Sep 14: Mark 4, Numbers 26, Psalm 4
Sep 15: Mark 5, Numbers 27, Psalm 5
Sep 16: Mark 6, Numbers 28, Psalm 6
Sep 17: Mark 7, Numbers 29, Psalm 7
Sep 18: Mark 8, Numbers 30, Psalm 8
Sep 19: Mark 9, Numbers 31, Psalm 9
Sep 20: Mark 10, Numbers 32, Psalm 10
Sep 21: Mark 11, Numbers 33, Psalm 11
Sep 22: Mark 12, Numbers 34, Psalm 12
Sep 23: Mark 13, Numbers 35, Psalm 13
Sep 24: Mark 14, Numbers 36, Psalm 14
Sep 25: Mark 15, Deuteronomy 1, Psalm 15
Sep 26: Mark 16, Deuteronomy 2, Psalm 16
Psalm 15
Scripture
Psalm 15:1
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?”
Observation-What does it say?
King David writes this Psalm and lists the characteristics of people who can dwell in God’s sacred tent and holy mountain.
Understanding-What does it mean?
God is concerned with our character, more than He is with our outward appearance.
If you look at the list in this Psalm (blameless, righteous, truthful, not slanderous, no wrong done to a neighbor, honors and fears the Lord, keeps oath even when it hurts, lends money to poor, etc.), there is nothing in this list that talks about outward appearance such as how beautiful/handsome someone is, what type of clothes are worn, the amount of money they make, education, how big their house is, type of car they drive, their profession, how many followers they have on social media, etc. It all has to do with the person’s character and integrity.
It is fitting that King David wrote this Psalm because God didn’t chose him based on his outward appearance either. For those who don’t know King David’s story, he was the youngest son tending sheep, while his older brothers “looked” more qualified than he did to be king. However, God still chose David because of his heart, not outward appearance. This is what the Lord told Samuel (who was sent to anoint David as king):
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7
Life Application
Invest time in being a person of Godly character and integrity and be willing to go through trials with the Lord, which is how character is refined. (James 1)
Instead of trying to impress and prove ourselves to the world and people who don’t really truly care about us, why don’t we live our lives trying to impress the One who truly matters? The One who will always be there even if everything was taken away. The One who holds eternity in His hands and not only sees, rewards and will judge things done in public, but things done in private as well.
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm 14
Scripture
Psalm 14:5-7
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is their refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
- New International Version
5 Terror will grip them,
for God is with those who obey him.
6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
but the Lord will protect his people.
7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
When the Lord restores his people,
Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.
- New Living Translation
Observation-What does it say?
Although it’s unconfirmed exactly what Saul was facing when this Psalm was written, it’s clear he felt oppressed and/or opposed by unbelievers.
Understanding-What does it mean?
The message is clear…
- God is with those who obey Him
- The Lord will protect His people
- The Lord restores His people
And the third (verse 7) is my favorite…
7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
When the Lord restores his people,
Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.
It’s not a matter of if God will restore, but when; and we are reminded throughout Psalms that we serve a God who restores, who draws near, who heals, who rescues.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. - Psalm 34:18
The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. - Psalm 41:3
Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When God restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice. - Psalm 53:6
And, if we believe that our God is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever more, then it’s safe to say, we still serve a God of restoration today.
Life Application
God is the great restorer.
Restorer of relationships, hearts, people.
Restoration can take many looks – healing, the righting of wrongs, forgiveness, being made whole, providing peace – all of which we need today.
May we cry out like David for the restoration we desire and need today – in our families, in our nation, in the hearts of those we love.
-Rei Bailey