, He still loves us and has given a way for our rebellious hearts to be reconciled to His. The forgiveness we can receive by accepting the gift of salvation through Jesus's death on the cross for our sins and failures frees us from the penalty of God's wrath. It allows us to be satisfied by Him in life so that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days (v14). We are able to be taught the wisdom needed to make the most of our time on earth (v12) and be given a purpose to fulfill by Him who created us for that very purpose (v17). Verse 15 even says we can be glad for the days and year that we see affliction and trouble. Wow, God really does flip everything up and around on us. It is hard to be glad when I screw up, I feel like such a failure and wish so hard I could have done it right. Yesterday I wrote about being with God right away in the morning and then today I hit the snooze. But today I am going to be glad for my mistake instead of guilt ridden. I am going to praise Him that His love is unfailing of a failure like me.
Psalm 90 Questions -
1. What failures do you need to be glad for not guilty ridden by? Are your mistakes causing you to run to God or away from Him? Do you find comfort in that you don't need to cover up your sins to Him but that He can wash them away for you?
2. How many years do you expect to live? If you weren't going to see tomorrow what would you make sure to do today?
3. What are you doing to gain a heart of wisdom? What is God teaching you about making your life count for Him?
4. Are you meeting with Him in the morning to be satisfied by His unfailing love? Are you singing for joy or searching for happiness?
5. Are you glad for your afflictions and troubles? What do the tough times teach you?
6. Do you allow God to establish the works of your hands or do you do the things you want to do and hope God blesses it?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Psalm 88 - hands up

Sometimes we grasp so tightly to control that we won't loosen our hands up enough to fold them in prayer. Sometimes God has to put us in the lowest pit so we can't climb out on our own strength, or overwhelm us with waves to the point of drowning so we don't think we swam out of the storm by our own talents or remove our closest friends and family so our identity and love isn't dependent on them. We are confined and low with grief so that we can't escape on our own cleverness. But as we call out daily, sometimes minute by minute with outstretched hands we can experience the saving power of God because He is our only source of help. Verse 13 says to cry out for help in the morning, set your prayers before you get going your own way in your own day. Before your feet even hit the ground from the bed in the morning try giving your day to Him. Thank Him for who he is and ask Him for His face to shine upon you today, for eyes that search for him and a heart that seeks His will for you that day. Repeat your prayer throughout the day as many time as necessary but at least start off on the right foot by releasing your hand off the controls.
Psalm 88 Questions -
1. Do you cry out to God day and night? Or do you just cry out to Him on Sunday mornings or in major crisis?
2. What troubles your soul? What things about the world upset you? Which verses upset you or do you wish you could gloss over?
3. Why does God put us in pits, waves, remove friends or confine us?
4. Are you helping making His wonders known in the darkness? Which unsaved friends or group do you feel called to share his righteous deeds in your life with?
5. Can you recall a time when loneliness was your closest friend? How did God see you through that time, what did He teach you? Could your friendliness to a stranger be that light that pierces their darkness today?

Psalm 87 Destiny

Unless you know a little Old Testament--you might not have any idea of what this psalm is saying. I have to admit--I was saying "huh?!" to myself. But it's short and to the point so I know there are some nuggets of truth here. Let's look through them together--
Anytime something says "The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." I might want to know what the gates of Zion are. My bible tells me that Zion (the holy mountain, Jerusalem) is representing the future community of all believers. This psalm is looking ahead to the Holy City of God described in Revelation 21:10-27. The honor of living there will be granted to all believers whose names are written in the Lamb's book of Life. God is telling us that HE LOVES THIS PLACE! I don't know about you--but I want to be there! Once again we see God's judgement though--and are reminded in Revelation that our names do need to be written in the Lamb's book of Life to experience the gates of Zion.
Let's remember together that nothing in this life is more important then our AFTER LIFE. Our lives can be snatched up in a second--and the place of Zion is where we want to be. Read through Revelations and remember that our home is really not here--we have better places ahead of us! Woo hoo :)

Psalm 85 His Promises to us

"Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps." Psalm 85: 10-13.
Let's look at this passage together.
*God's love and his true faithfulness meet together. When you need to feel his love....remember what HE HAS DONE....and how you have come through the storms.
*Righteousness and peace kiss each other. Kissing is one of the closest acts we can have with another person. When you kiss your spouse or your children or your mother--you are physically connected to them for a second. Righteousness with God is being right with God. When we are right with God we are following his ways...not our own. And then the promise of PEACE! I don't know about you--but aren't we all longing for peace!? God's word tells us that is directly connected with OUR righteousness.
*When we need to be reminded of God's faithfulness--LOOK AROUND! Every day He is speaking to us through His creation. Isn't it beautiful that we get to sit around outside in God's creation--studying the psalms. !? He is showing us his faithfulness.
* The Lord will indeed give what is good. Our land will yield it's harvest!

Let's relish in these promises today.

Psalm 83 Who is God?

We love to talk about God's mercy, love and forgiveness. And He IS those attributes. But isn't he also full of justice and judgement? I can't imagine how backwards we must have it sometimes. I'm sure God thinks "what are they doing!? My children--look at ME!" It's like what we talked about in our time together this morning in regards to our children--if they would just listen to me...for I know what is right...then their days would be better! But how many times do we have to learn it our own way. We have to learn the hard way and experience the trouble. Psalm 83 is talking about God pursuing us and terrifying us with his storms. That we should cover our faces with shame so that we will finally seek His face.
1. When have you had to cover your face with shame and ask for forgiveness?
2. God longs to humble us so that we will look to Him. Are you letting God humble you? He is ALL AROUND if we look for it.
3. Instead of focusing in the "mirror" at what is going on--can we look to God at what he is wanting to show us?
God wants to teach you and refine you. When we pursue holiness--which is God's face--we are faced with our own unholiness. That's one humbling place to start.

Psalm 81 What are you eating?

Psalm 81 is all about God rescuing us when we call out for help. God's word says that he removed the burden from their shoulders and when we open our mouths he fills it! What a picture of God's care and support. I like to think of my one year old Grady with the "opening our mouths and he fills it". When Grady is in his high chair and I'm feeding him--he opens his mouth so wide and shuts his eyes. It's like he has full confidence that what I am going to put in there is going to satisfy him. He blindly trusts me and swallows what I give him. Then he opens his mouth again as if to say "fill me up Mom!" What a picture of pure innocence and trust. God often refers to us as trusting Him like we are little children. He wants us to open up wide and let him pour in the blessings. But so often we want to feed ourselves--and we're probably not feeding ourselves what we should be. We feed on friends, husband, satisfaction, acceptance, comfort, our children--we look for things of this world to fill us and satisfy us. But psalm 81:10 says to "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
1. God is wanting to fill us with Him. Are we running from Him and to everything else to satisfy you?
2. When you feel disappointed in someone--is it because you were wanting them to fill your void? To satisfy you? Or can you turn it around and say "How can I satisfy them?"
3. How do you need the Lord to satisfy you today--to fill up your mouth? God says to open wide because he will fill it!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Psalm 86 - Answers

This psalm became my prayer when I received the news my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. A year later I read it over her in the hospital when she was nearing the end of her life. Its simple yet powerful truths help the believer face any level of trial throughout their life. From a bad hair day to a bad health diagnosis God promises if we call on Him, He will answer. His character described here is so comforting to our broken hearts and lives. He is forgiving. He is good. He is abounding in love. He is great and does marvelous deeds. He is compassionate. He is gracious. He is slow to anger. He is faithful. Is He these things to you? All the attributes of His character make Him trustworthy to depend on for our lives. Verses 11-13 is a great prayer of petition and praise. You can use this model of prayer to write you own prayer and personal applications.
V11 Teach me your way O Lord. Where are you struggling with a decision or how to do something? Do you need taught to be a better wife, friend, mother?
V11 And I will walk in your truth. Is there something where you know what is right but you need the strength and courage to walk the walk. Does you need to forgive someone, do you need to stop going there or buying that?
V11 Give me an undivided heart. What competes with God for your heart? What other sources do you go to for love, happiness, comfort, justice? Will you stop breaking your heart and give it wholly to God?
V11 That I might fear your name. Do you fear God above all things? Can you trust Him with the direction of your life, your finances, your family, your time?
V12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart. Do you praise him or complain to him. Does your whole heart find reason for gratitude or do you leave room for discontent? Do you praise Him for bad situations trusting they are for your good not harm allowing them to draw you closer to Him?
V12 I will glorify your name forever. Do you take credit for things you do or do you give God the all glory? Do you look for the way to glorify Him even in difficult circumstances?
V13 For great is your love toward me. Do you really believe He loves you? Do you count the ways? Do you bask in His love and soak in his love letters to you from the Scriptures?
V13 You have delivered me form the depths of the grave. Do you realize not even death has a claim on you anymore? Nothing can separate you from his love not even death. No trial can over take you, you've been saved and he will continue to deliver you for His glory. Can you recall and praise him for the way He has cared for you throughout your life?

Monday, July 25, 2011

Psalm 84 - 1000 other

Can you think of 1000 other places you'd rather be? Than scrubbing the toilet, than sitting in traffic late again, than in you marriage, than at your job, than changing diapers, than in your little house, than at the grocery store for the second time today because the first time you forgot milk. The writer of psalm 84 talks about that there is no other place he'd rather be than in the presence of the Lord. His soul yearns, his heart cries out for the living God. A living God that longs to be with us and who will not withhold any good thing from those whose walk is blameless. But is this more than poetry and another catchy Matt Redman song? Is it just a hope to look forward to in Heaven or can we have this satisfaction here and now? We can't just throw responsibilities out the window to sit and read our Bibles all day, there are toilets that need to be scrubbed, diapers that have to be changed, and you have to earn money to eat somehow. But when you are with Jesus it doesn't matter where you are at. Location doesn't matter if you are where you are suppose to be with the Lord. What you are doing doesn't matter as long as you are doing it with the Lord. It is better to do one thing with Him than 1000 things for yourself. You will find no satisfaction in your job, marriage, friendships, daily tasks, or anything else in life unless it is where and what God has given you. The keys to a blessed and blameless life are unlocked here. Always be with God and continually praise Him, set your heart to seek and pursue Him and trust in Him. There is nothing better, nothing more satisfying than being with God, it should be our single most driving desire. There is no long list of questions for this psalm because there is only one question worth answering right now. Where would you rather be?

Psalm 82 - finding my glasses

The only thing harder than trying to find my glasses without my glasses on is trying to find my glasses without my glasses on in the dark. I have to rely on my weak senses and vague memory of where I might have set them. My humanity limits me as a judge in many more ways but we can present our case to a God who is the ultimate judge. He qualifies as the the ultimate judge because unlike humans He knows all, understands all, He is light, and His power can not be shaken. God can bring us into His light and can give us lenses that see the world through His perspective at least a little more clearly. He gives us eyes to see Him more clearly so we can depend on him more deeply. He gives us eyes to see the weak, fatherless, poor, needy and oppressed so we can defend, rescue, deliver and maintain their rights. Our testimony is to be like the blind man in John 9:25. At first we were blind but now by the grace of God we can see!
Psalm 82 Questions -
1. What other "gods" do you let judge you? Friends, family, courts of law, your boss, fashion magazines, the scale, or the cost/size of your house?
2. Do you use your power to help others? Who is weak in your life that needs defense? Who is fatherless? Who are the poor and oppressed in you life and nation? Do you look out for their interests or your own? Who is in need of rescue? Has God given you the means to deliver them?

Psalm 80 - Garden tender

Psalm 80 is prayer for the lost and needy. Israel is likened to a sheep in need of its shepherd and a vine once tended and prosperous but now burned, trampled and eaten. I've never tended sheep but this is the first year I have tended a garden. It is has been a fun project but a lot of work. A garden unattended is susceptible to all sorts of dangers. I've battled weeds and rocky soil. I've dug trenches to divert flooding away and spent hours watering. I've lost fruit to groundhog, bugs and my children's overeagerness to pick. This psalm tells us we are like a vine, dependent on our gardener. We can rely God our gardner to restore us, to shine His face and favor on us like a plant needs the light from the sun and we will be saved from the weeds, groundhogs, droughts and other bad situations that come into our life. Won't you ask for restoration and salvation today?
Psalm 80 Questions -
1. Which area in your life to you need turned back to God? Where have you disobeyed his commands?
2. Are you receiving your care from God or are you relying on yourself for you daily needs?
3. What does it mean to have God's face shine upon you? Where do you need saved?
4. Do you pray for revival for yourself? For others? For your church? For your nation? Will you now?

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Psalm 79 Statistics

Statistics are sometimes fun to study. I like looking at the probability of what could happen or the chances of something not happening. I like the "factualness" of it all...and knowing the numbers are based upon true evidence. For instance. everyone hears that 50% of marriages fail. This is a statistic that is pretty clear cut. Children who come from a divorced family possibly have up to a 200% chance of getting a divorce once they are married (if both come from a divorced home). I don't know about you...but that is frightening evidence.
When I was in Bible college I had a professor proclaim victory over me. I was telling him about my family and how most all of my aunts/uncles/grandparents and parents were all divorced. I was feeling a bit doomed--but also looking for some wise advice. He told me the best thing I could have ever heard. He said "Didi, you are going to break the family cycle of divorce...You are going to marry a godly man and start a new legacy." I swallowed that truth and live by it every day (or the days that times get tough!) I want to start a new legacy. Psalm 79:8 says "Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need." I wanted God's mercy in my life and I didn't want the curse of divorce to continue to follow me.
Whatever you may feel cursed with....give it to the Lord. Let Him start new with you and have a fresh beginning. Listen to godly men and women who can speak wisdom into your soul--drink it in and believe it! Then...you will have the courage and the power from the Lord to live the change that you want to be!

Psalm 77 Forget about ME!

One of my favorite quotes is "We do not see things as they are; We see things as We Are." Every one of us is skewed by our own history, habits, lifestyle choices, negative thoughts, etc. How often do you think "Why didn't I think of that!" It's because a lot of times we think of things when it's too late--or after the fact.
We don't walk into a room and really look at who is there. We walk into a room thinking about our own insecurities, what we're wearing, how fat I look....the list goes on. It's because we See things as WE are. All of us--are always thinking about the one and only--ME!
But then we do get glimpses of God's glory, love, peace and kindness through someone. Or through reading the psalms. We are reminded in psalms 77 that God is the God that performs miracles! Do we pray and trust God in WHO HE IS? Not in who we are? Can we get our own negative thoughts, feelings, emotions out of the way and look at Who God is? Can we try to see Him as He is? What a difference this would make.
When you feel down and out and forgetting who God is...psalm 77 reminds us God led the people out of the wilderness...and though his footprints were not seen...his mercy and plan IS seen. His faithfulness of the past is something to hold onto when the storms of today feel overwhelming.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Psalm 75 The Wait

The concept of waiting for something can be brutal. As a child I was so excited for Christmas that I would open up all of my Christmas presents when no one was looking--re-wrap them...and then put them back under the tree. I couldn't wait! Then of course Christmas day wasn't as fun as it should have been. I remember being a lot more excited about what someone else was getting because I didn't know what it was.
I think God likes to surprise us...every day! He surprises us with beautiful sunsets and sunrises, flowers blooming, baby squirrels in the backyard, ocean waves that come with beauty and mystery. But then so many times we can't hold on and wait for the surprise or the answer. We have to unwrap the present before it's time--and then the right time is spoiled. Have you ever wanted to not wait for God? To make your own decision because you are tired of waiting for God's time? Sometimes God wants to teach you and me to be patient...to wait. Psalm 75:2 says that "I choose the appointed time." God's timing is ALWAYS right. Every time I get ahead of myself I am disappointed with the results. But if I wait for the Lord to answer...and He always does...then I can rest that this is His time.

Psalm 78 - History Lesson

I was that kid who despite my mom's warning had to touch the stove to see what "hot" really was. One of my son's first words was "hot" because of my consistent warnings. There are certain things that we as humans try to impart to our children to help them in life. Cause and effect is usually learned better once it is experienced or taught from an experience versus just the warning itself. The psalmist is encouraging the current generation to tell their story and their history to the next generation so that they will learn to trust the Lord and obey his commands. They are reminded of His power and wonderful deeds so that they won't get burned by the heat of God's punishment. As I aged, my mom gave me new warnings and openly shared her personal experiences and mistakes in order that I learn from them and hoped I would not repeat. But more importantly than a list of do's and don'ts was the lesson the God forgives and redeems our mistakes. Our sins may make us failures but our failure to repent of our sins and turn to God for salvation will be our biggest mistake. One of the last words of wisdom my grandma gave me before she died was that she hadn't lived a very good life but that it was okay because God was very good and very forgiving. Are you willing to break the cycle in your life of not believing in God fully and begin trusting in Him alone for deliverance? Can you praise God for the times you've been burned because they turned you back to Him? Will you openly share your pain in order to spare someone else that pain and teach them to turn to the Lord for redemption?
Psalm 78 Questions -
1. What do you do to remember God's faithfulness and great deeds in your life? Do you journal or reminisce, or make notes in your Bible?
2. What limits your belief in God? Where else do you turn for deliverance before God?
3. In verse 34, Does is take a disaster in your life to seek God? What are you doing to seek Him and His ways?
4. After reading verse 7, what is the Lord requiring of you?
5. After reading verse 39, the next time you go outside, feel for the breeze and measure your life against it.
6. Are you content with what God has given you or do you test His love and provision by complaining for more?
7. Why did God choose David? Why did He choose you? God took David from a sheep pen to a palace. What skills has God given you to use for His glory and purposes not your own?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Psalm 73 Donuts or Desire

Today is my husbands birthday. He loves Jubilee donuts. If you want a good donut--go to Jubilee on 59. They even have a drive-through for those late night cravings, ha! They stay up and cook and glaze, sugar and fill so they are always fresh...every morning. Once you have had one--you can't imagine ever eating a donut anywhere else! Anyway--since it's his birthday of course we went out for donuts right away. I just enjoyed way too many of them...and my desire was quickly turned into a "uuuuhhhh. I don't feel so good" feeling. Can you imagine feeling the way the psalm is described in vs. 25. "Earth has nothing I desire besides you." I don't know about you...but I desire way too many things. I desire to feel loved, secure, full, satisfied, accepted, cherished, liked, respected, listened to...and the list goes on. The amazing thing about all those feelings--is that God really can and does satisfy us in those ways. He wants to shine on us and give us the desire for things of heaven...not just things of this world.
So when you have desires creep up and in--whether it's a donut, a co-worker, a friend, your husband--remember the Giver of all things--and remember that this earth has nothing we really need. God is our strength and portion forever!

Psalm 76 - Perspective

A lot of us in the group have been working on seeing our lives through God's eyes and with perspective on life in the light of eternal matters and God's way. Reading verses about God causing trails, his anger, that He is to be feared and then in this chapter about how His wrath against men brings praise starts to seem harsh. We would rather stick to the psalms about cute sheep and pretty nature. In verse 12 it says that God breaks the spirit of rulers. If you read that and think oh good Obama has it coming then reread it and examine your own life. Are you still trying to control things in your life? Do you want to rule your kids, your husband, your talents, your friends, your finances, your house, your time, your schedule? Sometimes we think Satan is out to get us but sometimes it really might be God trying to get our attention, to slow us down, to remind us we aren't little rulers and kings of this earth we are sheep in need of our Shepherd. I do believe Satan is real and is out to get us but I think sometimes his stuff shows up a little sweeter. His things are sugar coated, easy and distracting us from knowing and being dependent on God. Carla helped me see last Wednesday that it doesn't matter as much where a trial is coming from or why but it comes down to how we react to it. So it is not understanding the why of a situation it is about our response to the situation. Do we praise Him in the storm, do we lay down our crowns and scepters to His rule in our life, do we cry for help and take refuge in the shadow of His wings? We won't understand His grace until we understand how in need of it we are. I don't know why you are in your present circumstance but I know that His motivation is love and for your good not harm. So trust Him today and see the perspective from His way.
Psalm 76 Questions -
1. Is God's name great in our nation? How do we practically promote the name and fame of God in our nation? Do boycott businesses or media that defiles God's name? Do you vote for politicians with an open faith? Are you fighting for His name in the public sector?
2. How does wrath bring God praise?
3. Do you promise things? Is it worse to make a promise and break it or to not promise it at all?
4. Can you keep a commitment? Do you rearrange your commitments based on what is best for you or for others? Do you bail out when things become inconvenient or something better comes up? Is your time more valuable than others?
5. Are you still trying to rule your life. What areas do you need to lay down your crown? Is He breaking your spirit somewhere? Do you fear Him more than anything else? Where might He be leading you today?

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Psalm 74 - Repeat or repent

Remember that Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day where he gets stuck in a day, doomed to repeat it until he gets it right? God won't turn back time for us but He does graciously forget the sins of our past and lovingly move us forward in time continually shaping and refining us. The Psalms repeat many themes and we start to think, "yea yea I learned this already, I got it." We are repeatedly reminded of His love, forgiveness and power because we are in continually need of it. This psalm is thought to be written after Israel's fall to Babylon. As a nation it was the lowest of the low. And despite warnings and prophesies they had repeatedly gone their own way and not followed God's way. God caused their enemies to defeat them and His people felt abandoned. But the psalmist knew to praise God in all circumstances even in the face of defeat and feelings of abandonment. They felt weak so they praised God's power, they felt small so they praised God's greatness, they felt out of control so they praised His natural order. Realizing you are poor and needy is the key to a restored relationship with God. You won't really love Him unless you realize how much you need Him, you won't ask to be saved until you realize how much trouble you are in, you won't praise Him until you realize how powerful He is. You have to repeatedly be in the word and get to know the God you need. One of Satan's most effective strategies is to keep you independent from God. He tells you you don't need God for everything, you can handle this, you've got it under control. You know you believe Satan's lie if you aren't regularly in the Word, if you aren't in daily prayer, and if you aren't in daily worship and praise of the God who holds the whole world in His hands. Today is a new day, are you going to repeat or repent?
Psalm 74 Questions -
1. How is Satan's lie pushing time for God out of your life? What are you sacrificing or saying no to to say yes to God?
2. Do you feel abandoned by God? Spend time in the word refreshing yourself with the repeated stories of His faithfulness to his people and seek out the people in your life that could encourage you with their own faith stories.
3. Do you openly share your faith story trusting God will use it to encourage dependency on God to others?

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Psalm 71 When I'm old and gray

There is something special about spending time with an older Godly woman. I try to surround myself with a few at all times. I seek them out and long to spend time with them. I love to hear their stories of faithfulness and hear how God has worked. Do you have someone in your life like that? If not, I encourage you to find it. These women keep me grounded in truth, love and forgiveness and in my eyes--are more beautiful then ever. Psalm 71 is all about God's constant help--from childhood to old age. Our lives are a testimony of what God has done for us. Do you listen to others testimony's? Do you share yours? Spend some time in prayer asking God for an older woman in your life that you can glean from....and then allow yourself to be that older woman to someone else you may know.

Psalm 69 I have your glasses!

"Save me O God for the waters have come up to my neck!" vs 1. My bible commentary tells me that this is the most quoted psalms in the New Testament. This gives us a clear description of how David is intensely worn out--he is about to go under and needs God to desperately answer his plea for help.
I have never been afraid of the water. I grew up swimming in the wild waves of the Atlantic ocean; life guarded as a teenager and love to be in and around water on any given sunny day. But a few years ago I was swimming in a lake with my nieces. They were probably 6 and 7 at the time and we decided to take a row-boat out to the sand bar where the guys were playing Frisbee. So we rowed out there...made it to the sand bar...played around and then decided we should swim back. So I put my one niece on my back (first mistake) and said "let's go!" Within my first few steps away from the sand bar I was quickly in deep water. My niece is hanging on to me for dear life and pushing me under water. I hear her saying "I have your sunglasses...don't worry Aunt Didi!" And I'm not wanting to instill panic in the situation so I tried to remain calm...but my head was going in and out of the water. It was like slow motion drowning w hile watching the guys throw the Frisbee and the in-laws frolicking in the row boat. In between gulps of water I'm yelling HELP!!!! Finally, my in-laws see me struggling with my niece clamouring all over me and they come and grab Lydia off of me.
It was my first experience with the danger of the water. I had no business trying to swim back to shore with my niece attached to me...and I have never experienced the danger of the water. When the waters were up to my neck I cried out and received the help I needed. Like this illustration of a savior coming--God is also coming to you. He will save you--before you drown. Let the savior come...pluck off your sin...and allow you to rise above the waters!

Psalm 67 He wants to shine upon us!

Would a stranger know that you are believer in Christ? Would they wonder what is different about you...because of your joy or peace or servant heart? Or do they see your bitterness, anger, lack of forgiveness and nagging spirit. Hm mm...I know for me sometimes they may see both sides. I'm embarrassed to admit when I have a wrong spirit towards someone who is entirely rude towards me or my children...and then I praise myself when I over-trump them with kindness. Both ways seem to be so self-righteous and not praising to our savior.
We had a mattress delivered a few weeks ago. The guys were rude and short with me...probably over-worked and under paid. I was graceful to them and kind...but then I patted myself on the back for my "great" behavior. Then the other day I was at Gap and my one year old was being a one year old. He was taking clothes off the shelves, ripping through a box of hangers and, meanwhile, pooped his diaper so he reeked. The clerk was rolling her eyes and not even a wee bit helpful. I left feeling taken advantage of and wanting to throw the poopy diaper back in the store! But then...once again...I realized my ugliness.
Psalm 67 talks about God's facing shining upon us. If his glory were shining in and through us--don't you think we would look different and act different to the world around us? What if i were to stop and think most moments of the day "Is God's face shining on me right now". If His glory is shining in and through you and me...we would look and act different. Let's seek that place together.

Psalm 65 Forgiveness

My four-year old loves to hear stories. John tells him stories most days and nights (or fairy tales!) but he has been working a lot lately and the other day Jonah asked me if would tell him a story. So I started telling him stories of when I went to Africa. Just little snippets of canoe trips with hippo's and pooping in a hole and building a library that is nothing like the Hudson library. He is so intrigued and asks a million questions...and I enjoy the time to reminisce. After reading through Psalm 65--I am reminded that God forgives. No matter how big of a sin or how daily and mundane they seem--He forgives!
I remember clearly the day that I felt forgiven. It was a day in Africa when I was 16. I was running away from it all (hence the reason I went so far away) but God had other plans for me. He wanted to shower me with his great love and forgiveness. I felt washed clean and a permanent smile was stuck on my face. I felt free and loved and FORGIVEN!
Psalm 65:3 says "When you were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions." Let God in and let him forgive. Repent--lay your sins at His feet and feel the amazing forgiveness that He has to offer. Then...if needed...make sure you forgive someone too. And then...tell someone your story because they probably need to hear it!

Psalm 72 - Perfect Leader

Most leaders especially in the political arena have huge hopes and dreams of how effective their leadership will be. I believe most really do want the change they promise but they lack the power and means to do everything they promise which leaves people disappointed and dissatisfied. But as Christians we've joined on the bandwagon with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Not only does he have the vision to deliver hope and justice He has the power to implement it. And He will rule for eternity not just a term. Psalm 72 reminds me of the articles you will find in newspapers a few days before election summarizing a candidates platform helping you decide whom you will vote for. Hmm lets see, all nations will serve him, he will deliver the needy, rescue from oppression and violence, he is eternal, and will rule to the ends of the earth. Where is my ballot, it's a no brainer! This is prophetic of Jesus, the Messiah, and He is who I've put my hope upon. Where do you cast your vote?
Psalm 72 - Questions
1. How does this psalm give you hope to Jesus's coming reign?
2. What kind of leader is Jesus described as here?
3. What can we do now to prepare for His second coming? Will you join the campaign to sway more voters to come to know Jesus or are you just content to be part of the winning ticket?
4. What will Jesus's kingdom be like described here?

Psalm 70- Help

When your against the ropes, when its a knife to your throat moment or your backs against a corner sometimes all you can squeeze out is a simple yet summarizing "HELP". When you get a sucker-punck, are blindsided, or hit unexpectedly and the panic flushes through your body your knee-jerk reaction is going to be to seek help. Where are you going to turn to make your plea for help? Will you ask the Lord to come quickly to your aid or will you just try to handle it yourself? Will you see that every situation can be used to exalt God, especially in your weakest moments because then it is obvious to all the God enabled you and rescued you? The quicker you admit you are poor and needy the quicker you can ask for help.
Psalm 70 Questions -
1. How do your react when chaos erupts? Do you keep cool, shut down, ask for help, or freak out?
2. Do you ask God for help or do you just expect Him to intervene?
3. Do you train your kids to ask for help or do you just step in when you see them struggling?
4. Do you exalt God for all he's done for you? How is he exalted at home, at work, at church, at family gatherings, at parties, in your neighborhood?
5. Do you recognize you are poor and needy? Do you see others that way? HOw can you be used to help and deliver others?


Monday, July 18, 2011

Psalm 68 - Serve and Be Served

Most of us will admit we need God and we are satisfied once He fills our own needs. But God doesn't save us and provide for us so we can sit back and watch those around us drown. We have been reminded continually through the Psalms that God provides. But how does He provided for you? He uses His creation and His people to provide for your needs. When you are lonely, He sends a friend. When you are disappointed, He sends an encouragement through a person, when you've been wronged, he sends justice or comfort through people, when you are hungry you eat His food. We aren't suppose to rely on people to meet our needs but are to rely on God to meet our needs with people. That means you are to serve and be served. Do you actively look for ways to serve those in need? Who in your life is fatherless, widowed, imprisoned, poor, or alone? You've been given alot to give away. But you also must allow yourself to be served. So many want to bear their burdens alone. Do you ever cry out to God for help because you are so overwhelmed but then don't take a friend up on her offer to watch your kids? Have you ever cried out to God to help your marriage but then not set up the babysitter for a date night or tell your husband you'd rather read than join the activity he's invited you to do with him. If we can cast our cares on Him who promises to daily bear our burdens then we are able to help shoulder the needs of others. If we are carrying around our burdens ourself we will get worn out and self focused. God is awesome and gives power and strength to His people to help another which proclaims the power of God.
Psalm 68 Questions -
1. What things are smoke and wax in your life that will blow and melt away before God?
2. Do you envy people or things that God chooses to bless? Could pride be limiting your relationship with God?
3. Read Ephesians 4:1-16. What gifts have you been given? Are you using them to further the fame and name of God or yourself?
4. Do you daily give your burdens to Christ to bear or do you shoulder them until they cause you to fall?
5. What do you do that proclaims the power of God?
6. Where do you turn for power and strength? When do you feel weak?

Psalm 63 What do you want?

When is the last time you felt fully satisfied? I think we have glimpses of satisfaction every day--only to be followed by deep desires of want. I can be fully satisfied after a Thanksgiving meal...only to eat again in a few hours when that feeling has left. As if I am afraid of feeling hungry! We bought a new bed a few weeks ago and I was fully satisfied with it all...and then I started looking around the room and thinking I need this picture or that rug. I can be at work and get an amazing compliment from my boss and feel satisfied...but then I get a phone call from an angry parent and that satisfaction is out the door. We can feel temporary satisfaction from our friends, husbands, children, etc...but isn't it fleeting?
See how quickly the worlds satisfactions come and go?
Psalm 63 is all about feeling satisfied in the Lord. Vs. 3 "Because your love is better than life," vs. 5 "My soul will be satisfied...". I don't know about you but I am looking forward to the day when I am satisfied FOREVER. I'm tired of my wants and needs that constantly over shadow eternal significance. The daily grind of not feeling satisfied leads us to all kinds of sin. I get upset that my husband didn't clean up this room or deal with the kids the way I would have--and I react out of anger or disgust. I easily get my feelings hurt when I don't feel satisfied with a friend or loved one and I react with a prideful comment or anything that will make me sound better. Ugh. Can we just be satisfied in the Lord today? Quiet your hearts and lift up a prayer--pray that God will be your satisfaction today. Not your kids, husbands, friends, jobs, homes, etc. Focus on the sweet thought that one day--we WILL be fully satisfied in eternity and never have another want again! Amen.

Psalm 61 Cry out!

When is the last time you called out to God? When is the last time you called out and wanted to hear what he had to say? Often I feel like we seek him--on our terms. We want to serve God--but from the comfort of our own home, living in this sin, or staying with this job....just because. Even as I was changing my baby Grady's diaper yesterday on the washing machine--I imagined for a moment what it would be like to be a missionary in a 3rd world country with little ones. TOUGH! But would I go? Would you?
We need to be open to God's call--whatever that is. Whether it's Hudson, Ohio or India--will you Go where he Goes? Psalm 61 talks about David calling and crying out to God. He is desperate to hear from him. Are we desperate to hear from Him?
Sometimes I think I know exactly what I want--but when I refocus in my quiet times--I am reminded that all I want is what God wants. I want to follow. I want to cry out. I want God to be my refuge and my strong tower. He doesn't always speak to us in the storms or messiness of life--but He does come to us in a whisper. Let Him whisper to you today!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Psalm 66 - Ruin or Refocus

Does a bad situation ruin or refocus your day? When a day just isn't going smooth do you evaluate if it is because you keep jerking the steering wheel out of God's hands? Do you look at what God is doing or what He is NOT doing? Keeping perspective will determine your attitude more than the circumstance itself. I was just in an accident on the freeway. My account could read either way. "Ugh, I got in an accident, what a pain in the butt it wasn't even my fault. It was so hot waiting, Brooke was freaking out, and then we were late getting home. I had Bible Study at my house the next morning so I was so tired and unprepared for that. I don't know why God would do that to me!" OR "I got in an accident and praise the Lord no one was hurt and it wasn't any worse. We had a storage box on our hitch which really saved us from a worse impact and more damage. Thankfully we were at the end of our vacation, in the company car and close to Jared's work. The cop was really nice and didn't give anyone a ticket. I had Bible Study in the morning at my house but it was amazing because I was able to empty myself and totally depend on God for everything. The babysitter showed up, friends brought food, and the Spirit lead me and energized me despite my lack of sleep. I can really say He protected and sustained me in that situation. Praise God!" Same account with different attitude. One focusing on the negatives, one praising God for His goodness. It is more than looking for positive it is looking for God's goodness and mercy in situations. When He brings us through trials of any kind, He promises to restore us abundantly. That will give us the hope in every situation that God is seeing us through and will redeem every situation if we trust in Him. Will you praise Him today for His awesome deeds and great power in your life?


Psalm 66 Questions -

1. How does nature shout, sing and praise God?

2. Will you say or write in your own words verses 3-4 with examples from your own life?

3. Read or recall some Old Testament history that display God's awesome power on Israel's behalf. Are you able to teach them to your children or are you relying on Sunday school for their history lesson of God's faithfulness to his people?

4. How does Moses crossing of the Red Sea foreshadow the salvation that came through Jesus? What impossible obstacle is before you? Does it feel like God lead you there but with no way out? Will you trust God to handle the details?

5. Do you let your praises and thanks to God be heard by others?

6. Do you look at the things God did or didn't do in a circumstance. Does a bad situation ruin or refocus your day?

7. Does God allow or cause bad things to happen?

8. What makes something a bad thing? Do you trust that God can redeem or use every bad situation for good.

9. What is the difference between God's discipline of his people and punishment of the wicked?

10. When God leads us through a trial where do we end up?

11. Recall the Old Testament story when God brought Shadrach Meshach and Abednego out of the fiery furnace. If God can deliver them from literal fire, he can deliver you from the heat in your life. Recall Noah and the flood, if God can protect them through a literal flood, he can protect and keep you when life gets overwhelming. How do these stories foreshadow Jesus's salvation?

12. What does abundance mean?

13. Do you have a pet or cherished sin in you heart? Something you know you can't do but enjoy wishing you could or if things were different? Will you ask for God's help to remove that desire so it doesn't hinder your communication with Him?


Saturday, July 16, 2011

Psalm 64- If lips could kill

It is a reoccurring theme because it is a reoccurring problem. If lips could kill, you'd be dead. Words are dangerous weapons. And like the arrow once they are shot, they can't be retrieved. Most of us will make it through life without breaking the "Thou shall not murder" commandment in the physical sense but how many emotional murders do we have on our hands? Can a word kill a dream, a reputation, a hope, confidence, or an opportunity? Engaged in battle there are no winners with words, only wounds. This psalm talks about ambushes and hidden snares that we are shot at from. There are words spoken to us daily that can begin to negatively penetrate our hearts and minds. These words come from the world with a message that is either building us up or tearing us down in many media forms including news reports, advertisements, TV, books, and music. There are even seemingly positive words but with the wrong message. So are we to crawl in a hole and never talk or listen to anyone again to avoid a harmful word? No. Should be become numb or try to be more tolerant of different ideas. No. God promises to fight back and avenge the wickedness of the world. We won't see it complete on this side of Christ's return but in verse 9 is says ALL mankind will fear God, proclaim (with verbal words!) the works of God, and ponder (the words of our hearts and mind!) what He has done. Have you been wounded by words or have you done the wounding? Chances are you are like me and it is yes to both. Seek God's forgiveness and grace to resolve those and seek refuge in Him, not a hole in the ground, from the verbal attacks of this world. Our hope and salvation even from words is in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Psalm 64 Questions -
1. Where does the enemy threaten you? In what areas does the world tell you that you aren't good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, worthy enough?
2. Do you stay hidden from conspirators and evil doers? What ambushes and snares might he have hidden in your life? What "guilty pleasure" have you justified to watch or read? Knowing God cares more about your holiness than happiness, should you continue?
3. What is the difference between voicing a complaint and complaining? Here David is making a complaint because his life is threatened not his comfort. When is it okay to complain?
4. Knowing the heart and mind of man is cunning. How does this effect your relationship with others? With God?
5. What 3 things will ALL men do. Will you choose to do this now?
6. What 3 things will the righteous or godly do? How can you practice that today?

Friday, July 15, 2011

Psalm 59 Who is before you?

We are reading each Psalm from our own personal perspective. My perspective on Psalm 59 may be entirely different then your perspective. Why? Because we read from what we can understand and the stories that have happened to us. As I read Psalm 59 I don't know what it feels like to be hunted and fearful of my enemies devouring me. But maybe you do? Or perhaps you know of someone who is experiencing this? This is why the community of believers is important. We need one another to "round out" the picture or to help us see another way. We need one another to point us back to God.
David says "GOD WILL GO BEFORE ME." What a strong way to think. Not saying, "I pray that God will go before me" but stating that He will. David is full out knowing that God is before him.
*Do you know that God is before you?
*Do you make your plans around what you want...or what God wants?
*Do you prayerfully consider each step that you make?

Psalm 57 Comfort in His Wings

Last night I pulled into my Mom's condo for a night at her house. I was surprised to see a little baby bird perched right under the front porch...just looking at us. I said "Jonah! go see the bird but don't touch it!"( I knew he would if I didn't tell him...a few weeks ago he was petting and holding baby squirrels) The bird was so cute but also such a sad picture. For we all know that a baby bird out on his own means something. There's a pretty good chance that the bird may not make it. For he has left the shadow of his mother's wings.
Psalm 57 starts off with "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge . I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed." What a comforting verse to read. When I think of taking refuge in the shadow of wings--I think of full coverage--like hovering under the most gigantic umbrella there is--watching the storm all around me--but not getting a drop of water on me. This is how we should think of God today--he is our comfort and shelter in times of storms.
How can we literally feel this though? How do you? I know I feel it when I read it. I can feel God's loving umbrella protecting me. David goes on to say that he "will sing and make music. Awake, my soul!" I think this Psalm ends in the way of reminding us to awake! and sing out to God. This is one way we can relish in the comfort of his wings...when our soul sings out to our heavenly father. We may suddenly feel that this is what we were created to be doing...singing out to God! And possibly we need to return to our "our nest"...go back to God and let his comforting wing protect you today.

Psalm 62 - shaken, squeezed or popped.

My mom would console me that no one would notice my giant pimple and if they did they wouldn't care. I never believed her completely but I also knew I couldn't fake a sick day. I didn't believe her because I had witnessed the gloating of some girls over the zit that had shown up on a friends face. Jen was gorgeous and still is! Pretty and popular so naturally she was envied even by friends. It was probably her only one ever but her friends pounced behind her back attempting to topple her from her high position of beauty they had actually perched her on. So whatever attempts to shake you up in life be it a zit, friends that laugh behind your back at your zit, or something worse if your hope and salvation is in the Lord you will not be shaken, squeezed or popped.
Psalm 62 Questions
1. Are you tired? Emotionally, physically, or spiritually tired? What do you do to get energized? Try for more sleep, drink caffeine, exercise, eat healthier, go to counseling, read a self-help book, listen to music? Where does the Psalmist point to for the only source of rest?
2. Have you received your gift of eternal salvation from God? Are you turning to him for your daily salvation from depression, anger, financial debt, rebellious kids, unfair gossip, broken relationships, discontent, disappointment or other enemies that continually attack you?
3. What shakes you? Ever been so mad you shook? Have you ever wanted to shake someone up? Where do you go for stability?
4. Do you find satisfaction in seeing a rival fail or miss perfect have a zit? Do you wish them luck but in you heart hope they will fall? Do you read celebrity magazines and enjoy seeing actresses look bad or predicting which couple will divorce next?
5. Do you desire to be honorable? What things would identify you as honorable? Bolder, smarter, nicer, more loyal? What does your honor depend on?
6. How can you trust in Him at all times? Look at your schedule of a typical day. How can you trust him in the morning, at the grocery store, driving, in the long line, cooking dinner, getting the mail, before bed?
7. How do you pour out your heart to Him? Do you journal to Him or pray to him first before spewing to friends, mom, husband?
8. What types of people do you look down on and avoid? Which people do you look up to and aspire to be more like? God says they are only a ______.
9. Do you extort your friends, husband, kids? How do you get what you want? Do you use pressure, force or threats?
10. Do you take advantage of "free" things? Does it make it acceptable to download free movies or music if everyone does it? Do you examine if what you get is a deal or a steal?
11. Where do you set your heart? Do you set in on that dream vacation, on a new car, house or ithing?
12. Do you lean more on the character of God as loving or as powerful? What does it mean in your life that He is perfectly balanced as both.
13. What will your reward be for what you have done?
14. David repeats verses 1-2 again in 5-6. Memorize or write these verses down to repeat this reminder to yourself again today or whenever you feel tired or shaken.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Psalm 60 - Latched

We rented a cabin last week for a vacation. The kids were running around exploring the cabin's nooks and crannies. The doors handles were latches that were difficult to open so my husband Jared warned our four year old daughter Brooke not to shut the door. Of course she slammed it in Jared's face and in the face of his warning. She thought she was capable of getting herself out of the situation and did not heed the warning. Sound familiar in your own life? Well the story continues that she could not reopen the door and became hysterical banging on the door and crying. Jared allowed it to play out for a while as she wailed about her loving her family and wanting to be with us and she even encouraged Jared to go get the hammer she had spotted at a different point in the house to break the door down. Sometimes it takes situations that seem out of control and hopeless to throw our hands up in the air and ask for help. When we stop crying and start trusting we can listen for His loving voice that will give us the appropriate steps to remove us from our situation. When we stop trying to open the door ourselves and stop suggesting to God what He should do for us, like go get a hammer to smash our opponent, we can step back out of the way and let him swing it open widely to free us and embrace us in His forgiving and capable arms. God promises to always be faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to Him. He promises to open the door even when we slam it in His face. Is there a situation that seems out of control that you are crying out for deliverance from. Maybe you need to settle down, obey His instructions, and let Him open the door His way.

Psalm 58- How Bad Bad Is

You don't have to be a parent long to determine people are born sinful. We have to be taught and disciplined to exhibit good behavior. And as surely as all people are born bad there is a God who judges the whole earth. This psalm gives graphic and disturbing imagery of how bad bad is and how bad the bad's punishment is going to be. Verse 10 is particularly haunting to me. "The righteous will be glad when the are avenged" okay that sounds good, I want justice when wrong has been done to me. But it goes on to say that the "righteous will bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked" uh, gross. I don't want to wash my feet in the blood of my unsaved friends, family and neighbors. Serial killers and terrorists, maybe but the Lord counts us all wicked. This verse isn't presented in metaphor like earlier verses 6-8. Perhaps this won't be literal but either way it isn't good news for the wicked. Be sure to share the good news that Jesus saves with a loved one today!
Psalm 58 Questions -
1. How are we teaching our children the good news or just how to be good?
2. Will you ask God to put on your heart someone who is unsaved and give you opportunity to share your testimony with them?


Psalm 56 - In God We Trust

There is a certain irony that the American coins have the phrase "In God We Trust" considering money itself has become the trust of so many Americans. We always want more of it, we work daily to earn or save it. We rely on it for needs, comforts, and pleasures but money is a means and should not be a source. The source we rely on for spiritual, emotional and physical needs os God. In Him alone should we trust. And since He is all-powerful, all-knowing and unfailingly loving we can trust him with all our needs and fear nothing else because we are secure in Him. Verse 13 reassures us we are even delivered from death, He keeps our feet from stumbling so we may walk before God in the light of life. Won't you trust him and turn your fears over to him today?
Psalm 56 Questions -
1. What are you afraid of? Circumstances, people, regrets, risk, failure, work, or something else? God is sovereign over all things.
2. Who are you afraid of? Those who know your secret, the doctor with health concerns, the neighbors that don't like you, politicians, the driver who is texting, the criminal that might get you someday, the friend who could hurt you. Trusting God will help you trust others.
3. What thank offering can you present today to show your gratitude for your salvation from sin and death?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Psalm 55 Who do you trust?

Have you ever felt all tangled up inside...with your thoughts, fears, worries and anxieties? I know I have. What works for you? Who do you go to? I have a dear older prayer partner that I share my fears and worries with. She immediately looks to scripture and prays truth from God's Word over me. There is nothing like looking at God's Word to remind us of what is true and real.
Psalm 55 is all about feeling troubled, distraught, full of fear and trembling. David even says "Oh that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest." Have you thought that before? I know I have. There have been times where I just wish I could "fly away" and my troubles would flee. I'm not sure they would--but it sounds tempting!
This Psalm is also warning us to be careful about "friends" in our lives that may hurt us...we have to be watchful and careful with who we share our deepest concerns and hurts with. It's easy to get caught up with a friend who may not be fearful of God or have the same spirit from the Lord that is within you. Keep on reaching out and loving that person--but at the end of the day--we need to follow David who says " But as for me, I trust in you."

Psalm 53 God Alone Saves

With all the theological debauchals on Reformed, Armenia's, Calvinism, Baptist, Presbyterian, Evangelical, etc...it's no wonder non-believers can be turned off by Christianity. I'm not claiming to know much about any of the listed above--but I do know what the Psalms have been saying to us. David is explaining to us in Psalm 53 that All have sinned. Only God can save us. Our place of worship or theological background or family status--has nothing to do with our place with the Lord. As Psalm 51 was reminding us--God looks at our heart. He wants to see the realness and true belief that comes only from the inside out. We can clean up our act on the outside--but God examines our heart.
But there is hope and we are told that God restores the fortunes of his people. Our salvation comes from God alone--Tell someone of this good news today!

Psalm 51 Create in me a clean heart

I vividly remember singing the hymn in church "Create in me a clean heart...O God. And renew a right spirit within me." Did you sing a long? What a reminder Psalm 51 is that God looks at our heart. His word says that He does not delight in sacrifice nor does he take pleasure in burnt offerings...but He wants a broken spirit...a broken and contrite heart. I looked up contrite and dictionary.com explains it to be sincere remorse. Really looking at the sins in our heart and bringing them to the feet of Jesus--asking him for true forgiveness.
* Who might you need to ask for forgiveness? It takes true humility to go to that person and acknowledge that you were wrong and to say sorry. Even as I'm typing this I am realizing I need to ask my Mom and husband for forgiveness. Ouch. My prideful heart wants to win and be right--I know--I need a savior. I am thankful today that God will and does create a clean heart in me...and renews my spirit.

Psalm 54 - Accident or Purpose?

A question that is often asked of kids is whether their actions were done on purpose or accident. Either way we force our kids to say sorry. And either way we have to help clean up the mess they made or help heal the wounds they inflicted. God is that good parent that helps us either way, if we made bad choices or things have happened to us. Either way we say we are sorry and ask Him to help save us from our troubles. God sustains us through all troubles when we depend on Him. Praise Him!

1. Do you depend on God to save you from ALL troubles even the ones we made the mistakes in.

2. Do you trust God when people slander you or do you verbally retaliate or defend yourself?

3. Do you go to God for your sustenance and help? What do you need to do in the first half hour of your day? What helps you through a tough day? Talking to mom on the phone, your cup of coffee, candy, a nap, a run?

Psalm 52 - Tongue tied

Our tongue is meant to be used for praising God and we should heed the warnings in this psalm to refrain from using it for harm.

1. What do you have worth bragging about? What do you take your pictures of? What do you spend money to maintain?

2. A razor sharpened is premeditated and is ready for use. Do you plan witty comebacks or say them just because it is funny? Is sarcasm ever ok to use?

3. Why is it easier to exaggerate than tell the plain truth?

4. How does an olive tree flourish? What does a healthy olive tree teach you about being at church?

5. How do you praise God around others? How can you speak well of your life and family without being a bragger?

Psalm 50 - Court room drama

There are reality shows and dramas all about lawyers and dramatic court room scenes. The news is continually updating us on sentences and we have a deep desire that justice be served and a keen interest on judging things. We are made in God's image so we have the given ability to judge but we are imperfect so our judgements are often made without all the facts or understanding of motives. But God is the perfect judge and can judge completely fair. Psalm 50 gives us glimpse into that final courtroom scene when God will summons the whole earth for their day in court. Are you serving him day to earn your get-out-of-jail-free card or are you serving him in gratitude and honor for the pardon you already received from Christ taking your place for judgement and punishment?

1. What will God be like on judgement day? What does it mean in verse 5 to be a consecrated one, to have made a convenient with God by sacrifice?

2. What do we have that God needs? What does God have that we need?

3. What do you sacrifice and offer the Lord? What is your motivation, gratitude or obligation? Do you do things for your benefit or for Gods?How does doing something in His name differ from doing something in His will?

4. Do you bristle when someone tells you what to do? Do you read His word but not apply it to your life?

5. Does watching TV/movies or reading books with adultery glorified count as throwing your lot with adulterers?

6. How does verse 22-23 change your actions or attitudes towards God and serving Him?

7. Who is the salvation of God?

8. Why does God remain silent in the face of sin? What will it be like to be accused face to face by God?

9. Which vows have you made to God? How are you doing in fulfilling them?


Psalm 48 - Powerful presence

God's presence is powerful, secure, loving and expands beyond time and space.

1. What is the city of God like? What makes her secure? What makes you secure?

2. How far does His name and praises reach? What is his name and right hand filled with? What are you doing to contribute to the spread of His name, praise and actions of righteousness?

3. Why can we be glad because of his judgements?

4. What comes to mind when you meditate on His unfailing love?

5. What are you telling the next generation about God's faithfulness to our country? To your families history? In your own life?

6. Is God your guide to the end? End of your life? End of the day? End of the earth? End of your driveway? Do put limitations on how far you will go with God, limitations on geography, time or certain people?


Psalm 46 - MIghty big choice

God is mighty to save and mighty to destroy.

Depending on your choice in life Jesus will be your Savior or God will be your destroyer. This psalm helps us understand that the same voice that ushered in the creation of the world can also melt it with a word. When we depend on God for our strength and refuge we have nothing to fear. Does it feel like your world is crumbling in around you? Are you being dependent on God or things to save you? Ask God to reveal areas in your life that aren't secure in HIm and to still your fears.

1. Why is it important to realize God is our refuge AND strength?

2. What does it mean that God is ever-present? If this is true, why do things go 'wrong'?

3. What do you fear? What makes you feel stable on this earth? Fill in the blank: "I don't know what I'd do if _________ (happened)"

4. What is mighty and strong in your life? What would you do if your health, beauty, marriage, job, bank account, computer, or kids crumbled? In order to be saved, what might need to be lost or destroyed in your life?

5. Do you have a dream or plan for your life that is so concrete it isn't flexible to God's will for your life?

6. How does verse 5 encourage you? How could you use it to encourage a friend?

7. What does it mean to worship the Lord Almighty and the God of Jacob?

8. What does "be still" mean in verse 10? How do you "be still" in the midst of chaos? When are you still in a day? Is that time before God or before the TV or a glass a wine or the computer or a book or before a bowl of ice-cream. What things do you use to escape and take a break?

9. Is your safety reliant on God or things? We use car seats and seat belts, live in safe neighborhoods with locked doors, we have dogs and alarms and live in a safe nation with big bombs. How do we use those things but not rely on those things ultimate security?


Monday, July 11, 2011

Psalm 49

I was raised in a plethora of economic ups and downs. I remember being little and my mom only ordering one foot-long hot dog at the Rootbeer Stand and splitting it four ways--because that was all the money we had. I remember my mom sharing with me that when we were babies (I have two brothers) that we were the family to have received the "turkey basket" from the local church because....we didn't have the resources to have an American Thanksgiving dinner. And then came along the promotions and job locations and move on the horizon every few years--and my Dad slowly climbing the corporate ladder to what ended our landing in Hudson, Ohio. Which--as most of you know--is quite the opposite of sharing one foot-long hot dog four ways!
As a teenager I started resenting money. I didn't like what I saw it doing to my family. Sure, we had money for new wardrobes every season and Hawaii vacations and new cars--but we didn't seem like a family anymore. Time wasn't spent laughing and crying and working together anymore--time was spent separate, alone, in our rooms enjoying our "new stuff."
Psalm 49 is a clear reminder to not trust in our wealth or boast of great riches; they leave their wealth to others...to not be "overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him." vs. 16-17. The remaining verses go on to mention that though he seemed blessed and men praised him when he prospered--he will NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.
I know that what the Bible says is true--but isn't it tempting to look elsewhere for our satisfaction? To think that we need more to be more? Let' s humble ourselves today, thank the Lord for the amazing blessings we already have and live in true peace and contentment that the life we are in is the one where we will see the light of life.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Psalm 47 Do babies sing?

Grady is my one year old that loves for me to rock him and sing to him. He just needs his mom to snuggle at night and I love it :) Tonight I was singing to him Jesus Loves Me and out of no where he started "singing" in his own way, right along with me. When I would pause, he would pause...when I would sing higher--so would he. It was precious!
The Psalms are all about singing to God and Psalm 47 is no different. "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. Sing praises to God; sing praises to our King--he is greatly exalted."
I know the feeling you got when you read about little Grady singing along was a sweet one. It might have
warmed your heart and made you smile. I believe this is how God is with us...His children. We warm his heart when we sing to him--we make him smile. God wants us to sing praises to him. Not just Sunday morning in church--but all the time. In our hearts and out loud. Do you sing to Him? Do you sing praise songs with your children?Do they ever hear you worship?Whether you are just "humming" or "grunting like Grady" God hears your voice and wants to hear you make music to Him....go ahead...sing to Him! I know you will be blessed.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Pslam 45 He LOVES ME!

The other day I was riding along in the car with my family. My husband did something (or didn't do...I can't remember) but it was enough to make me feel a little irked. I started thinking "why am I so bothered?" Instead of my usual lashing out with my tongue...I spent some time thinking about what was going on inside of me. Then it hit me like a lightning bolt! I was expecting for my husband to make me feel "right"! Just like Pastor Coffey talked about on Sunday--we look for others and our stuff to make us feel right. Instead of gleaning our righteousness from the Lord--we expect others to fill that tank. So a few minutes later I confessed my sin to the Lord and went along merrily with my husband (he never even knew I was having this battle inside!) But it worked--I didn't say something that could have been hurtful because of my bleeding jealous heart. I cried out to God and He reminded me that HE LOVES ME! I don't have to have any other approval or acceptance--GOD LOVES ME.
Psalm 45: 10 says "Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear; Forget your people and your Father's house. The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord."
I am a daughter to the King! He is enthralled by my beauty. I hope you know that you are truly loved by God today--he LOVES you. We don't have to look anywhere else...and when you feel yourself starting to flare up with needing some love and acceptance--turn your eyes and ears to the Lord and He will overflow you with his abundant love.

Psalm 43 Darkness vs Light

Satan loves darkness. He loves to be in the middle of a secret. He loves what is covered up and hidden. "Live in your sin" he would shout out to you. "Don't tell anyone and no one will know" he might say. But God is the OPPOSITE. He is opposed to sin and secrets and lies and betrayal. When I think of the Lord and his throne I can imagine bright lights shining through, yellow halos, fresh and clean linens. (Okay, a little cheesy) But when we look at Psalm 43 we are told to ask God to "send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell." vs 3
Scripture tells us that in Him there is no darkness--He is light. If you have something in hiding...let it out. If you are telling secrets or keeping them in a bad way--let them be known. Nothing helps more then being honest and truthful and moving forward from there. His light will guide you if you follow it.

Psalm 41 Abandonment

I can't imagine anything worse then being abandoned by friends and loved ones when you really need them. When you are on your death bed, in divorce court or moving across the country. But I know it happens. I watch it happen and I have been a victim. I have seen it happen with my own Mother; her father has told her from the beginning that he never wanted her. My father left when I need him most at 16. Even I may walk away from a friend in need because it's "too hard" or "I don't know what to say."
The Bible tells us this will happen. Jesus was betrayed by one of his own. "Even my close friend, who I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." vs 9. Judas was a trusted treasurer and friend of Jesus. In the end, he chose a few minutes of earthly wealth and fame over a friend.
It stings. Being betrayed, feeling abandoned, feeling alone--hurts to the core. But we have HOPE, hope in the Lord. Psalm 41 reminds us that the "Lord delivers, protects, sustains, restores, is merciful, raises me up, upholds me and is pleased with me." Amen to that!!! Let's soak of up those promises and pass them along to others.

psalm 39: what if today was it?

Life is brief. Each mans life is but a breath. We bustle about but only in vain. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will get it. These are the words from David's lips--as he is crying out in anguish to his Lord.
Today as we go through our day, remember that our life here on earth is brief. Our parents lives, children's lives, friends, co-workers, husbands, etc...their lives are brief. Only God knows and has control of the numbers of our days.
Who do you want to be today? Do you want to be remembered as the nagging wife who was never satisfied? Do I want to be the one with the hardened heart because of unforgiveness, bitterness or jealous? Nope.
Today I will remember the Psalms and Ecclesiastes--the meaninglessness of a lot of what we do--the chasing after the wind. After all--God has only given us a "few days of life." Ecc. 5:18. Spend today as if it were your last--fully engaged with your children, loving and respecting your husband, supporting and encouraging your friends and most importantly--spending time in worship with your heavenly Father.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Psalm 44 - Through Thick and Thin

Psalm 44 Questions-

1. Is there a parent or spiritual mentor that could share stories of God's faithfulness to encourage you?

2. What are the bows and swords of your life that you depend on? Money, power, position, good looks, reputation, talent, technology, friends, family, or spouse?

3. Do you feel defeated even though you did everything right? Did you do something you know was God's will but it seemed to fail? Is there any Old Testament stories you can read to remind you that God redeems failures.

4. How was this passaged used in Romans 8? What point was Paul trying to make to the Romans?

5. Do you stay loyal to God even if it seems He hasn't been loyal to you? Do you only stick with God through the thick and reject Him in the thin?

6. Do you ever feel like God owes you for your good behavior? Why does God redeem us at all?

7. Are there any attacks on you, your church or Christians in general that God has seemed to hide his face from? Why does He let enemies have victories?

Psalm 42 - Dependable

1. What do you long for?

2. What do you depend on in a day?

3. Who do you make time for in a day?

4. What do you do to cheer yourself up? To cheer others up?

5. Feeling blue? Remember your past corporate gatherings of worship. Holidays, weddings, camp, conferences, retreats or last Sunday's Church service.

6. What is the remedy of being down, disturbed, feeling forgotten, sad, oppressed, mocked, or to suffering?

7. When you feel separated from God do you seek to restore your relationship immediately?

8. Do you praise him even when you are down?

9. In a day, are you directed by God's love or your schedule? Do you fall asleep at night with His song or do you lay awake with anxiety?