Lessons in Trust - Part 1

Intro:
Years ago, Monroe Parker was traveling through South Alabama on one of those hot, sultry Alabama days. He stopped at a watermelon stand, picked out a watermelon, and asked the proprietor how much it cost. "It's $1.10," he replied. Parker dug into his pocket, found only a bill and said, "All I have is a dollar."

"That's ok," the proprietor said, "I'll trust you for it."

"Well, that's mighty nice of you," Parker responded, and picking up the watermelon, started to leave.

"Hey, where are you going?" the man behind the counter demanded.

"I'm going outside to eat my watermelon." "But you forgot to give me the dollar!

"You said you would trust me for it," Parker called back.

"Yeah, but I meant I would trust you for the dime!"

"Mack," Parker replied, "You were't going to trust me at all. You were just going to take a ten-cent gamble on my integrity!"

Haddon Robinson.

Read:
Proverbs 3:5-10

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.


Think:
Can you relate to the story at the beginning? Do you sense that sometimes we trust God for a "dollars" worth of issues but keep the "dimes" for ourselves? I do that. It is easy to trust God with the big stuff (the dollar worth) like salvation, acceptance, the filling of the Holy Spirit, etc. But sometimes it is so hard to trust God with the little stuff (the dime worth) like relationships with friends and family, enough money to make it through month, job situations, etc.

I heard someone once say, "Why pray when you can worry?". Though it is funny it is no less true! It is so easy to worry and not pray.

Proverbs enters the world of worry with some strage words. TRUST. Trust in the Lord. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

The call is for childlike response to the situations we find oursleves in. Easier said than done. God calls us to trust Him when we lose our job. God calls us to trust Him when our reputation is being drug through the mud. God calls us to trust Him when we have a wayward child.

The call is for trust in a person. We are to trust the Lord. Not our circumstances or our efforts. We are to trust the One that would die to be with us. That would always give us what is best for us. The One that has answered the prayers we often forget to pray. The one that is with us when we get that diagnosis.

The call is for a reckless abandon to this Lord. We are to trust Him with all our hearts. That is the seat of emotion. That is where passion comes from. That is me when no one is looking. God wants it all.

The call is for uncommon sense. Yes, uncommon sense. We are called to trust the Lord and not our own limited understanding. We are not to lean on this. That implies that this is a comfortable and even natural posture for us to take. We are trained to lean on our own understanding. The call is for us to lean on God. This is often not in line with common sense. It requires waiting and watching.

Can you trust God with the "dime" worth of your life today?

Do:
It strikes me that one of the key indicators that I am trusting the Lord is prayer. If I am trusting then I am waiting. If I am trusting then I am watching. If I am trusting then I am expecting. If I am trusting then I am praying.

If your prayers were heard over a loudspeaker would they show that you are trusting the Lord?

What are you anxious about today? Have you taken it to the Lord and left it there? He will bear both you and your burden. He will take care of the dollar and the dime. You can trust Him for it.

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Consider His Benefits - Part 1

Read:
Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Think:
What are the Lord's benefits toward us? To what extent does God love us?
What is his heart toward us?

This Psalm captures some of God's loving care for us. The Hebrews had a special word for God's care ... Hesed (pronounced qh-ehss-ud). This word is so rich in meaning that the KJV folks translated the word "Lovingkindness". If I understand correctly, they created this contracted word, lovingkindness, to capture this Hebrew word's rich meaning.

But more importantly, it captures the heart of God toward His own. We see that here in the Shepherd's care of Psalm 23.

Can you take a second and identify at least 3 special things that God has done, is doing or will do on behalf of His people in Psalm 23?

Go ahead, stop and think through the Scripture above. Meditate on it .......

******

Now that you have identified 3 special things that God provides for His people, identify 1 that speaks to you this day and ask God to continually impress it upon you as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death today.

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Jesus in the OT - Part 1

Intro:
The Bible is essentially a book about Jesus. From a garden walk with Adam and Eve to the cross we have a book about Jesus. From walking on water to raising from the dead we have a book about Jesus. From the founding of the Church to the return of the King we have a book about Jesus.

The Bible is a book about Jesus. Our lives should be as well.

This morning we will look at a Psalm that looks forward 1000 years to tell us about the death of Jesus. As you read this you will read the cross from Jesus' eyes. This is how it felt to Him. This is how He saw it.

Read:
Psalm 22:1-25
For the director of music. To the tune of "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David.

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.

3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.

4 In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.

5 They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.

7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

8 "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."

9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.

10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.

14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.

16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.

17 I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.

18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

19 But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.

22 I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you. 23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.

Think:
Hard to read these words and not worship the Lord for His sacrifice for us. 1000 years before He suffered and died this Psalm captures the event.

The details are excruciating. This Psalm talks about:
1. What people did to Him

• Scorned and despised
  
• Mocked
• Insulted
• Pierced His hands and feet
• Stare and gloat
• Roll dice for His clothes
  

2. How he felt on the cross

• Abandoned
• Like a worm, less than human
• Brokenhearted
  
• Dried up
• Exposed
  

For what reason would He go through all this? Why would the Son of God choose this course?

He chose this course because of love. This was the only answer for the curse that was laid upon us all for our rebellion. He paid my price, He paid yours.

What is more amazing than the fact that He died so horribly is that He knew what was coming and still chose the course. That is amazing love.

Do:
Take time now to worship the God who pays your debt.

Remember to trust the Lord in all your difficulty today. There is nothing you cannot handle with His help.

Take a few minutes to watch this video from Michael W. Smith. It came out many years ago but still has a great impact on me. Saw it at a bookstore in San Luis Obispo, CA in the late 80s. It's called Secret Ambition. Pay attention to the words and the message.

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Look up: Does it really matter?

Intro:
Does what I do impact God's blessing toward me? If I fear the Lord will I see blessings in my life?

Yes.

Not the name it and claim it variety. Not the I will never get sick variety. As a general rule God will bless those who fear Him. God will bless those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Read:
Psalm 128
A song of ascents.

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.

4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.

5-6 May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Think:
From the "blessings and cursings" of Deuteronomy the Israelites always knew that God was looking for those that would fear Him. He said that wealth and life were in His power. He said that a person cannot make money if the Lord is against him.

Here is Psalm 128 we have similar themes. Blessed is the man or woman that fears the Lord. They will:
1. Get a return for their labor and enjoy it! See verse two. There are many in Hollywood, the music industry and professional sports that have money but cannot enjoy it.
2. Have many children (verse 3)! This might not be seen as a blessing anymore. For a man in a work world this was like having employees. They would share the load and produce for the family. As my kids are entering the teens years that sounds like a blessing indeed!
3. Live a long life (verse 6).

Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.

Does what I do impact God's blessing toward me? If I fear the Lord will I see blessings in my life? Yes. Not the name it and claim it variety. Not the I will never get sick variety. As a general rule God will bless those who fear Him. God will bless those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Do:
Do you fear the Lord? What would that look like?

If you fear the Lord you will choose His way over your own. You will obey Him. You will walk away from sin. You will worship Him with all your heart. You will love Him above all else. You will listen for His guidance. You will live for His glory.

If you fear the Lord you will experience His special presence and be used by Him mightily. You might also experience material blessing and enjoy it. You might have many employees (kids). You will live eternally.

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Look up: Keeping a right view on kids

Intro:
Have you ever seen a kid on a leash? I will never forget the first time I saw it. A lady was out walking her kid before dinner, I guess.

I will not judge the moms that feel the need to have their kid on a leash. Maybe there are good reasons for it ... I can't think of any.

It appears to me that a leash is easier than disciplining a child's heart. It is as if our kids have become a burden that must be managed. Or brats that need to be indulged.

We need to keep a right view on kids.

Read:
Psalm 127
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

(1) Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

(2) In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for he grants sleep to those he loves.

(3) Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.

(4) Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

(5) Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Think:
The foundation of any home is the Lord (verse 1). A family without God can never experience the spiritual bond God brings to relationships. Leaving God out of a home and expecting it to prosper is short-sighted at best. My dad was raising us to be "moral, upstanding atheists" before he came to Christ. After our family submitted to Jesus we experienced a bond we had never known before.

Once the foundation is laid the first level of the home is the marriage relationship. It is so important to not place the kids before the marriage. We came before the kids. Remember the song: first comes love then comes marriage THEN comes a crying baby in a carriage! When you first return from work take 5 minutes of couch time each day. Don't let the kids interrupt that time.

Marriage takes work and communication. Kids are an innocent, natural wedge in this process. Marriage needs to be guarded. If you are single, you also need to guard time alone and time with the Lord to maintain balance.

The second level of the home is children. Too often children are seen as a burden or a nuisance and childhood as a time of life to "get through". It takes too much work and thoughtfulness to raise kids that obey their parents. So, we put them on leashes and in time out.

This is not God's view. Children are a heritage and reward from the Lord. They are our opportunity to see shape the future.

Children that are well trained will be like an arrow in the hand of a warrior. The arrow enables the archer to reach beyond himself. The arrow allows him to silence his enemies.

Children that are well trained will be like a voice in the city gates representing the family well. The city gates were the courts of the day. Key leaders would discuss issues at the gate. These children will be able to contend for their families.

Do:
How do you view children? Do you see them as a great opportunity from the Lord to proclaim His name in the future? Do you see them as a key part of your future security?

How well are you guarding your time with your spouse? Are you willing to carve out 5 minutes when you get home today?

Are you taking the child rearing job seriously? Are you willing to do the hard work of discipline and consistency?

Next time you see a parent with a leash on a kid think of how you can pray for them and maybe help them out.

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Look up: Being Home

Intro:
I spent tonight on the phone with a dear friend that lost his wife last night at the age of 45. We cried. We shared about her awesome life. We recognized the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We cried. We prayed.

One thing we recognized was how set she is! She is with the Lord in glory. She sees Him! In the final moments of her passing my friend discerned a faint smile on her face. The moment she saw Jesus. She is home.

We, on the other hand, are still here and wondering. The hurt is anchored in harbor. The questions have landed on the tarmac.

Those of us that remain have choices to make. We will sow in tears and pray God that we might reap in joy! We know we will see our loved ones again ... when we get Home.

Read:
Psalm 126
A song of ascents.

1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Think:
Home is a place where the soul safely hides. Home is a light and ever full feeling*. Home is where all long to be.

For hundreds of years Israel was away from home in captivity. They lost their land, many family members, their worship center, their jobs. They got idols, immorality, strangers and slavery. For years they longed for home. For years they dreamed of the freedom and joy of being home.

This is the Psalm of the soldier that arrives home to loved ones ... but also the soldier that arrives Home to Jesus.

This is the Psalm of the prodigal running back to his family.

This is the Psalm of the man rescued from drug addiction and shame.

This is the Psalm of the sinner rescued by a loving God, cleaned up and given the best seat in the home.

This is the Psalm of Darryl, a man that lost his wife at the age of 45 and longs to see her again. This is his hope that his sorrow and trust is not in vain. This is his hope that he will be home soon himself where he will be reunited to his loved ones and see Jesus face to face.

This is the Psalm of me and you. Pilgrims, wanderers, prodigals, all ... longing to be at home with the Lord.

Do:
Are you going to make it home when you die? Have you met the Father of the house? He longs to know you. He longs to prepare a place for you to live forever. He sent His own Son to make sure we knew how to get Home. He made a way. Call out to Him and ask Him to show you how to know His Son and how to get home.

Please take an opportunity to pray for Darryl and those of us that live in the "Shadowlands" and long for home. Pray for his 2 kids as well. They are both in high school and have a lot to process.

Praise God that He has taken care of your need for a Home and that He is, even now, preparing a place for you so "you can be where He is". He longs to be with you.

Listen to Home by Daughtry in the DevoLink Worship Center.

*listen to the music of Michael Card for great insights to being "home".

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Look Up: Who's Side is the Lord on?

Intro:
So, does God have a struggle when Tim Tebow plays against Eric Berry in a football game? Both men pray for God's help and support. Both men name the name of Christ in their lives. So, who's side is God on?

Maybe the better question: who's side are we on?

This picture comes from the TN vs. FL game September 19th. Much was made of the meeting between these two players. This was the first time the SEC Offensive Player of the Year met the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in the smash heard round the SEC.

Read:
Psalm 125
A song of ascents.

1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.

4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.

5 But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.

Think:
Clearly the followers of the Lord have a choice in life. They choose to follow the Lord or follow their appetites. According to the Psalmist there are at least 2 things they choose:
1. To trust (verse 1). We are reminded of Proverbs 3 when we read these words. We are to trust the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. In all our ways we are to acknowledge Him and He will direct our own ways. We are not to be wise in our own eyes but to fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

When we trust the Lord we tell Him that we will do it His way and in His timing. We will transfer control. The Psalmist says this is the person that is as solid as a rock. This is the person that holds on in evil times and waits on God to act against those that promote wickedness (verse 3).

2. To do good (verses 4 & 5). What would this mean to those that heard it years ago? To do God would mean to love God and to love others. To love justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with their God.

To do good would also include obeying the Lord's commands. Verse 5 served as a warning that even the followers of the Lord could be tempted to turn to crooked ways and be banished with the evil doers. This was not the end goal for the follower of the Lord but remained a possibility. The follower of the Lord was to experience the Lord forevermore (verses 1 & 2) but if he turned to crooked ways would be banished (verse 5).

Do:
Who's side is the Lord on? He is on His own side. Are we on His side? That is the question we need to consider. In the end of it all God is not so concerned if Tebow or Berry win a football game but He is concerned that these men play hard, play fair and trust Him with their lives.

Are you trusting in the Lord today? Do you believe that you are where you are by His design and your choices? Some of the stuckness might be due to bad choices you have made. Some of the good things might also be due to this. Fortunately God is not stuck and will bless us in spite of ourselves but I'd rather trust Him and give Him the best opportunity to bless me.

Search your heart and see if there is anywhere you need to "turn away from evil" in your life. The crooked paths look nice but end in the ditch. Search your heart before the Lord and ask Him to help you trust Him and do good.

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Look up: Spared by the Lord

Intro:
On vacation in high school I got the thrill of playing in a flash flood. If you know anything about flash floods then you are thinking I am relatively stupid.

A flash flood is a very dangerous water event ... I know that now! As a teen, it looked really fun. I never understood why my dad was so sacred and even angry with me until the next morning.

I got woken up early by my dad. He wanted to show me something. What I saw introduced me to fear. The flash flood was long over. The path the water took looked like a war field. Buried in nearly 5 feet of mud and barely cresting the surface were 2 silver tubes. The flood I was playing in had pushed an 18 wheeler off the road and buried it. The silver tubes were the exhaust pipes!

Glad to be alive today!

Read:
Psalm 124
A song of ascents. Of David.
1. If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say-
2. if the LORD had not been on our side
when men attacked us,

3. when their anger flared against us,
they would have swallowed us alive;

4. the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,

5. the raging waters
would have swept us away.

6. Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.

7. We have escaped like a bird
out of the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.

8. Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Think:
If you are alive to read this then you have known more protection in your life then you might realize. If the Lord had not been on our side, let us say it, if the Lord had not been on our side we would have been swept away by now.

The Psalmist likens the hatred and opposition of his enemies like a flash flood. Listen to the words:
1. Swallowed alive (verse 3)
2. Engulfed by a flood (verse 4)
3. Swept by a torrent (verse 4)
4. Swept away by raging waters (verse 5)

Have you ever been through the ire and hatred of someone? Feels like being swept away by raging waters.

Yet, the Psalmist recognized that he was still alive and that by the hand of God. If the Lord had not been on our side, let us say it, if the Lord had not been on our side we would have been swept away by now.

Do you have any idea of what you have been saved from and are saved from on a daily basis? Accidents. Cancer. War. Attack. Strife. The fiery darts of the devil. This list is endless. The fact that you are alive means that God is with you and has work for you to still do. If and when you do face these things God will strengthen you to meet the challenge and take you safely home in the end.

Do:
If the Lord had not been on our side, let us say it, if the Lord had not been on our side we would have been swept away by now. Can you look back and see that you have been spared? It is so easy to complain that we are being attacked or that people don't like us or that people are angry with us.

But, if they did these things to Jesus why do we think we are immune for struggle?

We do not serve ourselves well to complain about the difficulties in our lives and fail to see all that we have been spared of by the Lord. Can we turn compaining into praise today?

If the Lord had not been on our side, let us say it, if the Lord had not been on our side we would have been swept away by now.

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Look Up: Review

Intro:
As we close this week, let's review what we learned so far:
1. The call to look up and be ever moving toward God
2. The importance of being the last one standing
3. The need to use the backstage pass to access God
4. The great mercy of God

Read:
Reread some of the passages linked above.

Think:
Take time to pray about your committment to Christ. Are you sold out? Are you standing strong? Pray to the Lord. Talk out loud if you are comfortable.

Do:
Look at the "Do" section for things God might want you to do this week.

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Look up: Lord have Mercy

Intro:
Study this picture. You are looking at mercy. The One you just nailed to a cross breaks your guilt fall. The hands you crushed reach out to hold you.

Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior.

Read:
Psalm 123
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1 I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.

2 We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.

3 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt.

4 We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant.

Ephesians 2:3-5
3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)


Think:
People of God seek to keep their eyes on God (v.1). They know where their help comes from. It is so easy to look to our spouses, our counselors, our pastors or to our friends to find help. Unfortunately, the help we need is greater than anything these important people can provide.

The need of these travelers to Jerusalem is our greatest need as well. They needed MERCY.

If someone shows you mercy then they don't give you what you deserve. If you get pulled over for doing 85 in a 60 zone and the cop let's you go then you have experienced mercy. You are guilty but you do not get what you deserve.

We are guilty before a holy God. We all sin. We all fall short of His glory. These poor travelers were abused verbally as they walked to Jerusalem. They were tired of the ridicule. My kids feel like that at school some days. Kids can be so cruel and treat each other with contempt (v.3). Adults can too.

You can almost hear them saying. "We've traveled many miles to meet with you, Lord. We have been ridiculed and mocked for following you. Now Lord, when you show up please come in mercy and not judgment. We deserve judgment but we are asking for mercy. We do not want what we deserve."

We deserve judgment. We have enough sin piled up as individuals and as a Church that God could take us out right now and not be at fault. This is true, but ...

We get mercy. Even though we were dead to God, in Christ we experience the mercy of God. We do not deserve this ... God does it because of His great love for us. We don't have to wonder if He will show mercy to us, He already has by having Jesus die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin.

We know more of God and have more assurance than those travelers ever did. Their need for mercy led them to "keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal". Now that we have received mercy will we give God less than this?

Do:
Have you experienced the mercy of God? Have you been forgiven of your sins? You can know for certain what people in the Old Testament could only hope to have. Confess your sin and need to God. Cry out to Him for forgiveness. Believe in your heart that God made Jesus pay your penalty and you will be saved.

Christian, should our assurance and guaranteed mercy in Christ lead us to a place of laziness in our pursuit of the Lord? Shouldn't it lead to greater faithfulness? Gratitude should drive our obedience, never guilt. It is rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

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Look Up: Backstage Passes

Intro:
Have you ever made it backstage for a concert? Ever made it to the sidelines in a pro football game?

Can you imagine what it would feel like to be in the midst of the action around people you esteemed? I think it would be cool!

The closest I got was at the Tennessee football team practice 2 months ago. It was a rush to be near the coaches and the players. To be where it was happening. Not just to listen to sports talk radio and try to picture it but to actually be there & know what's going on! I'm a geek ... I accept it.

Read:
Psalm 122
A song of ascents. Of David.

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."

2 Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

4 That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.

5 There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure.

7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels."

8 For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

Think:
Can you see the pilgrims of Psalm 122 talking about their field level view? As you read this passage they have completed the long journey to Jerusalem to praise the Lord in His temple. They are on the field.

This Psalm reads like that. It is as if they are describing the joy of being AT the place where it all happens and important things happen. Can you pick it up in the words of verse 2? They are stoked to be standing in the gates! They'd made it!

Unfortunately, though, they do not have a backstage pass.

The temple was broken into courts and holy places. There were the outer courts that the "Gentiles" could get into. Didn't require a "field level pass". Then there were the inner courts that only the Jews could enter. But at the heart of the temple was the Most Holy Place. This was where God manifested Himself to the people. This was where God dwelt on earth ... when He showed up that is.

There was only 1 backstage pass to this and only 1 person that could get into this place and that only 1 time a year. This was not like getting one of Willy Wonka's golden passes. This was a scary responsibility to have! To come before God unclean would mean instant death. In fact, they tied a rope around the priest's ankle and put a bell around his waist so if he died the bell would go off and they could drag him out. So much for that backstage pass!

But the prospect of meeting with God and the need for His forgiveness demanded someone take the risk!

Today it is much different. All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have a backstage pass. In fact, we don't have to go to an event, we don't need a field level pass ... we are the field, we are the temple we are the event! God dwells IN us. Think for a second. Think. Pray. This is deep stuff. You are where God dwells.

Not just 1 backstage pass, not just for 1 time a year but every believer ... all the time.

What is supposed to happen in a temple that God occupies? PRAISE! Look at Psalm 122:4 and 1 Cor. 6:20 above. This is not really about us but Him. He is the Lord. He is God. He is who we praise. We do not settle for modern worship if it only sings about me and my walk with God but subtly is more about me than Him. We must not tolerate that. We are to praise Him.

1 Cor. 6:20 is a command. We are commanded to glorify God with our lives, our choices and our bodies. After all He owns our bodies, He dwells in them and He has given us a backstage pass to meet Him face to face and praise His glorious name! Praise the Lord.

Do:
Will you take the backstage pass and meet with the Lord? Are you taking time to pray and seek His face? Are you crying out to Him for help?

If we were to listen to you talk for more than an hour would we know that you'd been near God? Would your language speak of His glory and goodness or would you sound just like someone that did not have a backstage pass?

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Look up: Last One Standing

Intro:
Mercy Me wrote a song called "Last One Standing". I want to tell you the story behind the song.

When a pitcher is called out to the mound in MLB he is allowed to choose a song to let everyone know he was coming to close the deal. Todd Jones, closing pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, was searching for a song. He wanted to honor Christ but also make a statement.

Todd happened to be friends with the lead singer of the Christian band, Mercy Me, and wanted to use one of their songs. Clearly, "I Can Only Imagine" wasn't going to cut it.

Many of the pitchers choose songs like, "Hells Bells" by AC/DC but Todd was determined to honor Christ with his song selection. He asked the guys of Mercy Me to write a song for him that would honor Christ but also make a statement. "Last One Standing" was written for him to play as he left the bull pen to the mound.

Play the song in the DevoLink Worship Center below. As you do, picture 40,000 people and the opposing team hearing the words as Todd walks to the mound. Great story.

The believers on their way to Jerusalem where under pressure ... challenged to quit. People wanted them to fail. Would they finish what they started? Would they be the last ones standing?

Read:
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Think:
Five times we are told that God watches over His people. The believers looked for help from God and found that God was looking right back at them. I've done that before. Looking out the window at Panera Bread for a friend but actually looking past him. I am looking to the parking lot, he was looking right at me. It can be startling.

God is aware of you right now, right where you are. As you look out the window of your life you will find that He is looking out for you and looking at you. You will find that He is ready to help you stay standing. He is the "God who sees" you as Hagar found out (Gen. 16:13).

Does it comfort you to know God is looking at you? I imagine for some that that would be uncomfortable. That might be due to sin in our lives or a wrong concept of God.

Take a look at the God of Psalm 121. He:
1. Helps (v.1-2)
2. Never sleeps (v.3-4)
3. Protects (v.5-6)
4. Cares (v.7)
5. Guides (v.8)

How cool to know that God is at His post when we are sleeping. God is awake when we go through pain. God is awake when we laugh and enjoy the company of friends. God is awake when we sin. God is awake when we take a stand.

Where will your help come from when the pressure is on? Where will you find the strength to be the last one standing when all others want you to give in and quit? I know a God that cares and protects and guides. He will both strengthen and support you to stand.

Do:
Do you have the resolve of Todd Jones? Are you determined to be the last one standing?

If you are going to stand for Christ today you will experience pressure to quit. Where will your help come from? Will you look to the One that is watching over you?

Call out to Him now and ask Him to help you take a stand for Christ today. As you come out of the bull pen of your home and onto the mound of life you will find that people are looking at you. There is a team that wants you to take that stand and win. But there are many others that want you to fall and lose. It is easier for them if you do not take a stand. There remains One that watches over you and will protect you. He is the One that will enable you to be the last one standing.

As you get ready to leave the bull pen this day, crank up Last One Standing in the DevoLink Worship Center.

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Look up: Psalm 120

Intro:
Ask any pilgrim and they will tell you the beginning of the journey can be very difficult. Christian in Pilgrim's Progress. Neo in the Matrix. Chicken Little in ... well, Chicken Little. All felt a calling to step out of the norm and walk forward. All felt the pain of misunderstanding.

If you want to live for something radically you will walk into trouble. People will not understand. Some will seek your undoing. Might be difficult. Might need a strategy.

We need to look up to God when starting on a journey of living radical for Jesus Christ.

Read:
Psalm 120

1 I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.

2 Save me, O LORD, from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.

3 What will he do to you,
and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?

4 He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom tree.

5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!

6 Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.

7 I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.

Think:
Psalms 120-135 are "Psalms of Ascent" ... the songs of looking up! The people of Israel would travel to Jerusalem to worship the Lord singing as they went. Some are cries for help. Others are reminders to trust the Lord. Some are praise for God's good actions for the people.

These were traveling songs. Road trip rhymes. The fact they were in the town of Meshech (v.5) meant they were far from home. The longing for home was made worse by the lying and warful spirits of their neighbors that mocked them for following a God that called them to Jerusalem each year. "Stay here. Worship our gods. Don't waste your life by following old standards. Give it up."

You might find these Psalms a help for pilgrims trying to progress in a foreign land. These Psalms are good for those seeking to live outside the Matrix. These Psalms are good for the mocked Chickens that try to tell others the sky might be falling.

As these worshippers traveled to Jerusalem they called out to God for rescue. They did not try to take things in their own hands.

Do:
It is not easy to be a Christian in America today. If you take a stand for Christ in our culture you might find it a difficult journey. You might find lying tongues and warring hands waiting. Sometimes it is easier to go with the flow. Let's not do that!

Do you have any woe or concerns about standing up for Christ (v.5)?

We are encouraged to keep walking toward the Lord. We are encouraged to cry out to Him. He welcomes the cries of His kids. We are encouraged to ask for intervention. We are not walking alone.

Write a Psalm (song) to God sharing your concerns and express your trust in Him. He will strengthen you to stand. He will see you safely home.

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Devotional: Weekend Worship

Intro:
Today we get to peak behind the veil. There are many things that are dark to us. There are things that God sees and knows that we will never know. We can argue about election vs. free will but only God really knows how those work together.

Today we get to peak behind the veil of Jesus suffering on the cross. We get to hear what he said and feel what he felt. If you have never experienced Psalm 22 you are in for a treat.

Read prayerfully!

Read: Psalm 22:1-24
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.
4 In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
8 "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

Think:
Psalm 22 is a Messianic Psalm. Those fancy words simple mean that this is a song about the Messiah! Through the history of Israel certain passages got associated with the coming Messiah. Daniel wrote of the “Son of Man”. David wrote of “The Lord”. Gideon spends time with “the Angel of the Lord” (a reference to Jesus).

In other words, there are many places in the OT that clearly point to Jesus. The bible is a book about Jesus.

Psalm 22 is especially compelling in that it details what Jesus felt on the cross. This psalm quotes Jesus 1000 years before he spoke. God the Holy Spirit moved David to speak words that described how he felt but were actual things Jesus would say and do.

Please go get your bible for this section. If this is too much then do half on Saturday and half on Sunday:
*Verse 1 is spoken by Jesus on the cross in Matthew 27:46
*Verse 8 is spoken by Jesus in Mathew 27:43
*Verse 13 is Matthew 27:29-30
*Verse 15 is John 19:28
*Verse 16 is Matthew 27:35
*Verse 18 John 19:23

Sobering to think not only what Jesus endured on the cross but more so that he knew what was coming before and came anyway! Wow, that is love!

This is how we know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down his life for us – 1 John

God demonstrated his own love for us in this that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us – Romans 5

Do:
Be encouraged, that is God dying for you! It is sobering to think what my sin caused Jesus to willingly go through. He died for you and me.

Have you accepted the free gift of God? Have you accepted the salvation of God that comes through Jesus Christ dying in your place? Though he never sinned, he took our sin to that cross and nailed it there forever. Sin no longer has mastery over you if you are in Christ! My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more praise the Lord, praise the Lord oh my soul.

Lots to think about this weekend as you move toward corporate worship on Sunday.

Listen to songs 31 & 32 in the DevoLink Worship Center.
Song 31, Death of a Son, is directly from Psalm 22 by Michael Card
Song 32, Lord When Thou Ascended, is about Jesus on the cross

Praise the Lord!

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Weekend Worship

Intro:
Monday we will continue our devos on the 10 Commands with the next command: Do not commit *adultery.

Let's spend time this weekend worshiping God and preparing our hearts to worship him on Sunday.

Can you stop right here and pray with me?

"Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for giving me another day to live. Let me life this day in your power. Live your life through me. Have your way Lord.

Search me O Lord. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is a harmful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way. I confess my sin to you. There are many places I fall short. Please forgive me (take time to examine your life).

God there are many things I need today (take time to share things with God).

I put my life in your hands. Show me what it looks like when you show up today. I will look to see you and join you there.

In Jesus name, amen!"

Read: Psalm 139
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!

7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!

19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
Get out of my life, you ers!
20 They blaspheme you;
your enemies misuse your name.
21 O Lord, shouldn’t I those who you?
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
22 Yes, I them with total hatred,
for your enemies are my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Think:
Did any portion of this Psalm speak to you as you read it? Stop and meditate on it. Think through it and what God wants you to do with it.

Do:
Let's spend time in the DevoLink Worship Center this morning. Listen to the songs listed below. Close your eyes. Pay attention to the words. Worship the Lord.

*#11 Made Me Glad - Hillsongs
*#16 I Give You My Heart - Hillsongs
*#38 Lord When Thou Ascended - Apostolos Hill

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Weekend: Forgiven! Ahhhh!!!

Intro:
As usual, we will put our devo on the 10 Commands on hold and look at a psalm this weekend.

I chose Psalm 32 because of its deep message of forgiveness.

After looking at the first couple of commands it becomes apparent that God is wholly other and worthy of respect and worship. It also becomes apparent that we worship him lackadaisically at times. The gap between who he is and who we are is filled by Jesus Christ. The means of having that gap filled on my behalf is being forgiven by acknowledging my sin to God.

This is exactly what David experiences here in Psalm 32.

Read: Psalm 32
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Selah
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Think:
This is David’s song of release after confessing his adultery and cover up. The first part of the psalm reminds us of the consequences that come for God’s people that step out of his will and sin.

A casual observer might not have noticed anything different about David. He carried on kingdom responsibilities for the months following his sin. He was operating with a “spirit of deceit” (v.2). Yet something was different on the inside. A part of him was under the weight of God. A part of him was crushed.

He had physical problems: he was wasting away and without strength (v. 3, 4).

He had psych problems: he was groaning and guilty (v. 3, 5).

He also had spiritual problems: he was aware that God’s hand was crushing him (v. 4). God was directing the consequences.

“When times are good rejoice, when times are bad consider for the One who made the one made the other.” If times are bad consider what the Lord might be doing in it.

What makes this Psalm so wonderful is the view. We get to see David after he has confessed, made restitution and enjoyed the happiness of forgiveness. How happy we are when we are forgiven (v.1). How happy to be forgiven and released from the guilt (v.4).

There is much more in this psalm that cannot be mined here. Let us close with this admonition: don’t wait to get right with God! David waited and he paid a price. In reflection he realized he was acting like a stubborn horse that required a bit and bridle to make it mind (v. 9). Keep short accounts with God!

Do:
Have you experienced the joy of being forgiven? Have you known the happiness of forgiveness from guilt? Have you experienced the happiness of release by knowing that the only One that can condemn you offers your forgiveness?

Will you come to God willingly and confess your sins? Will you do it before the pressure of physical and psychological consequences drive you there?

Take time in silent reflection. Search your heart before the Lord. Better yet, ask him to search it for you! Do not make anything up but see if the Lord is speaking to you about an area that needs to be confessed.

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Week Recap

Intro:
What a great week looking at Psalm 119. How awesome is the word of God! How wonderful God’s thoughts are to us. This psalm uses many words for the Bible. It is clear that the author of Psalm 119 had done a lot of reflection on how God communicates with people (see the “Think” section below).
What 3 words would you use to describe God’s word? How does it delight your soul? I hope you have gained wisdom through Psalm 119 this week. I hope you have obeyed the teachings you have been entrusted with this week? I hope you will worship God this Saturday as you realize all God has given you through his word.

Read: Psalm 119:69-176
TAV
169 Let my cry come before you, Yahweh.
Give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my supplication come before you.
Deliver me according to your word.
171 Let my lips utter praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 Let my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh.
Your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, that I may praise you.
Let your ordinances help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments.

Think:
Consider the meaning of some of the words David uses above:
• God’s word (Ps. 119:169) – refers to that which is written down of the words and works of God.
• Statutes (Ps. 119:171) – from a Hebrew root word that means “to engrave”. It was common to engrave God’s law on stone. Might have referred to the 10 commandments.
• Commandments (Ps. 119:172) – in a deed of purchase for a plot of land, this word refers to the terms of the contract. It refers to the particular terms of God’s covenant with Israel. It is used for the 10 Commandments.
• Precepts (Ps 119:173) – general term for responsibilities God places on his people. Used 24x in the OT and only in Psalms. 22 of the 24 references are used in Psalm 119.
• Law (Ps. 119:174) – Hebrew word, “Torah”, refers to “teaching” and specifically the “wisdom teaching” of the book of Proverbs. Eventually connected to the teaching of the Law of Moses by the priests.
• Ordinances (Ps. 119:175) – used related to how government functions. Specifically it is God’s design for how governments should operate in justice and rightness. Government should reflect God’s character, holiness and justice.

What strikes you about the above definitions David uses for God’s word? Are you as surprised as I am how much of it refers to law and requirements? Responsibility and teaching? What does this tell you about the God we serve? Why would He be so focused on us obeying Him?

It seems so much of our church message today is gushy and love oriented. These are not bad things and they are biblical concepts BUT so much of today's reading is about performance and action. Maybe you think, “Well, that’s the Old Testament, they liked that stuff back then.” Unfortunately you cannot come to that conclusion. The truth is, that is YOUR God and He has a plan for those that claim His name.

Someone once said, “Teach a man WHAT to do and he will always have a job. Teach a man WHY to do and he will be the boss.” I am not sure we are well served to walk away from this passage and these definitions without asking the question, "why". Why does God expect so much from us? Why is there so much emphasis on doing right? Here are some thoughts:
1. To protect and provide for us. God is the ultimate Dad. He knows us and our propensity to sin/struggle. He knows what will make us most happy. Just like us with our kids, they do not always understand bur they are supposed to obey any way. We make the rules to protect and provide for them.
2. To show God that we love Him. Jesus said if we love Him we will obey Him. You cannot separate the two.

Do:
Worship God as you close your time. Thank Him for giving you life and being the ultimate Dad to you. Confess that you are a child and open to His lead. Confirm your willingness to listen and obey Him.

Choose one of the above definitions for God’s word, look at the verse it refers to in Psalm 119 and pray that verse back to God in dedication and devotion.

Have a great weekend and make sure to worship with God’s people.

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Intro:
Do you love God’s word? How does it show? We’ve spent this week considering the value of God’s word in our lives. Let’s dig right into it this morning with another portion of Psalm 119. Enjoy!






Read: Psalm 119:97-104
97How I love your law!
It is my meditation all day.
98Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
for your commandments are always with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the aged,
because I have kept your precepts.
101I have kept my feet from every evil way,
that I might observe your word.
102I have not turned aside from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
103How sweet are your promises to my taste,
more than honey to my mouth!
104Through your precepts, I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.

Think:
David starts this psalm with something he loves (v.97) and he ends the psalm with something he hates (v.104). Can you identify both of these things?

What does it mean to love God’s word? If you did what would it look like? For this portion of Psalm 119, David identifies several things. To love His word means:

1. To meditate on it all day (v.97-99)*. To meditate means to “rechew”. It is a word used for the digestive process of a cow! A cow eats grass. The grass goes into stomach #1 … yes, stomach #1, cows apparently have more than 1 stomach. So, the grass goes into stomach #1 and then comes back up into the cows mouth. I imagine that tastes like a Green Tea Latte at Starbucks but I wouldn’t know for sure. Nasty anyway! The rechewing of the grass is the word for meditation. It is taking what is inside of us and chewing on it again and then putting it down deeper into ourselves!

2. To grow in wisdom (v.99-100)*.

3. To obey it (v. 100-102)*.

4. To desire it like sweet stuff (cake, candy, cookies, pie, honey, etc.) (v. 103)*.

5. To hate evil ways (v.104)*. Hate is not a popular word today. We are taught to be tolerant to such a point that even the word hate is taboo. Regardless of our cultural desires to make everybody milk toast and weak, hate is a word that shows up in the bible. Our PC worldview is so strong it is difficult for me to even find many examples where hate is used appropriately. We are never to hate people BUT we are to hate evil and the effects of evil in the world. You can hate the destruction caused by drug use. Broken lives, stealing, early death, fried brains, etc. Those are good things to hate but we are not to hate the person. David saw the effects of evil ways of living and he learned to hate it. We are taught to love what God loves and hate the sin and evil that is all around our lives.

*I expect that you are referring back to the passage when we make a list like that above. When you see a reference to a group of verses please look back at the Scripture to understand what is being said and to make sure it is accurate. Don’t take our word for it. Take His word for it!

Do:
The bible tells us we are to love God and hate sin. As it is, most of us like God and dislike sin. That makes us lose passion for Christ and brings us to a lukewarm middle place that is very dangerous. David teaches us today that God’s word can teach us to love God and hate sin. That is a good thing. Rechew on that today!

Choose one of the 5 "Think" points above and think through it. Did God speak to you on any of those as you read them? Consider how you are in relation to that point (for example, consider how much you desire the word of God - #4). Make sure you look at the verse tied to that point! Also consider what you can do about it.

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Psalm 119 – God in the Pages

Intro:
What does your bible reading time look like? If you are like me it looks like this: 1. Read 2. Get on with your day.

What is the purpose of a bible reading time? Is it to become more educated? Partly. Is it to become fell good about ourselves? Maybe that happens at times. But what is the purpose of a bible reading time? The PURPOSE is to meet with God! It is to meet the living Word in the pages of the written word. It is to linger among the pages long enough that the 2000 years that separate you and Jesus fade and you see Him. It is to dwell long enough that someone else’s story becomes YOUR story.

What part does God play in our bible reading time? Today’s portion of Psalm 119 tells us a lot. Read this section today with the goal of hearing and seeing God in the word.

Read: Psalm 119:33-40
HEY
33 Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes.
I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law.
Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in them.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes,
not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things.
Revive me in your ways.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
that you may be feared.
39 Take away my disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts!
Revive me in your righteousness.

Think:
Look at the verbs in this Psalm. David is requesting God to be very active in his bible reading time. Let’s look:
1. Teach me the way of your statutes (v.33)
2. Give me understanding (v.34)
3. Direct me in the path of your commands (v.35)
4. Turn my heart toward your statutes (v.36)
5. Turn my eyes from worthless things (v.37)
6. Fulfill your promises (v.38)
7. Take away my disgrace (v.39)
8. Revive me (v.40)

David was clear that God had a role to play. By the way, this is why we pray before we read. It is wise to prep your heart in prayer before reading the Scriptures. It is wise to ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you read. It is wise to ask God to speak to you in the pages of holy Scripture. After all, He is the author!!!

When you read the bible do you expect God to teach, give understanding, direct you, revive you? If your expectations are low maybe your outcomes are drab. Maybe we “1. Read and then 2. Get on with your day” because we have no expectations that God will show up and be involved.

Do:
Tell God what you are feeling and thinking about this subject. Let Him know if you are concerned about not hearing Him. Ask him to teach and direct you.

Choose one or two from the list above and turn it into a prayer to God before you ever read the bible again. Raise your expectations of your time with God in His word.

Make a new outcome of your bible reading time. 1. Pray 2. Read 3. Linger 4. Listen 5. Get on with your day 6. See what happens during the day!

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.

Psalm 119: Strategies for Growth

Intro:
What do you have hidden in your heart? What lurks there that no one knows about? Most of us have some secrets.

I remember a story of a lady that withheld money from a tax return over 30 years ago. She was so afraid of the consequences that she kept it secret all that time. The only reason we know anything about her is she sent in the amount (with interest) anonymously!!! She sought to clear her poor, wracked conscience but still held her secret!

Hidden. Does that describe some parts of your life?

Not all things that are hidden are bad. We hide Easter eggs for the kids. We hide presents in the closet before a birthday to keep a secret. Those are good things.

David acknowledged that there was risk in walking away from God and so David hid things in his heart. For him it was a strategy for guarding his life.

Read: Psalm 119:9-16
BET
9How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10With my whole heart, I have sought you.
Don’t let me wander from your commandments.
11I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12Blessed are you, Yahweh.
Teach me your statutes.
13With my lips,
I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
14I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies,
as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate on your precepts,
and consider your ways.
16I will delight myself in your statutes.
I will not forget your word.

Think:
Sin. Sin is a word that people do not like. When you use the word “sin” verses a word like “mistake” you are making a notable difference. “Sin” cannot be used without reference to a moral code and a God that is holy. That is why it is a word people do not like. “Sin” reminds us that we have violated our relationship with Someone.

Sin means “to miss the mark”. It is an archery term used to measure the distance between the bull’s eye and where the arrow actually sticks the target. Draw a line from the arrow and the bull’s eye and you have SIN. If you do not hit the bull’s eye you have missed the mark. So, when we read about sin in the Bible often we can understand that we have missed the mark of God's bull's eye. Pay attention to the creative word use in this verse:

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:23

David gives several strategies for not missing the mark with God … several strategies for growth:

1. Be Booked. (v.9). Live according to God’s word. There are many competing ways you can try to live but growth in God cannot be separated from His word, the Scriptures.

2. Be Passionate (v.10, 14, 16). David was not passive toward his walk with God. He was full of passion. Look at the words in these verses!
a. With my WHOLE heart (v.10)
b. I have SOUGHT you (v.10)
c. I have REJOICED in your way …. as in all riches (v.14)
d. I DELIGHT myself in your statutes (v.16)

3. Be Deep (v. 11, 15). David was not content to go to “church” just to get refueled. He took God’s word and the things he learned and he hid them deep inside him. He pushed God’s word down inside him through meditation and reflection. He was not content to water ski when he could scuba dive! He wanted God’s word deep inside so he might not sin against Him. The picture of a hidden stream comes to mind. When David would be tempted and feeling thirsty for something he could draw on this deep, hidden spring of wisdom from God’s word.

Do:
One of my mentors from the 1600s said, “What ye love more than Christ your husband is an adulterous lover.” What are you passionate about? Sports? Cars? Friends? Family? Would your friends say you were passionate for Jesus Christ? Has he captured your heart?

Are you pushing God’s word down into deep places? Have you ever experienced the deep, hidden springs of God’s word nourishing you? Have you ever experienced this river flow when you felt down or dry? Just like we used to hear in high school, you cannot make something come into your head for a test if you did not study it! In other words, if it is not already inside you you cannot make it flow up. Doesn’t work that way in school, doesn’t work that way with God.

Choose to meditate on one portion of this Psalm today. Write a verse or phrase on a piece of paper and put it in your pocket. Every time you touch it think about it and hide it away. You never know when it might bubble back up.

DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.