Psalm

September 19th – Psalm 46:1-2

Psalm 46:1-2

Often it’s not the happy times when we feel closest to God, but the darkest. Because the storms in our lives show us just how weak we are and how desperately we need the saving grace of Jesus. A grace that provides the courage and peace no storm can shake. But that requires a deep and trusting faith. You’d think with all the disciples had witnessed with Jesus, they’d have that kind of faith. Yet when facing a raging storm, even they gave into fear and doubt with each crashing wave. The way we weather our storms reveals the depth of our faith in God. At the first sign of trouble do we fall to our knees in hopelessness and despair? Or do we fall to our knees in prayer to the Lord? Do we cry out to our Father in panic? Or  do we listen for His calming voice? God is our refuge, our safe port in every storm. And when we place our trust and faith in Jesus, we experience peace no matter what comes our way. Because just as Jesus calmed the sea and rescued the disciples, He will rescue us.

September 19th – Psalm 46:1-2 Read More »

July 27th – Psalm 66:20

Psalm 66:20

It’s easy to make promises to God when we feel surrounded by His glory. Those times we experience a spiritual, physical, and emotional closeness with Him. Usually it’s due to a received blessing, an answered prayer, or a need fulfilled. And in our thankfulness, we swear to never again forsake God and to faithfully follow His will. Then life goes on, and it’s business as usual. And slowly our focus wanders away from the Lord. Our time and energy is spent once again pursuing our fleshly desires. And instead of trusting Him, we attempt to meet our needs on our own. But the joyful news is this. No matter how much we reject God, He will never reject us. And never will He withhold His precious love. When we honestly repent and call out to Him, He forgives and welcomes us back into His loving arms.

July 27th – Psalm 66:20 Read More »

July 26th – Psalm 32:1-2

Psalm 32:1-2

Knowing in your mind that you are forgiven is one thing, feeling it in your heart is another. But I once read that forgiveness takes place in the heart of God, not in our feelings. And God says that through faith in Jesus, along with confession and repentance, our sins are forgiven and forgotten. Our Father doesn’t want us dwelling on our past mistakes, stuck in a prison of guilt and shame. He wants us anchored in His presence, enjoying the victory of His peace, love and forgiveness. A victory paid for by the blood of Jesus. And He didn’t lay down His life for us to live a life of defeat. So be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving of yourself. And joyfully sing like David, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him.

July 26th – Psalm 32:1-2 Read More »

July 17th – Psalm 16:11

Psalm 16:11

I once read the quote, “Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured.” That was the attitude of David. Because he had complete confidence in the goodness of God, David could know joy both now and in the future to come. And so can we. Because of His great love, God provides, through His Son Jesus Christ, the path to eternal life. A path light by the glory of God, where the sins of the past our remembered no more. And one in which we experience a wonderful, personal, walk with the Lord. Like David, we can rejoice knowing we have been given the great honor of sitting at the right hand of God. A glorious place of great prestige. For as Charles Spurgeon says, “The right hand, even on earth, is the place of favor, honor, and security.  God is not going to give his people any left-handed heaven, but they are to dwell at his right hand for evermore.” (Spurgeon)

July 17th – Psalm 16:11 Read More »

July 9th – Psalm 32:11

Psalm 32:11

We all know the story of the adulterous woman. The one caught in the act of her sin. This woman could easily be you or I.  Although our sin may not be adultery, we sin just the same. And as Christians, we would do well to humbly remember all Jesus forgives us for daily. Especially before judging the sin of another. Thankfully when it comes to sin, we can experience the sweet forgiveness of the Lord through confession and repentance. No matter the transgression, when we come to God with a sorrowful heart, He is quick to pardon. Jesus didn’t condemn the adulterous women, refusing to throw the first stone. And He has no stones to throw at us either. So we can rejoice and celebrate! Because the forgiveness of the Lord not only results in an immediate restoration of our relationship with God, but a clean slate, and a fresh start!

July 9th – Psalm 32:11 Read More »

July 8th – Psalm 27:6

Psalm 27:6

I love the quote, “safety comes in our nearness to God, not in our distance from our enemies.” The enemies of David were many. Even those he loved turned against and betrayed him. Have you ever felt like that? Like the whole world was against you? These are divisive times in which we live. And Christianity is under attack. But it’s no surprise. For Jesus Himself says that He came not to bring peace on earth, but rather division. (Luke 12:51) Yet for those who are on the side of Christ, victory is assured. Because for all of us who put our trust in Him, the Lord promises to exult above every adversary. When we draw near to Jesus and turn the battle over to Him, we will triumph every time. And like David, we will sing His praises with joyful lips and shout to the heavens of His glory!

July 8th – Psalm 27:6 Read More »

July 2nd – Psalm 47:1

Psalm 47:1 

John Calvin once said, “No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief.” Membership in the family of God has always been by God’s choosing. And nothing man does, nor his lineage, impact His choices. So how wonderful it is that God hasn’t limited His mercy to any one group. Not even to His own chosen people. Instead, in His great love, the Lord has shown mercy to every tribe, tongue, people, nation, class, age level, and gender. All we have to do is receive His free gift of salvation. Christians everywhere can clap and sing in joy knowing we are personally chosen by God. A heavenly Father whose nature is to be tender hearted, loving, and caring to all He calls His own.

July 2nd – Psalm 47:1 Read More »

June 30th – Psalm 5:12

Psalm 5:12

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I wish I could put a protective barricade around those that I love, shielding them from the evils of this world. As Christians we have such a shield; the favor of God. And not a flimsy, fallible one that exposes our areas of vulnerability. We have a “tsin’nāh.” A massive, standing shield that protects us on every side from the arrows of the Enemy. The battles will be many this side of heaven. Yet because of His great love, God will never make us fight those battles on our own. He surrounds us with His glory and might. And that which the Lord favors, no one can tear down. There is no safer place to be than sheltered under God. For He promises that those who find refuge in Him will not only find protection, but will be glad and ever sing for joy!

June 30th – Psalm 5:12 Read More »

June 26th – Psalm 103:8

Psalm 103:8

Does your heart ever grow heavy from bearing the weight of your mistakes? The truth is, we all fall short and need forgiveness daily. Fortunately, God’s grace comes in an abundant supply. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. He does not accuse, nor remain angry forever. He does not deal harshly with us, but instead is faithful to forgive our never-ending sin. And although God may let us reap the consequences from the decisions we make, His steadfast love for us is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. A love in full display through His Son Jesus Christ. Who regardless of the mistakes we’ve made, stands ready to welcome us with open arms and not a pointed finger.

June 26th – Psalm 103:8 Read More »

June 25th – Psalm 55:22

Psalm 55:22

Between the government, social media, and news outlets, fear is peddled as a hot commodity. No wonder in today’s climate people are afraid to even step out of their front door. But God, in His great love, reminds us that as His children we need not fear. For the Lord our God is with us. And with His mighty hand He will provide, sustain, and strengthen us. Never will He let us be shaken. But for that to happen we have to trust in Him and His promises. And let’s be honest. It’s easier to have fear than faith. To act on emotion instead of in standing in God’s truth. Billy Graham once said, “Fear can banish faith, but faith can banish fear. Faith isn’t pretending our problems don’t exist, nor is it simply blind optimism. Faith points us beyond our problems to the hope we have in Christ.” A great hope that allows us to cast all our cares upon Him, knowing we are wrapped in God’s love, goodness, and mercy.

June 25th – Psalm 55:22 Read More »