Psalm 24

Scripture:

Psalm 24:1-2 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

Observation-What does it say?

This is a Psalm of David. It was possibly written as a processional song for when the Ark was first carried into Jerusalem. It begs the question of who is worthy to be in the presence of God. If it weren’t for the covenant that God made with his people, and the eventual sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, no one would be.

Understanding-What does it mean?

The other day, as I was getting ready for work, I began to feel overwhelmed with the week to come. I began to think about some of the other stressors that accompany my job, the jockeying and striving for recognition, the constant pull to fit in, as well as making sure I do my job within the policies laid out for me (even the ones I don’t agree with). In a rare moment of clarity, I knew I needed to lean on God’s strength instead of my own. I stopped my family and prayed for peace and strength for the upcoming week.

After praying, I was able to reflect on some of my past failures. Or at least what I took as failures. Jobs that I applied and didn’t get, auxiliary assignments that I was denied, and transfers that did not go through. As I was doing this, I was also listening to a sermon pod-cast, and encountered what I like to call God’s sense of humor. The pastor was speaking about Paul during one of his missionary trips. In Acts 16:6-10, we encounter the story of Paul trying, and being denied by the spirit, to go to Asia and Bithynia to share the good news of Jesus. However, he then received a very clear message from God to go to Macedonia, which was the first missionary journey into Europe. This was the jumping point for Paul to go to Rome.

The pastor aptly pointed out that, often times, a “no” from God will lead to an even bigger “YES!” On that day, God showed me His peace by shedding light on the fact that he is ultimately in control. When I trust in His wisdom, he will ultimately guide me to what His will is. So when I look back on my “failures,” I can see the “no’s” that I was hearing as God leading me to a bigger yes.

Life Application:

Jesus help me to trust in you everyday. As you taught the disciples how to pray, “Your kingdom come, and Your will be done,” let me learn to pray this earnestly. Help me to trust that you have plans for me to prosper, as you tell me in Jeremiah 29:11. I know that if I seek to bring You glory, You will work things out for good (Romans 8:28).

-Tyler Galloway

Psalm 23

Scripture - What stood out?Psalm 23The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.Observation - What does it say?A psalm of David a shepherd and a man after God’s own heart. (I had to go KJV for this one. I will never forget verse 4. Thanks Coolio!)Understanding - What does it mean?For several days now I have been contemplating the fragility of the human spirit, its brokenness. And with all that our nation is dealing with, it has been easy for me to feel overwhelmed with emotion. Overwhelmed with ideas. Overwhelmed with...confusion. As I write this and as I read today’s bible reading I read from a place of deep emptiness. Sometimes my feelings of deep sorrow bring me to a place of deep apathy like that. Where it feels like there is this giant hole in my heart.

 

And so from that unpleasant place I called out to God. And He met me in Psalm 23.  

 

I’m so lacking in - everything. You shall not want.I am broken - too. You shall be restored.I feel so empty - like everyone else. Your cup shall runneth over.

 

Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?Thank you for reminding me who my shepherd is. Thank You for Your written word. Thank you for my church family. Thank you for your perfect timing.Lord, let me pay it forward. Please, send me to somebody who needs You. Use me to draw others to You. And may they experience You the way I do. As Amazing shepherd. Prince of Peace. God of Wonders. God of all comfort. God of Love.  

 

In the name of Jesus,-kenneth lee

Colossians__4

Scripture

Colossians 4:6

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to respond to answer everyone.

 

Observation

Paul finishes his letter with some final remarks and greetings, and within these remarks he makes comment of conversation with others. He also finishes his letter off by granting grace to all those who read it, which also seems to be what he urges others to do in conversation with one another.

 

Understanding

So imagine with me for a second a girl who is extremely competitive… just imagine, she’s totally made up… maybe…

Anyway, in elementary school she would get so upset if she lost a game of four square that she would take the ball and chuck it across the playground. Simply because, if she couldn’t play, no one could… then all the little kids would tell on Allison… errr I mean… they would tell on girl and she should get in trouble by the yard duty (who may or may not have been her mom). Okay you can stop imagining now.

This is how I picture our political climate right now. Everyone is so competitive with their opinions that they completely disregard the other opinion (or the other people playing four square). But Paul says to let our conversations be full of grace. Grace is something that was freely granted to us, so it should be just as easily poured on others in conversation even when their viewpoint may not match our own. I might even go further as to say especially when they their viewpoint does not match our own.

The Message translation puts it this way:

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. The way I’ve been thinking about it is that we have been taking the wrong weapons to the fight against our nation. We have responded to hate with more hate, rather than combatting it with love. We should not seek to limit conversation with people, but instead encourage it in a healthy and productive manner. Of course I have to quote a historical figure, as I always do, so in the great words of Martin Luther King Junior: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

 

Life Application

I know that more than ever loving is easier said than done, but here’s where you can start: before taking to social media consider those who are following you, rather than stirring the pot look to have meaningful and gracious conversations in person. Intentionally work harder to be understanding and loving in these crazy times. Do an act of kindness for someone! Who knows maybe it will spill over and create a ripple effect.

-Allison Khan