November 29, 2015
Better to put your hope in the unchanging Word than in the ever changing circumstances of this world. God’s Word will accomplish what it says. The one who wrote Ps.119 knew this. Take some time to study this the longest chapter in the Bible. List the different words used for Word, such as: “law, promise,” etc…
November 23, 2015
A prayer for godly perspective and vision. “Lord, turn my eyes from ‘worthless’ (vain, empty, deceitful) things, and put them on Your eternal things.” Our eyes are continually bombarded with worldly advertising, especially (and ironically) during the Christmas season. We are tempted to spend our worship on worthless things that will not fulfill and will not last. And having spent our worship in the wrong place, we have nothing left for God. As Jesus said, “Do not store up your treasure on earth” but instead “store them up in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-20). And as Paul said, “Set you eyes and affections on things above, not on earthly things” (Col.3:1-2). Stop seeking worthless things and start seeking eternal things.
November 7, 2015
It wasn’t external enemies that kept the Israelites out of the Promised Land. It was their internal grumbling. They complained against the food and against their leaders, but really they complained against God. So He allowed the grumblers to die in the wilderness, while raising up a new generation that believed. Complaining is the opposite of gratitude. It is the opposite of worship. It doubts God’s provision and Word.
November 3, 2015
The psalmist calls God’s people to use their words for His glory. Let others hear you giving thanks to the Lord in all things. Let them hear you saying His Name as you call upon Him in prayer and attribute all things unto Him. Proclaim His deeds to the peoples of the earth, so that every nation knows the Name of Jesus Christ as Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Sustainer and Friend. As long as you have breath, fill your mouths with words of praise and proclamation, so that everyone you meet hears of what God has done through Christ. Yes, call upon His Name and let the peoples of the earth hear you do it!
October 22, 2015
This Mosaic psalm encourages us to be aware of the fleeting nature of life and to determine not to waste our days. This is not a morbid instruction, but one that faces reality. We have a finite number of days appointed unto us. Number them, be aware that each day is a gift from God and a holy stewardship. The promise of eternal life should not release us to waste this season, but should pull us toward investing every moment we have for God, so that we store up riches in heaven.
October 19, 2015
I have joined the psalmist whom the Spirit inspired to write this. The Lord’s mercy has caused me to sing of Him. He has given me eternal life, so that in spite of worldly woes, my singing need never cease. He has filled my mouth with His Word, so that I desire to proclaim God’s faithfulness to my children, grandchildren, and to every generation He allows me to see. Have you joined this chorus that sings and speaks of God’s mercy and faithfulness?
October 8, 2015
The psalmist spoke of how God chose a young shepherd boy named David to be king over Israel. What was God looking for in a leader that He would choose such a one as David? God was looking for someone with “integrity” of heart. The dictionary gives several synonyms for the word Integrity: “honest, moral, decent, righteous, undivided, good, ethical, having good character.” This was God’s criteria for a leader. And in David, God found one with both character and competency (“skillfulness”). Yet, even David was only a foreshadowing of the true King, who will one day rule all of creation with such integrity and skill that His kingdom will endure throughout the ages.
October 5, 2015
When do you seek the Lord? The psalmist spoke of a day when he “sought the Lord” as a “day of my trouble.” He described his trouble sleeping and the state of his soul which seemed beyond comfort and encouragement. On such a day, he “cried out to God” (v.1). Most of us have experienced such a day. But have you yet learned to seek God on a good day?
October 1, 2015
Do you “draw near to God” every morning? Do you take a moment to lift your eyes above your circumstances to contemplate His holiness, to read His Word, to seek His direction, and to receive a fresh filling of His Spirit? Drawing near to God, we put our “trust” in Him and we fill our mouths with His praise, so that we “declare” His works all day long. Or do you attempt to live life on your own, depending on your own strength and wisdom? Why not join the psalmist and every believer throughout the ages who has discovered this secret of living: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
September 24, 2015
Are you raising children without a husband to help? You don’t have to go it alone. I often heard my mother quote this psalm in prayer after my father died. She was only 31 years old when she found herself a widow. She raised four children alone. Yet, not alone. She called on God to keep His promise to be a Father to her fatherless children and a Defender, a Husband, to her. I think He heard her prayers. My life and calling are a testament to her prayers and God’s promise.