Psalm 48
Scripture: Psalm 48:9 Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
Observation-What does it say? The author of this Psalm is not known, nor is there an exact date or event to attribute it to. However, according to Charles Spurgeon, it might be attributed to the overthrow of Moab, Edom, and Ammon, during the reign of Jehoshaphat (see 2 Chronicles 20). This Psalm can be divided into three parts: Verses 1-3, a general praise of the Lord and His city; verses 4-8, a record of the confusion of Israel’s enemies attributed to God; verses 9-11, an invitation for God to reign over Israel forever.
Spurgeon continues on in his commentary, addressing some of the intricacies of verse nine, pointing out the importance of mediating on God’s goodness. If we allow ourselves, we could easily fall into the mundane routine of everyday life: wake up, go to work, eat dinner, go to sleep and repeat. But when we take time to remember the good things God has provided for us, we find strength in times of trials. Furthermore, when we meet together as a group of fellow believers, we act as a living temple. And we, as living stones, have the ability to strengthen each other through sharing God’s goodness when we are together.
Understanding-What does it mean? The other night I was scrolling through the pictures on my phone, trying to erase anything that was unnecessary because I refuse to pay for extra space in “the cloud.” This is a process that always takes a little longer than I expect. Inevitably, I end up showing my wife old pictures of our boys, her grandmother, family parties, vacations. Reminiscing about the good times, often makes the struggles we have gone through seem much smaller.
The holidays are going to be here before we know it and the same thing will happen. We will get together with our families for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, catch up on life, remember the past and celebrate the things to come. It’s through these times of fellowship that our family bond grows stronger.
In the family of God, we are called to do something similar. Hebrews 10:23-25 reads, “23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” We can take the opportunity to gather together, remember the hard times that God has brought us through, the goodness that he continually bestows upon us, and the future glory we will see through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Life Application: Jesus, remind me to be grateful, to gather and to worship. I cannot share your goodness, unless I am willing to share my life and open my home. Bless our home, and help us to be a place of safety and fellowship for others.
-Tyler Galloway
2 Peter 1
Scripture
2 Peter 1:8-9 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
Observation
The Apostle Peter a servant of God continues to encourage movement and growth to those who have been converted.
2 Peter 1:4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
Understanding
Do not be nearsighted.
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Look past what we see in the flesh. Look past what we see in our present. Look past what we see in our current trials, not to dismiss or deny what is before us but to look to the Glory that awaits us, to see the victory that has already been won!
Remember what we lost!
Sin, our old nature, fear, condemnation… We have been set free!
Application
Keep Moving Forward.
We are not bound by our past. He has given the tools to be transformed into his nature. Everyday we can apply what He has instructed for us.
Add to your faith goodness;
To goodness, knowledge;
To knowledge, self-control;
To self-control, perseverance;
To perseverance, godliness;
To godliness, mutual affection;
To mutual affection, LOVE.
Holy Spirit, empower us to Keep Moving Forward in our faith. To move from our past, to walk away from the chains that bound us. Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see what is in the Spirit, the true reality, victory! Empower us to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ! In Jesus Name, Amen!
Deborah Lee
1 Peter_5
Scripture
1 Peter 5:5
Observation
Peter urges young generations to learn and listen their elders, and for everyone (young and experienced) to act with humility and grace when dealing with fellow believers. He even argues that the success of “the flock” or the church is contingent on connection and accountability with each other; as he follows up these verses with a warning against the enemy.
Understanding
God does not abide by generational boundaries.
True confession: I get upset whenever I hear the words “well your generation…” Yes, I am aware my generation is lazy, I am aware my generation lacks the important skill of putting in hard work, I am aware of almost every little thing said about my generation. However, I think the thing that bothers me the most about this phrase is that I know everything said is true, and most things said are more times than not negative rather than positive. Yet, my generation does nothing with this information. Rather than changing our ways and proving otherwise, we get offended and post about it on social media as if that makes a difference.
To young generations now and to come, if the Bible is your standard listen to this truth: the elders placed in your life are there for a reason. They teach you everyday whether you are aware of it or not. Learn from them rather than opposing them. I have seen too many people around my age march around like they have all the knowledge and experience in the world that they miss an important lesson, that is tough to swallow, but necessary: submission. We are called to respond to the will of God, but if we can’t submit to God’s people than we will never be able to submit to God’s standards.
To more experienced generations now and to come: I apologize for any offense we young people may have caused, but can I ask for one thing of you? Patience. Rather than being quick to anger when a young person fails to understand or respond in a way of your liking, drown them with grace and humility. One more thing, thank you. Thank you for investing in young people, it doesn’t return void (even though it seems like sometimes it may).
Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
For you were called to freedom. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Life Application
Humility is a timeless fashion.
It isn’t an accident that Peter follows up his sentence about submission with one of grace and humility. Humbleness should follow every Christ-follower wherever we go, it is ultimately what draws people to the Father. If you want to see favor in your life, be humble before the Lord. If you want to see lives transformed, be humble before the Lord. May we never forget our upbringing in Christ, but may we choose to submit to the One who designed it.
-Allison Khan
1 Peter 4
1 Peter_3
Scripture
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Observation
Peter is writing to “…those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” He is writing to Christians in these various regions of the Roman Empire. He starts with the duties (within the marriage, towards one another) of wives and husbands but then turns his direction to ALL of them and calls for…UNITY (sounds familiar, no?…maybe like something we heard yesterday??) and gives practical ways to create unity – being sympathetic and compassionate towards others, loving one another and staying humble.
Understanding
Just like PG talked about yesterday, we (the [global] church) are called to unity.
There’s many reasons God desires unity for his church…but I think the most critical are that 1) that’s what he designed us for – community, and 2) we are more effective when working together for a common goal. God can use us to do more, reach more, provide more, love more, if we are working in unison. Plus, as we know, he created us all differently for the purpose of working together.
In working together, we accomplish more but an additional benefit is that it builds us up.
Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Working in unity, builds up the body, creates confidence, fosters consideration and kindness and sympathy, creates social/emotional wellness for the individuals involved, allows for refreshing (instead of burnout), etc.
Life Application
May we live in unity, community, together.
May we look for the things that bind us, rather than those that separate us.
May we seek peace…even if it takes an uncomfortable conversation to get there.
Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
To check out the discussion or to join in click here.
1 Peter 2
Scripture
2 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Observation-What does it say?
In chapter two, Peter “The Rock” is encouraging believers to push forward in growth. In doing so, he points out our status as being chosen by God. But, we weren’t chosen by God for our good. We were chosen by God for his purposes, to make known the goodness and richness of His love. Also, as a result of Him choosing us and setting us apart, we become holy, which is not something we can do on our own.
Understanding-What does it mean? I am a big fan of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series. I love the books, the movies, the action figures, all of it. For my 33rd birthday, I was lucky enough to have a hobbit themed day, compliments of my wife. It sounded great at the beginning of the day, because hobbits love to eat and so do I. But, after breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon and afternoon tea, I was about to bust at the seams. We still had two more meals to go!! But I digress.
One of my favorite character developments in the stories was that of Strider/Aragorn. Aragorn was the rightful heir of the crown of men in middle earth. Yet he chose a life of exile of sorts because he felt unworthy to lead. He had seen both the failures of his ancestors and his own, and decided to neglect his duty to a higher calling. As the stories progress, Aragorn realizes his position is not for his benefit, but for the benefit of the people.
Often times I have felt stuck in the same place as Strider. I don’t feel worthy of the goodness of God (which I’m not), so I allow myself to make poor decisions and act in ways that do not display the love of God to others. But, as I wallow in self-pity about how I am not good enough to do anything good, God is calling me out and urging me to rely on His goodness.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Life Application Jesus, help me to act in the newness you have given me. Give me the courage and boldness of a son of the king. In finding this confidence, help me to find new ways to serve others for You. For I am no longer a slave to sin.
and just for fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6t9OF8_3n8
-Tyler Galloway
1 Peter 1
1 Peter 1:16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Observation
He encourages them to be HOLY.
Understanding
Holy – Greek word “hagios”- sacred, holy- set apart by (or for) God.
How can I be holy? Without sin the way God is holy, On a consistent basis? I can barely stick to something “good” for a season.
I can do all the bad habits for years with consistency but good healthy ones… not so much! Do u know how many diets I start on Monday… I’ve gained 20 lbs since my last round of starting on Monday ! Lol!
It seems out of reach…
I believe in Jesus Christ my Lord and savior who washed my Sins away by his blood that was shed for my redemption, I am “blameless, without sin” in God’s sight.
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” (2 Timothy 1:9).
Holy also means set apart.
Application
Be Set apart.
If I’m set apart unto God for his purpose then my intentions will be to look like the image of his Son and not like the world around me.
2 Peter 2:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I will continue to look in my spiritual mirror and check my reflection. Do I see goodness, self- control, godliness…
I will keep trying and trying and trying, Doing again and again and again, Until the Holy Spirit produces the qualities that will keep me set apart.
We are called to be
SET APART, UNTO GOD, FOR HIS PURPOSE
Deborah Lee
James__5
James___4
Scripture
James_3
SCRIPTURE
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
OBSERVATION
James 2 shows “how unprofitable and dead faith is without works” and goes on to say that “such a faith is, however, apt to make men conceited and magisterial in their tempers and their talk. Those who set up faith in the manner the former chapter condemns are most apt to run into those sins of the tongue which this chapter condemns. And indeed the best need to be cautioned against a dictating, censorious, mischievous use of their tongues.”
UNDERSTANDING
There’s lots of great guidance in this chapter; but a majority can be summed up with…
Watch yo’ mouth!
- As Christians, we will be judged more strictly by what comes out of our mouths.
- The tongue, left unchecked, corrupts the whole body.
- The tongue is not easily tamed.
- Praising the Lord, while cursing those made in is likeness is a sign of an unchecked, untamed tongue.
It also requires us to acknowledge the power of the tongue. It’s small but mighty! And it can just as equally (though perhaps, not just as easily) be used for good!