Psalm 93-10.13.22
Scripture
Psalm 93
1
The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
2
Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3
The seas have lifted up, Lord,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.
5
Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.
Observation
The author brings thanks to God and lists why he’s worthy of praise
Understanding
A pretty simple psalm, the author simply states that God is worthy of our praise always. Recently this theme of giving praise and worship to God has been pretty prevalent. Everywhere I look, I find more and more reasons to praise him and give him thanks.
Life Application
We need to be like the author of this psalm. In a never ending state of worship and praise for God, worship is so much more than a thing we do on a Sunday. It’s a state of being.
-Anakin Cerda
Psalm 92-10.12.22
Scripture
Psalm 92:12-15
12The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Observation-What does it say?
This Psalm was written for the Sabbath day (rest). It covers worship to the Lord and also the difference between the rebellious and the righteous.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Be part of the righteous crew, not the rebellious one.
Righteousness apart from Jesus (or the Vine) is IMPOSSIBLE! As we stay in close fellowship with the Lord through worship, prayer, His Word and other Spirit filled believers, fruit is bound to happen! However, rebellion against the Lord will always lead to defeat (verses 9-11).
Life Application
Remain in Christ’s love everyday.
Those who stay close to the Lord will still bear fruit in old age and will stay fresh and green (vs. 14).
There was one worship night where I got a picture of a very healthy, green and thriving tree. It was strong. The roots were healthy and the leaves were a vibrant color of green. I love how this Scripture talks about how those who stay close to the Lord will continue to bear fruit, even in old age! That’s encouraging to me!
Let’s worship together tonight at 7p and stay fresh and green as we kick off our 3 day Ascent of Prayer and Fasting. Let us stay connected to the One who keeps our roots strong and healthy for His glory!
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)
-Michelle Gaddi
1 John 2-10.11.22
Scripture
I John 2:8-11
Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
Observation
Darkness versus light. In the light we can see clearly, we can use our vision. In the darkness we stumble. In the light, others can see us and watch us. In the darkness, we hide. Let’s turn up the light!
Understanding
I John 2:6-Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
God’s love was revealed to us – he sent his son to die. The darkness is passing and the true light is shining. If his light is shining in us, we should be continually growing and changing to be more like him.
God’s love through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice brings us into a qualitatively different kind of existence, whereby we are able to see and walk in keeping with God’s will for our lives. We don’t merely turn on the light once in a while. We walk in the light continually, as a new way of life. (Theology of Work Bible Commentary)
If we are walking in his light, it should be evident to those around us in our words and our actions. It should be evident in our love for others.
Life Application
Jesus – I want to be in your light and I want to radiate your light! Please forgive me for all the times I have failed. Search my heart and continue to reveal to me areas that I need to work on in order to show others your love.
Today’s reading reminds me of one of my all-time favorite songs – In the Light by DC Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WlRt8z5bHA
-Debbie Dunn