November 22, 2014
Psalm 119 is the longest in the Psalms. For those who remember “Bible drills,” it lies near the middle of the Bible. It is an acrostic poem based on the 22-letter Hebrew alphabet and a meditation on the Scriptures themselves. In this verse, the Psalmist prays that God would open his eyes to understand the “wonderful truths” of God’s Word. This should be the prayer that every believer prays before opening the Word, because it is not just any book, it is God’s book. And therefore, God’s illumination is needed. Do you pray for God’s help before reading God’s Word?
November 10, 2014
This psalm of David reveals his secret strategy for success in battle, namely, “God’s help.” We often attempt “mighty things” with human strategies and plans, only to be defeated. We ask God’s help, but don’t submit to God’s way. When we face our Goliaths, we often fail because we face him wearing Saul’s armor, rather than the Shepherd’s garb.
November 6, 2014
The Psalmist’s questions beg the answer, “No one.” How can we number the glorious actions of our God? He is omnipotent and eternal. Who knows what He has done, is doing, or will do? A list of these miracles would needs be infinite too. And how can we ever praise Him adequately? Our lives are too brief and our lungs too small to worship Him long and loudly enough. Yet, in Jesus’ name, we will have eternity to try.
October 29, 2014
David understood something about God’s “love and justice.” He had learned both the loving mercy and the holy righteousness of God. Some today would view God with an “either/or” perspective. They “either” focus too much on God’s love, making Him a saccharine sweet, permissive push-over grandparent with a white beard (like Santa). “Or” they see an angry judge who is to blame for every war, disease, terrorist attack and natural disaster that befalls us. However, the Lord’s character is not simply “either/or,” but “both/and.” He is “both” full of love “and” holiness. The two traits are fully and equally His. Certainly the greatest revelation of God’s love and justice is seen in the cross of Christ. It was God’s great love that sent His Son and God’s great holiness that was satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice. At the cross we see God’s love and justice intersect.
September 28, 2014
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Psalm 103
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discipleship, prayer
As we continue our sermon series – The 7 Habits of Growing Christians – Pastor Jonathan teaches 3 movements of prayer from the book of Psalms.
September 24, 2014
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 raising four children 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 them.
September 23, 2014
This psalm was to be sung in the Temple accompanied by instruments. It is a prayer, asking God to make Himself known to people everywhere. This prayer is consistent with God’s will and it is being answered today, perhaps even in this generation. Jesus has commanded us to go to the nations and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20) and He also said that when every nation has heard the gospel, the end would come (Matt 24:14). So, we pray this psalm to God, knowing that only He can save and make Himself known, yet also knowing that we are called to be His heralds, announcing the gospel to the nations, so that they may hear and be saved.
September 9, 2014
Atheism is a heart not a head condition. The atheist claims intellectual reasons for unbelief, but the root actually lies in a “corrupt” heart. This condition of the heart is like a computer program with corrupted files, it does not respond as its designer planned. Intellectual proofs will not change a corrupted heart. A spiritual heart transplant is required.
September 8, 2014
This psalm of David was written during the time when he was hiding from Saul. Even though David was being persecuted and circumstances looked bleak, he trusted in “God’s unfailing love.” He compared himself to an olive tree that had sunk its roots into God’s house. Throughout the Middle East the olive tree is known to thrive. No matter the conditions: hot, dry, cold, wet, rocky, or sandy, this gnarly, evergreen tree will live and produce fruit. Even when cut down or burned, new shoots emerge from its roots. Some trees grow from roots that are over 2,000 years old. The olive tree was a symbol of steadfastness and fruitfulness in Israel. Where other trees would die, it thrives. This is what David declared, that with his life rooted in God’s unfailing love, he would thrive in spite of his circumstances. Instead of asking God to change our circumstances, let’s sink our roots into His living water and thrive where we’re planted!
September 7, 2014
David prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness after being confronted with his sin with Bathsheba. He did not ask for God’s mercy based on himself, but according to God’s “unfailing love” and “great compassion.” David knew what his sin deserved, yet he cried out for God to forgive according to His nature, not his own. He did not bargain with God, promising some great sacrifice. He begged God’s forgiveness, willingly confessing his sin and repentance. David’s prayer is a template for those of us who would confess our sins and seek forgiveness from God. For God has already demonstrated His own love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).