Saturday, May 14th: Psalm 110, 122, 124, 131, 133 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 110, 122, 124, 131, 133

From my Life Application Bible, about Psalm 110...
This is one of the most-quoted psalms in the New Testament because of its clear references to the Messiah. In Matthew 22:41-45, Jesus quote Psalm 110:1 and applied it to himself. There are several other references to the Messiah in this psalm: Christ's final and total destruction of the wicked(Ps 110:1, 6; see Rev 6-9); Christ's reign on the earth (Ps 110:2; see Rev 20:1-7); Christ's priestly work for his people (Ps 110:3-4; see Heb 5-8); and the final battle on earth when Christ will overcome the forces of evil (Ps 110:5-6; see Rev 19:11-21). 

Many people have a vague belief in God but refuse to accept Jesus as anything more than a great human teacher. But the Bible does not allow that option. Both the Old and New Testaments proclaim the deity of the one who cam to save and to reign. 

Psalm 122: I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord".

Do we delight in going to church, like David did, or do we consider it a chore we have to do.  Often our attitude towards church is a reflection of our attitude towards Jesus.  If we don't enjoy church, maybe we need to examine our relationship with God.

Psalm 131 reminds us of the dangers of pride. It is almost impossible to proud and content or trusting in God's faithfulness.  Pride takes our focus off of God, and puts it on ourselves instead.  The consequences of which are predictably bad.

Psalm 133 reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with those around us. This doesn't mean we need to always agree on everything, but we need to learn how to agree to disagree on matters that are really not doctrinally important, and to love each other particularly when we disagree with each other.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 138, 139, 140, 141, 143

Friday, May 13th: Psalm 86, 101, 103, 108-109 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalm 86, 101, 103, 108-109

"Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart,
    that I may fear your name."  Psalm 86:11

This verse reminded me to understand that is our choice to live a separated, committed Christian life in a godless world.  We need to make this choice daily.  It is not like a tap that we can turn and off.  We need to establish uninterrupted communications with God, and this blog is only a part of that communication that we need to be doing daily.  

To teach someone is to impart or to provide a knowledge or skill for something.  In order for someone to be taught, they will require instruction, education, training, or even discipline.  David is asking to be taught.  For me the part I dislike in being taught, is the discipline.  I tend to become defensive in situations of learning when I make a mistake, and this closes my ability to learn.  If I want to be a student of God, I need to know that I will make mistakes, but that is part of learning.

"The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil." Psalm 101:4

David is expressing his desire in this verse to be fully committed to God, which is required if we want to be taught His ways.  

Like us, David was a sinner and not perfect.  Despite his shortcomings, David was still described as being a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).  What's exciting about this, is that in view of God's regard to David, no matter what our past may include, God is faithful to those that seek His forgiveness.  This brings me to Psalm 103: 11-12: 

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

This is an excellent verse indicating the extent of God's forgiveness.  God shows us mercy beyond what we deserve.  David understands that he has sinned, and his gratitude is obvious with his words in this verse.  Do we take for granted how great our God is, and how tolerant He is when we fall short?  

When we fear God, there are eternal implications.  Psalm 103:17 says, "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—."

Who wouldn't want that for their children, or their children's children?  David asked the Lord for teaching so that he would rely on God's faithfulness, and an undivided heart so that he would fear the Lord.  This is my prayer today. 

Proverbs 9:10 says that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding".  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 110, 122, 124, 131, 133

Thursday, May 12th: Psalm 68-70 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 68-70

As we read through the Psalms, I have also noticed, as Nathan mentioned yesterday, that David spends a lot of time talking to God about "those who hate me without reason" (Psalm 69:4), and how he desires for God to "deliver me from those who hate me" (Psalm 69:14).  He declares how he is "scorned, disgraced and shamed" (Psalm 69:19) and how those who are persecuting him should "be blotted out of the book of life" (Psalm 69: 28).

I learned something new as I looked into these verses.  Psalm 69 is one of many Imprecatory Psalms. I have never heard that term before and so I had to look up the definition...here is what it means... "contained within the Book of Psalms of the Hebrew Bible (תנ"ך), are those that invoke judgment, calamity, or curses, upon one's enemies or those perceived as the enemies of God."

Have you every wished, as I shamefully have, that God would bring some form of vengeance or retribution against someone who has hurt or betrayed you?  Have you had times where you have sinfully desired this and then realized how horrible that attitude was?  Praying against our "enemies" and asking God for vengeance in no way lines up with Matthew 5:44 which clearly states that we are to "love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

I found this article by John Piper called "Do I Not Hate Those Who Hate You, O Lord?"  In the article he discusses some of these verses that seem so very harsh towards David's enemies.  I appreciated his conclusion...

"We will grant to the psalmist (usually David), who speaks, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as the foreshadowed Messiah and Judge, the right to call down judgment on the enemies of God. This is not personal vindictiveness. It is a prophetic execution of what will happen at the last day when God casts all his enemies into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). We would do well to leave such final assessments to God, and realize our own corrupt inability to hate as we ought. While there is unforgivable sin for which we are not to pray, we are told to love our enemies, and pray for those who persecute us, and return good for evil (as David did). This is our vocation by faith. Let us tremble and trust God, lest we fail, and find ourselves on the other side of the curse." (John Piper)

Lord help us strive to love our "enemies" as this is what you require of us.  Help us to put aside our feelings of personal vindictiveness and leave any judgement to God.  Help us to trust in His love and justice in all situations we face.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 86, 101, 103, 108-109

Wednesday, May 11th: Psalm 58,61,62,64,65 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 58, 61, 62, 64, 65

A few thoughts as I read today's reading,

When reading through Psalms the past few weeks, I've noticed that a lot of the chapters start out with David talking about how terrible the people around him are, and how they're out to harm those that do good. As these chapters move on he talks about how great God is and by the end of the chapter there's a more positive tone, a tone of victory.

This in some ways should summarize our Christian lives. We start out lost, then learn about Christ and the forgiveness He offers, then accept and find victory. Of course there are many ups and downs along the way as we fight many battles, but in the end we will gain victory through Christ's forgiveness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A verse that stood out to me,

Psalm 61:5
For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Many of us have been raised in Christian homes and need to take the time to give thanks for this. What a tremendous opportunity and gift this is that we were given. If you weren't raised in a Christian home, and have come to know Christ, you now have the opportunity to pass this gift on to your children, and to give them this "head start".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 65:1-3
Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions

We praise God, who hears our prayers and forgives us. I found these verses reassuring and comforting. Mighty God loves us enough to hear us and forgive us, very humbling.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Psalm 68-70

Tuesday, May 10th: Psalm 39-41, 53, 55 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 39-41, Psalm 53, Psalm 55

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me & heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1

I need to be patient when seeking God (to remember that I'm working on his timetable, not mine).  He hears our prayers & knows our needs, he will answer.

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us, no one can recount to you; were I to speak & tell of them, there would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:5

While I'm waiting (patiently 😉), I should focus on the great things of God & all that he has already done for me.  I need to remind myself of his goodness & faithfulness.

But I call to God, & the Lord saves me.
Psalm 55:16

Cast your care on the Lord & he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22

I am not promised that everything I face will be taken from me when I go to God.  I can be sure, though, that he will “sustain” me.  He will enable me & I won't fall as long as I  trust him.

But as for me, I trust in you.
Psalm 55:23c

Trust is sometimes a matter of choice.  There are times when it's easy to trust God (usually hand in hand with the easy times in life).  However, when things around me are falling apart, I then need to choose to trust.  When I can't see the good in a situation, I need to choose to trust.  When I don't see how things can possibly work out, I need to choose to trust.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Psalm 58, 61, 62, 64, 65

Monday, May 9: Psalm 32, 35-38 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is

Psalm 32, 35-38

Scripture: Psalm 37: 4-7
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
⁶ He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

⁷ Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

Observation:
Don't worry about what others are doing. Rest in the Lord's will and trust in Him.

Application: I teach Grade 1. That part about "fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,  over the man who carries out evil devices!" can be translated into "just because someone else is doing it and you know it's wrong doesn't mean you should be doing it." It's a never ending conversation while training little people that even if someone else is making a bad decision you have the choice to follow them in their poor decision or choose to do what is right. All too often the temptation to join in the negative behaviour is too great. "But they were doing it!" is the justified excuse and it doesn't work for Grade 1 friends and it doesn't work for us either.

When we "fret" over what someone else is getting away with we lose our focus on what is truly important. Just like a 6 year old who begins to run around in the midst of a pre-recess or post-recess tag game they can lose sight on why running inside a crowded classroom is not a good idea. That is until the inevitable happens and someone falls and gets hurt as they snag their leg on a protruding table or crash into a unsuspecting friend who is standing still. That grade 1 student chose to join in instead of waiting to play tag in the gym or outside. Even the classic excuse "But they were chasing me!" doesn't really support them because if they wouldn't have run, they wouldn't have been chased. 

Losing focus in our lives happens just as quickly as it does for 6 year olds. When we see others getting away with things that we know are wrong we begin to question whether it is worth it to do it the right way. However, it is always worth it. When we commit to Christ we can delight in Him and we are brought into a relationship with Him where we can delight in obedience to Him. It's not always easy to obey but when we do we are seeking after what God desires for us. David writes these words even though he has been caught "playing tag in the classroom" and has suffered consequences for his actions. He chose to join in and he got hurt in the process. There is redemption when we fall. 

Prayer: Oh Awesome God and teacher. We are often not that different from 6 year olds. We know the rules we know why there are rules and yet we often choose to break them anyway. Thank you for the ability to be forgiven when we purposely choose to ignore your desires and seek to serve ourselves. Guide us and teach us to wait on you and obey in a way that shows your light in this dark world.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

Psalm 39-41, 53, 55

Sunday, MAY 8, 2016 Friday, May 6th:Psalm 27-31 ~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 27-31

To all the Moms...Happy Mothers Day! 

One only needs to watch the news on a daily basis to realize the vastness of the turmoil all around us. In a world filled with uncertainty and constant fear, do we look to God as our stronghold? In Psalm 27 vs 1 David asks the key questions that all we need to ask," The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Fear can be an emotion that overtakes us and renders us unable to to act or move forward.  Through prayer and seeking God's wisdom....we can enter the challenges facing us with the confidence of David.

On Mother's day we often take that special time to recognize the love our Mothers have bestowed on us over the years and the influence they have had on our lives. But what about those who may not have had the same loving experience that we were provided with. In reaching out to others, there are likely many people we come into contact with on a daily basis that come from broken homes where that sense of family and comfort are missing.  We need to be especially sensitive to those individuals on a day like Mothers Day and make sure we demonstrate the love that Christ provides for us.  In Psalm 27 vs 10 David states... Though my father and mother forsake me,the Lord will receive me.  As we celebrate Mothers Day today...seek out those who may need a word of encouragement and a reminder through our actions of Christs love and comfort.  Beyond the brokenness they may have experienced, the Lord is truly looking to welcome them as part of His family. 

The final thought that struck me as I read though these passages are the various metaphors that describe the nature of God. Rock (28:1), strength and shield (28:7), fortress (28:8)  In time of trouble, turmoil, or even smooth sailing, we need to remember to keep our lives anchored to Christ as it is only through our relationship with Him that we are able to navigate life's waters.   In Psalm 30 vs 6&7 David reminds us that we should never feel secure in our own strength and and what we have accomplished.  It is only through Him that we have strength. 

      

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 32, 35-38

32,

35

-

38

Saturday, May 7th: Psalm 22-26 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 22-26

Whoops - I just realized I forgot to actually press "post" on this, sorry it's late!

Thought I'm certainly enjoying reading the Psalms, I find it a bit hard to read so many in one sitting.  It's hard to take time to really savour each one.

I seem to often get Psalm 23 as my passage to write on.  Once again, I'm going to post a repeat of some fascinating things I've learned about this psalm.....

A few years ago I listened to and learned some amazing things from Ray Vander Laan and his Follow the Rabbi lectures (through Focus on the Family).

I remembered learning about the actual meaning of "green pastures" from the famous Psalm 23, and  I googled it and found this great video that explains it - and the video imagery makes the point even more than words ever could.

The green meadows were actually rocky hills, and with the very small amount of moisture available in the area, small tufts of grass grow by these small rocks, and the Shepherd leads His sheep to those tufts of grass, and every day the sheep eat them, and there is just enough for what they need for that day.

In other words - God gives us what we need for the day, or even for the moment, when we need it.  This verse is not promising us a happy-go-lucky life with no problems along the way.  No, it's promising us that God will provide what we need when we need it, and not before - if we follow Him!  The grass is sparse and we can't find it on our own.   But we can trust Him, because He was faithful yesterday and the day before that and He will continue to be faithful today and every day.

Anyway, here's the video.....




And the still waters?

In the deserts, wadis can quickly kill. In fact, in that part of the world, more people die in the desert from floods than from starvation or dehydration. When it rains in the hills, water rushes through the wadis, creating flash floods that can’t be seen or heard until it’s too late to escape.

Sheep without a shepherd go to the wadis to find fresh water and have no hope of escaping the floods. It’s the shepherd’s job to find “still water,” that is, water that doesn’t risk death.
Again, it's not referring to a beautiful placid river running through lush meadows that you lounge beside.  It's about God leading you to water that refreshes and does not lead to death.

For more about the Shepherd - click here.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 27-31

Friday, May 6th: Psalm 16, 17, 19-21 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalm 16, 17, 19-21

In today's reading there were a number of verses that stood out to me:

"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'"
Psalm 16:2  

The Lord is David's one and only good thing.  David will have nothing to do with the counterfeit gods to whom others worship.  This caused me to reflect on my own life.  I do feel that I have been blessed with many good things; my wife, kids, housing, vehicles, health, and the list goes on.  Maybe I put too high a value on those items and don't place a high enough value on God.  David was a king and was very successful, yet he knew that apart from God, he had nothing of value.

"Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin."  Psalm 17:3

Resolve.  Something we all need as christians, and David expresses his resolve in his decision in being purposeful and deliberate in not having the desire to sin.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.  The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous."
^8 9 
Psalm 19:7-9

God's law is for our good.  The side effects are life nurturing - it refreshes us, it provides understanding, we feel joy, and it provides a light in the darkness.  The decisions of God are accurate and His reputation comes with a lifetime guarantee.  Fear of the Lord; sums up what is required in following the law.

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

Having prayed that God would keep him from sinful actions, he now prays that God would govern his words and thoughts.  Something to keep in mind as its usually a thought before it turns into an action.

May our hearts be affected with the excellence of the Word of God, and also with the evil of sin and the danger we are in of it.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 22-26

Thursday May 5: Psalms 8, 9, 11-15 ~ Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 8, 9, 11-15

I am going to try and unpack Psalm 13 and touch on how this impacted my life.

verse 1 - "How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?"
This is a complete absence of hope. The first line sets the mood, even without knowing the details of the author's situation. When I went through roughly 12 years of depression, this was a mantra I would repeat in an effort to stir my soul into a reaction.

verse 2a - "How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?"
Without the support of God, the Psalmist turns to himself and finds that wholly unfulfilling.
Waking up each morning knowing it will be the same as the day before. Empty; lifeless; devoid of meaning.

verse 2b - "how long shall my enemy be exalted over me?"
The Psalm is not dated reliably to any point in David's life. However, after being such an honoured king himself, David must have found himself in a hopeless situation alone.

verse 3 - "Consider me and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes lest I sleep the sleep of death"
This is a plea for help; a desperate plea. In the absence of hope, the sleep of death beckons. Not as a solution but as an end to the suffering of both the afflicted and to those suffering because of them. I can still remember when I realized that death was the only rational option. Thinking back it still chills me.

verse 4 - "lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved."
Even if David perishes, a further injustice is that his enemies would be able to gloat over his demise.

verse 5 - "But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart rejoices in thy salvation."
That "but" is a shift away from mortal problems and considers the only things that have eternal value. Mercy, and through that, Salvation and all that comes with it.
Even in moments without hope, we are assured of Mercy and Salvation. This transition definitely had an impact on me when I needed it. Not to be cured or suddenly happy, but that defiant "but" helped get through one more day...only to loop back to verse 2.

verse 6 - "I will sing unto the LORD because he has dealt bountifully with me."
The Psalmist's problems are put in perspective and he sings out to the LORD for his blessings.
I never felt blessed, but that doesn't mean that was true. Our God doesn't change depending on our awareness of His Blessings. God's Immutability means we can hold on to His Truths even when we don't feel them in this brief moment we call life.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalms 16, 17, 19-21