150 Days fo Psalms - Psalm 31

To focus on just one verse and develop your theology from one verse is not very wise. Not that scripture contradicts itself, but simply because one verse needs to be interpreted in light of all scripture so you get a full view of what God is saying.

Perhaps you have guessed that even with that in mind I am going to look at just one verse: Verse 3.

Here is Psalm 31:3 in a few translations:

NASB For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me.

NIV for the sake of your name lead and guide me

HCSB You lead and guide me because of Your name.

I get two different - but in a way similar - ideas or meanings from this verse.

Someone has probably mentioned to you before that in biblical days - and for that matter even in modern history until perhaps just a few years ago - when you talked about someone's name you were talking about his character or who he is as a person, what he represents, etc. With that in mind, I get the idea that God rescues the righteous to show the world that He is a God who can be trusted and who is a refuge and a fortress for His righteous ones and that He leads and guides those who call on His name. His care is a witness to the unbelievers to show them His character.

The other way to look at this is similar yet different enough to mention. You can see this verse saying that God leads, guides, protects, etc. but it's to honor His promise to the righteous. His name in this sense is like His guarantee.

I think both ways of looking at this are correct. You see the same ideas in verse 19. He has stored up goodness for those who fear Him, and He bestows these blessings in the sight of men. So again it is as a witness to the world and as a kept promise.

Because of these truths we can be strong and our hearts can take courage as we wait on the Lord.

That's just pretty awesome stuff! I'm sure you thought of verses in the New Testament and other verses - perhaps from Psalms even - that support these ideas. I wasn't really trying to develop theology from one verse. :-)



150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 30

When we are in the midst of heartache, when there doesn't seem to be any hope for our future, when the night seems to be closing in around us and we don't see any hope, Psalm 30 is a great Psalm.

It reminds us that weeping may last for the night, but Joy comes in the morning!

Notice the testimony of David.
I will exalt You, LORD, because You have lifted me up
I cried to You for help, and You healed me.
You turned my mourning into dancing;
You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.

You can purchase a copy of this beautiful art from Kathy at Kalligratographer actually, this is her blog. She has an Etsy shop. You can get to the Etsy shop through her blog.

If you are in a sorrowful place right now, read this Psalm through a few times and let the promise of coming joy bring you hope.

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 29

We went to the circus yesterday with our kids and grandkids. It was awesome!

One of the acts was two really big guys from Mongolia (for ease of story telling let's call them Max and Rex.) They had gigantic muscles. We could tell they were strong as soon as they walked out into the arena. Their tank tops showed off their massive arms. Their gladiator style skirts (made out of metal) showed their herculean leg muscles. And trust me, Max and Rex don't have to worry about anyone making fun of them for wearing a skirt.
After them came a couple of guys leading in an elephant who was dragging two huge poles. Max and Rex picked up the poles and strapped them together with a big heavy chain to make a giant X. At each end of the X, hanging by more heavy chain, was a swing made out of a log. Max and Rex picked up the logs, four circus girls (we won't bother giving them names) climbed on to the swings and then Max and Rex spun around and took the four nameless girls on a ride. It didn't even look like they broke a sweat! Wow! Max and Rex are two really strong guys!

What does this story have to do with Psalm 29? It's easy to see that Max and Rex are strong. Their muscles bulge out even when they aren't lifting anything. David, the psalmist, is letting us see something that may not be as obvious as bulging muscles, but is certainly more powerful than Max and Rex.

"Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength."

God's power is so awesome He only has to speak!

The voice of the LORD is powerful, majestic, break the cedars of Lebanon (giant trees), hews out flames of fire, shakes the wilderness and more. JUST HIS VOICE! Wow!

Think of the power of the ocean, of floods and raging rivers, of hurricanes, tornadoes and storms. 3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters ; The God of glory thunders, The LORD is over many waters.
10 The LORD sat as King at the flood (referring to the great flood of Noah's day.)

David has painted a wonderful picture of God's glory and power. And He givese strength to His people. How will knowing this change how you live your life this week?

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 28

Cheryl and I were just talking about how when you are reading through the Bible in a year and have a schedule where you read 5 Psalms a day you don't notice the recurring theme as much. (I didn't want to say they were repetitive. haha)

But you know, life is like that. When you are going through a trial - a difficult time - a testing - whatever you might call it at the time, your prayers are repetitive. You trust God. You know He will answer. You've done what David did and remembered how God answered in the past. You've declared your faith and trust. Now you're waiting for God's answer.

But you have to say it all again. 1 To You, O LORD, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit.

Jesus encouraged us to continue asking - to continue to pray.
Luke 18:1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2 saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. 3 "There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' 4 "For a while he was unwilling ; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.' " 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said ; 7 now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?  8 "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth ?"

Jesus wasn't comparing God to an unrighteous judge. He was saying that if an unrighteous judge who does not fear God or respect man will answer a widow's petitions, how much MORE will God answer and bring justice to His elect.

So if you are going through a tough time right now (or when you are later - EVERYONE does and will) keep praying. It's OK to repeat yourself. But notice that David - even while praying the same prayer again - doesn't lose faith or hope.

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield ; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped ; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 27

The opening line of this Psalm is a very familiar verse.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Once again David is asking for help and for deliverance from his enemies. But what I noticed in this Psalm is something I encourage people to do all of the time. Look back at what God has already done in your life and let that be comfort and encouragement for what you are going through now.

David tells how God took care of him in the past  2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Then he tells of his confidence in God. 3 Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear ; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.

David had some other good habits - or perhaps I should say "spiritual disciplines"
He wanted to spend time in God's presence: v.4 "one thing I have asked for..."
He brought offerings with joy: v.6 "And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy"
He sang praises to God: v.6 "I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD"
He asked God to teach him and lead him. v.11

Then he ends the Psalm with what may be the hardest thing to do when dealing with difficulties of life - waiting. 14 Wait for the LORD ; Be strong and let your heart take courage ; Yes, wait for the LORD.

Waiting on God. Ooooo. That can be soooo difficult. But if we are doing the other things in the Psalm, (giving, singing, being in His presence, letting Him teach us) then the waiting is much easier and the purpose behind the waiting is often seen.
. Oh... and it's a whole lot easier to have these things in your life during the difficult times if you are already doing them in the good times. So add these to your life today! :-)

150 Days of Psalms - ooops - Psalm 25

Haha! Last night at church Phyllis said, "Did you do Psalm 26 today?"

I don't know. I think so.

You do know it's the 25th, right?

Oh no!

The only thing I can figure is that when we were at the hospital with Andrew and Calli I mentioned (as we passed midnight) how Caleb's birthday wouldn't be the 24th, it would be the 25th. Then Cheryl and I went home about 3:30 or so. After sleeping a few hours and getting up to go to work, I guess I figured it was the next day so the 26th was in my head.

That's as good an excuse as any and now it's my story and I'm sticking to it. hahaha

So... here are some thoughts on Psalm 25.

Here's one truth that kind of stood out to me. So many times over the years I've had people ask the age-old question "What does God want me to do? What is His will for my life? How can I know...?

David is saying the same thing in vs.4-5

"Make Your ways known to me, Lord;
teach me Your paths.
Guide me in Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation;"

Many bring that same request to God. But the following verses in the Psalm show the key to finding God's way in your life.

~ He waited for God "I wait for You all day long." vs.5, 21
~ He confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness vs.7, 11
~ He humbled himself before God "He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." v.9
~ He feared God (meaning he trusted God and was faithful to Him) "Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will show him the way he should choose." v.12 "The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him" v.14
~ He kept his eyes on the Lord v.15

Let me challenge you to put these actions of David into practice in your life. I can hardly wait to hear how God will be working in your life and showing you His way.

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 26

Over the years I've had people say something like this to me. "I just don't know why God let this happen to me." I, of course, always tried to be kind in my responses, but often I wanted to say, "Well... if you hadn't been out doing this or that then you wouldn't have gotten YOURSELF in this mess."

Don't hear me saying that any time you have troubles in your life it's because of sin - something you have done. The point I'm headed toward is that it's a lot easier to say, "Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the Lord without wavering." Than, "I know I really messed up, Lord, I promise I'll be good if you help me out of this one!"

This Psalm of David is an example of how we should strive to live life.


We see that David did what was right "lived with integrity, trusted in the Lord, live by God's truth"
and DIDN'T do what was wrong "sit with the worthless, associate with hypocrites)" (reminds you a little of Psalm 1 don't you think?)
and he spent time worshipping and telling of God's greatness "I wash my hands in innocence and go around Your altar, Lord, raising my voice in thanksgiving and telling about Your wonderful works."

Looks like a good plan. Why don't you see how you can put it into practice in your life?

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 24

1. The earth and everything in it,
the world and its inhabitants,
belong to the LORD;

There is a good question asked.
"Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in His holy place?"

The answer is in the following verses,
"The one who has clean hands and a pure heart..."

There are two aspects of holiness and righteousness. We know that apart from the righteousness of Christ we cannot be holy or righteous before God. But on the other hand, we have to live lives that are holy and clean and pure. Hmmm... I'm not sure I'm wording this the way I had it figured out in my head. Let me start again.

We can only come to God when we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. A person turns from sin (repents) and trusts Him for salvation and he becomes "right" with God. But once we have made that confessions of sin and turned to Jesus we then need to live lives that are clean and pure. When we come to God in prayer or in worship we can boldly approach the throne of grace because of what Christ has done(Hebrews 4:16 NAS Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.) But we read in other passages of scripture of our need to confess our sins and to turn from our wicked ways. Being "saved" doesn't give us a liscense to sin and then show up on a Sunday and talk to God like nothing is going on. We have to live out our lives in such a way that His righteousness is seen in how we live.

I hope in my effort to write something short that I haven't just confused everyone.

Changing the subject...
I have a song that I wrote several years ago based on Psalm 24. Reading this Psalm reminded me of it and I think I'll get it out and teach it to the congregation here at Hilldale. I like to use it as a Palm Sunday song.
You can see it here - Psalm 24 by R. Lyndel Littleton

Art Inspired by Psalm 23

Jody Coulston

Psalm 23:4 Alyse Radenovic

Robin Weiss

Michel Keck

This is four paintings.

Millie Gift Smith



150 Days of Psalms - The 23rd Psalm

What can be said about this Psalm that hasn't already been said?
It's probably THE most famous of all of the Psalms. I'm sure it's the one that made David famous and was his break into the Psalm writing scene. The poetry is beautiful. The imagery is beautiful. There have been HUNDREDS of songs written based on this text. Here are a few for you to enjoy.

Keith Green


ACDA Senior High School Honor Choir - Music by Paul Basler


Jeff Majors


Bryn Terfel and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir


Nicole C. Mullen in Zimbabwe

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 22

I don't want to insult you by pointing out the obvious parallels between Psalm 22 and the crucifixion of Christ. Beginning with "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" to the people mocking him, to pierced hands and feet and dividing his garments the connection is ... well, I said I wouldn't insult you pointing out the obvious and I just did it. haha

I think we can take the comparison to New Testament passages even further. These verses:
27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. 28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S And He rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive. 30 Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.

Sound a lot like these verses:
Philippians 2:8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I hope this Psalm encourages you to thank our Lord Jesus for the gift of His life for ours and that even today you will exalt His name and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 21

Many of David's Psalms were written about his conquests in battle and how God is the One who gave him victory. Many of them also find their ultimate meaning in our Lord Jesus Christ. The writers of the New Testament saw Christ in all of the Old Testament.

I see that here in Psalm 21 as it describes how Christ's enemies will come to an end as He displays His wrath against the wicked.

8 Your hand will capture all your enemies; your right hand will seize those who hate you. 9 You will make them [burn] like a fiery furnace when you appear; the Lord will engulf them in His wrath and fire will devour them. 10 You will wipe their descendants from the earth and their offspring from the human race.

David's response should be our response.
13 Be exalted, Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your might.

You'll find "I will sing" this or that all through the Psalms (they are songs after all) but this one says "we will sing and praise Your might." It's a good reminder that not all of our faith and our expressions of faith are not meant to be isolated, by-ourselves events. There is a place, of course, for private worship - a very important place. But there is an equally important place for corporate worship - worshipping together with other believers.
It's so important that the writer of Hebrews said it this way -
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful ; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

I'll be looking for you in the morning!

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 20

The United States has the best military force in the world. I have the privilege of knowing many of the men and women who have served in the past and who are serving now. I am extremely thankful for their sacrifices - time, family, health, etc. that they have given to keep us safe and free. All that said, ultimately my trust for our nation's security is in God. My trust for my personal security is to some extent in the fact that we have fine people in Clarksville's police department and the county sherrif's office. But in the end, I trust in the Lord. Where is your trust?

 7 Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. I'm posting this from my phone because it might be late today before I'm with my computer, so I'll post a picture or video later.

OK.. I'm home with my computer and was looking for a song I know. I came across this one.
HAHAHA! This video is titled "Some Trust in Chariots." You'll have to tell me if you hear that in it.



This is the song I know based on Psalm 20:7-8

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 19

What a beautiful Psalm! It has inspired many wonderful songs. There are songs based on the first 4 verses. I learned a great chorus as a teenager that is a direct singing of vs. 6-11 in the KJV. And vs. 14 has been the text for many songs.


Last night I was out in the backyard with the poodles and I couldn't stop looking at the stars. They were so bright! I decided I need to buy a telescope so I can see more of them and maybe see the moons around Jupiter. That would be awesome. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands."

Here's a little star-watching you can do yourself without buying a telescope.

I've decided to memorize the entire chapter. I'm going to memorize it from the Holman Christian Standard Version. If you want to join me in this challenge, I suggest you learn a few verses a day and then review and add another verse or two. Notice the three sections. That may help you in your memorization.

It will take a couple of weeks or so before I have the entire Psalm memorized. Ask me how much I've learned when you see me.

Here is Psalm 19 Holman Christian Standard  in case you want to memorize it with me.


1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. 2 Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. 3 There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. 4 Their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the inhabited world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a groom coming from the bridal chamber; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. 6 It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat.
 
7 The instruction of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the commandment of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. 10 They are more desirable than gold- than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey- than honey dripping  from the comb. 11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.
 
12 Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. 13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent, and cleansed from blatant rebellion. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. 

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 18

If you are looking for the perfect metaphor to describe God and His actions in helping and fighting for the righteous ones who follow Him, Psalm 18 is the perfect place to look.

This Psalm is full of beautiful imagery. As you read this you probably recognized many of the verses as lyrics to songs or often quoted verses.

Rather than quote some of the favorites, I want to look at this awesome description of God that we often overlook. We like to think of the loving side of God because we have been shown that love through Jesus Christ. But in the middle of this Psalm David paints a fantastic picture of God dealing with His enemies.

Then the earth shook and quaked;

the foundations of the mountains trembled;

they shook because He burned with anger.

Smoke rose from His nostrils,

and consuming fire [came] from His mouth;

coals were set ablaze by it.

He parted the heavens and came down,

a dark cloud beneath His feet.

 He rode on a cherub and flew,

soaring on the wings of the wind.

 He made darkness His hiding place,

dark storm clouds His canopy around Him.

From the radiance of His presence,

His clouds swept onward with hail and blazing coals.

 The Lord thundered from heaven;

the Most High projected His voice.

 He shot His arrows and scattered them;

He hurled lightning bolts and routed them.

The depths of the sea became visible,

the foundations of the world were exposed,

at Your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.

Yet even as He displays such great power, in tenderness "He reached down from heaven and took hold of me; He pulled me out of deep waters."

Awesome!

Here is one of my all time favorite songs that has a lot of the lyrics based on this Psalm (or others that say the same thing.)

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 17

Our natural reaction to someone attacking us - especially if without cause - is to strike back. We celebrate the guys in the movies who get even with their enemies and then take a little more.

David knew that this is not the way Godly people live. He could honestly say to God
"You have tested my heart;
You have examined me at night.
You have tried me and found nothing evil;
I have determined that my mouth will not sin."

Your first thought might be, "Well then you're just asking to get smacked around (literally and figuratively) if you don't fight back." But David knew that he could call on God and that God would answer him.
"I call on You, God, because You will answer me."

Paul worded it this way in Romans 12
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

It seems like the key to this is to determine before something happens that "your mouth will not sin." Once you are in the midst of an attack it may be too difficult to make that conscious choice to not sin.

Instead choose David's words

"Protect me as the apple of Your eye;

hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who treat me violently."