There are two readings today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 81 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. [Psalm 81:11-12] This Psalm is a reading at the New Moon festival, a Hallel (or ‘praise’) read at the beginning…
His shining face
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 80 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. [Psalm 80:3] This refrain is repeated three times, and I like the imagery it uses, of a face shining on the petitioner. A shining face is a positive, smiling face, the beaming…
how we should pray
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 79 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. [Psalm 79:8-9] This prayer reveals an awareness of…
pass it on
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 78 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. [Psalm 78:4] The psalmist is telling children the story of their people, how God rescued them and how the people rebelled against Him – again…
I will remember
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 77 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; I yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” [Psalm 77:10-12] The…
fearing and trusting God
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 76 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet— when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. [Psalm 76:7-9] It is not that there are…
God’s open table
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 75 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. [Psalm 75:6-7] We may pride ourselves on our successes and accomplishments, but God sees through it all – the good and the bad – to see…
hope… to the bitter end
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 74 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: How long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them! But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth. [Psalm 74:10-12] When…
holy discontent
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. [1 Timothy 6:6-8] Content about the things of this world (food, clothes, money, possessions), but discontent about spiritual things…
love in action
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 5 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. [1 Timothy 5:8] Paul is applying the biblical command to love, and he applies it very practically to caring for those in really in need – widows, orphans, church leaders….