Psalm 136 - 8.29.23

Scripture

Psalm‬ ‭136:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”

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Observation

This Psalm is a call and response. A “call and response is a musical form in which a melody is stated in a phrase that is then followed by a second phrase that completes the idea. The first phrase is presented like a question, prompting the second phrase - the reply (Study.com).”

In the church world, it’s also called a call to response, such as when a Pastor says “He is Risen” and the congregation replies back with “He is Risen indeed!”

Because God is the definition of love, it motivates everything He does. The Psalmist speaks on God’s character, creation, power, strength and victories, but after every line, the response is  “His love endures forever.” Love is truly at the heart of who He is.

Application

Rest in God’s love in order to share it with those around me.

Have you ever been so at peace with someone, because their love goes beyond what you do, but to actually who you are?

I admit that that is one of the many things that attracted me to my husband. I was in my 20s, had just graduated from college with a really great paying job out of college and I was well known at church because I sang on stage a lot, etc. People knew me because of my outward works, but he saw something deeper in me and said something that made me know that he loved me for more than just the girl on the outside.

That’s just a small picture of Christ’s love for me. His love saved me in ways that only He could. One thing I love about my time with Jesus is that I give myself permission to just rest in His love. I can always count on Christ’s love to carry me through whatever situation is weighing on my heart.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I can also rely on His love to remind me who I am and what He has called me to do. When I lose focus, He reminds me why He saved me in the first place.

“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 ‭15:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I just want to praise You for Your love and how it endures forever. You’ve been there for me through my lowest of lows to my highest of highs. Thank You for the many ways You have revealed and continue to reveal Your love to me. Help me to cling to Your unending love in order to reflect it to a spiritually dying world. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi

Psalm 135 - 8.28.23

Scripture

Psalms‬ ‭135‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT

“The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.”

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Observation

This is a psalm which calls for everyone to praise the LORD! It is a psalm that reminds us that the LORD is good (verse 3). It reminds us that the LORD is great and powerful (verses 5-6). This psalm reminds us that the LORD is the creator of ALL things (verse 7). It is a psalm that reminds us of some of the LORD’s many miracles (verses 8-12). It is a psalm that reminds us that the LORD is compassionate and brings justice to His people (verse 14). But the main thing that this psalm reminds us is that our God, our LORD, is real, and He is alive! All other things in this world pales in comparison to Him (verses 15-18).

Application

Worship and praise the Creator, not the created.

It’s easy to want to judge how foolish those people were back then. I mean worshiping idols like a golden calf?! C’mon people! I’ll eat a calf medium rare! (Just kidding folks. I wait till my steak is full grown, but you get the picture that I’m trying to paint here). These people were worshiping created things, things that weren’t even real, things that couldn’t hear your prayers or praises, and let alone respond to them. How many times have we worshipped created things over our Creator? How can we put Jesus back as Lord over all?

God proved time and time again that He was real. He spoke and did things through His prophets and servants. He even came out of the comforts of His throne in Heaven, to come to earth and even showed us how to live. He willingly sacrificed His life on the cross for our sins. He conquered death by rising from the grave! And finally, He even left us His Holy Spirit, to guide us and empower us. I mean, what more can we ask?! What more does God need to do to show that He is real, that He is almighty, that He is sovereign, and that He loves us? We cannot disrespect God by worshiping things that just fade, rust, and aren’t even real. Give God the respect, honor, and praise He deserves. Give God ALL our worship!

Prayer

Father God, I choose to worship You! Thank You for all that you have done in my life. Time and time again You show me that You are real because of Your faithfulness. Thank You for granting me my faith that helps me see You and all the things You have done. May You help me show and teach others about You. May You reveal Yourself to them. Open their eyes and their hearts LORD. May these people come to know You more by putting their faith in Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

Ezekiel 18 - 8.25.23

Scripture

Ezekiel 18:32

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

Observation

God is informing the people of Israel what his justice looks like. He refuses to punish people for sins their parents committed or reward people for righteous acts their parents did. Every person will stand on their own before him. And then he goes beyond what his justice looks like to reveal his heart and desires. This is what struck me.

God’s heart is that no one should die in their sin. And it’s never too late, even for the worst sinner. He calls out to them all, “Repent and live!” It’s both a command and an invitation that reveals the heart of a God who is so good and eager to extend mercy.

Application

I feel compelled to pray for those living in sin to repent and live. Especially those who, like the prodigal son, have experienced God in the past and served him, but have since turned to sin and abandoned their faith.

Prayer

God, please draw people to you! Holy Spirit bring conviction of sin and grant them the godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Grab ahold of their hearts. Reveal your love and your kindness to them. Open their eyes to see you, to behold your glory, and captivate them with your love! For our friends and family members who don’t know you, for the people of Santa Clarita who are living in sin, please save them! May there be a move toward repentance that sweeps across the earth today! Amen.

-Levi Thompson