July 20: Matthew 20, Exodus 37, Psalm 129
July 21: Matthew 21, Exodus 38, Psalm 130
July 22: Matthew 22, Exodus 39, Psalm 131
July 23: Matthew 23, Exodus 40, Psalm 132
July 24: Matthew 24, Leviticus 1, Psalm 133
July 25: Matthew 25, Leviticus 2, Psalm 134
July 26: Matthew 26, Leviticus 3, Psalm 135
July 27: Matthew 27, Leviticus 4, Psalm 136
July 28: Matthew 28, Leviticus 5, Psalm 137
July 29: Acts 1, Leviticus 6, Psalm 138
July 30: Acts 2, Leviticus 7, Psalm 139
July 31: Acts 3, Leviticus 8, Psalm 140
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