June 30th, Psalms 86-89
It's hard to find a good throne. Not sure if you've spent much time shopping for one. They are pretty custom, originals. People will sit on almost anything. It reminds me of Buddy the Elf, when addressing the imposter Santa at the store..."you sit on a throne of lies." Then proceeds to pummel Santa in the Department store in front of all the kids! Funny in a movie!
World history is easy to get a hold of. We've all studied some parts of world history. Know rulers, kings, monarchs, dictators, presidents and all sorts of leaders with great thrones and some with no titles.
The verse that snatched my attention out of the blue was Psalm 89:14. "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you."
Chances are you that you are leading at this point in your life. It might be from an official position, or the simple fact that someone looks up to you. What's your throne made of? I'm not asking for the construction materials. God's throne is made up of that which is right, that which is just. From that thrones pours out a blessing of love and faithfulness.
The materials that make up our throne will also be a source that comes out from us. Buddy was concerned that Santa wasn't Santa and lies shouldn't be a throne that we sit on. I think Buddy is onto something, I'm certain that God is!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Psalms 80-85 "American Restoration" ; A good start at seeing how God restores
June 29th, Psalms 80-85
Many years ago I took on a summer project of restoring an old walnut table that came from my grandmother. It was the beginning of what I now understand in full measure...I am not too good with details. Sanding off varnish around the intricate lathe work on the legs was enough to drive me mad.
Now when I think of restoration I think of the TV show American Restoration. Here's a good before and after sample...
If you've ever watched the show you know that everything is restored. The externals are just the tip of the iceberg. Everything works as good as the day it came off the showroom floor, sometimes even better. Sandblasted to bare metal. Rusted, rotted pieces replaced, bearings found, motors taken care of, no stone is left unturned and he makes people pay for his excellent work. Restoration is costly business.
Three times in Psalm 80 the same verse appears. "Restore us, O God; Let your face shine, that we may be saved."
My work at restoration is half-hearted at best. It's inspiring to witness the fruit of a guy whose deep love of his life is to bring something old, used, worn back to a brand new state. It's even more amazing to consider that we are God's workmanship. God doesn't cut corners. The sandblasting isn't pleasant, but it's part of the restoration.
May the psalmist's request be ours today..."Restore us, O God; Let your face shine, that we might be saved."
As I read through the Bible this time, I have noticed the repitition of things more than ever. In this case it's not that God need to hear it more than once, rather that we would be reminded of our need. "Restore us, O God; Let your face shine that we might be saved."
Many years ago I took on a summer project of restoring an old walnut table that came from my grandmother. It was the beginning of what I now understand in full measure...I am not too good with details. Sanding off varnish around the intricate lathe work on the legs was enough to drive me mad.
Now when I think of restoration I think of the TV show American Restoration. Here's a good before and after sample...
If you've ever watched the show you know that everything is restored. The externals are just the tip of the iceberg. Everything works as good as the day it came off the showroom floor, sometimes even better. Sandblasted to bare metal. Rusted, rotted pieces replaced, bearings found, motors taken care of, no stone is left unturned and he makes people pay for his excellent work. Restoration is costly business.
Three times in Psalm 80 the same verse appears. "Restore us, O God; Let your face shine, that we may be saved."
My work at restoration is half-hearted at best. It's inspiring to witness the fruit of a guy whose deep love of his life is to bring something old, used, worn back to a brand new state. It's even more amazing to consider that we are God's workmanship. God doesn't cut corners. The sandblasting isn't pleasant, but it's part of the restoration.
May the psalmist's request be ours today..."Restore us, O God; Let your face shine, that we might be saved."
As I read through the Bible this time, I have noticed the repitition of things more than ever. In this case it's not that God need to hear it more than once, rather that we would be reminded of our need. "Restore us, O God; Let your face shine that we might be saved."
Friday, June 28, 2013
Psalm 78-79 We forget. God remembers.
Guest Blogger: Cheri Hudspith - sister to Terry White
My very first thought after reading Psalm 78 is that the people of God are “a piece of work”. It was true of Israel. It’s true of us today.
My very first thought after reading Psalm 78 is that the people of God are “a piece of work”. It was true of Israel. It’s true of us today.
I went back
and pulled the list of words that describe God’s activity:
Established
Appointed
Commanded the people to
remember
Performed wonders
Full of
wrath
Gave manna
and meat
Killed some
of them
Compassionate
Restrained his
anger
Then I
looked again, this time for the list of words that describe the people of
Israel:
Did not keep
Refused
Forgot
Sinned
Rebelled
Tested
Spoke
against
Unbelieving
Being killed
(something that got their attention but for such a short time and superficially)
As I said
before, this causes me to acknowledge we are tough to work with. My second
response is to marvel at God’s ability to be all that He is at once. He is
angry with their responses. He is mindful of their lack of capacity. God remembered,
“ … that they were but flesh… (78:39)” He acts in harsh ways at times to get
their attention but given how people typically respond was there any other
choice? Isn't it for their good?
I have given
up trying to understand when and why God allows the hard things to come into
our lives. That’s God’s part of the relationship. I do know that I want to have a different
heart than the one I am prone to have in the flesh. I don’t want to be like the
Israelites are described in this Psalm. I want a keeping, remembering,
accepting, testifying and believing heart instead.
I want to
remember the closing words of Psalm 78 about God. “With an upright heart he shepherded
them and guided them with a skillful hand.” Isn't that amazing? Amazing Grace. I for one know that I have needed every ounce
of grace that God has poured out in my direction.
www.beloved-daughter.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Psalms 74-77 Ahhh... How Majestic!!
June 27th, Psalms 74-77
Todays blog is brought to you by the number 7 and the letters Z and H. Also by the word "Majesty." It's a lovely word, I don't use it much in everyday language. It seems to have a broad meaning.
The first idea seems to be that of royalty and ships. "HMS" is the intro to British ships. Her majesty, your majesty, words that don't roll off of the tongue of an American. The second place my mind races is nature. "Purple Mountains Majesty" The idea of an awe-inspiring scene in nature that is majestic. Beautiful, overwhelming... "O Lord our Lord how Majestic is your name in all of the earth."
Sometimes I wonder if I even know the real definition to a word, so I look up majestic.
adj: having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.
No wonder I'm confused, it does have a few components. A spectacular beauty or an awareness of the presence of someone very great. (Someone dignified, which is different from someone popular, to bad people can't identify the difference very well these days.)
I pray we see well enough to witness the spectacular beauty of God. That whatever version of hero worship lives in us would always be on a much more grand scale when it comes to God. I got God's autograph this weekend, you'll never guess who I met today and got a picture with...GOD.
"Majesty, Majesty, forever I am changed by your love, in the presence of your majesty."
Todays blog is brought to you by the number 7 and the letters Z and H. Also by the word "Majesty." It's a lovely word, I don't use it much in everyday language. It seems to have a broad meaning.
The first idea seems to be that of royalty and ships. "HMS" is the intro to British ships. Her majesty, your majesty, words that don't roll off of the tongue of an American. The second place my mind races is nature. "Purple Mountains Majesty" The idea of an awe-inspiring scene in nature that is majestic. Beautiful, overwhelming... "O Lord our Lord how Majestic is your name in all of the earth."
Sometimes I wonder if I even know the real definition to a word, so I look up majestic.
adj: having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.
No wonder I'm confused, it does have a few components. A spectacular beauty or an awareness of the presence of someone very great. (Someone dignified, which is different from someone popular, to bad people can't identify the difference very well these days.)
I pray we see well enough to witness the spectacular beauty of God. That whatever version of hero worship lives in us would always be on a much more grand scale when it comes to God. I got God's autograph this weekend, you'll never guess who I met today and got a picture with...GOD.
"Majesty, Majesty, forever I am changed by your love, in the presence of your majesty."
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Psalms 70-73 A big enough portion
June 26th, Psalms 70-73
God is my portion. The part I get, the part that is mine. "My portion should be bigger" I tell myself. I've lost sight of what a portion really is. A 12 oz glass a six oz piece of meat a cup of pasta, a 2000 calorie diet. Portions become skewed and I think I need more than I think I need. I might go hungry (yeah right!!).
I hear that God is my portion, I wonder if I really know what it means to be satisfied with the portion given me. Would I, could i believe that any portion of God almighty would be enough for me or would I really want more. My desire for more is evidence of a failed understanding concerning how much of God is enough for me. My human nature to acquire more, posses more... erodes a contentment that my wife is able to display, but for me seems elusive.
"God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The portion that God has granted me now is the portion that will be forever. God's not less available to me now than he will be in eternity. That's a cool thought this morning. It all reminds me of the song "Enough."
All of you is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirst and
Every need, you satisfy me
With your love and all I have in you
Is more than enough (with an exclamation point! not a question mark?)
A portion of God will never be less than enough!!
Portion
Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
I hear that God is my portion, I wonder if I really know what it means to be satisfied with the portion given me. Would I, could i believe that any portion of God almighty would be enough for me or would I really want more. My desire for more is evidence of a failed understanding concerning how much of God is enough for me. My human nature to acquire more, posses more... erodes a contentment that my wife is able to display, but for me seems elusive.
"God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The portion that God has granted me now is the portion that will be forever. God's not less available to me now than he will be in eternity. That's a cool thought this morning. It all reminds me of the song "Enough."
All of you is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirst and
Every need, you satisfy me
With your love and all I have in you
Is more than enough (with an exclamation point! not a question mark?)
A portion of God will never be less than enough!!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Psalms 66-69 Untying the more complicated knot
June 25th, Psalms 66-69
Sing, praise, rejoice, worship. Rich Mullins used to say this was the "most repeated command in the Bible". Maybe if I can learn to do something simple, it would be a first step to untying the more complicated knot, like loving my enemy, praying for those who hurt me.
What does it take to have a heart that sings? It 's the separation of the Psalm 69. 1-29A: a heart not singing. 29b-36 A heart getting it right!! What's your song today?!
Sing, praise, rejoice, worship. Rich Mullins used to say this was the "most repeated command in the Bible". Maybe if I can learn to do something simple, it would be a first step to untying the more complicated knot, like loving my enemy, praying for those who hurt me.
What does it take to have a heart that sings? It 's the separation of the Psalm 69. 1-29A: a heart not singing. 29b-36 A heart getting it right!! What's your song today?!
"I will praise the name of God with a song!!"
Monday, June 24, 2013
Psalms 58-65 Before there were Superheroes, there was God!
June 24th, Psalms 58-65
Deliverer
A deliverer. The need and the intensity of a deliverer is exponential. God being a shelter or a refuge creates a different feeling for the moment. A calm peaceful moment. In the movie "Saving Private Ryan" there is the moment in the church, just trying to find a dry place to take a nap, have a respite before being back and engaged in warfare. A shelter.
A deliverer feels vastly different, a moment in the heat of the battle when someone would cry out "Haste Thee to help me." It is a cry of desperation as my enemy is right upon me. It reminds me of
I Samuel 23. Saul and his men are closing the net around David and his men. Saul is on one side of the mountain, David and his men on the other side. As Saul is getting closer a messenger arrives. The Philistines are attacking.
A deliverer came that day for David. The way God delivers might never be known to us. It might even be a story where we didn't even know we were in peril. A hedge of angels around us that the prophet sees but the assistant doesn't.
A deliverer is something needed in the moment, in an instant. Saul's coming, gather your things. Something is pressing, who do I call out for? "My Deliverer is coming. My Deliverer is standing by."
Superheroes swoop in at the last second to save the day. A made up world because people want these kind of things to be true. Well they are true and God doesn't need a cape and a mask.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Psalm 46-50 Fortress
June 22nd, Psalms 46-50
It's a joy to witness the giftedness of others. That takes a lot of forms. From friends who can memorize phone numbers, rattle off chapter and verse, have photographic memories, to the more standard things. Gifted musicians, artists, athletes and in today's case writers. The writer of Psalm 46 is an artist with words.
46:4-7
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The strength of this city of God, lush with water, filled with the presence of God. All this chaos surrounds her, kingdoms fighting, rising, falling. God speaks and the earth melts at the sound of his voice. How BIG is your God? How BIG is my God? How BIG is our God?
God is with us. He is our Fortress
It's a joy to witness the giftedness of others. That takes a lot of forms. From friends who can memorize phone numbers, rattle off chapter and verse, have photographic memories, to the more standard things. Gifted musicians, artists, athletes and in today's case writers. The writer of Psalm 46 is an artist with words.
46:4-7
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The strength of this city of God, lush with water, filled with the presence of God. All this chaos surrounds her, kingdoms fighting, rising, falling. God speaks and the earth melts at the sound of his voice. How BIG is your God? How BIG is my God? How BIG is our God?
God is with us. He is our Fortress
Fortress
Robin Mark
I have found a fortress in the living God
I have made, the sovereign Lord my refuge
And my voice will tell of all his saving grace
Though the depths of which no man could measure
In the days of plenty, in the days of want
I will sing my praise to you alone
For there's no heart greater than the Father's heart
And there's no love sweeter than the Son
That this love pursued us is a mystery
For the heart is base and You are Holy
Yet the streams of mercy that flow over me
Will afford me grace to stand in glory
Where with men and angels
Where with slaves and kings
I will sing my praise to you alone
For there's no heart greater than the Father's heart
And there's no love sweeter than the Son
Warning: The graphics are a bit cheesy, the song "Fortress" is grand!!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Psalms 36-39 Stronghold
June 21st, Psalms 36-39
So if your a detail oriented person you might have noticed my failure to go in the right order yesterday. Here's the u-turn for the day...
The word that caught my attention was STRONGHOLD. The psalmist uses a lot of words like this. It would be interesting how they thought of a stronghold verses a rock, strong tower, or fortress. My first thought for a strong hold is related to our season of tornadoes this spring. People down south with out a basement, who build a stronghold. A room built into the ground to outlast the power of a storm.
I think of a rock climber. Surely some of the places where anchors are placed into a rocky grag can be more or less secure. Your life is connected to the line. The quality of that placement and the kind of rock is important.
I think of vaults like in the Oceans 11,12,13 movies. Security layers upon layers to protect against thieves.
I think of a day when strongholds won't be necessary because storms won't destroy, God will be the adrenaline rush we seek, and our treasured possession will be Christ alone and no one is going to steal him.
Until then God is our strong hold when the winds blow. He is our strong hold when our lives hang on the face of the rock. He is our strong hold, because not only is he the safe but the contents therein!
When you live in the south they tell you to have a plan...what's yours? The storms will blow.
So if your a detail oriented person you might have noticed my failure to go in the right order yesterday. Here's the u-turn for the day...
The word that caught my attention was STRONGHOLD. The psalmist uses a lot of words like this. It would be interesting how they thought of a stronghold verses a rock, strong tower, or fortress. My first thought for a strong hold is related to our season of tornadoes this spring. People down south with out a basement, who build a stronghold. A room built into the ground to outlast the power of a storm.
I think of a rock climber. Surely some of the places where anchors are placed into a rocky grag can be more or less secure. Your life is connected to the line. The quality of that placement and the kind of rock is important.
I think of vaults like in the Oceans 11,12,13 movies. Security layers upon layers to protect against thieves.
I think of a day when strongholds won't be necessary because storms won't destroy, God will be the adrenaline rush we seek, and our treasured possession will be Christ alone and no one is going to steal him.
Until then God is our strong hold when the winds blow. He is our strong hold when our lives hang on the face of the rock. He is our strong hold, because not only is he the safe but the contents therein!
When you live in the south they tell you to have a plan...what's yours? The storms will blow.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Psalms 40-45 Since I gave up HOPE I feel a lot better!!
June 20th Psalms 40-45
Hope
It's been said you can live 40 days without food, 4 days without water and 4 minutes without air...but there is no life at all without hope. One of the intangibles in life that may go unnoticed is this need for hope.
Trying to think back to times in life when I've been or witnessed hopelessness. There is a despair that can be overwhelming. The psalm speaks of a deer longing for water. Here in northern MN this is a concept not really appreciated. There is water everywhere. What happens in a desert filled with a wadi and a well. What would a deer do with either of those? As the desert heats up and dries up, so does hope.
I never noticed until today that chapters 42 and 43 have the same last verse. Memorize one you get two(if your counting). "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."
In the movie Shawshank Redemption one character(prisoner) is a little concerned for the newbie(prisoner) who seems to cling on to hope. Hope is something that will mess with you in prison, best to give it up. The response is one of the great lines of the movie..."I either gotta get busy living or get busy dying!"
In the opposite world of Steve Taylor comes the song "Since I gave up hope I feel a lot better." The lyrics to the bridge...
While the world winds down to a final prayer
Nothing soothes quicker than complete despair
I predict by dinner i won't even care
Since I gave up hope I feel a lot better.
Expressed perfectly in opposite world!! Thanks Steve
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Psalm 32-35 I Vow Never to Defend Myself
June 19th, Psalms 32-35
One of A. W. Tozer's five famous vows was... "I vow never to defend myself." After reading this mornings Psalms it's easy to see where he came up with this as a value.
Psalm 35:1-2 "Contend O Lord, with those who contend with me, fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!"
Psalm 34: 17-18 "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:10 "Those who seek the Lord, lack no good thing."
Psalms 33:16-17, 20 "The King is not saved by his great army, a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation and by it's great might it cannot rescue....Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."
God is our defender and God deserves the glory for his actions. If I allow God to be my defense then I can rest is something powerful. If I choose to be my own defender, God will let me, but then it all has to be about my ability. How does God get any glory if I defend myself and give myself some props!
People spread rumors, cast doubt on us as people. It's tempting to chase it all down and correct it. But God is my defense. My friends know the truth even when others make accusation. I don't have to defend myself to everyone, I just need to be upright before my God and allow him to defend me. He has a few more resources and will do a better job!!
One of A. W. Tozer's five famous vows was... "I vow never to defend myself." After reading this mornings Psalms it's easy to see where he came up with this as a value.
Psalm 35:1-2 "Contend O Lord, with those who contend with me, fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!"
Psalm 34: 17-18 "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:10 "Those who seek the Lord, lack no good thing."
Psalms 33:16-17, 20 "The King is not saved by his great army, a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation and by it's great might it cannot rescue....Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."
God is our defender and God deserves the glory for his actions. If I allow God to be my defense then I can rest is something powerful. If I choose to be my own defender, God will let me, but then it all has to be about my ability. How does God get any glory if I defend myself and give myself some props!
People spread rumors, cast doubt on us as people. It's tempting to chase it all down and correct it. But God is my defense. My friends know the truth even when others make accusation. I don't have to defend myself to everyone, I just need to be upright before my God and allow him to defend me. He has a few more resources and will do a better job!!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Psalms 25-31 Beauty Eh!!
June 18th, Psalms 25-31
Beauty
Psalm 27:4 "to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord"
It's a word that caught my attention this morning much like beauty does. I'm inspired by a beautiful things like the rest of us. A sunset, photograph, landscape, bonsai, or my wife. Beauty draws you in, it's hard to stop looking at beauty. The focus draws us to something to the exclusion of other things that seem less beautiful.
Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder. What beauty do I see and what beauty is missed by my untrained eye? How have I missed the beauty of the Lord and misplaced it with things less beautiful?
I think of going to the shore and my kids looking for rocks. Beautiful rocks, rocks that catch your attention. Some are found easily, but evaluations begin to get a little suspect after looking at so many simple, average, not beautiful rocks. How have I given up the most beautiful thing for a whole host of average?
I wonder how reasonable is it for me to gaze upon something I can't see. Maybe my imagination needs to works a little harder to fill in blanks. How vain would it be to follow Jesus because he was the best looking man of all time? How vain are we...for focusing more on an external beauty? A facade that pleases our eyes, but messes with our heart.
Beauty is not a usual word to describe God. But when I think of the responses I see to beauty, maybe it'll change how I look at, seek, and focus on the beauty of Lord.
Beauty
Psalm 27:4 "to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord"
It's a word that caught my attention this morning much like beauty does. I'm inspired by a beautiful things like the rest of us. A sunset, photograph, landscape, bonsai, or my wife. Beauty draws you in, it's hard to stop looking at beauty. The focus draws us to something to the exclusion of other things that seem less beautiful.
Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder. What beauty do I see and what beauty is missed by my untrained eye? How have I missed the beauty of the Lord and misplaced it with things less beautiful?
I think of going to the shore and my kids looking for rocks. Beautiful rocks, rocks that catch your attention. Some are found easily, but evaluations begin to get a little suspect after looking at so many simple, average, not beautiful rocks. How have I given up the most beautiful thing for a whole host of average?
I wonder how reasonable is it for me to gaze upon something I can't see. Maybe my imagination needs to works a little harder to fill in blanks. How vain would it be to follow Jesus because he was the best looking man of all time? How vain are we...for focusing more on an external beauty? A facade that pleases our eyes, but messes with our heart.
Beauty is not a usual word to describe God. But when I think of the responses I see to beauty, maybe it'll change how I look at, seek, and focus on the beauty of Lord.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Psalms 21-25 Strength
June 17th, Psalms 21-25
In the past one of the exercises I have done as I read through the psalms is to pick out one attribute of God and simply ponder. So as I read through today's chapters the word Strength stuck out at me. So.....
In the past one of the exercises I have done as I read through the psalms is to pick out one attribute of God and simply ponder. So as I read through today's chapters the word Strength stuck out at me. So.....
Strength
Specifically God's strength, in it the King rejoices. What does it mean to live in the strength of another? How have there been times in my past when my strength was not enough and I relied on that of another person? How did that go? When things are going well it's tough to imagine because I naturally don't want to have to need from others. But I certainly know in recent years, I've come to grips with weakness.
In over my head makes "needing strength" more obvious. I think of the verse about God being the strength of my heart. I think about the comparative strength between God and I. Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing, how seldom God's strength gets pulled into situations.
Some days I wish I had an enemy to destroy. It seems more vivid and real to have someone stand opposed who is more vast and strong than yourself. Weakness is more obvious, strength more desperately needed.
What would it look like to live in the strength of God and not my own? How far am I from realizing that? Why does Christianity seem to be filled with so much weakness when the God of the universe is offering His strength? How do I walk in something new and stop growing weaker trying to muster my own strength?
Lord I realize I need to learn to walk in new ways. Thanks for your strength that you offer your people, forgive me for the fool's errand of trying to live in my own. Help me to call on your name this day, for things beyond me (recognizing them faster) and learning to need from you instead of trying to supply myself!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Psalms 17-20 To the Greatest Father of All
June 16th, Psalms 17-20
It's fun to know the story behind the Psalms. Psalm 18 is written after a day of deliverance from Saul's hand. These words weren't written while David sat on a couch eating bon-bons imagining what hardship felt like, he lived the real deal. Hear his words after escaping death...
Psalm 18 1-3, 6-8
I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield[b] and the horn[c] of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.
In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.
Words poured out from the experiences of life. A recognition of who God is and what he does!!
One of my Favorite Psalms...
Psalm 19: 1-4, 14
The heavens declare the glory of God; he skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
I always thinks in terms of contrast. I hear that God's creation pours forth speech and I try to think of the opposite. I think of the drip of a faucet that seeks to waste water and drive me mad. Imagine being thirsty and having the faucet stuck like that, one drip after another drip...drip........drip....................drip. I am thankful for God pouring out the revelation of himself that we aren't left ringing a dry towel. Keep enjoying Psalms and...
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
It's fun to know the story behind the Psalms. Psalm 18 is written after a day of deliverance from Saul's hand. These words weren't written while David sat on a couch eating bon-bons imagining what hardship felt like, he lived the real deal. Hear his words after escaping death...
Psalm 18 1-3, 6-8
I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield[b] and the horn[c] of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.
In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.
Words poured out from the experiences of life. A recognition of who God is and what he does!!
One of my Favorite Psalms...
Psalm 19: 1-4, 14
The heavens declare the glory of God; he skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
I always thinks in terms of contrast. I hear that God's creation pours forth speech and I try to think of the opposite. I think of the drip of a faucet that seeks to waste water and drive me mad. Imagine being thirsty and having the faucet stuck like that, one drip after another drip...drip........drip....................drip. I am thankful for God pouring out the revelation of himself that we aren't left ringing a dry towel. Keep enjoying Psalms and...
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Psalms 9-16 Variety, just like my life
June 15th, Psalms 9-16
The Highlights!!
Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
The Highlights!!
Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Psalm 10:14
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
Psalm 11:7
For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice; the upright will see his face.
he loves justice; the upright will see his face.
Psalm 12:5-6
“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the Lord.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6
And the words of the Lord are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold[a] refined seven times.
Psalm 13 1-2, 5-6
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 14:1
The fool[a] says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.
Psalm 15:5b
"Whoever does these things will never be moved."
That's my attempt to get you to go read the list of things!!
Psalm 16:7-11
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me, even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[a] one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Psalm 1-8 Theology meets real life
June 14th, Psalm 1-8
The disadvantage of reading straight through the Bible is that we don't get to linger too long in the book of Psalms. Psalms is a book where theology meets life. The glory of the Almighty dwelling in a fallen world. It's moments of clarity about the great, wonder of God and heart ache for sin and enemies. Coming to grips with what I believe about God paired with my current experience. David wrote much of the Psalms and David lived in the highs and lows of life. It's easy to make a connection with David as he is trying to make a connection with God.
My heart is to get people into God's word. Here are the themes fromt he first 8 books that might capture your attention...
Chapter 1: Most believe this chapter was selected to be #1. Wisdom looks like a certain kind of tree
Chapter 2: Know your place with the King
Chapter 3: How many are my foes, Lord I need your help
Chapter 4: I see what you've done for me, I need more help, I lie down in peace because of you.
Chapter 5: I will commit my ways to you, all who take refuge in you rejoice!!
Chapter 6: A deep groan of pain, God hears me and accepts my prayer.
Chapter 7: Confession of sin, Thanks to the Lord
Chapter 8: God is to be praised, How majestic is his name!!
In a few chapters you can run the whole spread of human emotions. Read a few and tell a friend what great thing inspired you!!
The disadvantage of reading straight through the Bible is that we don't get to linger too long in the book of Psalms. Psalms is a book where theology meets life. The glory of the Almighty dwelling in a fallen world. It's moments of clarity about the great, wonder of God and heart ache for sin and enemies. Coming to grips with what I believe about God paired with my current experience. David wrote much of the Psalms and David lived in the highs and lows of life. It's easy to make a connection with David as he is trying to make a connection with God.
My heart is to get people into God's word. Here are the themes fromt he first 8 books that might capture your attention...
Chapter 1: Most believe this chapter was selected to be #1. Wisdom looks like a certain kind of tree
Chapter 2: Know your place with the King
Chapter 3: How many are my foes, Lord I need your help
Chapter 4: I see what you've done for me, I need more help, I lie down in peace because of you.
Chapter 5: I will commit my ways to you, all who take refuge in you rejoice!!
Chapter 6: A deep groan of pain, God hears me and accepts my prayer.
Chapter 7: Confession of sin, Thanks to the Lord
Chapter 8: God is to be praised, How majestic is his name!!
In a few chapters you can run the whole spread of human emotions. Read a few and tell a friend what great thing inspired you!!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Job 40-42 Restoration and clarity
June 13th, Job 40-42
God doesn't answer to us, we answer to him and that is the beginning of understanding. We long for God to be our friend and it has it's time and place, but God is not our equal. His demand of our worship is not a gift for him, it's a gift for us and it's easy to turn that around.
Job makes a confession that's good for all of us..."I uttered what I did not understand...I heard of you with my ears, now my eyes see you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." There is some clarity in the magnitude of God. In the pain of Job's experience things get get said that need to be snapped back into reality. One of those for all of us is this, God can do what he wants, without our counsel or consent. Our response should be Job's initial one...The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job's friends get in trouble with God. "you have not spoken for me what was right as Job has."
I like the connection for God's restoration to come AFTER Job prayed for his friends. Forgiveness has it's lessons everywhere in our life. Job's fortune was doubled for all his trouble and he died an old man FULL of days.
God doesn't answer to us, we answer to him and that is the beginning of understanding. We long for God to be our friend and it has it's time and place, but God is not our equal. His demand of our worship is not a gift for him, it's a gift for us and it's easy to turn that around.
Job makes a confession that's good for all of us..."I uttered what I did not understand...I heard of you with my ears, now my eyes see you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." There is some clarity in the magnitude of God. In the pain of Job's experience things get get said that need to be snapped back into reality. One of those for all of us is this, God can do what he wants, without our counsel or consent. Our response should be Job's initial one...The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job's friends get in trouble with God. "you have not spoken for me what was right as Job has."
I like the connection for God's restoration to come AFTER Job prayed for his friends. Forgiveness has it's lessons everywhere in our life. Job's fortune was doubled for all his trouble and he died an old man FULL of days.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Job 38-39 God has a way that can be trusted
June 12th, Job 38-39
Job's friends have caused us to read carefully. Having to pause to consider bad arguments and if they hold anything we should value... it's like work. Yesterday was a breath of fresh air because at least that friend turned the conversation to God and spoke a series of true things about God for which we can rejoice. I let my guard down, the longer it went on, because I stopped feeling compelled to sort it out so much.
Today is God's turn to chime in, say what he wants to say. It's nice to just read it and have no sorting to do. It's all valuable because it's from God. Not that I wouldn't desire some clarification on some points, but at least I don't have to sort out what's right from what's wrong.
God's message: "I know what I'm doing and I do a lot." In an age where science has explained even more details to us, the list of God's forethought in creation has a magnitude to it that is overwhelming. God's running it all, no detail goes unnoticed. I'm guessing it's the set up for tomorrow's chapters...I know what's going on with you.
Can I say with certainty that the Lord is good and his mercy endures forever. I'm down with that while things are going well, can I say that with my heart in all the loss. God has a way that can be trusted, praise be to God for stepping into the storyline and reminding us of who he is!!
Job's friends have caused us to read carefully. Having to pause to consider bad arguments and if they hold anything we should value... it's like work. Yesterday was a breath of fresh air because at least that friend turned the conversation to God and spoke a series of true things about God for which we can rejoice. I let my guard down, the longer it went on, because I stopped feeling compelled to sort it out so much.
Today is God's turn to chime in, say what he wants to say. It's nice to just read it and have no sorting to do. It's all valuable because it's from God. Not that I wouldn't desire some clarification on some points, but at least I don't have to sort out what's right from what's wrong.
God's message: "I know what I'm doing and I do a lot." In an age where science has explained even more details to us, the list of God's forethought in creation has a magnitude to it that is overwhelming. God's running it all, no detail goes unnoticed. I'm guessing it's the set up for tomorrow's chapters...I know what's going on with you.
Can I say with certainty that the Lord is good and his mercy endures forever. I'm down with that while things are going well, can I say that with my heart in all the loss. God has a way that can be trusted, praise be to God for stepping into the storyline and reminding us of who he is!!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Job 35-37 I can see clearly now the rain has gone
June 11th, Job 35-37
We've lived in an extraordinary amount of fog here this spring. In Duluth MN the cold water of Lake Superior stays at a pretty consistent 30-something. The dome of cold air that sits over the lake is a powerful force in determining weather. The spring time offers a warm up over the earth. Heat comes from the west, cold comes from the east, the air mass meets and fog is the result(better than tornadoes!!). Fog nonetheless, a lack of clarity, cool temps and mist. It's fine for awhile, but it does get old soon...I just want summer.
It reminds me of the book of Job so far. The heat of life, combined with the cold advice of friends has really cast a lot of fog on this story. Today I've noted that the burden seemed to be lifted, like the fog here in Duluth it was lifted by the sun.
In Chapter 36 Elihu just started speaking about God. And though the hints of accusation still resonate in a few verses, it really seems like clarity is bursting forth like the sun to dry up the lingering water droplets. God is mighty, to be exalted. God delivers and opens hearts, he pulls us out of distress, etc, etc, etc.... It's a passage that seeks to help through proclamation of the greatness of God. So much different than the blaming of mankind (which was wrong) that permeated everything in the first part of this story.
The degree to which we can help each other walk through the difficulty of life is rooted in how well we know God. How well we can sing his praise and speak about his wonder. Thinking and rethinking our pain has some use as mourners think about such things as an act of mourning. But at some time God is great and greatly to be praised.
Job 37:5 "God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend!!"
We've lived in an extraordinary amount of fog here this spring. In Duluth MN the cold water of Lake Superior stays at a pretty consistent 30-something. The dome of cold air that sits over the lake is a powerful force in determining weather. The spring time offers a warm up over the earth. Heat comes from the west, cold comes from the east, the air mass meets and fog is the result(better than tornadoes!!). Fog nonetheless, a lack of clarity, cool temps and mist. It's fine for awhile, but it does get old soon...I just want summer.
It reminds me of the book of Job so far. The heat of life, combined with the cold advice of friends has really cast a lot of fog on this story. Today I've noted that the burden seemed to be lifted, like the fog here in Duluth it was lifted by the sun.
In Chapter 36 Elihu just started speaking about God. And though the hints of accusation still resonate in a few verses, it really seems like clarity is bursting forth like the sun to dry up the lingering water droplets. God is mighty, to be exalted. God delivers and opens hearts, he pulls us out of distress, etc, etc, etc.... It's a passage that seeks to help through proclamation of the greatness of God. So much different than the blaming of mankind (which was wrong) that permeated everything in the first part of this story.
The degree to which we can help each other walk through the difficulty of life is rooted in how well we know God. How well we can sing his praise and speak about his wonder. Thinking and rethinking our pain has some use as mourners think about such things as an act of mourning. But at some time God is great and greatly to be praised.
Job 37:5 "God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend!!"
Monday, June 10, 2013
Job 32-34 A good promise
June 10th, Job 32-34
Just a reminder of the baseline of truth as we navigate the opinions of many...Job was said to be blameless, upright, feared God and turned away from evil. In the middle of all the accusation, defenses, implications, arguments it's easy to lose sight of the main thing. The more Job gives testimony to what is accurate, the more his friends are offended. Their paradigm is so rooted in "God punishes evil" that their assumptions lead to wrong observations and a weight for a man who already knows a great weight.
Elihu steps onto the scene...still rooted in wrong assumptions, at least he offers some promise that reflects the heart of God rather than simple accusation. Job 33:25-28
I have found a ransom for them— 25 let their flesh be renewed like a child’s;
let them be restored as in the days of their youth’—
26 then that person can pray to God and find favor with him,
they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being.
27 And they will go to others and say, ‘I have sinned, I have perverted what is right,
but I did not get what I deserved.
28 God has delivered me from going down to the pit,
and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’
It's the hard part of the advice given to Job, there is a lot of truth contained in it, it's just rooted in the assumption that all of this is happening because of Job's iniquity. God restores and makes things new. I'm looking forward to the day of being restored to full well-being!!
Just a reminder of the baseline of truth as we navigate the opinions of many...Job was said to be blameless, upright, feared God and turned away from evil. In the middle of all the accusation, defenses, implications, arguments it's easy to lose sight of the main thing. The more Job gives testimony to what is accurate, the more his friends are offended. Their paradigm is so rooted in "God punishes evil" that their assumptions lead to wrong observations and a weight for a man who already knows a great weight.
Elihu steps onto the scene...still rooted in wrong assumptions, at least he offers some promise that reflects the heart of God rather than simple accusation. Job 33:25-28
I have found a ransom for them— 25 let their flesh be renewed like a child’s;
let them be restored as in the days of their youth’—
26 then that person can pray to God and find favor with him,
they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being.
27 And they will go to others and say, ‘I have sinned, I have perverted what is right,
but I did not get what I deserved.
28 God has delivered me from going down to the pit,
and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’
It's the hard part of the advice given to Job, there is a lot of truth contained in it, it's just rooted in the assumption that all of this is happening because of Job's iniquity. God restores and makes things new. I'm looking forward to the day of being restored to full well-being!!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Job 29-31 What status is required for us to listen?
June 9th, Job 29-31
Job 29 is a view of a life rooted and established in God. It's Job's life pre-trouble. There are a lot of ways people interact with those who are righteous to the core. Here's the list...
Respect of the young, honor from those who are old, people in power lean in to listen and don't speak, ears that listened. The norms were delivery of the poor, fatherless and those with no one to help them. Righteousness and justice were a robe and turban, being eyes for the blind, feet for the lame and father for the needy. Breaking the fangs of the unrighteous, making predators drop their prey. The days have been multiplied, roots spread, and dew on the branches
Men listened and kept silent, waited for words like rain and opened their mouths to let it drop in. Smiles were given to those with no confidence, like a king among his troops, like one who comforts mourners.
The comes chapter 30. People laugh, walk away, have something judgmental to say, the butt of jokes, the moral of the story, the one far off, not invited in.
People we perceive to have something to offer are used for our gain, people with nothing to offer are pushed away. As much as Job is living in the loss of family, people let it become even more. Does Job only have something to say in his prosperity? Do we ever have a speaker at our Pastor gatherings who leads a small church? The same issues exist to this day. We treat some as if they have something to say and others as if they do not. I've heard plenty of homeless people proclaim a greater clarity of theology but they have no standing, no audience. I see people with an audience who don't have much to say.
Let us learn how to hear wisdom from a number of different sources. There are more Job's to listen to than we might think.
Job 29 is a view of a life rooted and established in God. It's Job's life pre-trouble. There are a lot of ways people interact with those who are righteous to the core. Here's the list...
Respect of the young, honor from those who are old, people in power lean in to listen and don't speak, ears that listened. The norms were delivery of the poor, fatherless and those with no one to help them. Righteousness and justice were a robe and turban, being eyes for the blind, feet for the lame and father for the needy. Breaking the fangs of the unrighteous, making predators drop their prey. The days have been multiplied, roots spread, and dew on the branches
Men listened and kept silent, waited for words like rain and opened their mouths to let it drop in. Smiles were given to those with no confidence, like a king among his troops, like one who comforts mourners.
The comes chapter 30. People laugh, walk away, have something judgmental to say, the butt of jokes, the moral of the story, the one far off, not invited in.
People we perceive to have something to offer are used for our gain, people with nothing to offer are pushed away. As much as Job is living in the loss of family, people let it become even more. Does Job only have something to say in his prosperity? Do we ever have a speaker at our Pastor gatherings who leads a small church? The same issues exist to this day. We treat some as if they have something to say and others as if they do not. I've heard plenty of homeless people proclaim a greater clarity of theology but they have no standing, no audience. I see people with an audience who don't have much to say.
Let us learn how to hear wisdom from a number of different sources. There are more Job's to listen to than we might think.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Job 21-23 Thanks to those filled with good advice!!
June 7th, Job 21-23
At a certain point the debates that we have with people tend to drift further and further from value. At best we start off actually listening to each other(on a REALLY good day, when the sun is shining and it's 72 degrees). Before you know it, listening comes to an end and these discussion take a turn for the worse. I think Job senses that in the beginning of the story today..."Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on."
Everything about that line says, it's time to stop the conversation, pick it up later if you wish...or not. Sometimes, agreeing to disagree has more value than going on and on and on.
The tricky part for me in these accusations from the friends is that they are actually saying some correct things.Chapter 22:21-23 is an example...
Agree with God and be at peace, thereby good will come to you.
Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.
If you return to the Almighty you will be built up;
if you remove injustice far from your tents.
I can't disagree with that, which is in large part why having discussions with some Christians is soooo annoying. The friend is right and totally wrong, all in the same breath. Being in agreement with God is where we should be, but bad hasn't come to Job's tent because of injustice. These friends think they know so much. Lesson for the morning, don't be the advice giving friend that is clueless about what is going on. Some advice is just a heap of burning coals, a weight and fire that adds more pain, shame and heartache.
Here's to good advice and the people I trust who can give it. Thanks many times over!!
At a certain point the debates that we have with people tend to drift further and further from value. At best we start off actually listening to each other(on a REALLY good day, when the sun is shining and it's 72 degrees). Before you know it, listening comes to an end and these discussion take a turn for the worse. I think Job senses that in the beginning of the story today..."Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on."
Everything about that line says, it's time to stop the conversation, pick it up later if you wish...or not. Sometimes, agreeing to disagree has more value than going on and on and on.
The tricky part for me in these accusations from the friends is that they are actually saying some correct things.Chapter 22:21-23 is an example...
Agree with God and be at peace, thereby good will come to you.
Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.
If you return to the Almighty you will be built up;
if you remove injustice far from your tents.
I can't disagree with that, which is in large part why having discussions with some Christians is soooo annoying. The friend is right and totally wrong, all in the same breath. Being in agreement with God is where we should be, but bad hasn't come to Job's tent because of injustice. These friends think they know so much. Lesson for the morning, don't be the advice giving friend that is clueless about what is going on. Some advice is just a heap of burning coals, a weight and fire that adds more pain, shame and heartache.
Here's to good advice and the people I trust who can give it. Thanks many times over!!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Job 17-20 Job has a winning record of 6-0 heading into tomorrow
June 6th, Job 17-20
Job 19:1-6...
19 Then Job replied:
2 “How long will you torment me
and crush me with words?
3 Ten times now you have reproached me;
shamelessly you attack me.
4 If it is true that I have gone astray,
my error remains my concern alone.
5 If indeed you would exalt yourselves above me
and use my humiliation against me,
6 then know that God has wronged me
and drawn his net around me.
and crush me with words?
3 Ten times now you have reproached me;
shamelessly you attack me.
4 If it is true that I have gone astray,
my error remains my concern alone.
5 If indeed you would exalt yourselves above me
and use my humiliation against me,
6 then know that God has wronged me
and drawn his net around me.
Valid question that I've wanted to ask a few "friends." How long will you torment me?!!. It's like this... Hey look guys if I have done something wrong I get it. You can stop telling me about it over and over and over and over and over and over and over...(you get my drift), AGAIN. You've expressed it enough, now it's time for me to do something with it...oh...okay...over and over and over AGAIN." There, that's ten over's, see how annoying it is to even read, much less hear your friends tell you how rotten you are(when your not, see chapters 1-3).
The part I really like is the last phrase. If I'm in the clutches of God's judgement against me..."He has drawn His net around me." Even in God's punishment, it's a safer place to be than completely outside of his will. Which is part of the admonition at the end of the chapter for these men to examine themsleves in all of this. Much like the Psalms of David, the chapter is filled with the weight of grief, but ends in a moment of clarity... verses 25-27
25 I know that my redeemer[a] lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.[b]
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet[c] in[d] my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.[b]
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet[c] in[d] my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
The counselors get counseled and God is lifted to his rightful place by Job.
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