Psalm 103 & 104
Both Psalms sing praises to the Lord. They list the actions and attributes of the Lord as a means of giving praise. We are told the Lord forgives, heals, redeems crowns, satisfies and renews, and that is just the first five verses of chapter 103. Spend a few minutes today thinking of these actions of God in the first five verses. Consider how God acts and has acted for you.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, july 30
Psalm 101 & 102
The Psalmist deals with the intentionality of his living in Psalm 101. He writes of seeking to walk with a "blameless life" and a "blameless heart". He says, "I will set before my eyes no vile thing". The intentionality is a challenge for us to examine our lives. Do we seek to live blameless lives? Are we intentional in staying away from what is wrong?
The Psalmist deals with the intentionality of his living in Psalm 101. He writes of seeking to walk with a "blameless life" and a "blameless heart". He says, "I will set before my eyes no vile thing". The intentionality is a challenge for us to examine our lives. Do we seek to live blameless lives? Are we intentional in staying away from what is wrong?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
July 29
Psalm 99 & 100
Psalm 100 has been one of my favorite Psalms since I memorized it during Disciple Bible study. (If you have never done Disciple, I would encourage you to consider joining a Disciple Bible study class this fall) Psalm 100 is a Psalm of thanksgiving. Yesterday was a day of thanksgiving for our family. Our daughter gave birth to our first grandchild, Julius. Our prayers of thanksgiving were that both Kallye and Julius are strong and healthy. Later prayers of thanksgiving will probably center on Julius being the most perfect child ever born, but for now we are so grateful they are healthy.
This morning as I thought of being thankful for yesterday, I realized how much I have to be thankful for today. What do you have to be thankful for? Spend a few moments thinking of how your life is blessed. Maybe that prayer could begin by giving thanks that you live in a country and at a point in time where you can have a computer that you use to read a devotional.
Psalm 100 has been one of my favorite Psalms since I memorized it during Disciple Bible study. (If you have never done Disciple, I would encourage you to consider joining a Disciple Bible study class this fall) Psalm 100 is a Psalm of thanksgiving. Yesterday was a day of thanksgiving for our family. Our daughter gave birth to our first grandchild, Julius. Our prayers of thanksgiving were that both Kallye and Julius are strong and healthy. Later prayers of thanksgiving will probably center on Julius being the most perfect child ever born, but for now we are so grateful they are healthy.
This morning as I thought of being thankful for yesterday, I realized how much I have to be thankful for today. What do you have to be thankful for? Spend a few moments thinking of how your life is blessed. Maybe that prayer could begin by giving thanks that you live in a country and at a point in time where you can have a computer that you use to read a devotional.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
July 28
Psalm 97 & 98
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things"
'Do you ever take things for granted? We purchase the newest technology, think it is incredible but soon get so used to it that we need something else new. We meet a new person, fall in love, decide to marry the person but as time rolls by we start to take the person for granted. How odd it is, that over time, we can take even the most amazing relationship for granted.
The line of "sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things" is a response for taking God for granted. The verse calls me to remember again what God has done and to give thanks.
Thank you for your prayers for Kent. He is doing very well and went home from the hospital yesterday. Pray for Kallye today. She spent the night in the hospital and they will induce her this morning.
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things"
'Do you ever take things for granted? We purchase the newest technology, think it is incredible but soon get so used to it that we need something else new. We meet a new person, fall in love, decide to marry the person but as time rolls by we start to take the person for granted. How odd it is, that over time, we can take even the most amazing relationship for granted.
The line of "sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things" is a response for taking God for granted. The verse calls me to remember again what God has done and to give thanks.
Thank you for your prayers for Kent. He is doing very well and went home from the hospital yesterday. Pray for Kallye today. She spent the night in the hospital and they will induce her this morning.
Monday, July 27, 2009
July 27
Psalm 95 & 96
"For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods."
After reading these two chapters of praise, I spent several moments in praise of God. When I start praising God I notice a shift in my life. Giving praise to God centers my life. It moves me my thoughts from the day ahead to this moment. Praise allows me to focus on God, instead of the concerns I have about the day. The shift that comes with praise, puts everything in the right order.
"For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods."
After reading these two chapters of praise, I spent several moments in praise of God. When I start praising God I notice a shift in my life. Giving praise to God centers my life. It moves me my thoughts from the day ahead to this moment. Praise allows me to focus on God, instead of the concerns I have about the day. The shift that comes with praise, puts everything in the right order.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
July 25
Psalm 93 & 94
"Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord"
As a child, I never liked discipline. I always thought it was mean and cruel. I always wanted mercy instead.
As a parent, I realize how important discipline is. Discipline is never easy. Discipline is an act of love.
With God, I struggle knowing when God is disciplining me or when I just suffered the consequences of my actions. Is that how God disciplines? God discipline allows us to reap the results of our actions. Is it possible, when we have done wrong and are begging God to save us, the discipline of God is not to save us in that moment. Rather, God allows us to suffer the consequences so that we will learn the lesson.
"Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord"
As a child, I never liked discipline. I always thought it was mean and cruel. I always wanted mercy instead.
As a parent, I realize how important discipline is. Discipline is never easy. Discipline is an act of love.
With God, I struggle knowing when God is disciplining me or when I just suffered the consequences of my actions. Is that how God disciplines? God discipline allows us to reap the results of our actions. Is it possible, when we have done wrong and are begging God to save us, the discipline of God is not to save us in that moment. Rather, God allows us to suffer the consequences so that we will learn the lesson.
Friday, July 24, 2009
July 24
Psalm 91 & 92
"It is good to praise the Lord"
Our family was giving praise to God yesterday as Kent came through the surgery very well. Kent had a heart value replaced, another value repaired and one bypass. Rather extensive surgery for someone in his early 50s. I give praise to God for the doctor discovering the problems and for the skill of the surgeon to repair the problems.
The Psalms are full of praise. They teach us to praise God in any and all circumstances. We are to give praise around the dramatic moments of life and the ordinary events of living. Spend a few minutes today giving praise to God.
"It is good to praise the Lord"
Our family was giving praise to God yesterday as Kent came through the surgery very well. Kent had a heart value replaced, another value repaired and one bypass. Rather extensive surgery for someone in his early 50s. I give praise to God for the doctor discovering the problems and for the skill of the surgeon to repair the problems.
The Psalms are full of praise. They teach us to praise God in any and all circumstances. We are to give praise around the dramatic moments of life and the ordinary events of living. Spend a few minutes today giving praise to God.
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