There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 121 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. [Psalm 121:7-8] As the pilgrims climb the hill towards Jerusalem, they look around at the surrounding ‘high places’ where people…
standing up, standing out!
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 120 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war. [Psalm 120:6-7] This is a song for the uphill journey – both literally, walking up the slope towards Jerusalem for s religious festival, and figuratively,…
early morning, through the night?
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:145-176 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. [Psalm 119:147-148] In this ode to God’s Law, the psalmist still finds many different ways to say how much he…
light for my path
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:97-144 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. [Psalm 119:105] It’s hard to walk in the dark. When it is pitch black, even a small lamp can make a big difference. The psalmist describes life in this world as a dark experience, like walking in the dark. But…
update from Nathan
Our son Nathan is on a one year internship with Urban Promise, a ministry “that exists to proclaim the love of Jesus, and to express it through the spiritual, social and educational development of children, youth and families living in government housing.” June 2011 Hello Everyone, May 20th was our last day of camp. We had…
my food, my priority?
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:49-96 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. [Psalm 119:60-61] Let’s be totally honest, would you say that your commitment to loving God and obeying His will is your highest, your deepest passion and priority? The psalmist writes…
the truly blessed life
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:1-48 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways. [Psalm 119:1-3] Normally when we call someone “blessed”, we mean that they have a good…
the quality of stone God uses
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 118 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. [Psalm 118:22-23] Notice the repetition built into this psalm, how thoughts are repeated with variation to bring the point home – what a great and merciful God. This psalm celebrates God’s goodness…
praise the Lord!
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 117 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. [Psalm 117:1-2] Why does this Jewish psalm-writer tell the people of other nations to praise the Lord? Why would the people…
outburst of love
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 116 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. [Psalm 116:1-2] When God intervenes in your life in a dramatic way, it’s hard not…