Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Psalm 119 (mem)

Summary: The shows the value of the law, greater than competition, education, age, experience, and even temptation. He finds it to be lovely and sweet.

Response: "I thought age would tell the secrets/But the secrets are still secret/And the years are passing by" 'Captivate,' Starfield

I don't want to be growing older without getting wiser; I don't want to gain knowledge and still lack God's will for it. I want to do His right, but I need to rely on Him for it.

Yep, another kind of non-lucid morning. I'm sick, it's concert week. Even so, God is good and He will keep me safe and secure.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Psalm 119 (lamed)

Summary: The psalmist sees the Law as though it sits in heaven. It encourages him, saves him, challenges him, and escapes his full understanding but is always worth further study.

Response: It's fairly obvious by my track record here, but I have a hard time keeping a good schedule on my devotions. I try to give God the first fruits of my time, but I am often just tired waking up this early. Some days I sleep in and, by that time, kids are up.

But I love getting encouragement in this verse that I'm never done. God's word continues to be, as I've heard it put, a many-faceted jewel. Every direction you face it from has a new detail. And I know, as my life changes, that I will have new things to learn from each molecule of God's word.

I just gotta push on.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Psalm 119 (kaf)

Summary: The psalmist feels persecuted and abandoned. He still follows God's law, but he is not nourished, and the unfaithful still try to get him. But he still trusts and still obeys.

Response: Again, I have a hard time with where the psalmists and I feel different. Here, though, I think they have a better reaction. In difficult times, I tend not to cry out to God or try to call Him out on a perceived abandonment. But I, even now, rarely contact Him... at all. Lord, help me keep in constant communication with You.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Psalm 119 (yod)

Summary: Just as God created the psalmist and guides him along, so does he want to guide the rest of God's people. He knows that the law offers compassion, not just judgement.

Response: Lord, help me to do right by You and Your people. May I delight in Your word and Your presence.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Psalm 119 (tet)

Summary: The psalmist, suffering, still praises God and wants to follow His will.

Response: A verse speaks of those arrogantly ignoring God's will and law, like their hearts are callused. Lord, I don't want to be like that, even though I am sometimes. Keep me grounded in You, sensitive to Your touch.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Psalm 119 (khet)

Summary: The psalmist compares God to having an inheritance, providing security and stability. God's law grounds him and steadies him, even when facing those who do not believe.

Response: Sometimes it is kind of a bummer that I don't have a nice chunk of change or a large estate waiting for me. Still, that means I can enjoy God's provision and look forward to blessings He has in store for me.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Psalm 119 (zayin)

Summary: Among those who are nonbelievers, the psalmist stands out as one who knows God's law and follows it. It is his main source of hope knowing God will come and save him.

Response: I can only hope my lifestyle continues to show others how I try to love and serve God. I feel like I don't always do a good job, defaulting to complacency and reactions.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Psalm 119 (vav)

Summary: The psalmist asks God to give him a testimony, his saving story. That way, he can focus his conversations with those who don't believe and study the Word with that much more fervor.

Response: My guess is there is supposed to be some trouble already started? Otherwise it feels like "please give me a problem and then solve it," which is a bit odd if not a bit reckless. Though I guess it could also be to reveal saving that is done or just on its way. I know I am provided for by God, even when little things add up, which is sort of the small version of my testimony.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Psalm 119 (he)

Summary: The psalmist asks for God's guidance in learning His teachings. He knows that following wealth here on Earth is ultimately worthless, but following the way of God is what will save him.

Response: Lord, help me to find contentment in what I have, and a longing to grow deeper with You.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Psalm 119 (dalet)

Summary: On his own, the psalmist stumbles around; he needs the help of God's law just to get back up. As he stumbles again and is again raised, he commits to learning and practicing it. Knowing the statutes well, he is able but just to walk but to run.

Response: Lord, help me with small choices today, that I may trust you with bigger ones quicker tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Psalm 119 (gimel)

Summary: The psalmist compares himself to a foreigner so far as his knowledge of the law is concerned: he needs help so he won't get himself in trouble. He knows those around him only plot to get him hurt, but God's statutes are like wise advisors, helping him stay on the right path.

Response: This is pretty good stuff. When I play a game like Civ V, the other nations rarely do anything that benefits me; most times, my generosity is taken advantage of and I am left with the choice to either give something valuable to a potential future enemy or make an enemy myself by refusing such a bad offer.

But God is here for our benefit. He couldn't love us any more or less, and He offers us the choice to love Him back. He's the One vulnerable here and we are the ones with the most to gain.

So help me, Lord, to seek Your will and ways, so I can be a better me.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Psalm 119 (bet)

Summary: The psalmist states that the only way to keep a young person pure is for them to follow God's teachings. They regard the study not a chore but a delight with great reward in store.

Response: I only hope I take this seriously enough to enjoy it myself, and to put in enough effort to see a payoff.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Psalm 119 (alef)

[This is the longest psalm, split up so that each section begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. As such, I'm doing just one section each day.]

Summary: The psalmist knows that, if he would only follow all God's commands, he would be happy. But he can't.

Response: I know I can't either. Not all on my own. Lord, help me to seek Your will in all I do.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Psalm 118

Summary: The psalmist calls on everyone to testify to God's enduring love. Because he calls on God, He helps him in times of trouble. The psalmist finishes the same way, telling all about God's enduring love in the temple.

Response: There's like a million songs that have come from this psalm, but I like the difference between "I crushed my enemies with God's help" and "God saved me;" I want to push myself to think more on God's mercy than my selfish gain.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Psalm 117

Summary: The psalmist tells all nations to praise God.

Response: It's really short, but it makes its point: God isn't just for Israel, but for everyone. All should praise Him because He loves all of us.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Psalm 116

Summary: The psalmist recognizes not only God's mercy but his own need for it. The psalmist was dead and dying in his own sin and ignorance until God forgave him. Therefore he gives God praise.

Response: I know I belong in most of these categories--rash and untrained for starters--but God still cares. He doesn't wait for you or me to put our lives back together on our own first; he loves all of us now, always has, always will.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Psalm 115

Summary: The psalmist gives God glory above even his people. A sovereign King, God is unlike idols, who are as dead as their followers will be. We are to trust that God will not only defend us but have us prosper.

Response: God is alive and I look forward to seeing how He acts in new ways in my life and my church.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Psalm 114

Summary: The psalmist recalls God's actions during the Exodus from Egypt so big that the earth changed. Under His authority, half a nation left to start a new one. A sea opened its waters down to dry land. A mountain was so excited by God's presence that the whole thing shook. A rock burst forth with a spring of water at His command. And the next river was just as willing to accommodate travel of an entire nation.

Response: Usually, my summaries are much shorter than the source, but this was actually pretty close. I just felt led to list those out because, if God has already done those amazing things, I know He has a plan for my small things as well.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Psalm 113

Summary: The psalmist praises God's name, which by itself is enough to be praised everywhere. God helps those like the poor and barren, blessing them as much as royalty.

Response: I love the focus on the little guy. I find it amazing that the same big God that creates and sustains everything also wants to fellowship with and bless even me (and you)!

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Psalm 112

Summary: The psalmist paints a mental picture of a person of God. Such a person is blessed and stable, gaining wealth honestly and trusting God in good and bad times.

Response: Just as the "kill 'em all" psalms strike me as a thought process given too much time, this one too is a bit misleading if this is your benchmark for success. It fits into what is today known as prosperity gospel, that God wants you to be rich for your own benefit. I can see cracks in that, that the exemplar here gives to the poor and has a great attitude, but it still seems less to God's glory than his own. Lord, keep me content where you have me, move me when I need moved, and use me when I can be used.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Psalm 111

Summary: The psalmist praises God publicly. God's creation and provision, care and mercy are all perfect. Even His instructions are great and should be followed.

Response: Just off the top of my head, I wonder if there's a Latin word or phrase with psalm in it that means "praise the Lord;" it seems to be at the front of almost every psalm and it feels like I just now noticed. Also, swipe text doesn't like the word psalm.

But the psalm itself. This is something I've needed to do to keep myself focused: I will write or say something out loud to affirm it, even when it seems obvious. In this case: God loves me and wants the best for me. Following His instructions will be better for me than taking my own path.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Psalm 110

Summary: David hears two messages from God and expounds on them. First, God tells David to submit to Him until He defeats their enemies. Second, God reminds him that he is not just king but priest as well.

Response: Again, trying to read past the literal piles of dead bodies in this one. Lord, help me to rely on Your strength and to serve in that strength as well.

Monday, October 9, 2017

Psalm 109

Summary: David feels persecuted by his enemies. He asks God to deliver him and subject his enemies to the kind of fate they wanted for him.

Response: I mean, I'm hoping David looked back at this kind of song at some point and decided it was too harsh, but I don't know and probably never will. It's a sincere and legitimate reaction, but I'd find it hard to live in that emotion. Help me God to understand Your ways, even when they seem harsh to me.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Psalm 108

Summary: The psalmist commits to praising God daily with the dawn, since God is just as faithful to save. God speaks, announcing He will use Israel to defeat its enemies. The psalmist responds, noting that can only happen with God's help.

Response: It's true, God has been reliable day in and day out. Diving into His Word and praising Him daily is just about the least I could do. And I have quite a bit to overcome and my church does too. I know only God can help, and it's crazy that He chooses us to do it, but here we are. God, use my daily time with You to shape me into who I need to be for You. Accomplish Your will through me and through Your Church.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Psalm 107

Summary: The psalmist considers God as Deliverer. Through many scenarios, the people get themselves in trouble and God rescues them and blesses them.

Response: Lord, even through my wrong choices, You have blessed me immensely. Thank You for Your loyal love, without which I would be nothing.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Psalm 106

Summary: The psalmist gives an account of God's mercy to His people, who--from the parting of the sea and the wandering in the desert to mixing with other nations and being submitted to them--praise God for a bit, then get back to doing what they want. The psalm ends with one more plea to praise God for one more deliverance.

Response: I know very well: I'm in the same boat. I fall often. God picks me back up. I give Him some praise. And I fall back again. God loves me (as He loves everyone, yes even you) l, and He'll never stop. That doesn't give me greater courage to sin, but renewed hope when it eventually happens as well as hopefully pushing me closer and closer to His side.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Psalm 105

Summary: The psalmist praises God through a history of His people, called by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but power shown to get them out of Egypt.

Response: Well for one, I didn't know this recap was in the Bible, so that's neat. But this is a piece of Israelite identity: the Lord delivered us from Egypt. Help me to see more and more Your deliverance, Lord.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Psalm 104

Summary: The psalmist sees God as Creator, majestic and yet also working hard keeping everything running. In response, the whole earth responds to His presence and attention. We are called to do the same.

Response: There's some pretty great imagery here, from God laying down foundations of clouds like timber and concrete to lions following God's prescribed schedule. And as all this just works, as there's a trust involved in God being able to take care of us, I feel the call to trust Him. Help me to do so more and more every day.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Psalm 103

Summary: David has to call himself to praise God, and there's quite a bit He's done to deserve it. Kind, Healer, Deliverer, anointing, satisfying, renewing, just yet merciful, loving, not repaying evil for evil, Father, as eternal as we are limited by time. David calls on all--angels, warriors, and priests alike--to praise God.

Response: As we work our way through a pastoral transition, we're human and we're making mistakes. It's great to be reassured that God doesn't punish us as we deserve; thank God for that!

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Psalm 102

Summary: The psalmist demands God's ear, for he is so anxious and lonely that he can hardly sustain himself. He then compares his small life to the eternal God, for Whom even the earth is like a jacket you wear out and pitch. He also notes God's compassion; even with this disparity between God and man, He still wants that relationship.

Response: Well, it is my birthday. I don't feel quite like withered grass just yet and that's okay. But I still find awe in God's presence; the words we read and sing really do ring true, and God really is amazing for loving even us, even me!

Monday, September 25, 2017

Psalm 101

Summary: David (hey I know that guy) wants to show his loyalty to God through his integrity. To that end, he promises is associate and do business only with people of integrity; as king, he also promises to do away with those who cheat.

Response: On the one hand, having no sleaze or corruption in a country would be grand if not unheard of in today's society. On the other hand, the penalty seems a bit excessive, even given how the crime distorts so much about public service and even given that this is David's personal feelings, which he's entitled to. I mean, imprison them, take their position and influence away, root out corruption, but it doesn't have to get that bloody, does it?

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Psalm 100

Summary: We praise God for a bunch of reasons: He is Creator, Shepherd, a great Giver, Shelter, ever loving and ever faithful.

Response: Definitely a long, varied, and true list. God will guide and provide always. Help me to see that, and help my church in transition to see that as well.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Psalm 99

Summary: God is shown as King above all others, be they kings of other nations, the Law itself, or even heroes of the faith.

Response: I'm trying to come up with something thought provoking or clever but I'm not feeling great. Lord, please be King of my body and help me to feel better.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Psalm 98

Summary: The psalmist calls on God's people to constantly find new ways to praise God. God, after all, is always finding new ways to bless and deliver us. It is just as right for instruments to give Him thanks as for creation itself to cry out to Him.

Response: There are so many things that are out of my hands that worry me and drag me down. There are several things I do have control over that make me feel the same way. But Lord, keep me thinking of Your blessings, that I might continually praise You.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Psalm 97

Summary: The psalmist again urges everyone to praise God. He is a ruler so powerful that creation itself bends to His will. He is a ruler so righteous that those who follow Him consider it joy.

Response: God, help me to trust in Your power. Help me to find and keep joy in doing Your will.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Psalm 96

Summary: The psalmist urges everyone to praise God. He delivers daily; He is real, unlike other 'gods;' He is Creator and full of majesty. We should give him credit for this, acknowledging His power and finding joy in it.

Response: Between devotions, circumstances, and the music I've heard this week, it's been a theme that God is in control, even if it feels more like its inverse: I am not in control of the big picture. But I still have a choice, and I pray that it would be to find joy in that and all circumstances.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Psalm 95

Summary: God is shown as Creator and Ruler, worthy of all praise, but this comes with a warning. God reminds the reader/listener that He cannot abide sin and their ancestors have seen the consequences of it firsthand.

Response: I feel for God a little bit here, like a tug-of war from kindergarteners: they will sometimes keep breaking the rules and seem surprised when I have to deal consequences. So I feel like I need to work on anger at work, sure. But I am certainly guilty of that same side myself, and I'd say it's mostly about time. I waste a lot of time, on phone and computer games and sites that really are just time wasters. There's this concept of abnegation (like checking out) that can be a reason to play games, but is also what we fight against as followers of Jesus. So the fight continues, I suppose.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Psalm 94

Summary: The psalmist condemns other nations that are persecuting him and his people and asks God to deal with them and protect him.

Response: I've given my thoughts to this kind over and over. I won't say I'm done, but I'm certainly having trouble getting new meaning. Still, a theme I'm returning to in my abiding music (I listen to new worship music as it comes out and collect what speaks to me) is control. God should have it, I should leave well enough alone and trust Him. Sometimes it might feel like He will never save us or those we love, but we... I... have to trust.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Psalm 93

Summary: The psalmist shows God as King since the dawn of time. The sea applauds His power. His covenant with His people stems from His holiness.

Response: Lord, help me trust that You are in control. (I wish I had something else to add, but it'd just be the same sentence copy-pasted a few times.)

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Psalm 92

Summary: The psalmist praises God and makes a case for praising Him. Between His love, faithfulness, and saving actions, God blesses and strengthens those who follow Him.

Response: I like the comparison in here of God's people with the unbelievers, who can't see His intricate plans. Honestly, most times I can't see them either, but there are certainly times when I could not be where I was or am without His hand moving in my life. 

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Psalm 91

Summary: The psalmist speaks to one who trusts God like he does, assuring him that God will protect them.

Response: I can't help but feel like this is another train of thought that Jesus completely upends. The psalm says that, because I am good, God will save me; but I am seldom good enough to warrant that. Instead, I feel like Jesus would say that because God is good, He will save me. It's grace, and it should change our actions and our thoughts, but you don't have to be good enough before receiving it.

Friday, September 1, 2017

Psalm 90

Summary: After praising God's immortality, Moses (this is the only psalm he is claimed to have written) ponders just how far an immortal being is from mortal man, who comparitively may as well be grass that withers after a day. He sees God's hatred of sin and pleads for mercy and love.

Response: I'm definitely feeling withered today. Some combination of sick young students and too much talking (by me) in class have left my throat miserable this last week. Hopefully I can make a peep at a sporting event tomorrow, and hopefully I can get my mind closer to exegesis next time.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Psalm 89

Summary: The psalmist focuses on the permanence of God's love. He is so far above anything or anyone else, and chooses His people to bless. He also chose David, but has seemingly turned His back on him. They cry to God to return and bless them once again.

Response: God and His people Israel did make a covenant (several actually), but God is not the party to it that strayed again... and again, and again...

So I guess I'm glad they can still notice God is missing and ask Him to return. Sometimes I feel like I've gotten away too many times, though in my head I know there are no such things. I hope to rely on His Spirit more and more and His grace every time I need it (which is very often).

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Psalm 88

Summary: The psalmist feels abandoned and left for dead by God. He wonders aloud if God will ever hear him. To the psalmist, it feels like he has to confront God with his injustices and that God fires back with all kinds of trouble.

Response: Wow, no hope and no escape. There are moments I feel like this (do you ever feel like the whole world is crashing down, and it's all your fault?), But I know many feel like this more often than we'd care to admit. It is fine to have this feeling, but the author doesn't stop praying and doesn't stop trying to get help. If your thoughts are telling you to end it all, that is not God and it is not right; please seek help. For the rest of us, I pray we will start and continue seeking God and His mercy, even if we feel abandoned.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Psalm 87

Summary: The psalmist praises Jerusalem, City of God. They imagine God himself praising the noble birth of its people. It finishes by commanding them to praise God.

Response: Homer-ism? I suppose I should give them the benefit of the doubt. God had time and time again rescued Israel. They were chosen not because they were strong, but because God loves them. Same as you and me, and thank God for that!

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Psalm 86

Summary: David (hey yeah, that guy) praises God for past deliverance and mercy, asking for it yet again.

Response: It's hard to believe, but God's mercy is beyond anything that we could ask for. David wants it since he's been in God's presence often as if to win His favor. But God wants to deliver anyone who will accept Him. In that relationship, more growth will happen, but it's not that you have to be good enough to get God's love. He already loves you infinitely!

Friday, August 25, 2017

Psalm 85

Summary: The psalmist gives God praise not just for past deliverance, but present and future too. He calls on the people to forego sin and follow God instead.

Response: No enemy in this psalm but ourselves. Lord, help me to defeat myself daily.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Psalm 84

Summary: The psalmist praises God by way of His Temple, where even birds feel safe. God blesses both His Temple and the people that keep coming there to worship. Then the author asks for personal aid and for a greater intimacy with God.

Response: The Temple's architecture and its liturgy may have been awe-inspiring all on their own, but I know the only reason it was considered lovely, the only reason a thousand days elsewhere weren't worth one there, is because God dwelled there. Help me to seek You and find You.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Psalm 83

Summary: The psalmist asks God to defeat Israel's many enemies.

Response: God, help me to rely on You to fight my battles for me. Help me to trust that Your arm will show love in all You do. Help me to be honest with my feelings, that we might more easily communicate.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Psalm 82

Summary: God talks to an assembly of fake gods. He calls them out on their wickedness, charges them to serve, and reminds them of their mortality.

Response: This one was, uh, just a bit weird. If we're going metaphorical (sounds like a 90s cartoon catchphrase), I guess they could represent opposing nations and their religions and possibly leaders.

So even to the sworn enemies of God's chosen people, God instructs and guides toward receiving and giving compassion and hope. He's really serious about this love thing.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Psalm 81

Summary: In the middle of praising God, the psalmist records a message from Him. God remembers bringing Israel out of Egypt and just needs His people to listen and obey.

Response: I can't chide biblical Israel too much; after all, I'm just as bad. It's my hope, though, that God would keep changing me so that I could more consistently obey Him.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Psalm 80

Summary: The psalmist compares God to a shepherd and a mighty warrior, and Israel to a plant. God uprooted Israel from Egypt, planted it in the Promised Land, and tended it until it spread. But as the people left God, He left them open to threats. Three times the psalmist asks God to deliver them by "smil[ing]" on them.

Response: Here I'd almost compare more to a parent who, on the sight of their child crying, would smile to pacify them. But you don't smile at a child in trouble (not usually, anyway).

God, help me to take stock of Your blessings. Teach me to follow and rely on You.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Psalm 79

Summary: The psalmist cries out to God as His people are in the midst of a great crisis. Foreign powers have reduced cities to rubble and left many dead. The requests are twofold: that God save "us" and kill "them" back.

Response: My heart grows heavy in times of hate and violence. Still, I do my best not to have a vengeful heart. Help me, God, to pray for those I might hate or resent, that Your hand can be seen acting in those situations.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Psalm 78

Summary: The psalmist urges Israel to remember God's provision, grace, and judgement through a short history of their people to that point, including Egyptian captivity and rescue, wandering in the desert, settling in the Promised Land, and many (many many) times when they turned their backs on God.

Response: God's acts here are great, but it was easy for His people to forget them. I have a hard enough time keeping thankful for what happened earlier in the day. Lord, help!

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Psalm 77

Summary: The psalmist recounts an all-nighter of desperate prayer. He doubts momentarily that God would hear and answer the prayer, then affirms his belief that God will do those things. He remembers just how much power He has over even the sea and storm, and how God has already proven His love.

Response: I've been there, when praying with seemingly no answer gets frustrating. But the psalmist's attitude improves, even without an answer. Instead, it is his perspective that changes. It goes from "I've been suffering so long; how could God ignore me?" to "God has proven Himself time and time again, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for this time!"

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Psalm 76

Summary: The psalmist sees God in His dwelling place as a force of peace, breaking weapons and growing His reputation. Still, when He is out and about, God is like a fierce lion, a conquering king, and a righteous judge. The psalm ends recommending that all covenant with such a God.

Response: I'm not sure which side of God I prefer. I have to acknowledge that both exist; God does stay and comfort, which I'm all for, but He also fights battles and casts judgement. And most of the time, it's on my behalf. I'm trying my best as this school year gets started to give God this time. It's literally the least I can do.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Psalm 75

Summary: The psalmist praises God, who goes back and forth and judge and savior. As judge, He clouds the judgement of the wicked and passes down His own. As savior, He keeps the world in order.

Response: Lord, I am often the one full of myself; help me to love humbly. I am often the worry wart; help me to rely on You.

Monday, July 31, 2017

Psalm 74

Summary: The psalmist brings great injustice to God's attention. Enemies are persecuting His people! Through great acts, he reminds God how He tends to make order out of chaos and asks God again to keep it up!

Response: I mean, God does work things in for the good of those who love Him, but my experience is that it rarely looks like order. It looks like having just enough hope to carry on while having to trust God for the rest. God, do what You will; help me to trust You in it all.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Psalm 73

Summary: The psalmist sees the prosperity of the wicked and how God doesn't seem to punish them for it and almost falters in his faith. But he affirms that it is God who guides him and in Whom he trusts.

Response: Normally, I'd be more than happy to talk politics, but my wife just had a girl! So I can start praying that God guide her as He has me; that she sees the world for what it is; and that, each in our own way, we can help to bring heaven on Earth.

Monday, July 17, 2017

Psalm 72

Summary: The psalmist prays fervently for a peaceful and prosperous reign for the new king. He notes that such splendor and abundance as he describes is only possible through God.

Response: I hear it and it sounds like David praying for Solomon. But I wonder if people who saw Jesus as King had this psalm in mind. And yet, He calls us to the work of His Kingdom, helping the oppressed and needy, sharing our personal wealth of time and goods, and praying for one another.

I'm preaching to myself as much as anyone, so that I can better do God's will. It's not always easy for me to submit to that will. I'm very comfortable and, in a way, that scares me, but I have a hard time being inauthentic about my feelings. I want to work through them so I can actually get to a new place instead of pretending for a Sunday. And I'm sorry if this seems like babbling to you.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Psalm 71

Summary: David compares God to a protecting shelter, keeping him safe and his enemies out. Then the usual "I praise You, kill my enemies," etc.

Response: But there is a moment, a glimmer of hope! He asks to be kept alive until he has taught that love of God to the next generation. It doesn't get mentioned again, but I have hope yet for this David guy.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Psalm 70

Summary: David sends a cry of emergency to God. He wants his enemies shamed and disgraced, and the godly (himself included) joyful and praising.

Response: I have to try to take it all in. I want to conveniently ignore the hatred, but it's in there in both directions. David was a warrior and battle was how he knew to solve problems. Maybe if he knew that God had (and still has) other solutions besides violence, he would've written about them instead. If anything, Jesus' insistence on loving enemies stands in stark contrast to David's feelings, which is okay, but I know Who I'm supposed to follow.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Psalm 69

Summary: David imagines his situation as being stuck in mud and deep water. While he knows he sins, he also has false accusers that he wants God to deal with. David brings more than just his prescribed physical offering, but adds his personal worship.

Response: If there's one feeling I can relate with David on, it's feeling like you need to keep your head above water (a close second would be asking enemies to die though, in my case, they are fleas that are currently in my basement and garage. Yay). Lord, help me to focus on You and give You the time You deserve. You are worth my time. You are worth my praise. Slow me down so I can better do Your will.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Psalm 68

Summary: David exalts God as a great military leader. By keeping Israel's enemies under submission, He keeps Israel safe.

Response: I will admit I'm still working on getting a grasp on David's propensity for battle. This is one path I haven't tried yet: what if David feels (probably true) that military strength was his only path to true peace and that he more or less needed the biggest hero around?

Monday, June 26, 2017

Psalm 67

Summary: The psalmist wants God to bless the psalmist's people, that the world might see those blessings and praise God.

Response: I mean, yeah? But we are blessed for much more than showing God's glory as an end in itself. God's blessings are meant to be shared, from time and money to skills and relationships. It's hard, but worth it to get past "bless me" to "bless through me."

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Psalm 66

Summary: David sees the whole earth worshiping God. He recounts a defining act, when God parted the waters for His people to cross. Even though the relationship isn't perfect on humans' ends, God still offers discipline, mercy, and renewal. David finishes by extending an invitation to that same relationship.

Response: God really is worthy of all this praise. So many times, I'll go through the motions, but I don't want to be desensitized to God's greatness.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Psalm 65

Summary: David praises God for His mercy. In His forgiveness, God chooses to gift the earth His abundance.

Response: Yes, I like this one a bit better, not because I'm not challenged by it. You have to be in a certain mood to accept God's forgiveness, and I don't always have that.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Psalm 64

Summary: David contends that, even though people try (and sometimes succeed) in hurting innocents, God sees and doles out justice.

Response: And, again, I prefer to focus less on the God who avenges and more on the God who saves. But thanks I guess for the vengeance? I suppose I'd rather a perfect God try to wield it than me; I'd let it get to my head.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Psalm 63

Summary: David confesses that God satisfies him, like cool water or fine meat after being in the wilderness. This is why he thinks about God day and night, delighting in the very thought of God.

Response: (yes, there's also a kill-my-enemies part, I'm ignoring that for today) God is amazing all on His own, whether or not we choose to acknowledge it. I pray I would​ seek and find Him more and more and have the boldness to call it out when I see it.

Friday, May 26, 2017

Psalm 62

Summary: David can't find anyone to trust but God. The humans all around him will break trust given the first advantageous opportunity. So he goes all in on God.

Response: Now this one I think I get. You can't quite say "God alone" and then extol the virtues of anyone else. If it's God alone, He's it. I pray I could lift Him that high mentally, even though He deserves so much more.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Psalm 61

Summary: David compares God to the top of a mountain, at which one is safe.

Response: Hey, other than an oddly placed "long live the king" segment, this one was fairly normal. David wants to be like a welcome visitor or one under temporary shelter with God; how cool then that God wants to offer permanent residence in Him!

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Psalm 60

Summary: David notes God's rejection of His people. He asks to be saved from his enemies.

Response: Again, feeling rejection and feeling salvation. Maybe it's that feeling a change in your own heart is really difficult? I don't know. Still we press on.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Psalm 59

Summary: David compares his enemies to a pack of wild dogs and more or less asks God to put them down.

Response: I briefly considered not posting about this one today. Still, I want to work through this, even though I've done it before. Yes, I get that David's life was literally at stake, that he is really faithful to God and that his enemies are really bad guys. But it's hard to reconcile a kill-'em-all mindset with a Jesus I know that, when His enemies threatened to kill Him, literally died and took their sin with Him. Compared to that, David's pleas for his versions of justice or revenge just seem unloving.

Monday, May 22, 2017

Psalm 58

Summary: David belittles the wicked who, though they have power here, do not have it for long. He calls on God to judge them harshly and makes several grisly metaphors.

Response: I continue trying to persevere through these psalms. God grant me patience!

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Psalm 57

Summary: David, hiding from enemies, praises God as safe Shelter but also a great Glorious One, whose might and praise stretch farther than the eye can see.

Response: Yes there's the enemy-snare thing; I'm not worried about it just this second. Help me to dwell in You, Lord, when stress comes; help me to join freely in the praise You deserve.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Psalm 56

Summary: David asks for God to destroy his enemies, promising to serve joyfully in return.

Response: Hey, we got something! I guess that's not fair to David, literally captured by a neighboring country. Still, the last verse is something I can really sink my teeth into.

Monday, May 15, 2017

Psalm 55

Summary: David, betrayed by a close friend, wants to hole up in God's presence and let Him kill off the traitors.

Response: I am glad these psalms are here for when we feel betrayed, but the simple fact is that, if anything, I feel more at fault for any wrong that comes my way.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Psalm 54

Summary: David asks again for God's help to (you guessed it) kill his enemies.

Response: God, keep me patient. Help me to defeat myself and my selfish desires. Help me submit to Your will.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Psalm 53

Summary: Just like the last psalm, David opens by discussing sinful people, who delight in the destruction of God's people even as they become more aware of the consequences. He prays for God to help protect them.

Response: I dunno? Having a hard time connecting with this one. Have all sinned, or just the non-Israelites? I know God forgives, but I have trouble discerning confidence David might have with arrogance.

Monday, May 8, 2017

Psalm 52

Summary: David summarizes the wicked, people who lie and steal for their own benefit. He knows the fate awaiting them includes God taking all that was ill-gotten. By contrast, the wise put their trust in God to be kind and also just in His judgement.

Response: It's becoming more and more clear that God has to prune. Not every ministry started has to continue indefinitely, and few really can without being corrupted or twisted. Not every tongue can be counted on to stay true with its message. I pray I have the patience to seek God's discernment as, to be honest, I have a big change coming up soon in my life.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Psalm 51

Summary: David knows he has sinned big time (not in this story, but he sleeps with a married woman and has her husband killed in military action). He pleads with God for forgiveness. David boldly asks not to be left without God's presence; he also gets past the Law and its sacrifices, noting God would rather have hearts that turn to Him than empty offerings.

Response: Here again is Relatable David. Yeah, I've done some sinning in even my short life; and I've gone through the motions in worship services at times. It's very easy for me to get lost in musical details and never get "into" worship (or to get right out of it soon thereafter). Lord, make me ever more dependent on You, that I need Your presence every day.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Psalm 50

Summary: The psalmist paints a picture of God as almost a natural disaster, clearing His path off the holy mountain. God doesn't want empty sacrifices​, He says; He wants a real change in people's hearts, from fear and obligation to joy and gratefulness.

Response: (Asaph, our psalmist, was probably a singer for the Temple?)

(Holy crap, fifty psalms! A third of the way in, I can't say I'm impressed with all of them, but I've enjoyed digging deeper and getting some real treasures.)

I say natural disaster because it talks about God carving out trees and a burning fire on His way down the mountain. As it says, He isn't hiding.

And His judgement comes with a plan forward or at least an alternative. I can only pray I make such an attitude adjustment.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Psalm 49

Summary: The psalmist proclaims as equal the rich and poor, with both dying at the end of their lives. Still, he says that all the rich and their belongings will burn like trash.

Response: What then to do with wealth? Place it in God's care and/or aid His people.

Friday, April 28, 2017

Psalm 48

Summary: The psalmist praises God as Protector of Jerusalem, and therefore his home and people. God inhabits every nook and cranny of the city and pushes back any attempt at capture.

Response: So the problem of evil (how did I get there? Gimme a sec): why does God allow evil things to happen when He's all-powerful? I believe in free will, that we can choose to go with God's will or on our own. Through the biblical kingdom of Israel's history, its people would turn away from God over and over. "God, we don't need your help. We have this on our own." And so God backs off. He could have prevented the siege of Babylon or Roman rule, but Israel asked Him not to interfere, so he respected their wishes.

Lord, I do this too often myself. Keep me from this sin (I tried folly here, but it's too nice a word) and keep me company reliant on You.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Psalm 47

Summary: The psalmist shouts God's praises, as the One who installed Israel among the nations and the One who reigns over all nations and peoples.

Response: I like the second half better but the entire psalm is easy to digest. Eventually I'm going to get into some deeper emotion, but I'm happy to just be happy for a bit.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Psalm 46

Summary: The psalmist announces God as Protector through the most difficult times, from war to Armageddon.

Response: I tend to be very picky on subject matter for worship songs I lead  I don't do a whole lot of end times songs, for instance, because I feel like people who focus on that aspect of the story tend to turtle up instead of continuing to evangelize (and I have a tough enough time with that anyways). But this one might be just a bit different, not offering a prediction but simple faith and confidence in God.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Psalm 45

Summary: The psalmist praises a royal marriage. Woo.

Response: Like, that's it. I'm not really sure I would've been any happier about it yesterday, but oh well. On to the next tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Psalm 44

Summary: The psalmist praises God for past deliverance in the first section. This salvation goes back generations. But the second section tells us of recent defeats and anguish, as the psalmist cries out for God to save His people.

Response: I'll admit, the second half surprised me some. The first part can read as nostalgic celebration, but on re-reading it can sound whiny (they got it, why not me? It's so unfair). I'm a firm believer that God, bring creative, finds different ways to speak to different people at different times. Some (like Bible study, discipleship, and prayer) are mainstays, but many feel almost new. It's not my gift per se​ to start new ministries, but I hope I can​ be faithful in supporting them.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Psalm 43

Summary: In a very similar theme to the last psalm, the palmist cries for God's help, praising His deliverance from a godless enemy.

Response: Help me, Lord, to see through Your eyes what really is and isn't part of Your will.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Psalm 42

Summary: The psalmist languishes upon being trapped far away from the Temple. He wants God like a deer sprints to a stream and like two nearby streams seem to call out to each other.

Response: As part of my small group at church, we've been working on praying the Lord's ​prayer. It's been interesting, and I like how it directs my focus away from my problems and toward His solutions.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Psalm 41

Summary: David asks for God's protection from the many people around him who slander and plot against him.

Response: I hope we see more of David later on in the Psalms. This is the end of the first group of them, and tomorrow's will - gasp - not be one of his, and this last one left a sour, paranoia-laced taste in my mouth​.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Psalm 40

Summary: David, saved by God, showers Him with praise for deliverance, then asks for it yet again.

Response: Keep saving me. It wasn't expressly written, but the point gets across (to me, anyways) that David feels like this salvation can't be a singular event, but a continual renewal. And let me clarify: yes, I believe Jesus died once for all people and for all sin, but we (I) need to keep accepting that grace.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Psalm 39

Summary: David decides to use his tongue only for God's purposes. The words that spill out talk only of his sin and desire for mercy.

Response: I know I'm in the same boat; I am so busy with my day that I feel I can't do anything for God. Lord, help me to slow down, to trim excess, that I might talk with You more and more.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Psalm 38

Summary: David asks God for an end to His judgement. It's killing him, literally in the poem, not to be aligned and in good standing with God. Even without a Word from Him, and even with his enemies and family taunting him, David continues to seek God out.

Response: Lord, bring what's between You and me to the forefront of my mind. Help me to accept the grace that lets me change and be in right standing with You.

Friday, March 31, 2017

Psalm 37

Summary: David again compares the wicked to the godly. The latter group has God's protection and gains land that the former group loses.

Response: I guess my big problem with us-vs-them is that it gives up. Yes, there are people who are just plain wicked, who know they are doing wrong and delight in it. And I certainly know very few truly godly people, though the ones that come closest are still bright diamonds in the rough. But I feel like most of us are just tossed around, almost too busy to fight a lot of battles without God's help. To give up on someone like that, lump them in with the truly evil, and carry on just irks me.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Psalm 36

Summary: David describes evil people, being selfish to the core. He then describes God, ever loving. Finally, as he's done before, he asks God's protection from evil in his life.

Response: I'll be honest: many times, I feel less like the righteous in this chapter and closer to the wicked. I don't like to be there, but if I'm honest, I know I can't get to that other side on my own. For me, it's not "save me because I'm righteous" so much as "save me from my own wickedness."

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Psalm 35

Summary: David tells God to protect him from his enemies. In return, David will praise God wherever and whenever.

Response: Again, even knowing that David and I are different beasts, I spent the whole psalm going "nope nope nope."  Telling God what to do, more us vs them (including "I'm perfect" and "kill them"), making praise conditional... The list goes on. I'm trying to find a pivot here. The best I have is that I'm sure I'd say much of the same if I was actually in the life-or-death situation David was in.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Psalm 34

Summary: David praises God, who protects and provides for those who trust Him. Unlike the wicked, who destroy themselves, God's natural act is to defend the godly.

Response: Again, this is the goal. I'd love to be here that whole time, but I know I'm not there nearly often enough. Side note, I loved the us mentality of the psalm up until he had to go in the direction of us vs them.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Psalm 33

Summary: David sings God's praises because He created and cultivates the world and everyone in it. Not only is He in charge of little details in Earth's physical makeup, but He guides each heart.

Response: I'm a musician, and sometimes my mind will do what animators call "Mickey Mousing," where a song will fit into the scenario in question. But my brain will tend to focus on a song's technical aspects before the lyrics, which kind of defeats the purpose. I guess what I'm saying is, I hope to have given more control up in what/how I think so God can give me more focus.

Friday, March 24, 2017

Psalm 32

Summary: David talks through God's forgiveness. Without it, he wastes away. Once he has it, he is safe and hears praises to God from others who have it. And he gets to make those praises himself!

Response: If I remember correctly, the selah thing here is a break in the action. If this had had musical accompaniment at any point, I'm pretty sure the guitar (or more likely lute) solo would have gone there. But it helps chop the song up so we get these different aspects of the story, which I greatly appreciate. And we have yet another glimpse of Human David, who is less than perfect and will admit it! I like that guy because I know that I'm that way, too.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Psalm 31

Summary: David paints a picture of the end of his days, where enemies are still persecuting him. He thinks it is his end, that God has abandoned him because of his sin, but God steps in and serves as his shelter.

Response: I'm not sure if David was actually older when he wrote this, but a less brash and more pensive tone is good evidence toward that notion. Lord, I too have failed again and again. Yet you continue to shelter me and provide for me. Your love really is amazing!

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Psalm 30

Summary: David praises God, recounting a time when God turned His back on him only to forgive him again out of love.

Response: I am often short-sighted in the same way I feel David is here. It wasn't "I screwed up so God turned away," it was "God turned away until I convinced Him to turn back." The second implies that David didn't do anything wrong, just that God for whatever reason decided to abandon David. Lord, I know full well that, if I feel distant from You, it's that I've moved. Keep me close to You daily and hourly.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Psalm 29

Summary: Definitely a praise and worship psalm, David describes God's power through His shout. It calls to attention, it breaks the power of surrounding nations, and it strikes both fear into Israel's enemies and love into His people.

Response: As a worship leader, I often hear songs of our shouting to God; it's not happened, I don't think, that I hear about Him shouting back. Help me to listen, Lord, for what feels like screaming to You but that I can barely make out.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Psalm 28

Summary: David cries out to God, knowing that He will come to his aid. Even while waiting, he rejoices in God's provision.

Response: I'm having a hard time getting my spiritual vision in focus and have been all weekend. It feels like I've been blocked from seeing God's hand in things because of how busy the minute-to-minute is. Lord, save me from myself!

Friday, March 17, 2017

Psalm 27

Summary: David again asks for and claims God's protection over him. He says that it's this confidence that allows him to stay strong even in the face of danger.

Response: The general vibe I got from the last verse and a half is that David knows he could not have let God change his life if he didn't have the super bold faith that he did. In little ways, I know that's true for me, too, even if I haven't slain a giant or danced nude during a religious ceremony (you'd have to look that second one up).

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Psalm 26

Summary: David wants God to test his mettle, finding anything that would destroy his integrity so he can live blameless before and fully worship Him.

Response: Lord, I know there are things I struggle with daily. Help me to let them go, that I might be able to give You the praise You deserve.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Psalm 25

Summary: David asks for God's help. He knows that God teaches people how to act and certainly rescues those who seek His will.

Response: I have a hard time with this line of thinking. "I'm good, so save me" doesn't work if you're not good enough, and we soon find out that no one (except One, but He choose to save and not be saved) is good enough. But God chooses to save us anyways! Yes, I believe we should try to act godly, but not in order to be saved. It's the other way around: since we've been set free from sin, we are to actually stop sinning by relying fully in the power of God. It's a bit nuanced and might​ look the same on the outside, but whereas David is very raw, I tend to overthink.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Psalm 24

Summary: David proclaims God Creator and Defender of the earth and its people. As Creator, His every action was and is creative; as Defender, His every stance inspires.

Response: This kind of worship is infectious. I love this kind of psalm that focuses on God. Lord, You are worthy of all praise. Help me not to get so bogged down in my own struggles that I forget to worship You.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Psalm 23

Summary: David compares God to a shepherd, leading him to everything he needs; and to a dinner host, providing even in the face of unwelcome guests.

Response: Hey, odds are you've heard this one. I tend to try to find the nuggets hidden away, avoiding the moments with the biggest splashes. I'd much rather study anything but the most oft-quoted psalm ever, but God still does provide and I hope I can continue trusting in Him for all I need.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Psalm 22

Summary: David starts by describing himself crying out to God continually, yet with no answer; he continues and finishes by proclaiming God's might and power even without a response.

Response: (If you're somehow reading this and haven't heard, this is one of the last seven words of Jesus. Dying on the cross, he starts the psalm, which sounds hopeless to those who don't get it but triumphant to those who know the rest of it.)

David shows humility! Wow! Help me to do the same, Lord, even as I ask for boldness before You.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Psalm 21

Summary: David recounts God's faithfulness and protection specifically to kings, of which he is one himself. He says that God not only grants kings long life and prosperity, but defense against their enemies.

Response: Again, I try my best to have respect for the context of David's thoughts. I know that kings were just a thing instead of a distraction as they usually are today. I think I get that, without a long-reigning king, disaster would befall a kingdom. But I have read through I and II Kings, and they're really bad at ruling anyway as well as short lived even when they do obey God. Lord, I pray that, where I lead, help me to serve more and more. Where I follow, help me to respect the position and the one who holds it, and guide my hand to help.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Psalm 20

Summary: David passes on the promise of God's protection to the reader, praying for victory and celebration of God's people. He also proclaims God's hand on their leader the king as the people trust in God rather than military might.

Response: My first reading felt very celebratory, but that ignores some parts and words that really give it an air of desperation. Lord, if I don't get Your help, I'm done for. Help me to hear Your word and follow Your plans.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Psalm 19

Summary: David praises God with the sun and sky, whom he says show God's handiwork. God's craftsmanship is also evident in His Law, he says; David prays not only to be forgiven of sin he knows about, but also of sin he doesn't as well as guiding him away from sinning in the first place.

Response: I like this one! There are like five different feelings here, but I agree with them. God's creation is wonderful; His Law is the ideal way to live, though we can only fall short of it; I need God's hand to stay me away from sin; even when I do sin, I need His forgiveness; even when I sin and don't know it, I still need it. They flow pretty well, all from the majesty of the sky. Neat!

Friday, March 3, 2017

Psalm 18

Summary: Saved from Saul, David rejoices in God's protection. This is a very long psalm, so let's have a look; David calls God:

Source of strength, high ridge, stronghold, deliverer, rocky summit, shield, horn (like the attacking kind), refuge, lamp, protector, king; worthy of praise, sovereign, loyal, reliable, trustworthy, true, alive, praiseworthy, faithful.

He also recounts (again) God's might, his innocence, his enemies' guilt, and what he got God to do to his enemies.

Response: God, I know you are protecting me from things all the time. But I don't think any of them are individuals who want my death. Thank you for your protection, but be with my enemies; I really do feel I want them to succeed. Not in hurting me, of course, but in becoming better people, drawn closer to you, maybe through me.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Psalm 17

Summary: David bookends calling for God's judgement on his enemies with calling for God's judgement on himself.

Response: I'm not sure I could be so bold. I know I'm guilty of quite a bit. Maybe if it were one of a bunch of passing judgements instead of a singular, permanent one?

I had a thought for a metaphor last night at our Ash Wednesday service: which is cleaner, the cup that sits in the China cabinet or the cup that gets used and washed every day? Obviously the former starts out cleaner but, unless you come and dust it often and well, it gets dirty over time, requiring cleaning that is more difficult because of how fragile it is. Holiness is not a one time thing and trying to keep it that way. It gets neglected that way, and is less useful. Holiness, to me, is a daily surrender and cleansing, in the hopes that less and less will need rinsed off each day.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Psalm 16

Summary: David proclaims his trust in God, who protects and delights him in the present and provides for a future where he is used and not cast aside.

Response: So in the last bit, David says that he won't be sent to Sheol; as I understand it, this was basically a large ditch outside Jerusalem where people would throw stuff away that had no use anymore. It was also sort of their version of hell, to be cast aside and left out of God's future plan. I'm thankful I still get used from time to time, but hopefully I can start to see and act on more opportunities to be used by God for His purposes.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Psalm 15

Summary: To be worth even a spot as a stranger in God's presence, David says, a person has to be just about blameless, living with integrity in his word and deed.

Response: I mean, it's not being holy (set apart for God's use), but each thing talked about is really about being honest so that you don't take advantage of other people. That sounds doable, though I know I've failed at this plenty.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Psalm 14

Summary: David sees the suffering of his people at the hands of the wicked and, though he wishes for God's deliverance, he acknowledges that no one is really deserving of it.

Response: Again, that David knew of these feelings, came to those different conclusions, and still felt bold enough to ask for mercy anyway is pretty amazing. I'm hoping that, with time, I find some boldness in prayer or in spreading God's love.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Psalm 13

Summary: David feels ignored because God hasn't yet delivered him; still, he trusts God to save him and praises Him even now.

Response: If anything, I feel like the one who's ignoring God, not the other way around. Lord, help me to truly make time for You in the little choices that add up to big chunks of time.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Psalm 12

Summary: David paints God as a defender of the poor and needy against those who would take advantage of them.

Response: So maybe I'm just more in tune with this raw emotion of David's? Like, I'd much rather pray about justice for the less fortunate than smiting those who I feel deserve it. I know more than some just how blessed I am, so I don't want to discredit that blessing. Lord, continue to grow me in passion for You, not just knowledge.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Psalm 11

Summary: David scoffs at the notion that he should fear from wicked people when he has the backing of God.

Response: Lord, help me to trust in You to get through this week. Help me to do Your will in spite of my busyness.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Psalm 10

Summary: David sees injustice caused by wicked men all around, while God seemingly looks the other way. He pleads with God not to let them go unpunished.

Response: Now this is a primal urge I can get behind. Man injustice is rampant today. The way our ways of life are set up are designed to take advantage of one another. That's not how God designed us to live! Lord, help me be part of that change, part of that justice; help me to take that first small step.

(recommended listening: "The Trapper and the Furrier," Regina Spektor [warning: mild language])

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Psalm 9

Summary: David exclaims God's mercy and provision. Even while others give up and fall, those who are trusting in the Lord don't just survive but thrive.

Response: The Lord is good! I was fairly grossly sick yesterday afternoon and evening, but I'm feeling much better this morning. Yes, I followed steps so it would happen, but I won't miss an opportunity to praise God for healing!

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Psalm 8

Summary: David can't help but praise God, who formed the biggest things in our universe but stepped low to come be a part of each of our lives.

Response: Lord, show me Your grandeur, the majesty of Your works that makes me want to praise You. But reminds me more of Your intimacy, that I get to be Yours and that You choose to be mine!

Monday, February 13, 2017

Psalm 7

Summary: David compares God to a judge but also a defending warrior, asking Him to protect him and keep him safe.

Response: So over the weekend, I took my problem to some people I trust in these matters, and the main consensus is that David is showing his most primal emotions to God. After all, God's definitely big enough. I'm not always that way. My brain will have a primal thought and work it over before saying or writing anything about it. After all, my personality is that of a people pleaser, and it's not very pleasing to get yelled at or point out flaws. I know there is some value to what David is doing and, in my private time, I hope to be more fully human in that way.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Psalm 6

Summary: David pleads for mercy with great sorrow, then wishes humiliation on his enemies.

Response: But seriously! I think I'm going to have to read elsewhere, unless I get some word to keep trudging through.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Psalm 5

Summary: David uses legal language to let God hear his case. He knows that wicked people are wicked and that he has been invited into God's presence, and asks that the wicked meet their demise while he and other faithful stay with God.

Response: Did I mention before that I'm not a fan of us vs them in Scripture? Without trying to push too far, this is what brought us so much terrible history in the church, from the Inquisition to needing the civil rights movement. I understand that David is fighting true pagans, the eat-your-children kind, but I'm not; am I supposed to think this about those around me? I guess I'm not a fan of this kind of psalm. Lord, reveal Your truth in spite of what I think I want to hear.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Psalm 4

Summary: The psalmist surrounds a plea for his enemies to repent with confidences that God can and will deliver him.

Response: This might be one of the struggles for me as I trudge through the Psalms--I don't feel like I have enemies. I mean, obviously nobody is trying to pillage my house or anything, but I just don't go out of my way to cause trouble. Nor do I know anyone well enough to rebuke or exhort them that. But the deliverance? If not from anything but my own sloth, yeah, God is a great deliverer.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Psalm 3

Summary: David, on the run from an attempted coup, feels abandoned by the world. Still, he doesn't put his trust there, but in God, who defends and uplifts him.

Response: Yes, I've heard of this one. It takes some effort to keep that feeling fresh and to keep that commitment holding firm. Lord, I want to rest in Your promise; help me to rely on You through thick and thin.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Psalm 2

Summary: The psalmist assumes the role of God's chosen king, beating back attempts from earthly powers to overthrow him. He asks the other kings to listen to advice, insisting that serving God is the only right way.

Response: If taken the wrong way, some of this does seem mean spirited, such as God Himself laughing derisively at the other kings. But as I wrote above, David (it's more than likely David) offers repentance even to the other nations. I need to accept that mercy, I need to change my life because of it, and it starts by offering that mercy to others around me who need it. Not "who deserve it" (I'm sure none of the other kings took David's offer, but I'm sure none deserved it), but "who need it."

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Psalm 1

Summary: (The book of Psalms is a collection of sacred Jewish poetry; the authors are somewhat anonymous, though a great many were written by King David.) The author sees those who follow wicked ways, and how their way leads to failure upon being unable to withstand God's judgement; he contrasts that with an ideal of studying and living out God's Word, which nourishes like roots close to water and bears fruit.

Response: Yup, going to the biggie. The psalmist does talk about eventual fates, but the big thing in my eye is that failing or bearing fruit is the normal action for the two groups. I know I'm not always a failure, but I want to keep rooting myself in God to be nourished by Him, to do His work.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Acts 28

Summary: The islanders help Paul get to Rome after he heals and spreads the Gospel. Once there, he again meets with the Jews and explains the Gospel; and again, some believe and others don't.

Response: First, there's an exchange with the islanders and Paul about a viper that seems ripped from a cartoon or anime. It's worth a look.

But hey, this is it? I mean, Paul appealed to Caesar, which I thought meant he was going to, y'know, talk to the guy. I guess the journey is what's important? I dunno. Not sure where I'm headed next, but getting Acts right after a Gospel really helped put it in perspective.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Acts 27

Summary: Paul's plea to Caesar is starting to happen, as he boards a boat towards Rome; God protects him even though (to make a long story short) getting shipwrecked.

Response: There was never a doubt from Paul that he would survive this ordeal--and never a doubt that the ordeal would need to take place, either. I only hope the Lord can give me such confidence to see different circumstances as opportunities, not disasters.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Acts 26

Summary: Paul testifies now before Agrippa, who understands his situation. He understands, but Agrippa cannot release Paul because he must first see Caesar, and Agrippa and Felix wash their hands of the affair.

Response: Like everyone else, I feel busy quite often. I know I need to get out and be the hands of Jesus somewhere, but like the nobles, I often stop at simply giving my opinion and moving on.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Acts 25

Summary: Paul's accusers try to game the system, asking the new governor, Felix, to move Paul (where they would ambush him). Paul replies that he'd much rather be on trial before Caesar, which Felix consents to. Still, Felix wants a second opinion, so he brings Paul before a visiting dignitary, King Agrippa.

Response: I'll be honest, I liked the spread of the Gospel better than persecution, but it is great seeing God's hand move to protect Paul, and I know that same hand guards me. When I let it, of course.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Acts 24

Summary: Paul, on trial with the governor, is accused by the high priest of disturbing the peace. Paul offers a faith-based defense that the governor needs time to process. Unfortunately, that process ends up taking longer than the governor's time in office.

Response: Literally facing his accusers, Paul does not attack them directly. I'm not sure I could do the same.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Acts 23

Summary: Paul testifies before the actual Jewish Council, which goes about as well as one can expect. He has to be dragged from there by the Roman guard and snuck away by them to a nearby governor when a few dozen men make a pact to kill Paul.

Response: Paul's testimony, unlike other times, barely gets one sentence in before it is interrupted and ended. But he made it count. I pray that my talking (mostly with students at the moment) really does show the Christ in me.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Acts 22

Summary: Paul talks to the angry mob of Jews outside the Roman barracks in Jerusalem. Giving his testimony angers the crowd, so he is brought into the barracks, but protected due to his Roman citizenship.

Response: I sort of have dual citizenship, both in the Christian music world and either classical or secular music, too. My expertise in one bleeds into the others, and makes me more effective. God may be calling you (and me) not to a far off place but just to the people around you, the ones who may be just outside that heavenly influence.

Friday, January 20, 2017

Acts 21

Summary: Each town Paul visits on his way back to Jerusalem has a church member who warns him not to go or be imprisoned. But he does go and, after some dialogue with the apostles, big surprise--he's arrested.

Response: I think Paul knows he's walking a very fine line talking about Gentiles to Jews. The apostles sounded like they hadn't fully worked out the thought process behind all of this, and of course the crowds are frenzied at this point. I hope I can avoid the knee jerk reaction to God's hand like this and search for His wisdom in the crazy.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Acts 20

Summary: Paul's whirlwind tour is almost done; he sends word ahead to the church at Ephesus so that they can meet him at the boat he's traveling on for a sermon during a layover. He reveals that the Spirit has been telling him he won't get to see these towns again, that only prison and persecution await him. But still he goes.

Response: [Already we get Jesus misquoted with "better to give than receive;" oh well] The last day or so has had at least two studies of mine talk of eventual sacrifice. It's safe to say that I've noticed. I hope God can reveal to me what I need to prune out of my life.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Acts 19

Summary: Paul stays in Ephesus this time for over two years. He finds a small sect of believers in John the Baptist; he heals in Jesus' name, and others fail greatly when they try to cast out demons in Paul's name; and he resolves to go to Jerusalem before heading to Rome (going southeast to then backtrack West through the sea). Before he can go, though, yet more trouble is had when tradesmen connected to the worship of Greek god Artemis riot in Ephesus. Paul tries to enter the building they've occupied, but is forced to watch from the sidelines as one of his own is shouted down for two hours straight.

Response: [Okay so the guy in verse 33, Alexander, was probably going to try to deflect blame from Jews in general over to Paul, but that's okay, close enough for now] So we have a few aesops here if we want them, that we can't ride on someone else's coattails, and that there are things the Spirit will just veto regardless of how much we want/wish/need it at the time.

But I've been thinking about sacrifice. By tithing, by the choices and purchases we make, that affects our ability to give and, as we saw here, it can make a sizeable financial message to those who don't know Jesus.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Acts 18

Summary: After yet another almost flogging in Corinth, Paul begins a whirlwind tour, hitting Ephesus quickly before rounding back to Jerusalem by boat and running through the towns be visited in his last go around. Meanwhile, a couple he left behind in Ephesus meet and strengthen Apollos, a mighty speaker for Jesus that seemingly comes out of nowhere.

Response: I'm not sure where you are in your walk, non-existent reader, and to be honest, I'm not sure where I am in mine. To the Paul who is persecuted, may God send you the same message of hope, peace, and perseverance; to Priscila and Acquila, left behind, may God keep your hands useful and your mind sharp until God calls you again; to the Paul who revisits, may you find growth in all things and the wisdom to foster even more; and to the Apollos, may your fervor for Christ be tempered by your mentors into a refined instrument.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Acts 17

Summary: Paul continues his tour, starting in Thessalonica. The people there follow the usual pattern (some believe, others riot, Paul kicked out), and kick Paul out of the next town he visits, too. Without his traveling buddies, he settles in Athens, where the people follow any religious trend that pops up. Upon telling the Athenians about Jesus, most are skeptical but at least peaceful.

Response: I know that Paul (and I) should come to expect that most people who hear the Word will reject it, some defiantly so. It sucks, but it's part of the call as followers of Christ to spread His love.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Acts 16

Summary: Paul and his new sidekicks Silas and Timothy try going to several places, but the Spirit prevents it. Instead, Paul gets a dream asking for help from the region of Macedonia, so they go there.

In Philippi, the main town of the district, they preach and grow the church (including a woman named Lydia) until they're arrested, but are released supernaturally,  converting the jailer and his family on the way out. The leaders are terrified not because of the display of power but because Paul and Silas are Roman citizens that were just punished by a Jewish entity.

Response: The Spirit chooses different things for different people and expects different things, too. In the last few chapters, the apostles unanimously say that new believers don't need to be circumcised, but Paul wants Timothy to be respected by those he's reaching out to and so has him snipped himself. They try to go to a number of cities, but end up having to travel across the known world to get to Philippi. Hopefully I can start hearing that still, small voice.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Acts 15

Summary: Church drama ensues, but not for long, as some believers from Jerusalem start telling Gentiles in other countries that they must be circumcised to be Christians. Peter and Paul are both considerably against this, and convince the assembly in Jerusalem to send Paul with a letter expressing that sentiment. Some time later, Paul and his buddy Barnabas butt heads on traveling companions and split ways for now.

Response: So they saw a problem and talked about it openly with prayer and testimony, then sent people to talk it over with the other group. This is handled super well, especially compared to dysfunctions in churches today. I think a main reason for that is the authority Paul and Peter had in their ministry, as opposed to people (admittedly myself included) who haven't been fruitful or even trying. I am hoping to get on the wagon and serve those around me, but a more-than-full-time job and continuing to grow a family is not conducive to that just yet.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Acts 14

Summary: Paul and Barnabas, kicked out of Antioch, move to the towns of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In each, they are at first commended (in Lystra the people think they are Zeus and Hermes) before the Jewish leaders of the town incite riots against them. But after Derbe, the pair go backwards through the already visited towns, encouraging the believers they left behind.

Response: The inspiration sweeps back through. Not for long and not in exactly the same way, but there's at least a small visit. I hope that I can start to find my small rests and be able to give the same to my wife.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Acts 13

Summary: Saul (who nonchalantly becomes Paul here) preaches to the Jewish community in a town near Antioch but, when they are outnumbered the following week by Gentiles, the Jews reject the message and Paul is forced to reject them, too, preaching to the Gentiles.

Response: Again, I have real trouble "shaking the dust from my feet." I haven't been in enough situations like that to really discern between those who don't get it yet and those who have chosen to reject it. And without being the one spreading the Gospel and seeing the reactions of the listeners, I don't feel capable of sound judgment.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Acts 12

Summary: King Herod (he the grandson of "kill the babies" King Herod in the gospel) kills James and imprisons Peter. Peter, in the dead of night, escapes with help of an angel. While the church rejoices, Herod dies.

Response: I mean, I get that Herod was killing Christians, but it still feels wrong to me to rejoice in someone's death the way the author's tone feels to me. That said, the middle section, where Peter can't get the servant girl to open the door for him, reads like a sitcom script, and in a good way. I guess, at the end of the day, these are humans and flawed and that's okay because I am both of those, too, and if they can be flawed and still have God work in and through them, then there's still hope for me, too.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Acts 11

Summary: Peter, ever the leader in trouble, returns after visiting the centurion to quarrels over the rightness of his actions. Peter explains his dream, God telling him three times not to reject clean things, and the dissenters turn and rejoice. Similarly, Barnabas finds joy in welcoming Gentile Christians in far-off cities. Finally, the church sends relief aid to cities in a famine.

Response: The church has disagreements that end in joy. Connections are found between churches. The Church serves as the hand of God in helping the downtrodden. I want my church to be like this!

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Acts 10

Summary: Peter, a Jew's Jew, and a centurion of Rome (who still obeyed God, but was not officially Jewish) both receive visions to gather together and accept one another as they are, even without ritual cleanliness or Roman citizenship.

Response: On the one hand, this is us, our chance to be in the Kingdom! But on the other, I know it's my obligation to go and seek out the lost and bring them in with loving acceptance.