Tag: thought

He Can Forgive Sins! (Mark 2:1-12 Devotion)

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And again He entered Capernaum after [some] days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive [them], not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four [men]. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” 6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this [Man] speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9 “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘[Your] sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”–He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw [anything] like this!”

– Mark 2:1-12 (NKJV)

Mark two begins with the account of the how Jesus heals a paralytic man. The man’s friends show amazing faith by tearing up the roof and dropping the man in above Jesus. (Let’s just agree that this was a pretty radical and bold move on the part of his friends. They must have really loved him.) So then, Jesus sees the great faith these guys demonstrate and he tells the man that his sins are forgiven. And it stuns the crowd! They were expecting a healing! This man’s handicap is what seems to be his most glaring need. Yet Jesus doesn’t just see the outside, he sees this man’s heart and what this man (and all of us) really need. Some of the people who are there are doubtful that Jesus can even forgive sin. Jesus sees their doubt and authenticates his statement by healing the man.

This man’s greatest need was for the forgiveness of his sins. I wonder if his friends knew this? I wonder if they would have been as aggressive to get him to Jesus if Jesus would have forgiven his sins, but left him a paralytic? I wonder if we sometimes look at our neighbors, coworkers, and friends and don’t really see that their greatest need is to trust in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins? The good news is that Jesus forgives the sins of those who repent and turn to him. Who are you telling today?

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you that you saw this man’s greatest need. Thank you that you gave him more than he wanted and searched deeply within his heart to provide that which he needed most. Forgive us of our sins and help us see the real needs of other around us. We want to follow you. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Early Morning Prayer (Mark 1:29-38 Devotion)

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Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. 32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. 35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those [who were] with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

– Mark 1:29-38 (NKJV)

I have a planner that I look at each day. In my planner I have written some goals. Things that I think I need to pursue in my life right now. I begin part of my day by looking at my planner and reminding myself of my goals. As small as this step is, it is really helpful in keeping my focus where it needs to be. For example when I remind myself that one of my goals is to eat healthy and lose a certain amount of weight by a certain day, it helps me to discipline myself and stay away from sweets. By focusing early in my day on my goal, it effects my direction for the rest of the day.

Way more important than any goal we’d set for ourselves is to seek and understand God’s will for our lives. We do this through prayer! We can pray about the people and situations that are in our lives and seek God’s purpose and will. The more people we see, places we go, and things we have to do, the more important it is that we seek God’s will in those areas.

Jesus was very busy at this point in his ministry, but he knew that busyness doesn’t always mean success. Just like all growth in a plant doesn’t lead to fruitfulness, sometimes it takes away from fruitfulness and so some plants need to be pruned. Jesus sought God the Father early in the morning, on a busy day so that he’d know where to go and what to do next. He wasn’t caught up in the tyranny of the urgent, he was passionate about pursuing the father’s will.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. As our schedules get filled with more and more activities, it’s important that we submit our busy lives to your will. We ask for your direction and purpose today. We want to follow you. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Authority (Mark 1:21-28 Devotion)

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Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let [us] alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are–the Holy One of God!” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine [is] this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

– Mark 1:21-28 (NKJV)

The other day I was discussing why I hold to the Christian faith. My response could be summarized in two points. I believe first on an intellectual level. The literature of the bible compared to everything else I’ve read makes the most sense to me about why the world is the way that it is and so I choose to place my confidence in the bible and what it teaches. While there may have been a time where I held to the Christian faith for merely intellectual reasons, I also have another reason for my faith… my experience. As I have placed my faith in the Lord through what the scripture teaches I have experienced many of the things I have studied and know them to be true by my experience.

In today’s reading, Mark wants us to know that when Jesus enters the scene, he does so with a recognized authority. His authority stretches to these two realms. On the one hand, Jesus’ teaching and doctrine are noted by the crowd as coming from one who has authority. He is able to reason according to the scriptures better than the scribes. The other place of authority comes on an experiential level. It is here that the doctrines that Jesus is teaching are put to the test. He is able to cast out evil spirits.

Those observing Jesus then as well as those of us reading these accounts now have opportunity and reason to trust Jesus. We can trust Jesus because it is reasonable to trust him, but as we trust him and see his work unfold in our lives we can trust Jesus also because we experience his truth as we put his word into practice. Most of us will never be called on to cast out demons, but we will experience His word when we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us and obey other such similar commands.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. I thank you for the authority that Jesus demonstrated in Mark. Help me to study your word that through it I might know you better. We ask you to guide us in your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Follow Me (Mark 1:14-20 Devotional)

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Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also [were] in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

– Mark 1:14-20 (NKJV)

A few years ago I took my kids on a hike through the woods. They were both eager to get ahead on the trail and they were arguing over who would lead. I had told them that I would lead us on the trail and that they needed to follow me. My warnings had fallen on deaf ears as we were coming around a bend in the path something caused me to instinctively throw my hands back and as I did I caught a kid on each side trying to pass me. I had grabbed them and stopped them in their tracks. There in front of us was a large snake that looked somewhat like a root slowly crossing our path. If either one had been in the lead they would have found the snake by stepping on it! Needless to say, both kids were eager to follow me the rest of the way and no one tried to strike out and lead.

In today’s passage, Jesus invites his disciples on a journey of discipleship. The formula was simple. These men just needed to embrace the simplicity of following Jesus. Their transformation from fishermen to fishers of men was something Jesus would do! He told us as much when he said, “And I will make you become…” All that was really required of these men was for them to follow Jesus. He would take care of the transformation. There were a few instances where Peter tried to get out ahead of the Lord, but Jesus was always swift to put him back in his place.

Sometimes I too am tempted to complicate things in my relationship with Jesus. Instead of looking to follow him, I often try and strike out to get ahead. I mistakenly think that if I read enough books, take enough classes, attend enough conferences, and listen to all the right podcasts that somehow I’ll be well on my way to achieving a high level “fishers of men” certification. I forget how simple the formula really is. All that is required is for me to follow Him and He will make me into what he wants me to be.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you the transforming power of the gospel. Make us into your image today. You are the potter, we are the clay. We ask you to guide us in your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

The Where, Why, How, And Who of Praise (Psalm 150 Devotion)

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PSALM 150

Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! 3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! 5 Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

PSALM 150:1-6

THE WHERE, WHY, HOW, AND WHO OF PRAISE

Psalm 150 is such a fitting conclusion to the Psalms. Praise for God is the beginning, ending, and middle of this Psalm. The Psalmist shares where we should praise God (v. 1). Why we should praise God (v. 2). How we should praise God (v. 5). And Who should praise God (v. 6)… “Everything that has breath!”

God is worthy of our praise on the good days and bad, happy and sad, in our rejoicing and even through our tears, He is worthy! We can celebrate His attributes. He is a God of Justice. He is Love. He shows us grace and mercy. Our world if filled with metaphors on how he cares for us (like a shepherd, or a mother hen). Even when we are in the dark or feel alone, He is worthy!

The Psalms have served as a guide for all of life to help us see God in every moment of our existence and to move us towards a sincere faith that overflows into worship. As I look back over the last five months I can’t help but feel that my life has been enriched by studying the Psalms. I’ve found myself quoting the Psalms, especially to those who are going through challenging times. and I’ve come to believe that one of the best things anyone can do to get a good understanding of how to trust God in the hard times, and to improve their overall mental health, is to read the Psalms. It has a maturing effect, or at least I feel it has for me in this season.

Speaking of seasons, Summer on the calendar has come and gone. We started early and went late to cover what we have called. “Summer in the Psalms.” We’ve glanced at every Psalm but Psalm 119. We’ll have to save that for another day. Part of me wanted to keep going and break up that Psalm as we went into October, but as the weather started changing this week and our “Alabama Summer” hinted at giving way to Fall I decided it is best to take a break and focus on other things for a while.

Life is like that, it comes and goes in seasons. September through November is a busier season than I had anticipated and so I felt it would be good to step away from writing daily in October in order to focus on a few other things. I plan to be back posting on a regular basis in November, perhaps something different than my devotional reading from scripture or maybe more of the same. I’m not sure yet.

I’ll still be reading and studying by bible daily in addition to reading several different devotional materials. I’ll probably be reading and praying through 1st and 2nd Samuel, just not blogging about it.

I am grateful for this exercise in writing through the Psalms. I hit my goal. I wrote around 500 words a day for 150 days (my original goal was 90). When you add all those words up it’s a good word count for a book. I don’t plan on writing a book any time soon, but now I know that should I be so inclined, I do have the capacity.

I am grateful for the many of you have have followed along and read my posts, put up with a few misspelled words here or there, and some poor, but hopefully improving grammar (I didn’t go back and proof anything). I’ve enjoyed your comments both on this blog and in person. I’ve been encouraged and blessed to see God’s word shape you as it has and is shaping me. May we all be more and more conformed into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for following along. Lord willing, I’ll be back in some form in November!

PRAYER

Father, Thank you for the wonderful gift of the Psalms. Thank you for what you have taught me about you this summer. Thank you for the gift of studying your word that we might know you better. Thank you for a sense of community and conversation that this has built in my life as I have pondered your word together with others. Thank you for how your word sticks in the recesses of my mind and is able to be called up when it is needed. Thank you that as I’ve read and understood the Psalms better this year that you have allowed me to share what I’ve learned with others. I pray that you would bless us today with more of you. We love you Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.

The LORD Takes Pleasure In His People (Psalm 149 Devotion)

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PSALM 149

Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, [And] His praise in the assembly of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 [Let] the high praises of God [be] in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand, 7 To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute on them the written judgment–This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!

PSALM 149:1-9

THE LORD TAKES PLEASURE IN HIS PEOPLE

It is right and good to praise the LORD. Isn’t that what we have been saying all these days! In moments when things are right and fair, He is worthy of praise. In the thick of being taunted by those who hate God and we suffer wicked injustices, even then He is still worthy of praise. When I feel alone, He is worthy of Praise. When I have been betrayed. He is worthy of praise. When it seems like the wicked prosper, He is worthy of praise.

And now we get a glorious look forward to a people saved by grace, riding forward with their savior into battle. For ancient Israel, this was the slaying of the wicked nations that had set their heart against God and his people. For the church, Timothy Keller has commented that the sword we carry is the gospel. As we look forward to the return of Christ I couldn’t help but see the picture of Revelation 19 (it’s a good exercise to read the Psalms and Revelation together).

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes [were] like a flame of fire, and on His head [were] many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He [was] clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on [His] robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:11-16

PRAYER

Father, Thank you for your incredible mercy and grace! You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory! We look forward to the day when you return to dwell with your people. We long for the moment when you usher in the New Heaven and the New Earth! We look forward with anticipation of your grace, greatness, and glory. Even now come quickly! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.

The Horn Of His People (Psalm 148 Devotion)

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PSALM 148

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! 2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! 3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! 4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens! 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created. 6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away. 7 Praise the LORD from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; 8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; 9 Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; 10 Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl; 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; 12 Both young men and maidens; Old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory [is] above the earth and heaven. 14 And He has exalted the horn of His people, The praise of all His saints–Of the children of Israel, A people near to Him. Praise the LORD!

PSALM 148:1-14

THE HORN OF HIS PEOPLE

God is worthy of praise from all of His creation. Indeed the Psalmist calls for different aspects of creation to worship the LORD. And we know that all of creation does in some sense worship the creator, but there is a part of creation that does not worship the LORD as it should. There is a part of creation that has been in rebellion!

Indeed, the main singers of creation have been absent, off key and off beat. They haven’t noticed the rhythm of the creation and instead have chosen to march to the beat of their own drum. Their insistence of having things their way has ruined the symphonic masterpiece of praise. Man’s sin has ruined all of creation and the symphony of praise due the LORD has been canceled because of sin… or has it?

What could or would be done to bring back the broken worshippers who worship creation instead of the creator? Is there forgiveness and redemption to be found? Will there be a NEW SONG (like mentioned in Psalm 149?) not just filled with praise for God’s creation, but for his redemption. A Song not just of creation and worthiness, but also of redemption.

All sorts of people will come back to the King of kings and Lord of lords to worship and offer Him Praise. Kings and princes as well as peasants. Women and children. Many will come through the blood of the Lamb and be saved.

The “horn” of his people. You can think antler or like a rams horn that is used to settle conflict. The stronger the antler the more success in settling conflict. The strongest horn of God’s people was the messiah who we recognize as Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, Thank you for your grace and mercy that has been multiplied into my life. I see all of creation praising you. You are worthy of all praise from everything you have made, especially mankind who was made in your image. I rejoice to know that we can praise you in an even fuller way of the rest of creation. I pray that you are glorified in my life today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.

Praise Is Beautiful (Psalm 147 Devotion)

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PSALM 147

Praise the LORD! For [it is] good to sing praises to our God; For [it is] pleasant, [and] praise is beautiful. 2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. 5 Great [is] our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding [is] infinite. 6 The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God, 8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains. 9 He gives to the beast its food, [And] to the young ravens that cry. 10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy. 12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! 13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you. 14 He makes peace [in] your borders, [And] fills you with the finest wheat. 15 He sends out His command [to the] earth; His word runs very swiftly. 16 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; 17 He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand before His cold? 18 He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, [and] the waters flow. 19 He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel. 20 He has not dealt thus with any nation; And [as for His] judgments, they have not known them. Praise the LORD!

PSALM 147:1-20

PRAISE IS BEAUTIFUL

I don’t like coconut… at all. However my cruel wife sometimes will grab a dessert with coconut in it and bring it to the table and tell me, “I got a dessert just for you!” My mouth waters, my pulse quickens. I am reminded of how good she is and then when it is revealed that coconut is a prime ingredient and I know she is mocking me (in a playful way). She loves coconut and doesn’t mind enjoying it in front of me, but to say she got the dessert for me is just rubbing salt in the wound.

In this Psalm today we are reminded to praise for the LORD is beautiful because it is good, natural, and right. We were made to praise the LORD and it is a beautiful thing when we do. He is worthy! He counts and numbers the stars and calls them by name (4). Our minds cannot fathom the infinite splendor, wonder and grace that is the LORD’s!

However, if we really want to praise God, we don’t get to offer it “freestyle.” We don’t get to randomly do things we like and call it praise. We can’t go to the hunting woods and claim its worship any more than our wives can go to the mall and call it worship. If we really want to worship the LORD we will seek what He wants. What does God seek in worship?… a humble heart (11) and a responsiveness/ obedience to his word (19-20).

That also means that if I sing notes of wonderous melody and feel close to the Lord, but don’t seek to honor the LORD and His word, then I really didn’t offer Him praise. I used him, his house, and his worship to make me feel better, but I didn’t really worship. I’ll never really be fulfilled in worship if my worship is about my feelings more than it is about seeking to honor the Lord.

I am reminded today that God gives us many gifts, but that the greatest gift He gives is Himself. We miss out on the biggest blessings when we come to worship with an attitude of self fulfilment rather than seeking to honor the Lord…. Here is what is incredible, when we seek to honor the Lord in all we do, we are fulfilled because God made us that way.

PRAYER

Father, you are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory! I am grateful that you have revealed yourself to us and even though we can’t fathom all of who you are, we get to know a little bit about you. I want to live a life set apart to your praise. Let me walk in humbleness and obedience to you today. I want to seek your will in my life, not try and ask you to bless my will. conform me more and more into the image of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.

Hallelujah! (Psalm 146 Devotion)

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PSALM 146

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. 3 Do not put your trust in princes, [Nor] in a son of man, in whom [there is] no help. 4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. 5 Happy [is he] who [has] the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope [is] in the LORD his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that [is] in them; Who keeps truth forever, 7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. 8 The LORD opens [the eyes of] the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous. 9 The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. 10 The LORD shall reign forever–Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!

PSALM 146:1-10

HALLELUJAH!

I’m a big guy. I weigh more than the average man. I remember when “camp chairs” first came out. My friend had several set out and I was invited to sit in one. I wasn’t sure it would hold me, but then he insisted, and so I sat down. The chair did it’s best to hold my weight, but it lasted all of about 15 seconds. That’s how long it was between when I sat down and I laughed at something my friend said or did. Between the stress of my weight and the extra pressure/ movement of a hearty laugh the chair just gave up and broke into a few pieces. I felt foolish and embarrassed and it would be years before I trusted in a camp chair again.

But I remember the day that my brother shared about some more robust camp chairs. I was elated to find out they made some for people my size. After we bought one, I was careful the first several times I sat in it, because I wasn’t sure I could trust it, but it held every time. So now I hardly ever think about it when I sit in my chair. I even got to where I allowed my daughter to jump in my lap because I know the chair can hold the weight.

This whole ordeal with chairs taught me something about trust. When you trust something that can’t hold your weight your going to be let down (in a hard way), but when you trust something that can hold your weight you go a lot further with it.

This psalm begins with Hallelujah! Which is Hebrew for “Praise the LORD” (Notice that LORD is in all capitals representing the divine name of God). This is not only the psalmists insistence that he will praise the LORD, but a call to all who are singing and listening to also praise the LORD! The reason? Simply because you can trust Him. He can hold your weight. He is your creator and sustainer, if anyone knows your needs it’s Him!

To be honest we’ve been let down by things before. Maybe you bought a self-help book that sounded promising, but the more you got into it, the less it had to deliver. Maybe you voted for a particular candidate hoping they would turn this country around, but we still find ourselves in the same old mess.

The psalmist here says, “Praise the Lord! He is good! You can trust Him!” And he goes on to describe the greatness of God. He tells of His character, what He does, and what he looks for in us! You can praise the Lord because He is worthy of all praise! you can trust him and know that you won’t ever be let down or put to shame, but that He delivers on what He promises.

PRAYER

Father, Thank you for your incredible grace and mercy! Thank you that your are a God we can trust. You are not the figment of our imaginations. You are not a god created by human hands that will let us down, but that you are the LORD God almighty and you are worthy of worship, trust, and praise. We give you glory and honor today by trusting in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.

Praise the LORD! (Psalm 145 Devotion)

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PSALM 145

1 A Praise of David. I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. 3 Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness [is] unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. 5 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works. 6 [Men] shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. 7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. 8 The LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. 9 The LORD [is] good to all, And His tender mercies [are] over all His works. 10 All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, And Your saints shall bless You. 11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, 12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. 13 Your kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion [endures] throughout all generations. 14 The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all [who are] bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. 16 You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The LORD [is] righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. 18 The LORD [is] near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. 20 The LORD preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. 21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever.

PSALM 145:1-21

PRAISE THE LORD!

When is the last time you took time to just be in awe of the Lord! When Is the last time you just poured out praise? If there was anyone that you couldn’t praise enough, wouldn’t it be the LORD? Don’t we say that He is worthy of all praise and honor? Then why are we so slow to give him praise?

When it comes to prayer requests/ praises, do we have way more requests than praises? Often what comes out of our mouths are our needs, but if we count our blessings I am convinced that we would have more praises to offer than problems to present.

The most awkward moment in a prayer service is when we ask for praises. We all look at one another and think surely we have a lot to praise God for, but then our pride creeps in. We don’t want to be cliche and say our salvation, of course we should praise God for that! But we scratch our heads and try and think of something more recent as if the newer the praise, the more legitimate it is.

but think about it… The LORD saved ME from my sins! He thought of me! He cared for me! I was headed to Hell! He stepped in! I don’t care how long ago I initially placed my faith in Christ, I hope like David that I never get over it! He is still worthy of praise today!

As far as something more recent, I’m afraid that like a fish in water, I’m swimming in the blessings of God! God is worthy of praise for everything and yet how slow we are to give him praise in anything. I think part of it is a fear that we will miss something or perhaps that there is so much to praise Him for that we just don’t know where to start.

So let’s just praise Him like David did! Let’s cultivate hearts of gratitude and worship. Let’s offer the Lord for things big and small. Let’s take time to recognize His hand in everything from the my next breath to eternal life!

I was delighted the other day to come across one of my old journals. Once a week I simply wrote a “praise page,” a page dedicated to praising God. I started by writing the simple things to praise God for and moved to the more specific things I saw that week. It never failed, the “praise page” might start out as mundane or Tommy through the motions but would always end up in sincere praise for who God is and how He had moved in my life.

PRAYER

Father, I praise you for all your works! You are righteous to every generation! You have loved me beyond what I deserve! You hold this universe together! You spoke it into existence! You are my salvation!! I am grateful for the opportunity to tell others about you! You guide my steps and show me the way! I want to walk with integrity and worship in all my life! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.