Psalm 150

Scripture  Psalm 150:1-2   

Praise the Lord.  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.  Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Observation-What does it say?  The fifth book of psalms includes Psalm 107-150, many of which are attributed to David.  The last five psalms, 146-150, are attributed to other authors.  This particular psalm may have been specifically written to close out the book.  It is like the climactic closing of a story.  It encourages all of creation to praise God, not only in the sanctuary, but also in all of the earth.  He is worthy of praise because of His great works.   Understanding-What does it mean?  A few years ago our middle son was having some serious issues with his digestion.  At one point, he was only eating a few bites of food at any meal, he wasn’t gaining weight, and he had very little energy.  It didn’t take an advanced medical degree to tell something was majorly wrong.  So, we began seeking expert help.  As we began going to gastroenterology specialists, the answers we were getting neither made sense nor seemed to be working.  They all stated he had Colitis and would need to put him on medication, which would eventually adversely affect his digestive system.  So we began looking into “alternative” medicines and more holistic remedies, like alternative diets.  During our research, we found several people who had a similar diagnosis who were having good results with chiropractic care.  As it turns out, there are nerves in your spine that connect to your stomach and can cause inflammation when the spine is out of alignment.  But when the spine is in alignment, the body can heal itself of many ailments. Similarly, when our spiritual life is out of alignment, it can have negative impacts on our life.  All throughout the old testament, Israel walked away from God and worshiped other gods.  They would turn to man made things, and walk away from God’s blessing.  Despite all God’s great acts, like clearing the Red Sea, bringing down manna from heaven, knocking down the walls of Jericho, etc., Israel would turn to other things.  But, when they repented and assumed a posture of worship, God would gracefully bring them back into His blessing.  When we offer praise and worship to God, we work on our own posture, gaining the humility to hope in Him and accept his greatness and control in our lives. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 Life Application  Holy Spirit, when my life gets out of alignment, help me to assume a posture of worship.  Help me to remember your faithfulness in my life, the evidence of Your great works.  For when I am low, You will carry me and lift me up.  You are glorious and worthy to be praised.

-Tyler Galloway

Hosea_8

Scripture - What stood out?Hosea 8:11“Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings,

    these have become altars for sinning. Observation - What does it say?Hosea chapter eight continues to deliver God’s message to the nation of Israel. The message contains elements of what God has in store for Israel’s future as well as the current spiritual condition of Israel. As an example of what is going on within the nation God singles out one of Israel’s tribes, Ephraim. Understanding - What does it mean?When I read verse 11 of this chapter I was able to envision the opening day for these altars. They were intended for so much good. And I believe there must have been this great sense of not only celebration but also of relief - because this was how they were going to get into a right relationship with the Lord. Upon asking an acquaintance why he chose not to believe in Jesus, my aunt’s newfound friend explained, “I just don’t trust the people in church.” With the recent spotlight on several mega church pastors and their indiscretions, it is not difficult to see why a person may think this way.  And much like the tribe of Ephraim, I am sure, that it all started off right for these pastors. The altars they built were being used for what they were intended for. Until somewhere along the way they were used for the exact opposite intention. Where did Ephraim go wrong? Where and when did these pastors, who had labored so long for God allow evil and sin to enter their souls. (Assuming the allegations are true.) With so much at stake, I am reminded of an old belief I have held onto since my 20’s - that the human spirit is so fragile. And yet we build upon it so heavily. Relationships, businesses, communities, countries, are all built on something that consistently falters, people.  Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today? If I had the opportunity to talk to my aunt’s acquaintance I would have asked that he put his trust not in people but in Jesus. And while I am sad to see pastors fall, whether they are mega or not, I am still hope filled that the mission I chose to carry out is worth the labor and worth the risk. While God uses us flawed people to carry out his mission, Our responsibility still remains the same - to spread the gospel of Jesus and make disciples of all nations. Lord I put my trust, my faith, and my hope in you today. Help me to remain on mission. Whatever you help me to build in Your Name help me to be faithful in using it for the purpose and plan you intended it to be. Always. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen. 

-kenneth lee

Matthew____21

Scripture

Matthew 21: 28-30

What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.”

“I will not,” he answered, but later changed his mind and went.

Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing . He answered. “I will, sir,” but did not go.

 

Observation

After Jesus drives people out of the temple, He begins to preach parables to those who are gathered there. He starts by telling the parable above and then follows it up with a similar story. Jesus, however, uses these parables to get a very specific point across to everyone (including the Pharisees) there.

 

Understanding

Ever been friends with someone that didn’t stay true to their word? Like they promised to do something for you or to hang out with you, but when the time comes for you to “cash in” on your favor or time spent they are nowhere to be found. And time and time again they give you their word that they will make it up to you, but their actions never match it.

Call me crazy, but I think that is what Jesus is getting at here. The heart attitude of both the sons did not match their action and results. While one said no, he thought better of himself and went out to work in the vineyard. While the other son said yes, but backed this with zero action. It makes me wonder of how many times I’ve told God I would do something and I still haven’t done it. But here’s the bottom line:

God’s a gentleman, and will not intrude on your busy schedule.

As harsh as this sounds, if you aren’t willing to match your words and promises to God with action then He’ll find someone else who’s available. God wants you to take your “yes” to Him seriously! Though He stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20)… you have to let Him in! And that requires action! Not just “Oh yeah, someone’s at the door. Open sesame!”

 

Life Application

What’s the last thing that God told you to do that you still haven’t gotten around to? Let’s be people of our word and back it with action. I feel God saying: “If you would just do the last thing I told you, breakthrough happens.”

Trusting God and following Him are not sideline sports, it requires the belief that whatever action you have to take is worth it! I know it’s difficult, believe me… so God I pray for that you lift the spirit of apathy and replace it with one of praise in doing. May we be people that selflessly make room for you, so that we can carry out what You have designed us for. Amen.

-Allison Khan