November 13, 2013
How to prepare yourself for church: The Psalmist announces his intent to praise and give thanks to the Lord. He describes what he will do, with what motive he will do it, where, and in whose company. He plans to sing, shout, give a thanks-offering (this is a free-will offering above his regular tithes and offerings) motivated by his whole-hearted love. And he plans to do it at God’s house surrounded by like-minded fellow worshipers who are doing the same. I want to go to church with this guy!
November 9, 2013
If you’ve been redeemed (bought back, ransomed, delivered) by the Lord, the Psalmist encourages you to “say so!” We can never repay the One who gave His life as a ransom for us, but we can certainly give Him thanks and praise. We were sinful, separated and spiritually dead, but Christ has redeemed us, granting us His righteousness, sonship, and life. So, if you know so, SAY SO!
November 3, 2013
This is the abiding life, to seek the life-giving strength of the Vine and to walk in His presence always. Rather than seeking (worrying, wondering) what we should do about a thing, seek God’s strength and presence. Where is God in this? How can we join Him there? Not laboring in the flesh, but resting in the Spirit.
October 28, 2013
“Know” – in the imperative, it calls us to acknowledge that the Lord is God and to seek an abiding understanding and a foundational grounding that He is both Creator and Owner of all, including us. This knowing is not just transcendent, but immanent, for it calls us to not only know that He is Lord over all, but also personal, familial and shepherd to us. We can know about Him, but better yet, we can know Him personally and relationally.
October 25, 2013
The Psalmist calls us to sing, bless, tell, and declare the Name, salvation, glory, and works of God to all nations. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). So, which one(s) are you doing (singing, blessing, telling, declaring or discipling)? I like doing them all!
October 22, 2013
This psalm, attributed to Moses, 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 on planet Earth. 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 20, 2013
A Messianic psalm fulfilled in Jesus, Son of David. King David was promised that one of his sons would always sit on the throne. Yet, his royal line was removed from power by Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzer and has not led since. However, Jesus has come in the line of David as both Son of Man and Son of God. He has inaugurated the Kingdom of Heaven and all who believe in Him have become His offspring. This Kingdom is an everlasting one. This King and His people will endure forever.
October 15, 2013
Whether we come with questions seeking answers or desiring to start the day to the sound of the Savior’s voice, God still speaks to those who seek Him. We sometimes complain of God’s silence, when it’s our hearing that’s at fault. Today, I begin by listening and saying to myself, “Let me hear…”
October 10, 2013
Many of the Psalms and prophets refer to God as the Shepherd and themselves as His flock. This imagery was familiar to a people who raised sheep for generations. Their beloved King David was a shepherd as a boy, so this title became attached to the coming of the Davidic Messiah as well. So, when Jesus comes announcing himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, the flock of Israel should not have been surprised. After all, they had been praying for centuries that the Shepherd would “give ear” and listen to their cry.
September 18, 2013
David was a king and a warrior, he waited on no one, but God alone. What are you waiting on today? Find a quiet place where you can get alone with God and wait on Him to speak to you through His Word.