Psalm 59 - 8.26.22

Scripture

Psalm 59:9-10

You are my strength, I watch for you;
    you, God, are my fortress,
     my God on whom I can rely.

Observation – What does it say?

David writes this Psalm when the king had sent men to his house to kill him. He finds out they are on their way and though he’s alarmed, somewhere in the timeline David breaks away to cry out to God for help and to write this prayer song to God.

He not only asks God to deliver him, but as he often did in times like these, he makes a faith declaration. He speaks out what he knows about God – God provides strength, security, and is a God he can rely on to come through. And then David chooses to allow that knowledge about God’s character to inform how he feels about his situation, how he will think about the situation, and how he will behave in the situation.

Understanding – What does it mean?

Allow what I know about God to determine my response to difficult times.

David said, “I watch for you.” He wasn’t the type to ask God for something and then run off and forget about it. He asked, knowing God would come through and so he watched for the answer to his prayer with faith and expectation.

I realize that what I know about God doesn’t always translate to my actions. I can sometimes cry out to God for help and then walk away wondering how things will turn out. That shows I obviously wasn’t putting much stock in those prayers being answered! Sometimes, though I know God is faithful, still doubt if he’ll come through. Though I know he is good and he always sees me through, I sometimes still get anxious and afraid.

Life Application – What will I do about it?

God, have mercy on me! Please forgive me for the times that I’ve allowed my circumstances to determine my feelings and thoughts, instead of you. You have come through for me again, and again, and again. I’ve faced countless challenges and you have never failed me. You have nothing left to prove. I know you’re faithful. I know you’re with me. I know you’re for me. Please help me to allow that knowledge to translate to walking in greater peace, trusting you even when situations seem impossible, watching with faith and expectation for you to answer prayer, and obeying you quickly and without hesitation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

-       Levi Thompson

James 3 -08.25.22

SCRIPTURE: James 3:2 TPT

“We all fail in many areas, but especially with our words. Yet if we’re able to bridle the words we say we are powerful enough to control ourselves in every way, and that means our character is mature and fully developed.”

OBSERVATION:

An instruction book for the Christian Life—and as Pastor Levi termed his series, “Our Faith LOOKS like Something”.

UNDERSTANDING:

“Sticks and Stones may break my bones but WORDS will NEVER hurt me”.

This was a popular saying when I was a child. Have you ever heard something so FILLED with LIES?

I’m 66 yrs old and I still remember hurtful things spoken to me when I was 9 yrs old. Words in fact Hurt! Sometimes we pretend they don’t. This is like putting a bandage on a dirty wound. It will fester and become diseased—causing more damage.

But, WORDS can also—BUILD UP!

a small word of encouragement OR a simple compliment can lift a person’s soul in a way that few other things can.

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: And a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23 KJV)

Here, James explains that our tongues are a “test” of our Maturity.

James proceeds to teach about the tongue’s power direct with an analogy of a horse’s bit and a Ship’s rudder.

When we put a small bit into a horse’s mouth we can turn the whole animal. Try to control a 1200 lb. thoroughbred horse without a bit and there may be a serious problem. Yet, put a simple small one pound bit in the mouth of that same horse—and you can direct the horse to go where you want it to go.

The same goes for the rudder of a Ship. Although Ships are massive and driven by strong winds—they are steered by a very small rudder.

So, the tongue is very small—like a bit in a horse’s mouth and a rudder on a Ship—AND it has GREAT POWER to steer not only our lives- but the lives of those around us who are impacted by our words.

“The tongue has the Power of LIFE and DEATH, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21 NIV)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

LIFE APPLICATION:

James tells us in 3:8 that it is impossible for us to “tame” our tongues. Our ability to control our words must start in our heart.

“People are known in this same way.

Out of the virtue stored in their hearts, good and upright people will produce good fruit.

Likewise, out of the evil hidden in their hearts, evil ones will produce what is evil.

For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart

will be seen by your fruit AND

will be HEARD in your WORDS.” (Luke 6:45 TPT)

Lord Jesus,

I pray YOU will cleanse my heart and continue to grow me to maturity. Your Word promises YOU will complete the good work YOU began in me. May I be fully submitted to the process. Lord, I pray good and wholesome words used for edifying others will come from me. Forgive me Lord for any time I have spoken out of turn or have offended YOU for speaking anything unpleasing YOU. May my Heart be wholly Yours. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tina L Kudelka

Psalm 57-8.24.22

Scripture

Psalm 57:7-11

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.

8 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

Observation-What does it say?

King David wrote this Psalm when he was hiding in a cave from Saul, who was after his life!

Understanding-What does it mean?

King David’s heart remained steadfast in the Lord, through worship, even in the midst of scary circumstances.

Saul wanted to destroy David’s life and not just take everything from him, but actually kill him! What did he do in response? He took refuge in the Lord and worshipped Him!

Life Application

Worship through it!

Worship is not a feeling based activity. We worship because He, the King of Kings is worthy! We worship because He is our rock and stronghold in times of trouble. We worship because His love and faithfulness is great…It reaches to the heavens and the skies as verse 10 states. He is our refuge, strength, and ever present help in any trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

This song relates to this Psalm and also Psalm 36! King David seems to write with a theme. https://youtu.be/0OBRvxrzhqs

What is a worship song that you’ve been praising God with lately?

-Michelle Gaddi