Be With Me: 7 Minutes of Biblical Wonder

What will I do as I am wallowing in the righteous consequences of my own decisions? How can I SING at a time like this? When I am in a soup of unpleasantness, that I caused, what am I going to do now?Well, Israel is in it as we find them in Psalm 137. Let's watch them respond to the disciplining of God. Subscribe please. I'd love to hear your comment: https://youtu.be/WY3DBKFggm8

Psalm 149 is about Praise and a Punch; Singing and Swords. We best be ready for both.Somehow the people whom He has saved from judgment are to be a part of His judgment process.That is why I hope someday to see you on the other side,  with a song in your mouth and a sword in your hand. Subscribe on this day to be ready: https://youtu.be/BWRDHKgHGc0

Do you ever wonder what makes God happy? Psalm 149 flat out tells us. It is humbling to find out what, or more specifically WHO gives Him this pleasure.Like a grandparent for his grandchildren, the Lord has an enthusiastic, disproportional, and maybe even unbalanced regard for HIS PEOPLE. He tells us we are His chosen portion, the apple of His eye, and that He takes pleasure in us. Join me for less than 7 minutes of pure good news. Subscribe on YouTube for more good news tomorrow.https://youtu.be/rgy85CP_K2s

We are supposed to be praising the attributes of God.  But WHERE exactly does He request these songs to be emanating from?  What is the LOCATION of our praise? He calls for praise from the "assembly of the godly." Join me for 7 minutes to see if I can do that from my kitchen table on a sleepy Sunday morning. https://youtu.be/Rj6sxPInfGQ

With his last spiritual quarter, David makes one last phone call to the Lord.  What does he ask for?  We will be flies on the wall as we listen and admire to David's request. We too might follow his lead or we might not.  "One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I will seek after..." Perhaps we will seek the same thing that he did. Listen 7 minutes and find out.  Subscribe in case this isn't the very last word of the Bible: Sorry no Video Today.https://youtu.be/02fJulhUNJ0

As we meet this day, many of you will have some significant troubles.  I am so very glad to have you explore this beautiful Psalm with me. We are not the first humans to have very serious troubles.  David is the king of trouble. He is the king of calling for help.  Watch what David does as he find himself in trouble.  Perhaps we can make psalm 27 a call to our real help. https://youtu.be/ZqgE_tW_j7c

The spiritual life is a lot like attaching oneself to a SHADOW.  Oh, but what a shadow it is.  It is the Shadow of the Almighty. Where should you put "your stake in the ground?" In the Shadow of the Almighty.  The psalm says to dwell there, tarry there, spend some time there and abide there.Answer the call with me for 7 minutes to be within SHADOW-DISTANCE. this podcast audio isn't working on this site but it is working fine on The Youtube below.  Please go there today: https://youtu.be/cY7yxiq6CwQ

If Psalm 91 is true, it offers one of the sweetest promises of the whole Bible: "I will be with you in trouble." That is the Lord talking. Where do I sign up for this great assurance?The rest of Ps.91 tells us how: Dwell in the shelter of the Most High (Be found nearby)Abide in the shadow of the Almighty( be within shadow-distance)Hold fast to Him in love (be FOND)Know His name (be familiar)The Lord can be with you in trouble. Listen 7 minutes. Subscribe if you want help with tomorrow's trouble: https://youtu.be/2Bo_PtFqGzs

Are all around you terrors, wickedness, fowlers, pestilence, arrows, and destruction? Then you are in the right place.Psalm 91 is where you can go to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and Abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  May I recommend being so close to Him that His shadow falls upon you?  Join me for 7 minutes to attach us to that very shadow. https://youtu.be/TJaNBez9Cbs

Psalm 25 is about active, engaged and trust-filled WAITING. It is not passive. It is a trusting in our God who quite frankly has earned it by His faithfulness.  We trust Him because of His proven trustworthiness.He calls us to friendship with Him. He asks for our regular familiarity and even fondness toward Him.  This also is not without His previous demonstration of His friendship toward us.  The One we are called to WAIT FOR is our FRIEND.  How great is that? https://youtu.be/qdETodE-gOI

It is an audacious thought, but God invites us to be His friend. Typically, friendship involves FAMILIARITY and FONDNESS. I'd argue that God has already proven that He knows you well, and that He's so crazy about you that He exchanged something of great value for your rescue.The weak link in the friendship relationship is probably us.  We might lack a bit in the FAMILIARITY of God by being sloppy in our study or pursuit of Him.  We might be cool in our FONDNESS. Join me for 7 minutes to pursue the friendship of God, which is also to day, BE PURSUED by the friendship of God. https://youtu.be/goOc90kavt8

There is a wonderful book that I often recommend:How to avoid marry a JERK.  by John van Epp. The idea is to use the dating period to get a current and past track record of data, and not discount red flags and turn them into pink flags. Do a hard target investigation into the character of your dating partner, so as to reliably predict the future with them. Ferret out whether they are a JERK, or their character is trustworthy enough to marry. I'm going to steal that idea spiritually:How to avoid TRUSTING a JERK andHow to avoid worshipping a JERK. 7 minute. Subscribe. or comment : https://youtu.be/EAaVQ1Zbz_UHere is the Bible Study called HESED, mentioned in the Podcast:https://www.amazon.com/Hesed-Bible-Study-Gods-Steadfast/dp/B096TW9BRD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39ITS8H7CIK9E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BHusPEeANYxQtJ9q-MXniGTEJktuff5tMt7jN9HwptzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.k3VE0PIknfVDW_tUwcSLYxcBaVE8SA60e3UxF8shGv0&dib_tag=se&keywords=hesed+cara+smith&qid=1759658156&sprefix=hesed+cara+smith%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1#detailBullets_feature_div

Ps25 is about WAITING correctly before the Lord. That is only the half of it. The other half is the WHEN part. It is the waiting faithfully and expectantly when times are particularly difficult.  Anybody can wax poetical during the easy times. This part of the Bible asks something of you.  It is even a heroic ask: Will you WAIT BEFORE THE LORD?Wait before Him, right after you listen for 7 minutes and then subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ZKscNZXcJ0Q

Are you smarter than the gate of a city? Psalm 24 certainly hopes so. For it is there that we see the doors and the gates of a city doing the right thing. They are recognizing correctly, responding appropriately, receiving enthusiastically, and reverencing soberly.  Yes the gates are doing the right thing. The doors are doing something.Watch just 7 minutes to find out if you are smarter than a door. https://youtu.be/aXmVD4Vutdk

Here's a trick question: Could you stand in the presence of God? The short answer is no. Our lot has the stain of sin that would be incongruous in the presence of the pure Holiness of God.Yet, He makes a way for the unholy, to be with the Holy. He makes a way for us to be with Him. Ultimately, for those going to heaven, He'll make us perfectly holy forever.  Meantime, how can we join Him in fellowship?Ps 24 is an invitation for us to be with Him. Join me and RSVP.Please subscribe, share, like and comment. Glad you are here!https://youtu.be/8FxWtfBj2v8

Join me in a wonderful thunderstorm for the conclusion of Psalm 22.  He has done it.  It is finished.  The big victory has been won. Nothing is left to be proven.  The principle work of God is finished on the cross.  The rescue operation that started on page 3 of the Bible has been achieved. Psalm 22 forcasts it definitively 1000 years before its accomplishment. Amazing. He's done it.  It is finished. Subscribe on Youtube and comment please.https://youtu.be/PWWOPE-sgyc

David writes pretty specifically about a person whose hands and feet are pierced and is dehydrated, dislocated, and exhausted.  Sounds like a crucifixion in every way.  Here's the kicker: Crucifixion wasn't invented when he wrote this psalm in about 1000BC.  He didn't know about crucifixion. Nobody did for another 480 years until the Persians invented it. We see here a specific prophesy fulfilled by Jesus another 500 years later. The Bible is reliable. https://youtu.be/Z929k0-HtaQ

To read Ps. 22 is to join Jesus on the Cross.  There are many descriptions of this unfortunate death embedded in Ps. 22. Of note today, even the bad guys around the cross tell us that Ps. 22 is about Jesus. It is in Ps 22 we find Jesus entrusting, conversing, and recalling His relationship with the Father. Join me there for 7 minutes. https://youtu.be/HWyvR9JcaMc

WHEN a psalm is quoted helps us understand its original intent and purpose. Of note, Ps. 22 is quoted twice when Jesus was slowly being suffocated on the cross.  We'd probably benefit by giving it our attention. If you were near death, what psalm would you quote?Is the "why have you forsaken me" psalm actually about forsaking? Probably not. Stay with me on this one...https://youtu.be/kUDIy-4iLVU

Not only do the "heavens declare the glory of God," so does the OCEAN. Today we'll meet a group of sailors who see it and are without excuse.  Unfortunately, they are on some sort of an EVIL Quest, so some discipline from the hand of the Lord is due.  Here comes the storm.The character and characteristics of God are evident in creation.  We might do best to attend to it.  Do so by subscribing here:https://youtu.be/LYEGQ6zuYBw

I often stand in admiration towards people who "put themselves under" the scrutiny of the Bible. The spotlight frequently reveals rebellion, error, and sin. It is not easy to see it or even look for it.Join me today for such an exercise. Psalm 107 is about knuckleheads for sure. But it is also about the response of a faithful God to such knuckleheads. https://youtu.be/QXtAAC3Vn3Y

If you have a longing soul, you might just be in the right place.  We are looking at  a psalm, a song, that sings of the satisfaction in God and the filling with good things. Our song is about those who are in trouble and CRY OUT for rescue. Fortunately, we have this good God who intends to rescue.  Will the needful receive the rescue? Find out in 6 minutes. https://youtu.be/dHZGSIfpjKY

Angels show up in Psalm 103. they WORSHIP (along with people)they are MIGHTY (of course they are, they serve the Mightiest)they are OBEDIENT (all currently functioning angels are 100% obedient)they are an ARMY (who occasionally exert their martial intent)One thing that angels are NOT is forgiven. As far as we know angels are not extended the grace of forgiveness.There is no known redemptive plan for angels.For us, there is a redemptive plan, so we actually have the same reasons to worship as all these angels PLUS ONE MORE: Forgiveness. Subscribe and comment: https://youtu.be/4oY12tWXpnY

Pick one of the five ways God deals with your sin.  Which do you fancy?1.As far as the east is from the west;                geographically distant2. He casts our sins behind his back;               Hidden, unseen, past tense. strength3. He blots them out;divine forgetting           disappear erased like a stain4. tramples them underfoot,                                stomped to death, unrecognizable5.  hurls them into the depths of the seas     Swallowed by the vast of forgivenessThink about which one speaks to your heart.  Thank Him. Subscribe.https://youtu.be/qcKO--uYbXk

David goes hard on the road of blessing God in Psalm 103. One might even accuse him of being too enthusiastic. What causes the exuberance? We have two choices: David is too fired up, and we should change the psalm. OrDavid is right. We should be just as fired up as he is. We have to change our hearts and agree with himJoin me for slightly less than 7 minutes as I make an exuberant argument for one of these positions. Then subscribe on YouTube or Apple Podcasts or Spotify, etc.https://youtu.be/Ibo_aD_xHTk

As we walk the halls of history, we recall great spiritual moments that have gone before us.  Many have come before us in history. This is only appropriate, as this is not God's first day in dealing with humans.As David recalls the Lord's answer to Moses' requests of "Show me Your glory, " and "Show me your ways," he comes back to one big response:Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me, Bless His holy name. Join me for a 7 minute stroll down the halls of history.  Perhaps we'll end up at the same place as David. Please subscribe on YouTube.https://youtu.be/HD9D81JdVrQ

If nature could talk, what would be its message? Well, the truth of the matter is that nature CAN TALK, and IS TALKING. David records the message in Psalm 19. The heavens are declaring something. The day reveals something. There is no place that the sun, and therefore its message, does not shine. Listen 7 minutes to explore what you have been hearing as you go outside. Subscribe to the YouTube channel so as to not miss a message here, if there is another day there. https://youtu.be/CuWL1Jm73Oc

Let's say the Bible is perfect.  If so, what is the big deal? What actual good does it do for me?Our hero and knucklehead David answers this in the 2nd half of Psalm 19.  He argues and exclaims that it is indeed perfect and declares his affection toward it.  Then he gets to the nitty gritty. The Word is not without effect. It then comments accurately on sin, error and faults.  If I listen, it can be a VERY big deal.  Join me and Asa for 7 minutes of thoughts on the matter.https://youtu.be/LQQ6WpQGj7w

Today we learn just one thing: The sky has something to say. We'll learn its subject matter.We'll learn its attitude We'll learn its audienceJoin me as we listen for 7 minutes to what the sky has to say. Subscribehttps://youtu.be/337BihzxDWI

If you are broken hearted, smashed and shattered, this then is the psalm for you.This just might be your special day of unique blessing: if so, He could be nearer than ever. He could be giving  you a season to more clearly see Him; and more porously be aware of Him.Join me for 7 minutes in the Psalm of the smashed. https://youtu.be/SYo1h0R7jhU

The death of Charlie Kirk has hit hard all across this country. Join me for 6 minutes as we apply some ancient wisdom to our current situation. We'll even hear from Alan Paton's Cry the Beloved Country to give a voice to the idea that we are all in this together. If this is "the heaviest thing of all your years," or even just a curiously heavy thing, then this is worth your consideration. Democrats and Republicans might just have common ground to meet upon.  Please join me now as we find it together. If this makes sense to you, subscribe to the YouTube channel.https://youtu.be/TdYtndAoY9Y

As this video goes out, it will find those who are crushed of spirit.  It will land upon those who are brokenhearted. If that is you today, the Lord has a sweet gift for you today in Psalm 34.  As I think of it, brokenheartedness is to be distinguished from rebellion. Rebellion is giving God the middle finger.  Brokenheartedness is reaching out to God with all our crushed fingers. The Lord promises a precious part of the experience of Him: HIS NEARNESS. To my crushed brothers and sisters, may the Lord be NEAR today.Please listen 7 minutes. https://youtu.be/Py7xuJ1hHz4

Certain TASTES can bring back the REALITY of a previous experience. I just experienced that while traveling to Norway.  Similarly, in Psalm 34:8, God asks us to TASTE and see THAT the LORD IS GOOD. God asks us to capitalize on using the gift of tasting to help us remember reality.  Join me for 7 minutes as I remember some of the tastes of Norway, as well as some of the tastes of Psalms. Please subscribe, like and comment. YouTube likes that kind of stuff. https://youtu.be/q_7-ynuhIYc

What exactly KEEPS you in heaven?  How you get there is another question, but we'll address a fundamental question: Upon what reality is your continuance in heaven dependent?We will find that we desperately depend upon the Dependablilty of God. It is upon one particular feature of His Character that KEEPS you in heaven  on day 10001. List 7 minutes today to find out about that day. Then subscribe if you are not going to heaven later today. https://youtu.be/aB7vgj-2Ke8

Maybe you are a serving grouch.  Maybe you cannot fathom the concept of actually being happy about doing some work for the Lord.  If so this video is for you.In it you will learn the great secret of the Church. There is a way to break through this stumbling block to cooperate with the process of getting you to gladness. There are secret agents inside your church that will help. Listen and subscribe.  This is a great 7 min listen. https://youtu.be/dZ5wbmsiMGY

The WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING is relatively straightforward in Ps100: making noise, serving, coming, and knowing a few things.  The HOW of the actions are the real challenge: Make the noise joyfully. Serve gladly. Come Singing. Know accurately. Enter thankfully. Approach with Praise. Ps100 is about the DOING and the HOW of doing. Listen 7 minutes to get you started on the right attitude.  Continue in the right attitude by subscribing on YouTube.https://youtu.be/AFnvBz-6L9c

The Bible does not promise an untroubled life, but without Him:        The outcome would have been different         The journey would have been different         The company would have been differentWe have in psalm 124:         the Lord ON our side           (HE's FOR us)           and AT our side                       (He's with us)          during real problems           (He's actually helping us.)Watch 7 minutes right after subscribing on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/O1_NY4Zrzro

If the Lord was not on my side..I was in big trouble and the Lord was at my side.  If He had NOT been at my side, I would have still been in the troubles, but I would have been there ALONE.The presence of bad circumstances and bad people does not indicate the absence of the presence of God. Join me for 7 minutes to think about this.  Then subscribe.https://youtu.be/F1FgIVyzv0w

What if we could actually SEE un-holy PRIDE as a necklace around the neck of our fellow humans.  Who would have the rocks of a Wilma Flintstone?  What would the size of my necklace be?Psalm 73 asks for a re-calibration of our spiritual sunglasses. Join me for 7 minutes to see if you look like Wilma. Subscribe.https://youtu.be/oaJv_uOOEKY

Asa my dog loves to chase deer.  He tries not to be tempted, but it is everything for him NOT TO.  Literally, I can watch him do DOG-MATH in his head as he weighs the pros and cons of this equation.Similarly, Asaph the psalmist does the same thing in Ps 73. Watch 7 minutes as he *nearly* gets the answer wrong.https://youtu.be/7MEN30gjHzo

Please join me and Asa for some thoughts about 2000 mornings with you.  We'll gratefully set out an argument for a renewed commitment from both of us.  This is especially for those who do NOT regularly listen/watch. We'll also remember a song I wont to commemorate the first 365 days of being with you in this podcast.  It is beautifully sung by Mikaela Smith, my daughter-in-law. https://youtu.be/hLWj-XUPxVIWatch, listen and join me for this milestone, as well as the one that comes tomorrow.  It is great to Be With You.Here is the video link to this 2000th podcast episode:   https://youtu.be/a_PGSdUyNm8

Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73 almost gets it all wrong.  His spiritual feet almost make a fatal mistake with a slip: He desires the wrong thing.If you desire the wrong thing, then you make decisions and behaviors that are the wrong thing.  This leads only to destruction ultimately.Listen 7 minutes as the knucklehead Asaph almost gets it wrong.https://youtu.be/R2RAb62cpH8