SCRIPTURE: Psalm 132 OBSERVATION: As the pilgrims arrive at the temple, they cannot help but compare it to its former glory. The Psalmist here reminds himself and God of David’s original intent with the temple, and God’s promise to maintain His rule (throne) from Jerusalem. In light of its weakness and Israel’s status as a subjected…
June 24 — Psalm 131
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 131 OBSERVATION: David the Psalmist alludes to the many big questions that believers struggle with (why do the innocent suffer, where is God when bad things happen, how can a good God tolerate so much evil, why do the wicked prosper, where did God come from?), but then reminds himself that he is but…
June 23 — Psalm 130
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 130 OBSERVATION: As the Psalmist approaches the temple (God), he becomes more aware of His guilt, and experiences godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-13). Even though he knows he is not worthy of God’s acceptance, he refuses to let go of God’s mercy, and “waits” deep in his soul for God’s pardon and acceptance. God is to…
Cancer Relay For Life
Here are some pictures from the Hope Church Team that participated in the Relay for Life at the Port Perry Fairgrounds (June 1-2). Our team won the “team spirit” award! Congratulations!!! [rockyou id=74288608&w=600&h=200]
June 22 — Psalm 129
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 129 OBSERVATION: The psalmist is reflecting on how much he suffered, and thanks God for not being totally defeated, even though it was really difficult. The “curse” of vv.5-8 needs to be heard in light of the cruelty of the oppressors. The Psalmist is essentially wishing their own cruelty on their oppressors. ‘May you…
Bible Readings (July)
This month we are reading through: Acts 6-12, Obadiah and Galatians. 1. Acts 6:1-7 ? 2. Acts 6:8-15 ? 3. Acts 7:1-16 ? 4. Acts 7:17-34 ? 5. Acts 7:35-50 ? 6. Acts 7:51-8:1 ? 7. Acts 8:2-8 ? 8. Acts 8:9-25 ? 9. Acts 8:26-40 ? 10. Acts 9:1-19a ? 11. Acts 9:19b-31 ? 12. Acts 9:32-43 ? 13. Acts 10:1-23a ? 14. Acts 10:24b-48 ? 15. Acts 11:1-18 ? 16. Acts 11:19-30…
June 21 — Psalm 128
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 128 OBSERVATION: This Psalm expresses the foundational truth that those who put God first will ultimately prosper and succeed. It uses the idea of “blessing” from that day (a happy, healthy and large family, and a long life with grand-children) to express this. Different people will have different ideas of blessing, but they are…
June 20 — Psalm 127
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 127 OBSERVATION: This Psalm expresses the vanity of ‘going it alone’, striving to succeed in our own strength. We do need to ‘build’ and ‘watch’, but it is pointless unless we are relying on Him to establish our efforts (Psalm 90:17). The Lord grants sleep (or provides, see note) for those He loves (i.e. trust…
June 19 — Psalm 126
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 126 OBSERVATION: When the pilgrims returned from captivity in Babylon to Israel, they were overjoyed. But their joy is incomplete as long as the nation remains weak and desperate, the temple a sorry sight compared to its original glory (see Haggai 2:1-9). As the pilgrims ascend the hills to the temple, they go with tears…
June 18 — Psalm 125
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 125 OBSERVATION: Still ‘ascending’ the hills around Jerusalem, going to the temple for one of the 3 festivals, those surrounding mountains are a reminder to the pilgrim that even though the wicked have the upper hand in the land, even though those who turn away from God toward crooked ways seem to prosper, God is…