Psalm_95

Scripture

Psalm 95:10-11 (NIV)¹⁰ For forty years I was angry with that generation;I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,and they have not known my ways.’¹¹ So I declared on oath in my anger,‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

Observation

Forever a favorite, David remains.In this Chapter, he starts with praise, encouragement of others to praise (sing for joy, shout aloud, extol Him) and acknowledgement of the great and poweful God we serve. [I love his description of God – in His hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong tohim. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land (Vs 4-6). So good! <3Then in verse 8, David speaks to who WE are in relation to God and encourages us to “hear His voice” – speaking of the consequences of a generation who didn’t.

Understanding

At least the last two weeks of PG’s Sunday messages have talked about how “disobedience brings destruction,” while “obedience brings blessings.” Not only blessings, but as was shared yesterday, blessings, cleansing, forgiveness, redemption. It is in obedience that God can make things new, whole. It is in disobedience that we experience death, or separation from God.And here we see God’s warning of exactly that – disobedience (hearts gone astray) brought anger and they were “never [able/allowed] to enter God’s rest.”As shared yesterday, this is serious stuff – so much so that God set the example, even at having to sacrifice His own son. He expected obedience of Abraham when He asked that he sacrifice his own son. So what does obedience look like? Simply put, it’s putting first things first. God desires, no…REQUIRES that He be first – no other gods before Him. So, what are we putting before God that may result in the withholding of blessings being poured out?

Life Application

For me, my busy seasons show how quickly I get uprooted, distracted and begin to put other things before God. I feel like this is evidence that I’m simply not deeply rooted enough. So…the application is to simply put God first – simple, but not easy…yet 100% necessary – that I may experience His peace, His rest, His blessings. He pours out His love daily and works in all the details for His good…but I miss it all when I turn my eyes from Him to whatever new and shiny thing comes my way…or whatever obstacle that attempts to block my path. When we keep our eyes up, upon the God who lifts us and carries us and makes us new, we rise above.God, fill me up. Forgive my wandering heart and bind it to thee. As things get busy, may I stay centered in and focused on you…not just for my own peace but as an example to those around me – that, with you, there is joy, there is peace regardless of circumstances. Fill me up, overflow, permeate this soul…that I may be used by and for YOU! In Your Name, I pray. Rei To check out the discussion or to join in click here.

Matthew__11

Scripture:  Matthew 11:28-30   “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Observation-What does it say?  After sending the twelve apostles out on a journey to heal and teach, Jesus appears to be spending some time alone.  He went on his own, from town to town, to teach and preach.  While doing this, He is approached by a group of John the Baptist’s disciples.  On John’s behalf, they inquire of Jesus if He is the messiah.  Jesus uses the words from Isaiah (ch. 35) to tell them He is fulfilling the prophecies about Him.  

Jesus then sheds light on the wisdom of God, who reveals truth to those who don’t fit the world’s definition of wisdom and intelligence.  He then carries on to speak to the hearts of those he is calling.  “It was the ordinary folk who received Jesus - and he was glad.  To all who are worn down by burdens, he offers relief” ( Zondervan Handbook of the Bible p. 561).

Understanding-What does it mean?  One of the things I love about history is reading the stories of supposed underdogs.  Those who succeeded despite being at a “disadvantage.”  Like Albert Einstein who, after teaching himself calculus at the age of 14, was denied entrance into college because of his trouble with language.  Or George Washington who, without a traditional military education, lead the burgeoning United States to victory in the Revolutionary role.  Sometimes in life we can’t see the forest for the trees, and we miss a person’s potential for the lack of their credentials.  

If we were to compare the life of Jesus to what we think of success now, he would probably be an utter failure today.  Jesus lived at home until he was almost thirty.  He quit his job as a carpenter to be homeless.  He hung out with a group of people considered to be less desirable in his culture, men who were known to be rough, dirty, or cheats.  He acted in utter defiance to the political culture.  He hadn't even finished any type of schooling to teach in the synagogues.  Yet he is the one who completes us and brings us to relationship with God.  

Jesus repeatedly calls those who are sick, who are broken, and who the world sees as useless.  He lets us unload the “requirements” the world tries to place on us.  His rules are few, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart,” and, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).  He knows our deficiencies, and he is ready to make up the difference.

Life Application  Jesus, I trust in you to fill me with the love and knowledge I need to complete your works.  Like the Psalmist cries out, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)  Even though I am lacking, Jesus I know you have prepared me for a purpose and I trust in you. 

-Tyler Galloway

2 Samuel_7

Scripture2 Samuel 7:18Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human![c]ObservationKing David is settled in his house of cedar and he realized that God's presence in the ark was living in a tent. Although, the prophet Nathan had told him to go ahead with his plans, God had a different idea…UnderstandingHumility and Gratitude are always the right response.The Lord may have rejected his offer to build a house for Him but David recognized to even be this far with God was already beyond his comprehension. And then He speaks of his future house!2 Samuel 7:12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my sonApplicationHumility and Gratitude are always the right response.God may have something for us to do and he may not but choose to be grateful for all that he has done and continues to do for us in spite of our sinful nature, our past, and our present. Choosing shouldn’t even be a choice it should just be natural.Father thank you for all that you have done for me, past, present, and future. Thank you for redeeming me and sending me your Son. Thank you for having thoughts about me and my family, and my family’s future. Thank you for all that I have big and small! Help me to remember that I am a mere human dependent on you God! In Jesus name, Amen!Deborah Lee