Psalm_35
Scripture:
Psalm 35:28
28 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,
your praises all day long.
Observation:
David pleads to God for defense – to fight against those who are fighting against him. [The exact period of time this psalm is linked to is unknown – so we are not sure who is fighting against him at this time.] He prays for destruction of his enemies – may they be disgraced, put to shame, ruined. He then promises praise for if/when he’s delivered. He recalls dealings with previous adversaries – how he cared for them (mourning them as if family, yet how they betrayed him). Once again, he promises praise for deliverance from his enemies then goes back to prayer for vindication.
Understanding:
David seems to often be emotionally volatile – quickly (within a single psalm) going from one thing to the next. But through much of David’s psalms he comes back to praise. Whether promises of praise or actual praise – even when he doesn’t get what he wants, when he is delivered, with his whole being, remembering what God has done before (even if it doesn’t much what he’s experiencing in the moment), praising God’s character, love and compassion. Despite his frustrations, his hurts, the times where he felt left and abandoned, he seemingly always turned to praise.
Life Application:
Always return to praise.
Regardless of where you may be today, there is something to praise God for. If you need to jog your memory, I’ve included a list here from Psalm 103…
What God has done for us…
- He forgives our sins (verse 3).
- He heals our bodies (verse 3).
- He has saved us from hell (verse 4).
- He blesses us with love and compassion (verse 4).
- He satisfies us so deeply that it’s invigorating (verse 5).
- He will deliver justice for the oppressed (verse 6).
- He has revealed His character and deeds to us (verse 7).
- He will not forever accuse or be angry with us for the sins we have committed against Him (verse 9).
- He does not treat us the way we deserve to be treated or seek to punish us for our sins (verse 10).
- He has cleansed us from our sins (verse 12).
- He has the compassion of a Father who knows His children will sometimes fail to obey (verses 13-14).
- His love for His followers prevails over generations (verse 17).
Who God is…
- He is just (verse 6).
- He is compassionate (verse 8).
- He is gracious (verse 8).
- He is slow to anger (verse 8).
- He overflows with love (verse 8).
- He loves His followers beyond our imagination (verse 11).
- He is worthy of praise in heaven and on earth (verse 22).
https://www.scriptureconfidentliving.com/blog/how-to-praise-god-like-king-david
Let’s take time to praise today! <3
Rei
Psalm 34
Scripture: Psalm 34:17-18 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Observation-What does it say? David had an eventful life. From his humble beginning as a shepherd and being the youngest in his family. For a time, he was King Saul’s personal harp player. He was then thrust into the limelight after killing Goliath. Taken into the kingdom and made the leader of Israel’s military. After time, Saul grew jealous of David, knowing that he would ascend the throne of Israel, and he made multiple attempts on his life.
From the title of this Psalm, we know it was written in a period when David was fleeing for his life from Saul. The time in which he “feigned madness” was documented in 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1. It is from this place of uncertainty that David was able to write, “I will bless the Lord at all times” (34:1). In faith, David sees God’s deliverance, even though he is not living in it. In obstinance of what he sees, which is complete chaos, he trusts in God’s provision for those who are broken.
Understanding-What does it mean? For most of my life, I have been called an “old soul.” Which carries into my love of hymns. One of my favorite hymns, “It Is Well,” was written by Horatio Spafford in the wake of a horrible tragedy. Once a prominent businessman, Spafford lost all of his assets in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. His son died a short time before this. Then in 1873, he was set to take part in a missionary trip to England with Dwight Moody. Delayed by business, he sent his wife and four daughters ahead, with plans to follow only days after. The ship carrying his wife and daughters was struck by another ship and sank, killing his four daughters.
After receiving the news of the loss of his daughters, Spafford sailed across the Atlantic to be with his wife. It is said that as he crossed the place where his daughters died he penned the words of the hymn. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
The uncertainty of today definitely feels like we are in the midst of a billowing sea. But, God’s word tells us of his goodness and His plans for a bright future. It is in these times where faith needs to take hold, even amidst what we cannot see. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). When we look at these incidents from a perspective focused on heaven, we know they will all be in the goodness of God’s plan (Romans 8:28).
Life Application Jesus, help me come to know you more intimately, where my faith in you will abound more. Fill me with peace, even when the world feels as though it is trying to tear me down. Help me to see this world from the view of eternity, where there is no more sorrow. Teach me to say, it is well with my soul.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcp6w4zaW7U
-Tyler Galloway
Psalm_33
Scripture – What stood out?
Psalm 33:5 (NIV) The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Observation – What does it say?
Written by an unknown author, this is a psalm of praise to God. The psalm is a reminder of why we worship God, why He is worthy of all that praise and just exactly why we put our hope, our trust and our faith in Him.
Understanding – What does it mean?
The phrase that stood out to me in verse 5 was “unfailing love”. It kind of caught me off guard. I have heard the phrase that God’s love never fails, but for the first time I sat and thought about God’s unfailing love.
To try and understand what “unfailing love” I began to think about…failing love. What type of love has failed me in the past? Parental love. Marital love. Romantic love. Brotherly love. Friend love. Self love. All have failed me at one time or another. Our love fails.
But God’s love is…unfailing.
And that is how God loves. His love doesn’t falter, or slip up, or forget, or fall short.
Life Application – How can I apply this to my life today?
Lord I can spend the rest of my time here on earth thinking about love that has failed me. Instead, I ask you Lord that I would spend the rest of my life dwelling on a love that never fails. I think about Your life, Your ministry, Your work in Calvary and I know that I am just scratching the surface.
May I spend the rest of my life trying to understand your brand of love. A love that never makes a mistake. A love that never falters. A love that never fails.
In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee
Psalm 32
Scripture
Psalm 32: 6-7
Observation
Understanding
When I was little (and still now) when I have a bad day and need a good cry I always go to my parents for comfort. My dad just holds me and lets me cry, and everything seems to melt away and I feel safe in his arms. HE for the most part is my hiding place during these times of distress and trouble, and I don’t have to worry about anything else. That is exactly what I imagined when I read these verses today, and they hit me like a ton of brinks, but in a good way.
They echo snatching victory from the jaws of defeat! And they lay out exactly how to do that.
- Intercession: He begins by saying “Therefore let all the faithful pray for you while you may be found…” implying that someone is lost, and others are praying for them to find their way home. I think this is very indicative of the current state of our world right now. Lost, and searching for answers (or a way home). David reminds us that the journey home, although difficult, starts with prayer.
- Protection: “surely the rising waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place…” I can’t stop saying “you are my hiding place.” There’s security in those words like no other. However, the protection only came because someone prayed for the directions home, and that person decided to follow the road map. So my little side note would be to STAY THE COURSE no matter how difficult. Because when you do, you will find the greatest comfort waiting at the end of the road.
- Liberation/Deliverance: “and surround me with songs of deliverance…” From protection come liberation, came relief, came freedom! Safe in the arms of the Father, nothing can touch you, harm you, or threaten you. This is what are nation is starved for, but it begins with intercession.
Life Application
We are not in a fight of flesh and blood, yet we’ve been suiting up for battle with all the wrong weapons. Our world is starved for change and I think it’s time we turn to the only hiding place we haven’t been to yet. My soul waits for Him and Him alone, but until we meet I will be in fervent communion with my Creator.
-Allison Khan
PS If you find yourself worried or stressed I have found that saying “you are my hiding place,” makes every anxiety and fear melt away.
1 Timothy___1
Scripture
1 Timothy1:12-17 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is giving his testimony of the grace and mercy the Lord has shown him in his life. He also shares the Good News of Christ’s testimony and gives all the honor and glory to God for who He is!
Understanding-What does it mean?
We must not forget where we came from.
No matter how much influence Paul was blessed with, he remained humble by remembering God’s grace and mercy upon His life and being grateful for it!
Life Application
During last Sunday’s livestream, Pastor encouraged our church to post something everyday on social media that we were grateful to the Lord for.
I will write my personal version of the first part of Paul’s testimony, since it is focused on thanksgiving to the Lord.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, that He has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service. Even though I was once very depressed and hopeless, a victim of my circumstances, who put guys on the throne of my life instead of Jesus, fell into the looks, worldly success and comparison trap and was very prideful, I was shown mercy. The grace of our Lord Jesus was poured out on me abundantly! To God be the honor and glory forever!
What are you grateful to the Lord for this morning? Please post it in the comments section and on social media!
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm_30
Scripture:
Psalm 30:11-12
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Observation:
David is sharing his heart in song – speaking to the unchanging nature of God.
Understanding:
My heart has been heavy for weeks. It’s interesting because there is a just as much a sense of unity between some as there is divide among others. But, if I’m hones, I’ve been more on the wailing side than dancing. In times like this, it’s helpful to be reminded of God’s nature, of His heart towards His children, of a heart that loves bigger and greater than any human heart can.
Life Application:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7
For more verses or guidance on how, go here ->
Rei
2 Thessalonians 2
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Observation-What does it say? This second letter from Paul to the church in Thessalonica came only several months after the first. He wrote it with the intention of clearing up questions left from the first letter, primarily concerning Christ’s return. The second chapter discusses a great rebellion against God, which will be headed by the “lawless one.” Before this time there are forces opposing evil, but when this day comes these will be no more. Victory will then come when Christ appears. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith until the day of his return.
Understanding-What does it mean? Sometimes, I think I may be the luckiest guy in the world. Generally speaking, there is nowhere I would rather be than at home. This has mostly to do with the people who are there to make it the best place in the world to be. In comparison to some families mine is still quite young, Jen and I have only been married for twelve years. But, we have already outlasted the national average by about four years. Either way I still love spending time with her and our boys. When I am away from home, I have faith in her that she will still be there when I come home. But, how did I come to this faith in her? It was through spending time with her that I have come to know her heart and the little things that make her tick.
Similarly, how do we hold strong to a faith in Christ in the face of the adversity the world throws at us? Much like I have faith in Jen, our faith in Christ grows through getting to know Him. Getting to know him, having a secure relationship with him comes through prayer and time spent reading His words to us, the Bible. With all the uncertainty in the world, it could be easy to give up all hope. However, God has promised to carry us through the uncertain time. We need only to meet with Him to receive the peace he brings.
Prayer, though, is more than just asking God for things. C.S. Lewis explains it this way, in his essay The Efficacy of Prayer, “Prayer is either a sheer illusion or a personal contact between embryonic, incomplete persons (ourselves) and the utterly concrete Person. Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and penitence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine. In it God shows Himself to us. That He answers prayers is a corollary—not necessarily the most important one—from that revelation. What He does is learned from what He is.”
Psalm_28
Scripture – What stood out?
Psalm 28
3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.
4 Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.
Observation – What does it say?
A psalm of David, calling to God for help as he reminds himself who God really is – merciful, strong, his fortress, his praise and his savior.
Understanding – What does it mean?
As we continue moving forward in this strange strange year I am reminded by king David of who is in control of doling out both mercy and justice. In a time where confusion, chaos, anger and hate seem to swirl about uncontrollably David reminds us who is responsible for paying evil what it is due.
I understand the need for order and law in our society, I just wish we weren’t so consumed by it. Or the need to have power over people. I would rather imagine a world where we are consumed instead with knowing God over everything. As Jeremaiah writes in 9:24 “but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”
Life Application – How can I apply this to my life today?
I once heard a preacher by the name of Ravi Zacharias preach on a very difficult topic and he ended his message with this (I am paraphrasing) ”Let God be the judge and executioner. He has asked you and I in His service to love others. And that is what we ought to do.”
Lord I am not sure where I stand on anything anymore. But may I never forget,
That You love me.
And that I need to share that love with others. No matter what.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
-kenneth lee
1 Thessalonians_5
Scripture-
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.”
1 Thessalonians_4
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
He begins chapter 4 by talking about sexual immorality and the importance of controlling our own bodies and living a pure/holy life. Then he goes on to talk about love for each other (specifically speaking to loving each other as brothers and sisters in Christ). Finally, he speaks about being a hard worker and leading a life that wins the respect of outsiders.
Life Application
Does our daily lives lead others to praise Jesus or does it lead others away from Him?
“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” -Hebrews 6:10-12
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” -1 Corinthians 15:58
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16
Dear Lord, I pray that my daily life would win the respect of outsiders and that my good deeds would lead others toward Your throne of grace and a personal relationship with You. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi