Psalm 9 - 8.20.25

Scripture

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Ps 9:10)

Observation

This Psalm was written by David. During Bible times, names meant something. A person’s name was a representation of his or her character. If you knew someone’s name, that meant that you knew them as a person. 

In this verse, David says that those who know the name of the Lord, or those who know the Lord intimately, would put their trust in Him. He has never forsaken those who seek him. 

Application

Do you know the Lord? What is the name by which you know Him? Is He your friend (John 15:15)? Is He your father (Gal 4:6)? Is He your fortress (Ps 18:2)? Is He your rock (Ps 18:2)? Is He the lifter of your head (Ps 3:3)? Is He your defence (Ps 94:22)? Is He your refuge and strength (Ps 46:1)? Is He the source of your help (Ps 121:2)? Is He your confidence (Prov 3:26)? Is He your healer (Ex 15:26)? Is He the source of your peace (Phil 4:7)? Is He your victory (Ex 17:15)? Is He your joy (Ps 43:4)? Is He your hope (Ps 71:5)? Is He your teacher (Is 48:17)? Is He your provider (Phil 4:19)? 

If we know Him, we know that we can trust in Him. Whoever has looked at His face were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed (Ps 34:5). 

Prayer

Father, Help me to know you. Lead me to a greater understanding of you. Help me to draw closer to you, knowing that when I do that you will draw close to me (James 4:8). I know that trusting in man is a snare (Prov 29:25). Help me to put my trust only in you. I don’t want to wade in ankle-deep waters of just knowing you at a surface-level, Lord. I want to know you fully, and swim in the overflowing waters of knowing you (Ez 47:3-5). Help me to develop the discipline of spending time with you consistently in fasting and praying and seeking your face. Help me to prioritize my relationship with you above all. Help me to seek your kingdom, knowing that when I do that you will add everything I need (Matt 6:33). Help me to walk in holiness and obedience. Help me Lord, because I can do nothing without you (John 15:5). In Jesus’s name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George

Titus 3 - 8.19.25

SCRIPTURE:  Titus 3:1-2 “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

OBSERVATION:  Paul’s purpose in writing to Titus was to advise him of his responsibility in supervising christians regarding right living in the Church and in society. The people on the island of Crete were known for their laziness, gluttony, evil and lying. 

APPLICATION:   As Christ-followers, we are always to keep God first.  We are taught to obey our government and our leaders. In today’s day and age, even though most of our society doesn’t always respect or reward discipline. God has called us to live upright lives before Him, and obey our government leaders. We may not always agree with them, but instead of talking bad about them, we must do what we can to be good citizens. 

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves.” 

We were saved in order to do good.  As Christ-followers, we are to submit to our government, but we should never allow them to force us to disobey God. 

PRAYER:  Even though there are many parts of our government that are corrupt, I pray Lord that You will help me not to give in to complaining or rebelling, but that I will remember to pray for our authorities and for the leaders of our land, that they will fear and reverence You, and want to do good, and what’s right, just and fair according to Your standards.

I pray for myself, that I will be peaceable, considerate and always gentle toward everyone, which is ONLY possible as I rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide me with my words and actions. 
Help me to remember that my right living is for the sake of the gospel, as it causes people to see You through my actions, and…it brings You the glory, honor and pleasure.

- Robin Orefice

Titus 2 - 8.18.25

Scripture

‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

Observation

In this chapter, Paul writes Titus and outlines instructions for him towards different groups within the church. He writes how older men and women should be mentoring the younger men and women, and how they should be conducting themselves in a way that honors God and brings no shame to His name. Paul encourages Titus of the importance of teaching and living according to a sound doctrine, which is inseparable from a godly lifestyle.

Application

Spiritual Growth Requires Discipleship.

There must be a reason our church pushes joining Small Groups and being discipled. 🤔Probably because they are proven to be effective and essential in growing in our relationship with Jesus and maturing in our faith! After all, look at how Jesus took those “twelve misfits”, (some fishermen and some tax collectors), and turned them into His disciples…disciples who would radically change the world! It started with basically a “Small Group” of men. Jesus taught them God’s Word. Jesus not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk, as He led by example. He showed His disciples how to serve and love others as they served alongside Him in ministry. As the disciples grew in their faith, Jesus then entrusted each of them to “break off” and form small groups of their own, repeating the discipleship process that they were taught and shown by Jesus Himself; thus, fulfilling Jesus’ Commission of Multiplying Christ Followers Everywhere-(Matthew 28:18-20).

It doesn’t matter what age you are when joining a Small Group either, as long as you all have the same goal which should be to grow and mature in your faith and walk with God as you do life together. Older believers bring wisdom to the table to share with the younger ones. Younger believers bring an excitement and passion that can re-motivate older believers to keep going. It’s like a saying I heard when it comes to Small Groups:

“Older believers stabilize. Younger believers energize.”

So what’s stopping you from being part of a Small Group? If you truly want to grow in your faith and walk with God, I encourage you to be part of a group of people who strive for the same thing. Be part of something bigger than ourselves. Be part of a group who will encourage you and pray for you and who will want to see you grow in your faith as you do life alongside one another. Join a Small Group today! (Click link below.)👇

https://www.desertstreams.com/small-groups

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” -Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬

Prayer

Father God, I pray and ask your blessing over each and every Small Group that is meeting. May they grow in their relationships with one another, but most importantly grow in their relationship with You. Thank You for blessing each of us with different talents and gifts. May we use them to help sharpen each other. I also pray for those who may not be a part of a group, or who are on the fence on joining one. Holy Spirit, give them that nudge to want to be part of something bigger, to know that life is not meant to be lived alone. May You bring a sense of excitement in building a discipleship culture into our church family. May each person in these groups walk away feeling refreshed, recharged, and re-motivated in their lives. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽 

-Moses Gaddi