Be With Me: 7 Minutes of Biblical Wonder

If Ps119 could speak it'd have a lot to say:It would say the spiritual life is not lived alone. It'd ask us to Attach to the people of God with the same grace that the Person of God has attached to you.It would say that believers have their feet in the butter tub of grace, and we'd best be living lives of gratefulness. Finally, it would say that suffering can actually be good.  There are things to grow from in the midst of it. I might even stretch toward gratefulness because of it.Subscribe and comment: https://youtu.be/eKKhynt8pQc

There are 8 kinds of people who should watch this 7 minute video:those who struggle with pornthose who have a broken relationshipthose who are caught in doomscrollingthose who are in circumstances they do not preferthose who desire real inimacythose who are interested in walking the faithful history of Godthose who want a bigger portion of Godand those who want to profit from their suffering.If any of those are you, then Ps119 is for you. Watch here and maybe even subscribe: https://youtu.be/TV3Dez0iJhc

It takes some guts to request to be sought, especially if that search will be conducted by God Almighty. Today, we'll hear of an invitation by a human to the Divine: seek me, discover me, find me.The first question is practical: will I allow myself to be geographically discovered? The second is more dramatic: will I allow myself to be spiritually discovered?Join me for 7 minutes to hear a human make such a request. Please subscribe. https://youtu.be/5Sigr0MkHYw

If your life knows some trouble, perhaps you will find a partner in Ps119. The psalmist knows trouble. But it doesn't stop there.He also knows his Bible.He also knows the character and the actual Person of God.So, don't just stop with the trouble. This hard work isn't for sissies. Subscribe and comment and appreciate: https://youtu.be/EY0zz4Un-Y4

Ps 119:151 makes an audacious claim: YOU ARE NEAR, O LORDWe must then ask: when exactly is God near? What is going on? What are the circumstances and when is this nearness experienced?Listen to a sliver of this grand psalm to discover WHEN GOD is NEAR.https://youtu.be/co8gwM5B9Uo

One of the great beauties of Ps119 is TROUBLE.  It pulls no punches.  It faces the reality of life head on.   Trouble is here.  Then what? Join me in Ps119 for 6 minutes and let's find out what we might do when "trouble has found me out". https://youtu.be/VGiyAEnPLyM

The guy who wrote Psalm 119 reports that he loves God's communication more than GOLD, pure Gold.  At current pricing, that is more than $4000 per ounce.  It is precious. By that, I mean the metal and the message; the shiny stuff and the Scripture. Both are treasures, but only one lasts.God's oration is more valuable than our most rare ore. God's sovereignty is of greater worth than any sovereigns. God's declaration is more precious than all the doubloons out there.See if this podcast is worth 6 ½ minutes of your life. If so, subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PmSy8ljSiSw

We all get to decide how inclined or not inclined we set our heart towards the Bible. Ps119 instructs us to deal with the Bible by inclining our hearts toward it. We do thisdemonstratively: that is, with our affections, and lovedirectionally: we allow the Word to help change our directiondesperately: if there were any other plan b, we wouldn't have to throw ourselves so desperately upon Him.  But there is not.  We MUST so incline our hearts.So let's lean into Him as we are confronted with the Bible. Let's close the distance.https://youtu.be/dACX7Cjt-mQ

Oh, How I Love Your _________. Can you guess it from Ps119?Oh, how I love Your Law.It is my delight. It is my LIFE, my PROTECTION. It is my favor. It is useful and practical in life. It helps with every step. Your word is sweet to me, sweeter than honey. I delight in your lawOh, how I love Your Word. Subscribe! https://youtu.be/AuPJ5OBZCDQ

I notice Two things regarding what the psalmist desires: 1. You cannot see it NOW (except in promise)2. You cannot see it HERE (except in shadow)So the TIMING is: Not now, not yet.and the LOCATION is Not here.The object of his ambitions are other worldly and slightly delayed.  Let us respond in knowledge and in faith and in agreement. Subscribe. https://youtu.be/dlpD911xXNw

What if God's hands have made my hands?  If God even made my pinkie, it changes everything.If my hands are made by HIM, then what these hands do regarding work; what these hands consider regarding who these hands hold, and to WHO THESE HANDS ARE RAISED IN WORSHIP is all affected.Who made your pinkie? If it was you, you can skip the next part. If it wasn't you, then listen carefully to the next 7 minutes. It changes everything.  Subscribe to change everything tomorrow too.https://youtu.be/-JOLRhrORLk

We have got some big questions to throw at a big Psalm. In fact, one might call these the BIGGEST questions for the biggest Psalm.Will there be suffering and will I suffer? (yes)Will I get the big prize? (yes.  If no, receive Him today!)Will I be alone in all of this? (no)Join me for 7 minutes to throw the big questions together. Subscribe on Youtube and comment.https://youtu.be/h4wueWygCJM

Is there anything good that can come of suffering? Our psalmist points us towards two unexpected benefits: 1.Our growth.  Suffering can develop and change us for the better.2. Our gratefulness. This is obviously a big-ask. Can we actually be grateful  for the suffering because of the fruit it can yield? If you are suffering, this one is for you. Subscribe and comment: https://youtu.be/4iE7RSwXppw

Soldiers when they are being overwhelmed by an enemy will sometimes call in an airstrike very near their position.  It is called being “danger-close”. Alternatively, we have a strong, faithful, loving God who is “shadow-close”That I get to sing in recognition.  I get to remember this. Not everybody enjoys this intimate fellowship with the Lord.  Not everyone stands in the SHADOW of the Almighty. Listen

We will have an antidote towards the ever-present disease in our culture today, DOOMSCROLLING. How will we get our eyes to turn away from worthless things? What are they going to turn TOWARD? Join me for 7 minutes in Ps119 to find out! Then comment gracefully and subscribe on YouTube.https://youtu.be/qNCJWvvF4zo

I was kindly tricked into pursuing Psalm 119.  It is the longest Psalm. Who knew? It is the longest psalm to love. It is the longest psalm of love for the Word.Therefore, it is the longest psalm of love for the Lord. I am glad I was tricked into hearing Psalm 119. You can be too.Join me for 7 minutes as we hear the beat of this songhttps://youtu.be/OE-SZX8yWyM

How can a young man keep their zipper PURE? You will struggle with porn unless you love something more. Q: Can a young man or woman keep their way pure? A: Not unless you love something more. We dedicate ourselves for a reason. I study YOUR ways so that it may affect MY ways. ie: that it may actually be of some HELP. Listen for some practical help with one of the biggest issues of our day.https://youtu.be/aiiPmDZnUiE

Join me as I invite the good Lord to search me and know my thoughts.  We'll use Ps139 as a template for this invitation.  Ironically, He already knows every bit of me, but at least some of the importance of this beautiful psalm is the INVITATION.He INVITES us to invite Him in for an inspection. Please come.https://youtu.be/BrgLyGZqfx8

Sometimes we think and do things that are not pleasing to God, but as of yet, they do not displease us. Psalm 139 has a fix for that: Search me. Know me. See if there are any grievous ways. Now WHY would I want to undergo such uncomfortable examination? Because there is something BETTER.  Listen 7 minutes to find out what it is. https://youtu.be/8g_K2kOYB7E

The value with which you hold  the thoughts of God can be gauged by the vigor of the behaviors you have towards them. Your esteem of the thoughts of God are betrayed by your interest in the efforts you display for them.  God calls us toward having a curiosity for His thoughts. How are you doing in pursuing this treasure? Listen 7 minutes. https://youtu.be/MkdLADXEkwU

The greatest witness to me of the existence of God, is the existence of ME. One thing we surely cannot forget is that I did not make myself.One thing we surely cannot fail to notice is that I am wonderfully made.What if it were really true that God formed my parts and gave me life.  If so, this changes everything.  Join me for 7 minutes to see where all your parts came from. https://youtu.be/01CrZm3qAUA

How do people respond to the intimacy of an all-knowing God? Well, they squirm and run if Psalm 139 is any indication.And how effective is the hiding? Totally ineffective. After using every trick in the book of darkness, speed and distance, we find a little tap on our shoulder of God saying, "I'm right here to lead and/or to hold." Squirm a bit with me for 7 minutes: https://youtu.be/NePkRol0Nmc

If you really knew, that your ENTIRE past has been known by God, how might you respond?If you really could know, that every future step, future thought,is already known…what response does that elicit?          Is there a comfort in being accompanied? Reassurance that I am not hidden? Or are you a little terrified?The one thing you are definitely not is HIDDEN.  You are seen.Join me in psalm 139 where David blows our minds about what God knows about me and when he knows it. Subscribe please on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fj9dvgj50wo

Have you ever hoped for bad things to happen to the bad people in your life?  If you write a song about that sentiment, it is called an imprecatory psalm.Fortunately, we have some New Testament light to shed on this sentiment. You may be familiar with how Jesus wishes us to treat our enemies: Love them, pray for them, and bless them. We do vengeance so very poorly.  We'd best leave the vengeance for God alone.https://youtu.be/LMRMJZVB3mY

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