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Have any unanswered prayers in your life right now? Author Glenna Marshall says prayer is how we survive the grip of crushing pain. And she has been there. Chronic pain and exhaustion that caused her to echo with the Psalmists, how long? Why are you so far away? How can you know God has heard your heart cry when you haven’t been healed? Don’t miss Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:Praying in Pain: How to Know You're Heard When You Haven't Been Healed by Glenna MarshallWebsite: Celebrating 100 Years of Moody Radio July thank you gift:This is Moody Radio: 100 Years of Proclaiming the Gospel by Kevin Mungons and Phil Shappard Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Consummation of Praise Ryan Griffith Download I don't know about you, but I have always struggled with poetry. And by struggle I mean that I haven't particularly liked it. Most of the stuff I was introduced to in high school was the open-verse kind – no meter, no rhyme scheme. I'm sure if I was smarter or worked on it longer, I might find Whitman or Dickenson or Hughes illuminating. Perhaps I'm too simple, but for my lights good poetry is not mainly a puzzle to unlock. Let's try a relevant example for our sesquicentennial year. Maybe you know it.Listen my children, and you shall hear, of the midnight ride of Paul Revere. On the eighteenth of April in seventy-five hardly a man is now alive who remembers that famous day and year.Poetry is designed to be memorable and meaningful and to produce a certain kind of response.I love the ending:And so through the night went his cry of alarmTo every Middlesex village and farm,—A cry of defiance, and not of fear,A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,And a word that shall echo forevermore!For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,Through all our history, to the last,In the hour of darkness and peril and need,The people will waken and listen to hearThe hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,And the midnight message of Paul Revere.In April of 1860, Longfellow wrote Paul Revere's Ride as our nation stood on the precipice of Civil War. He wanted to remind a very divided country of an important story of courage and sacrifice from America's founding generation. And he longed to impact their affections — encouraging fellow abolitionists to take heart and to act with urgency and end the injustice of chattel slavery. That's what great poetry does: it captures a narrative in a memorable way — a way that communicates truth beautifully and awakens the reader's affections and actions. This is how Psalm 104 works. It is different than Psalm 8 (“you have set your glory above the heavens”) or Psalm 19 (“the heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork), because not only is Psalm 104 a poem with vivid, worship-evoking imagery, it is a poetic retelling of an important story: Genesis 1-3. It's literally a song—the Psalmist's cover of Moses's narrative account. And like Paul Revere's Ride, the retelling of God's work in Creation (vv2-30) communicates truth beautifully and awakens our affections and actions. It calls us (v1) to bless the Lord and (v31-35) fuels the consummation of that praise. Let's take this poem in those three steps. The call to praise (v1)The cause for praise (vv2-30)The consummation of praise (vv31-35)1. The Call to PraiseWhile the Hebrew text doesn't ascribe this Psalm to David, both the Greek translation of the Old Testament and the Dead Sea scrolls label this a Davidic Psalm. Especially because the Psalmist begins, as David did in 103, by calling on his soul: “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”David is telling himself, “slow down, shut off the music, put away the phone, and look – I mean really look.” This isn't just a looking with the eyes. As we heard, vv2-30 are full of vivid imagery – things that David certainly would have seen: lightning, storm clouds, the sea, the mountains; streams, birds, donkeys, and so on. But David is doing more than observing – he is lovingly turning over in his mind what he sees; pondering it; examining it in light of the story of creation. In verse 34 David calls this way of looking “meditation.”Verse 34, May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.We'll come back to this, but for the moment notice that the call to bless the Lord is grounded not only in what David sees but in who he sees by it. His meditation on God's work in Genesis 1-3 produces a delight that bubbles up at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the Psalm. 2. The CauseLet's turn to examine the cause for this delight. David goes back to Genesis 1 and 2 to give six reasons creation is a cause for blessing the Lord.Reason #1: God is great in the heavens (1b-4).Look at verses 1-4. Can you hear Genesis 1? In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God of was hovering over the waters. And God said “let there be light.” And there was light (Gen 1.1-3).And so David proclaims, God is clothed with splendor and majesty, robed in light. He hangs the stars and the planets. He establishes the atmosphere. He stores up the rain and builds his throne above the earth. He is swift and mighty as the wind and he bridles the great thunderclouds. The greatest forces of the universe are under his sovereign control: “he lays, he makes, he rides.” Reason #1 for praise, God is great in the heavens.But not only is God great in the heavens, he is also…Reason #2 supreme over the earth (5-9).Look at vv. 5-9 while I read Genesis 1. Can you hear the creation account? And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.We tend to call the world around us “nature” as though it is self-existing. But David attributes supremacy over the planet to God alone. It is a supernatural creation. You covered the earth with the waters. You spoke and they fled. The mountains and valleys took the places you assigned. You drew a line for the waters and said: “they shall not pass.” Reason #2, God is supreme over the earth.God is also…Reason #3, the giver of life-sustaining waters (10-18).Here David's song does variation on a theme. In an arid land like Israel, water was scarce. But God took care of that. You make the water appear out of nowhere. Springs to sustain your birds and animals. Even the mountaintops you provide for – bringing rain to water them. You cause the grass to grow. You made good plants for man to cultivate – grain for bread, grapes for wine. You provide for the animals and you gladden the heart of man. Just as Genesis 2 says, God is the giver of life-sustaining waters.Reason #4 God is maker of time (19-23).“Night and day,” David says, “they were your idea” On the fourth day, you made the sun and the moon to govern them. You even appointed that the beasts stalk their prey (which you provide) at night so that man can labor by day. What didn't you think of? You are the maker of time.David can't even get through his meditation on creation without erupting into praise. Look at verse 24:“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”The poet Gerard Manly Hopkins wrote, “the world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out like shining from shook foil.” Everywhere David looks, he sees God's beauty and excellence. It is as though he is saying, “Look at that! Isn't he amazing? Look at that! Isn't he majestic? Look at that! Isn't he wise! So David like a good songwriter, even puts in verse 24 as a bridge — pointing back at God's works in vv1-23 and pointing forward to God's creatures in vv25-30!Because…Reason #5 God is maker of the sea and its creatures (25-26).Even the Leviathan, which makes Job shiver in his boots, you made on Day Five so it could play in the sea. Since the waters are under your sovereign control, what once was a barrier is now a route for travel and trade. Isn't he something? God is the maker of the sea and its creatures.The whole account crescendos in the final reason David gives…Reason #6, God is creator and sustainer of all creatures (27-30).All these — the beasts and the birds, the plants and the trees, the whales and the wombat — they all look to you. You, God, are at the center of it all. When you give, when you open, when you hide, when you take away…all creation waits on you. You care for them. None escape your notice. Because you are the creator and sustainer of all things.So, David with Genesis in mind and the Spirit's poetic inspiration gives us six reasons creation should cause us to bless the Lord. God is great in the heavens, he is supreme over the earth, he is the giver of life-sustaining waters, he made and governs time, he oversees the oceans and its amazing creatures, and he is the creator and sustainer of all things. Creation displays his handiwork. All of it testifies to his power and divine nature. If we have eyes to see it, every blade of grass, every multi-colored sunset, every microscopic organism, every mighty beast, every mathematical equation shouts the glory of God. We inhabit a world “set on fire with praise.”No wonder David begins in v 1 by exclaiming: O YHWH, my God you are very great! In fact, the Hebrew might be better rendered – “you have become magnificent. You have clothed yourself with splendor and majesty.” Your works redound to your glory! Everything in the created order is a mirror reflecting back to God the wisdom and beauty and goodness that he is, himself. Lord, give us the eyes to see!So we've seen the call to praise (v1), David's six-fold cause for praise (vv1-30); now, thirdly, (vv31-35) the consummation of praise.3. The Consummation of Praise (31-35)All that David has considered now fuels his final refrain in verses 31-35:“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works, who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke!” (vv31-32)Notice two striking things about this verse. First, it is a plea. “May the glory of the Lord endure forever. May the Lord rejoice in his works.” David feels God's greatness so deeply that his prayers line up with God's design. “Yes, God. You are glorious, and so may your glory be seen! May your people delight in you and all that you are.”But notice that second prayer in verse 31. “May the Lord rejoice in his works.” Not “May your people, rejoice in your works,” but “may the Lord rejoice.” God delights in his works. We know this, because that's God's refrain in Genesis: “And God saw that it was good.” The earth and seas. Good! The plants and the trees. Good! The moon, sun, and stars. Good! The creepy crawlies and the fish and the birds and the sea creatures and the great beasts and the livestock. Yes, Good! Man and woman, in my own image. Very good! God rejoices in his work because it reflects him. It shows off his manifold excellencies. All of creation simultaneously every moment of every day since God spoke the universe into existence declares what is true — that God is the most admirable, beautiful, wise, good, generous, glorious being in the universe. And we were created to share in his joy.This God-centeredness of God might throw us off balance. Is it off-putting that God, through David in Psalm 104, commands his own praise? C.S. Lewis at first thought that it seemed no different than a vain woman craving compliments. But listen to what he concluded: “…the most obvious fact about praise – whether of God or anything – [had] strangely escaped me. I thought of it in terms of compliment, approval, or the giving of honor. I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise…The world rings with praise – lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favorite game – praise of weather, wines, dishes, actors [and so on]….I had not noticed…that just as men spontaneously praise whatever they value, so they spontaneously urge us to join them in praising it: ‘isn't she lovely? Wasn't it glorious? Don't you think that magnificent?' The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about. My whole more general difficulty about the praise of God depended on my absurdly denying to us as regards the supremely valuable what we delight to do – what indeed we can't help doing – about everything else we value.”David praises what is supremely valuable. He does what we are made and delight to do. He rejoices in God being God. And sings about it!“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” (vv33-34) But the singing must not stop with him. Look how he ends his song. “Bless the Lord O my soul. Praise the Lord!” (35b)David moves beyond calling his soul to bless the Lord to summoning all people to do the same. “Praise the Lord” is the first use of “hallelujah” in the Psalter. It is a you-plural not a you-singular. Northern English speakers don't have a category for this, but my eastern Kentucky relatives would say it right, “Praise the Lord, y'all. All y'all.” And that's because, as Lewis continues, calling others to praise God “doesn't merely express the enjoyment, it is its appointed consummation” — it brings praise to its fullest completion. David's joy is made complete by calling us to praise the Lord by us joining in that praise. That is what this Psalm is for. Like Longfellow's Paul Revere's Ride, Psalm 104 captures an important story in a memorable way. It reminds us of something that really matters. But ultimately, it does something to us.Don Paterson says that when a poet writes a poem he's creating a little machine that when operated by a reader, recreates in them the experience the poem is trying to preserve. When we operate Psalm 104, it evokes our joy in God. It summons us to express that joy in praise and blessing. And it calls us to consummate that joy by sharing it with others. But neither David nor us can know this joy without addressing the most serious problem.Let sinners be consumed from the earth and let the wicked be no more! (v 35a)At first, I found this an odd thing for David to say in his great crescendo of praise. But he is reminding us that Genesis 3 comes after Genesis 1 and 2. Human beings were made to receive creation as a gift and enjoy and rejoice in what it tells us about the one for whom we were made. But we turned the gold into idols halfway to Canaan. We worship created things rather than the Creator. While creation shouts that we were made for joy in God, so often we say “that's nice” and go back to scrolling on our devices. David longs for a day when this outrage will finally be addressed. That sin that he sees traces of in verse 29. Paul tells us that even creation has been subjected to futility because of our rebellion. Things are not the way that they should be. The Lord's SupperAnd that is what brings us to the table. Because in the fullness of time, God himself came to address that rebellion. He entered into his own creation to free us from enslavement to inferior joys. To save us from the penalty our idolatry justly deserves. In mercy and kindness, to restore to us the fullness of his joy; His life for ours; our sin for his righteousness that we might be to praise of his glory. That is what we celebrate here. Maybe in this moment you can't bless the Lord because you haven't given up your idols; you haven't put all your hope in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. Friend there is no better time than now. Jesus says to you, I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall never thirst (Jn 6.35). Go to him.
Welcome to Day 2896 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Released from Sheol, Reembodied in Glory: A Revolutionary Promise in the Ancient Near East. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2896 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2896 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website theologyinfive.com. Today's lesson is titled Released from Sheol, Reembodied in Glory: A Revolutionary Promise in the Ancient Near East. The promise of resurrection and glorified embodiment is so central to Judaism and Christianity that it's easy to overlook how unprecedented the concept was in the world of the Ancient Near East (ANE). In a cultural landscape dominated by bleak afterlife expectations, the biblical vision of a redeemed, reembodied existence shattered prevailing norms. The idea that humans might not only escape the grip of death but rise again in everlasting glory was nothing short of revolutionary. The first segment is: Death in the Ancient Near East: A Realm of Shadows. In the cosmologies of Mesopotamia, Canaan, and Egypt, the afterlife was not a place of joy or fulfillment. It was a necessary descent into Sheol, Irkalla, or the Egyptian Duat, a dim and dusty realm where all the dead, good or evil, shared the same fate. This was a land of no return, where the dead were stripped of vitality, feasted on dust, and faded into obscurity. In Mesopotamian myth, even kings and gods wept over this fate, and no one, not even the mighty, escaped. These views were not born out of nihilism but reflected a spiritual realism shared across the ancient world. Sheol and its counterparts like Irkalla and Duat were not metaphors. They were real destinations in the cosmology of the time, dreaded places where the dead existed as weakened, diminished shades. Life was fragile. Disease, war, and disaster struck without warning. The best a person could hope for was to retain a name among the living. Immortality was not life eternal, but legacy. The gods might live forever, but humans were destined for the shadowlands. The second segment is: Sheol in the Hebrew Bible: A Shared Inheritance. Early Hebrew thought shared many features with this ANE worldview. Sheol, as depicted in much of the Old Testament, was not a place of torment or reward but of silence and forgetfulness. Job lamented that the grave was a place where both the righteous and the wicked went. Psalmists cried out to God, not wanting to descend to Sheol where praise was no longer heard. What made Sheol especially terrifying was the possibility of not just existing in a diminished state, but being utterly destroyed. In the worldview of Israel and its neighbors, some spirits in Sheol could be devoured, consumed by greater powers such as the Rephaim or forgotten entirely. To be erased from memory was to lose all identity and hope. The dead could descend further into oblivion, where no legacy or relationship with the living or with God remained. In this view, Sheol was not a passive waiting area. It was a realm where final annihilation remained a threat. The third segment is: The Bosom of Abraham: Covenant Protection in the Realm of the Dead. Amid this grim expectation, later Jewish tradition introduced a dramatic contrast. The righteous were not abandoned to dissolution. Instead, they were gathered into what became known as the Bosom of Abraham. Far from being a metaphor, this designation marked out a region of Sheol reserved for those who belonged to the covenant. As seen in Luke 16, the faithful were carried by angels to a place of comfort and remembrance, not terror and erasure. This was not yet heaven, but it was a protected state. While others faded into silence or were at risk of destruction, those in the Bosom of Abraham were remembered, preserved, and awaited resurrection. It was a place of being known by God, a key distinction from the rest of the underworld. Even in Sheol, Yahweh made a distinction between those who were His and those who were not. This growing expectation set the stage for a greater hope, one not just of preservation, but of reversal. The fourth segment is: The Breakthrough: Resurrection and Embodied Hope. The first major crack in the prevailing view comes in Isaiah and Daniel, where we find explicit references to bodily resurrection: “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise.” These declarations were not metaphors. They were bold theological claims, ones that challenged the despair of the ancient world. No longer was Sheol the final destination. A day was coming when the faithful would be raised, not as disembodied spirits, but as reembodied beings, fully restored and transformed. The language hints at glory, justice, and joy, completely alien to the sorrowful tones of ANE afterlife texts. This was a radical theological move. The idea that the righteous would be bodily raised by Yahweh set Israel apart. The divine council rebelled, humanity fell, but God promised not just deliverance, but a glorified future beyond death. The concept did not develop in isolation. It was forged in contrast to the hopeless tomb-worlds of Israel's neighbors. The fifth segment is: Christianity: From Seed to Splendor. Christianity, rooted in Judaism, took this concept and revealed its full flowering. The Jewish hope of resurrection was never mere metaphor. It was a literal expectation of bodily restoration, rooted in prophetic texts like Daniel and Isaiah and affirmed in Second Temple writings, including the martyrdom accounts in 2 Maccabees. Christ's resurrection was not symbolic. It was the historic and physical defeat of death itself. For Paul, this event was not only proof of life after death, but the firstfruits of what all the faithful would experience. Christ's glorified body was a tangible preview of the embodied glory awaiting those who belong to Him. Whereas pagan religions occasionally flirted with ideas of apotheosis or immortality for heroes or emperors, the Christian claim was far more subversive. Every faithful believer, slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile, was destined to rise again in glorified embodiment. This was not mythic metaphor. It was cosmic revolution. The sixth segment is: Resurrection vs. Reincarnation or Spirit Survival Importantly, this vision differed from reincarnation, where the self dissolves or returns in new form, and from spirit survival, where a ghost or shade lingers. The biblical model insists on the restoration of the person, not merely their essence. The soul is not freed from the body. It is reunited with a perfected one. This was revolutionary not just in theology, but in anthropology. The human body mattered. The material world was not evil or illusory, as many surrounding philosophies taught. It was made good and would be remade. In Conclusion. In a world where death was final, where the grave was silent, and where the gods offered no escape, the biblical vision of resurrection was not merely hopeful. It was defiant. It redefined justice, identity, and destiny. No longer would the dead sleep forever. No longer would dust be the final word. From the ashes of Sheol, the faithful would rise, not as ghosts, but as glorified, embodied, eternal beings in communion with their Creator. To explore this subject further, please consider these Discussion Questions. How did Ancient Near Eastern views of the afterlife shape the early Israelite understanding of Sheol, and in what ways did Israel's theology begin to diverge? What does Yahweh's power over Sheol, as depicted in the Hebrew Bible, reveal about His nature compared to the gods of neighboring cultures? Why was the concept of bodily resurrection considered radical in the context of ANE beliefs about death and the afterlife? How does the promise of reembodiment challenge modern views that separate spiritual salvation from the physical world? In what ways does the Christian claim of universal resurrection and glorified embodiment subvert ancient notions of divine privilege and human limitation? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn Released from Sheol, Reembodied in Glory:...
The hymn we are studying this week is an old one (sort of). The English hymn was written by John Neale, based (roughly) on a Greek hymn by St. Joseph the Hymnographer from the 800's. In essence it is a completely new hymn but is based on the idea of St. Joseph. The hymn we are studying this weekend is 322 in The Lutheran Hymnal: "And Wilt Thou Pardon, Lord." It does a beautiful job of presenting the Law, the Gospel and Christian Sanctification which flows from the Gospel. The hymnwriter, like the Psalmists of the Old Testament wrestle with the reality of sin and what we deserve because of them. It almost shows the incredulity of one who has been brought to know the depravity of his or her nature, that God could possibly forgive us or cleanse us from our sin. And that attitude is proper. Peter says: "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:17-18). Knowing our sin, we turn to God and the work of Jesus for help. In Psalm 51 we confess with David: "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin... Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." What joy is our when we know the salvation that is ours, and the confidence that His Spirit is at work in us! May the LORD bless your reflection on our depravity and His mercy to you this weekend.
Ronnie's continuing exploration of Psalms from the Revised Common Lectionary arrives at Psalm 104, with an ode to the Psalmists and contemporary artist, Fernando Ortega. Ronnie urges listeners to rediscover God's good creation by saying: "We are more fixated on looking through tiny digital windows on the world than living in and enjoying God's actual, created world - a world that will remain more extraordinary than anything made by human hands or imagination."
What do you do with anger you can't let go of?What if the Bible actually teaches you how to pray it?In Part 3 of this conversation, John Ortberg and Rankin Wilbourne tackle one of the most difficult emotions we face: anger.Psalm 109 is one of the most shocking passages in Scripture—full of raw, unfiltered anger. So why is it in the Bible?In this episode, you'll learn:- Why denying anger isn't spiritual maturity- How the Psalms give you permission to be honest with God- What it looks like to pray your anger instead of acting on it- How anger can actually be transformed into something healing- This is Part 3 of a 3-part convo on learning to pray your emotions.
In a culture obsessed with "happiness hacks" and immediate emotional relief, what if our sadness isn't a glitch, but a proper response to reality? In this follow-up episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor of Counselor Education at CIU) tackle the heart of the existential crisis. They move beyond the "social leg" of mental health to explore the "existential leg"—the shared process of meaning-making in a world that often feels like running into the wind. In this episode, we discuss: The Rationality of Sadness: Why feeling existential dread and deep frustration is a "proper response" to the systems and brokenness around us. The "Neurosurgeon" vs. the "Glass of Water": Identifying why we often rush to clinical experts when what we truly lack is a durable community "house" of support. Lament as Language: Following the example of Christ on the cross and the Psalmists to give a voice to our heartache without being "chastised" or "condemned." Anchoring Against Despair: How the local church acts as a "buttress of truth," helping us find a non-anxious presence even when our bank accounts are zero or life feels overwhelming. Shared Meaning: Why meaning is best solidified not in isolation, but within the "community of saints." Stop trying to shortcut the healing and join us for a conversation about sitting in the tension, voicing the lament, and finding the grace to keep running. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.
In 2016, I was gifted a second-generation Apple Watch. Since then, Ive worn a smartwatch almost exclusivelyuntil recently. I still wear my Apple Watch, but I now also wear a mechanical watchone that needs neither a battery nor a charging cable. It runs on a finely engineered system of gears, springs, and a self-winding rotor that winds as I move my wrist. When I wear it, Im wearing a timepiece with hundreds of tiny components working in harmonyvisible through the caseback, moving like a heartbeat. There is an older and grander clock in our worldtheStrasbourg Cathedral Astronomical Clock, located inside the Cathdrale Notre-Dame in France. The clock you see today is more than 180 years old, yet it stands in a long tradition of timekeeping at that very location stretching back centuries. It does far more than tell time; it tracks the calendar, calculates leap years and the date of Easter, and reflects the movements of the heavens. Though it may appear complexalmost chaoticevery gear turns exactly when it is supposed to. Nothing is random. Everything functions according to a precise, intentional design. If this is true of a man-made clock, how much more is it true of history itself? Scripture shows that history is not random but ordereddesigned and directed by the One who sits on the throne. This is what we saw in Revelation 4. John was given a glimpse of heavens throne room, and what he saw was not chaos but the Lord who orders all of creation according to His will. What John saw was a God sovereign over all things, faithful to His promises, and worthy of all worship. What John experienced was a creation that is oriented toward the Lord God Almighty (Rev. 4:8). But as the vision continues into Revelation 5, something shifts. The throne remains, and the One seated upon it has not changed. Yet now our attention turns to the scroll that is in His right handand to a tension that brings all of heaven to a standstill. Before we consider the scroll, we must understand why it is in His right hand. The One Who Holds the Scroll (v. 1a) If creation is ordered by a sovereign God, history cannot be random or out of control. The fact that the scroll is in the right hand of the Lord God Almighty is not incidentalit is significant. In the song of Moses (Exod. 15), we are given a glimpse into what the right hand of God represents: Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy (v. 6; NASB). The right hand is the hand of strength, authority, and power. It is the hand by which God acts. What is held in the right hand of God is not uncertain or fragileit is secure. He holds it because He is sovereign, all-powerful, and unstoppable. This is why we know that all that exists, does so as a creation ordered, directed, and sustained by the sovereign hand of the God who has been, who is, and who will be on the throne. This is the God of whom the prophet Isaiah writes: ...remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose, calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. (Isa. 46:9-11) When the apostle Paul addressed the philosophers in Athens, he spoke of this same God:The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth gives to all mankind life and breath and everything having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place for In him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:2428). All of history is moving in one direction. There are no do-overs, no rewinds, and no pause buttons for the trajectory of history or where it is headed. History is a current you cannot stop, and its force carries everything forward. In that stream, our lives are a flasha moment that is here and then gone (Jas. 4:13-17). And yet, if we are honest, most of our lives are lived with little consideration for this Godthe One who created all things and who is sovereign over it all. He is not bound by time, because He created it. He has determined the appointed times and boundaries not only of mankind, but of all creation. He has no needs, and yet He is the One who gives to all mankind life and breath and everything (Acts 17:25). This is the One who sits upon the throne. A verse from the Bible appeared on one of my social media feeds, and I want to share it with you: Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word (Ps. 119:37). The Hebrew word for worthless (שָׁוְא,āwe) refers to what is empty, vain, futile, and ultimately inconsequential. If there is no God, and if the Bible is not true, then the worthless things are all that we have. If the Bible is trueand the God revealed in its pages is realthen the words of C. T. Studd are not just poetic; they are a call to action: Only one life, yes only one,Soon will its fleeting hours be done;Then, in that day my Lord to meet,And stand before His judgment seat; Only one life, twill soon be past,Only whats done for Christ will last. Only one life, the still small voice,Gently pleads for a better choice;Bidding me selfish aims to leave,And to Gods holy will to cleave; Only one life, twill soon be past,Only whats done for Christ will last. The Significance of the Scroll (v. 1b) So what is the scroll? Theologians and scholars have offered different ideas and suggestions based on what they have read in the book of Daniel and elsewhere. The key to understanding the scroll is to pay attention to what happens when each of its seals is broken. We must pay careful attention to what happens when its seals are broken. As each seal is broken, the process of judgment, redemption, and restoration begins. This is not simply information to be shared; it is a purposeful plan set into action. The most direct Old Testament parallel is found in Ezekiel 2:910, listen to what the prophet Ezekiel said about a scroll he saw: And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe. What the prophet saw was a scroll written on both sides, filled with words of lamentation, mourning, and woe. You will see this when we get to Revelation 6, but for now what you need to know is that as the seals on the scroll are broken, sorrow, judgment, and woe are released throughout the earth. So, let me tell you what the scroll represents. It represents Gods righteous judgments, but it is more than that. The presence of all seven seals symbolizes perfect fullness and absolute inviolability. What does that mean? It means no one will be able to crack the code to hack the scroll, because it is secure. But that is not all. Within the scroll are the seven trumpets and the seven bowls of the wrath of Godthrough which the full and just judgment of God is poured out on all who are not covered by the blood of the Lamb. Yet the scroll is not only about judgment. Within it is the vindication of suffering saints, the removal of the curse of sin, the death of death itself, the new heaven and the new earth, and the physical presence of the Kingdom of God dwelling with His people. Within this scroll is the fulfillment of what the prophetIsaiahpromised: So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee (Isa. 51:11; BSB). And within it is the day when God Himself will rejoice over His people, asZephaniahdeclares: The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing (Zeph. 3:17). Listen: the scroll is not merely a record of eventsit is the will and testament of God, revealing His sovereign plan to judge evil, redeem His people, and restore creation. The scroll contains the full scope of Gods redemptive plan and is held securely in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. He who holds the scroll in His right hand is the Father, who declares, My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish (Isa. 46:10; BSB). The seven seals signify that His plan is complete, perfect, and unstoppablebut there will be no wiping away of tears, no fleeing of sorrow and sighing, nor the Fathers rejoicing and singing over the redeemed if it is not opened! Only One Can Open the Scroll (vv. 2-5) After seeing the scroll in the right hand of the Father, John then sees a mighty (ischyros) angel who proclaims with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals? The wordischyrosis used only three times in Revelation to describe an angel, meaning strong or mighty. Each time it appears, it marks a decisive moment in the unfolding of Gods purposeswhether announcing what is to come or signaling final judgment. But in Revelation 5, the mighty angel does not acthe proclaims. With a voice that thunders throughout heaven, he asks the question on which everything depends: Who is worthy? This is not a question of strength or ability, but of worthiness. The question is not arbitraryit is necessary. If the scroll is the deed of creation and contains the Fathers plan and purpose to judge evil, redeem sinful humanity, and restore a cursed creation, it cannot be opened by just anyone. What is required is not merely strength but worthinessOne with the right to act on behalf of Adams fallen race. There must be One who can stand in the place of those who lost everything when Adam and Eve rebelled. What is needed is a true and better Adamsomeone who fully embodies humanity and possesses everything necessary to redeem: power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. This One must be both fully human and fully God. All of redemption hinges on the opening of the scroll. The scroll cannot be opened by even the strongest and holiest of angels, it can only be opened by One who has the right to redeemthe one who can stand in the place of the guilty and restore what has been lost. And so the question resounds through all creation: Who is worthy? In that moment, from Johns perspective, we are told that no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it (v. 3). So John weeps loudly, or, as the Berean Standard Bible translates Johns response, I began to weep bitterly... John responds this way because he understands the theological implications: if the scroll remains sealed, Gods promises are not fulfilled, the serpent is not crushed, the nations are not blessed, death is not defeated, and the kingdom does not come. The only inheritance left is weeping and gnashing of teeth. It is in this moment that history itself comes to a standstill. All of creation holds its breath. John is overcome with great sorrow as his tears embody the anguish of hope delayeduntil the voice of one of the twenty-four elders breaks through the silence of heaven: Weep no more; behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals (v. 5) Who is this Lion? He is the One promised long ago: He is the Lion from the tribe of Judah who would come to rule as King (Gen. 49:910). He is the Root of Jesse foretold byIsaiah(Isa. 11:1, 10), the righteous Branch promised through David (Jer. 23:56), and the King whose reign will never end (2 Sam. 7:1213; Luke 1:3233). He is the First and the Last (Isa. 44:6; Rev. 1:17), the Origin of creation (John 1:3; Col. 1:16), and He is the Alpha and the Omega (Rev. 22:13). The prophetJeremiahcalls Him Yahweh our Righteousness (Jer. 23:6). Every covenant, every promise, and every hope finds its fulfillment in Him. He has overcome (Rev. 5:5). So consider who it is who sits on the throneand consider the One who has conquered sin and death to open the scroll. If this is who He is, then the Psalmists prayer must become your prayer: Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways (Ps. 119:37). Why fix your eyes on what is worthlessyour legacy, your wealth, your reputationwhen there is One worthy to receive all power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing? Do not settle for what cannot last. Turn to the One who alone is worthy. In the words of C.T. Studds closing verses from his poem: Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, twill soon be past, Only whats done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,Thy will be done; And when at last Ill hear the call, I know Ill say twas worth it all; Only one life,twill soon be past, Only whats done for Christ will last
Today, we are going to hear of the miracle of healing that the Lord Jesus performs on the nobleman's son. We read in John 4:47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. The Lord Jesus replied to Him, Go; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him, and he departed (John 4:50). Praise be unto God for the many miracles that He does in our lives every single minute of every single day.David, the man after God's own heart declared in Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Dear fellow follower of the Lord Jesus, today, you and I are loaded with a multitude of benefits from God. That next breath that you and I are taking? That's one of the benefits. Our God is an incredibly beneficent God. He doesn't just “trickle” us with His benefits, He loads us. In Psalm 116:12 we read, What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? The Psalmists response? Psalm 116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. What is our response to the question, what shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? Is it one that calls upon the Name of the Lord with thanksgiving and praise for Who He is to us? The Lord Jesus Himself is the bestower of every good and perfect gift in our lives.Listen to what Abba says to you and me today: Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. As we hear Gods Word about how Jesus ministers to the nobleman and his son, your need may be desperate as well. You may not be “feeling” the reality of God's benefits. What really matters beloved is this. Calvary was the ultimate demonstration of these incredible benefits towards us. May His living word fill each one of you with His miraculous benefits of healing, comfort, peace, strength and love today. SELAH Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
In this episode we look at the Psalmists declaration that those who will be in the holy hill and the holy place of the Lord will be those with clean hands and pure hearts. We look at what it means exactly to have these things and who exactly these people are. We look at how we fit the description when we have Jesus dwelling within us. The Psalmist singles out two groups sinners and double-minded, we look at the divide that sin and double-mindedness create between us and God and how Jesus came to restore us to the position God has for us in Him. Once we surrender to Christ and allow Him to change and transform our lives, He'll prepare and enable us to be with Him, in His holy hill, His holy place for all of eternity!
Solomon reflects on houses, something he knows a lot about.
Message from Bill Smith on August 24, 2025
Ethan the Ezrahite says it looks like God broke his promise to David. Did He?
Discover the profound lessons from Jesus walking on water in this inspiring sermon, "Jesus Takes a Walk." Dive into Mark 6:45-56 and explore how Jesus brings comfort and courage in the darkest storms of life. Learn how to trust God even when you feel forsaken, and uncover the truth about faith, hard-heartedness, and God's unwavering presence. Key Points from the Sermon: *Feeling Forgotten? Understand why God's people, from the Psalmists to Jesus Himself, have felt abandoned and how to find hope in those moments. * Jesus Sees You: Even in the darkest storms, Jesus sees your struggles and comes to you, treading the waves under His feet. * Faith Over Amazement: Discover the difference between being amazed by miracles and living by faith that transforms your life. * Softening Your Heart: Learn how to guard against a hardened heart and embrace the truths of God's Word. * Jesus' Power and Compassion: Witness the incredible healings at Gennesaret and the limitless compassion of Christ. Why Watch This Sermon? This sermon is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, lost, or distant from God. It offers practical insights on trusting Jesus in life's storms, softening your heart to His truth, and experiencing His compassion and power. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, encouragement, or a deeper understanding of faith, this message will inspire and uplift you. Share this video with someone who needs to hear this message of hope. Comment below: How has Jesus shown up in your storms? We'd love to hear your story! More sermons available at www.TreasuringGod.com
Numbers 16; Psalm 48; Psalm 49
Message from Joe Fitzpatrick on July 27, 2025
Psalm 73: 1– 28
"How Long, Oh Lord?" The Psalmists cry out to the Lord on a number of occasions wondering about the purposes of God on different occasions. Some of the language that they use might even be considered frowned upon in modern Christian circles. But shouldn't the word of God's example in the Psalms speak and perhaps even correct the way we pray in joy OR sorrow? With the three hosts united again, listen in and hear how we might allow or even disallow the questioning of God.Support the show
Soldiers are hard to get to know. But not David.
God will do whatever it takes to bring his people close to himself when they are not.
When you're righteous, you can confidently ask God for both justice and mercy for people who hurt you, because he himself is righteous.
God gives the righteous a source of life that sustains them, while the way of the wicked ends up being unstable.
Psalm 119:35 says, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” Did you know that the word for direct in this verse means to bend like an archers bow? It also means to tread, lead, march and make me or cause me to walk in the plans and on the path you, God, have for me. The Psalmists is asking for specific guidance to live a life that aligns with God's heart and will. Continue with me during this 8-week series on Psalm 119:33-40. Each week I will teach verse by verse and break down their meaning. Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm. It's a hymn of praise and appreciation for God's instruction. God not only gave His people land, but He gave them His blueprint, the Torah for living. Each section in Psalm 119 coincides with a Hebrew letter and highlights attributes of God's instructions to His people. All of Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem that moves through each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 119:33-40 go with the Hebrew letter ה He and the number 5. Which also corresponds to this year of 2025 or the Hebrew year 5785.
Psalm 79 Worksheet Psalm 79 is a ________________________ lament after an enemy incursion along with imprecatory prayers for the enemy to get what's coming to them. Lament over ___________________________ in Jerusalem V. 1-4 This sure seems to fit with what Babylon did to Jerusalem in 586 B.C. 2 Kings 25:8-21 What prophet wrote a book to describe his anguish after Babylon destroyed Jerusalem? And what's the name of the book? In verse 4, the Psalm begins to turn toward imprecatory prayer. Obadiah For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near; As you have done, so it will be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head. -Obadiah 15 The Psalmist prays the ____________________ will get what's coming to them V. 5-7 Verse 5 is one of _____________ times in the Psalms the Psalmists cries out to God, asking “How long?” The Hebrew words are Ma Ad, which looks like our English word ‘mad.' God allows the Psalmist to cry out to Him in anguish about perplexing circumstances in their lives, even ones brought on by their own sin. Can you think of a place in the book of Revelation the words “How long?” appear? Revelation 6:10 Revelation 18:19-20 The Psalmist asks for forgiveness for God's _______________________ people V. 8-9 On what 4 grounds does the Psalmist ask for forgiveness in verses 8-9? 1 John 1:9 The Psalmist mixes the prayers for judgment to the unrepentant and mercy to the repentant V. 10-12 Verse 11 is a great verse for those of us trying to save unborn babies from ______________________. The Psalmist ends with ____________________ to praise God V. 13 The Psalmist declares in verse 13 that God's ____________________ people will once again give thanks and praise God. Habakkuk 3 :17-19 Lamentations 3:19-40
Our Jan 19 Sunday gathering is canceled due to an impending winter storm. Here's a quick Look at the Psalms from Alex. Exploring Doubt in the Psalms Reflecting on Doubt: Many Psalms, such as Psalm 13 or Psalm 22, express raw feelings of doubt and despair. How do these Psalms resonate with your own experiences of questioning or uncertainty in faith? The Honesty of the Psalms: Why do you think the Psalmists were so open about their struggles, doubts, and even anger toward God? What does this tell us about the nature of faith? God's Response to Doubt: How does the Psalmist in passages like Psalm 34:18 ("The Lord is close to the brokenhearted") convey God's presence even in times of doubt? The Role of Lament: How do the lament Psalms (e.g., Psalm 42-43) demonstrate that expressing doubt can be an act of faith rather than a sign of weakness?
With the new year, we begin a new sermon series focusing on Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, worship-based prayer. Psalm 1 describes a blessed life, and it's not about health and wealth. Rather than simply asking God to bless us, there's a better way we can learn to pray.
With the new year, we begin a new sermon series focusing on Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, worship-based prayer. Psalm 1 describes a blessed life, and it's not about health and wealth. Rather than simply asking God to bless us, there's a better way we can learn to pray.
In this episode we will discuss what the Bible teaches us about how we should approach God in prayer. We will consider the following: How our life of prayer needs to be an expression of our love for God How we approach God in prayer reveals the very heart of our admiration, devotion and love to God Examples of prayers in the Bible (Moses, Daniel, David, Apostles and Psalmists) biblequestions.org
God is a rock- unmoving, stable, secure, a shelter, a refuge, a place of stability and safety. Not a mountain far off in the distance, looming and unreachable or unscalable. But a place of power available to every one of us. Over and over again, the Psalmists in the Old Testament, cry out to God. And they say, My God, my rock, will you help me? You are the ONE I take refuge in. And Jesus says, Build your life on me, your rock. Dig your foundation deep into me. Because, when the floods and storms and troubles of life come, I will stand. Always remember there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau. "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." Psalm 18:2 radio.hopewithgod.com Find out more at https://hopewithgod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
Why do we give thanks? There are physical and emotional health reasons as to why we ought to give thanks. Those are great, but are they the only reasons why we should be thankful? Join us as we learn why the Psalmists says we give thanks.
Psalm 71 Worksheet This is one of the 32 Psalms without any information before the Psalm. Interestingly, it is the ____________ Psalm like that in Book 2. As we read this Psalm, look for the Psalmist speak of trusting God at different ages in his life. Read Psalm 71 Based on what we just read, what age of life was the Psalmist when he wrote this Psalm? The Psalmist prays for deliverance from ____________________ troubles and enemies V. 1-4 Notice in verse 1 the Psalmist declares that his _______________________ is in the Lord. Then He asks for God to intervene in his current troubles. I like how verse 3 is stated – God is a strong refuge we can resort to continually. Even when there is not a place of safe refuge, God is to us a _________________________ of safe refuge – our Rock and our Fortress. The good news is that a lot of the ________________________ we made when younger were based on relying too much on what we could do physically or mentally. As we age we hopefully learn like the Psalmist to trust more in the Lord. The Psalmist reminds himself of God's __________________________ since conception, and commits himself to praise God no matter how he feels V. 5-8 The Psalmist realizes that God was sustaining him even before he learned to trust God, even when he was a _________________________ newborn. Now that his physical strength is failing, he is asking God to continue to sustain him so he can continue to praise Him. What is the Psalmists desire in verse 8 as an older man with many difficulties? To praise and glorify the Lord __________________________ each day! The Psalmist again prays for deliverance from troubles and enemies V. 9-13 The Psalmist knows he needs God's help as he ages. Perhaps he is also going through the inevitable __________________________ crisis that goes with not being able to do all that he used to, and wondering how he is going to make it. A lot of what is said here in verses 10-11 makes me think of King David's experiences. I also think of the Rabshakeh's arrogance on behalf of Assyrian king Sennacherib against Judah and King Hezekiah that we read about during the times of the Kings and repeated in Isaiah 36-39. The Psalmist re-commits himself to praise God no matter what he faces and expresses hope to __________________________ to the next generation V. 14-18 I have always loved the exuberance of young people when they excitedly praise the Lord. But there is something so special when we hear ________________________ praise from those who have been through life's ups and downs! Oh the Psalmist is just getting started! Note his commitment going all the way back to his youth to take what he has ____________________________ and declare it to others (2 Timothy 2:1-2). We see here in verse 18 the Psalmist lived with a sense of _____________________ we should have – to continually tell those coming after us about God's power to save and sustain! < The Psalmist expresses confidence of ______________________ life with God V. 19-21 Life doesn't begin at birth and it doesn't __________________ at death. Life begins at conception and goes on forever after this life in either Heaven or Hell. “Since the Psalmist has described his life from youth to old age, what other deliverance could he anticipate except resurrection from the dead.” -Robert L. Alden The Psalmist makes a ____________________ commitment to praise the Lord V. 22-24 Note the Psalm begin with the prayer that the godly Psalmist would not be put to shame, and ends with the knowledge that ultimately the ungodly who have acted to hurt the godly will be put to ________________________.
Click here to get a 25% discount on the Dwell Bible App. Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology is a vulnerable one y'all because we're tiptoeing into the theology of tears. Crying used to make me uncomfortable. There was so much anger and chaos and sadness in my early childhood before my parents divorced that I subconsciously began using my blanket as a mini cape and tried to be Little Miss Sunshine. The way I figured it, my poor Mom and Dad already had their hands full of so much hard stuff they needed a daughter who was a self-sufficient smiler, not some needy crybaby. I was well into adulthood before I finally understood that my childish conviction that sad equals bad was way off base. Because sincere tears are God's gift to express emotion where words fail. Those tiny rivers of salt coursing down our cheeks can help wash the debris of spent sorrow from our weary souls. They can even carry big balloon bouquets of sheer joy. And biblical narrative is quite literally soaked with tears. Ruth wept after her husband died and at the idea of being separated from her mother-in-law Naomi, Hannah wept because she was brokenhearted over her infertility, of course Job cried out to God over the death of his children and employees, along with the catastrophic loss of his health and wealth, Jeremiah wept so often over how the Israelites had forsaken the unconditional love of God and were foolishly looking for love in all the wrong places that he became known as the “weeping prophet,” the Psalmists were nothing if not emotionally vulnerable and the Sons of Korah – who were ancient worship leaders – even exclaimed that tears had become their food, Peter wept bitterly when he realized Jesus was right the night before when He soberly declared Pete would betray Him three times before the rooster crowed the following morning, an unnamed woman in the Gospels was so overwhelmed by the kindness and accessibility of Jesus that she washed His feet with her tears, and our Savior himself shed tears during His earthly life and ministry. One of my favorite writers Charlotte Bronte put it this way, “I believe while I tremble, I trust while I weep.” The bottom line is grief is not ungodly and is rather, biblically defensible as well as modeled by the Messiah Himself. We hope today's conversation might be the beginning of real healing for some of you precious saints who've been bottling up your sorrow for far too long – likely with good intentions, or at the very least the goal of not being a burden to anyone else. So please grab your favorite beverage, your Bible and maybe a box of tissues and then scooch your chair right up next to ours on this big, ol' porch where you don't have to pretend like you're okay when you're not.
Psalm 111 is a Psalm of praise that focuses on the works of the Lord and His enduring faithfulness. It is a part of the “Hallelujah Psalms” (Psalms 111-113) and is written in an acrostic pattern, where each line begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This structure underscores the completeness and orderliness of God's works and attributes. Overview Verses 1-2: The Psalms begins with an invitation to praise the Lord, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.” This opening sets the tone for a communal act of worship, where the psalmist expresses deep gratitude to God among other believers. The Psalmists emphasizes the greatness of God's works, stating that they are “studied by all who delight in them.” This suggests that God's deeds are not only remarkable but also worthy of contemplation and reflection by those who seek to understand Him more deeply. Verses 3-4: These verses highlight the attributes of God and His deeds, describing them as “full of splendor and majesty” and “righteousness endures forever.” The enduring nature of God's righteousness speaks to His unchanging character and moral perfection. The psalmist also notes that God has caused His wondrous works to be remembered, implying that His actions are so significant that they leave a lasting impact. The description of the Lord as “gracious and merciful” reflects His kindness and compassion toward His people. Verses 5-6: The focus shifts to God's provision and faithfulness. The psalmist acknowledges that God provides food for those who fear Him, and He remembers His covenant forever. This reflects God's role as a sustainer and His commitment to His people. The psalmist also mentions that God has shown His people the power of His works by giving them the inheritance of the nations. This likely refers to God's acts in history, such as the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the conquest of the Promised Land, which demonstrated His power and faithfulness. Verses 7-8: The psalmist emphasizes the reliability and justice of God's actions, stating, “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.” This affirms that everything God does is right and just, and His commandments can be trusted. The enduring nature of His precepts, “established forever and ever,” highlights their permanence and the lasting nature of God's truth and guidance. Verses 9-10: The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's redemption and the eternal nature of His covenant. The psalmist praises God for sending redemption to His people and for His holy and awesome name. The final verse, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding,” connects the fear of the Lord with wisdom, suggesting that true understanding and knowledge start with reverence for God. The psalm ends on a note of eternal praise, stating, “His praise endures forever.” Key Themes 1.God's Faithfulness and Covenant: The psalm repeatedly highlights God's faithfulness, especially in relation to His covenant with His people. The unchanging nature of God's promises is a source of comfort and assurance. 2.The Greatness of God's Works: The psalmist emphasizes the greatness and majesty of God's works, encouraging believers to study and reflect on them. God's deeds are not only acts of power but also of justice, mercy, and provision. 3.Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord: The psalm underscores the connection between wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Reverence for God is portrayed as the foundation of true wisdom and understanding, guiding believers in living righteous lives. 4.Communal Praise: The psalm is a call to collective worship, inviting the congregation to join in praising God for His mighty deeds and righteous character. It reflects the importance of communal acknowledgment of God's greatness. Conclusion Psalm 111 is a rich expression of praise, focusing on the greatness, faithfulness, and righteousness of God. It invites believers to reflect on God's works, which are marked by splendor, justice, and mercy. The psalmist's call to praise is rooted in the recognition of God's unchanging nature and His enduring covenant with His people. By linking the fear of the Lord with wisdom, the psalm provides a profound insight into the foundation of a life lived in reverence to God. Through its acrostic structure and content, Psalm 111 serves as a beautiful reminder of the completeness and reliability of God's character and deeds.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.
Psalm 108 is a song of David, composed of parts of two other Psalms (Psalm 57:7-11 and Psalm 60:5-12). It is a Psalms of praise and prayer, expressing confidence in God's help and victory over enemies. Here's an outline of its meaning according to the Holy Bible: 1.Verses 1-5: The Psalmist begins by declaring his steadfast heart and his intent to praise God with music and song. He calls on his soul, and even musical instruments, to awaken and praise God among the nations. The Psalmists emphasises God's unfailing love and faithfulness, which extend to the heavens. The main focus is on glorifying God and recognizing His greatness over all the earth. 2.Verses 6-9: The Psalmist appeals to God to save His people, acknowledging God's promises and His authority over the nations. This section references God's sovereignty and His control over the territories of Israel's enemies, expressing confidence that God will give victory to His people. 3.Verses 10-13: David expresses trust in God for victory in battle, recognizing that human efforts alone are insufficient (“vain is the help of man”). He concludes with a declaration of faith that, with God's help, they will triumph over their adversaries. Conclusion: Psalm 108 is a combination of praise and a plea for help, reflecting confidence in God's power and faithfulness. The Psalmist emphasizes God's sovereignty, His covenant with His people, and the assurance of victory over their enemies through divine assistance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on God rather than human strength and the significance of giving Him glory in all circumstances.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.
ARTIST STATEMENT:Bre DownerThe Process:I really wanted to paint the skies that I've worshiped under so many times, and a specific moment came to me immediately. I remember watching the sun descend and was in awe of the magnitude of the cumulus clouds. Their colors all mixed almost like a liquid, the golds and oranges....they completely overwhelmed me with a deep sense of awe. As the sun set, the warmth of the colors reminded me of God's nearness, and the deep purples and blues reminded me of his power. This awe is something I wanted to capture. The use of gold leaf was two fold. I wanted the painting to play with illumination and light. Gold is naturally reflective and brightens the tones around it. Thus allowing for a contrast that I find visually rewarding. It also allows for personal reflection on the words of the Psalmists regarding the commandments of the Lord. I feel painting with oil over gold leaf allows God's creation to showcase its beauty and gives us a moment to pause and reflect upon the work of the Lord's hands. How worthy is he to be praised? The Vision In this Psalm of David we learn of different ways the Lord declares himself to his creation and the invitations and warnings he gives us to receive his grace. The first invitation is to look up to the heavens (vs 1-6). They are constantly pouring forth speech and proclaiming his splendor and also his nearness! Accept the invitation to see the salvation of our God. The second invitation is to look down into God's word (vs. 7-11) and be humbled all the same. The declaration of God's glory is across every page. It illuminates hearts the way the sun illuminates the sky, enlightening the eye and soul. As Martin Luther so beautifully stated when talking about Psalm 19, “My conscience has become captive to the word.” It is not enough to just stand in awe of the heavens, we must then accept the invitation the Psalmist gives, and take the warning and gift graciously given to submit to the creator of heaven and earth. How kind is God to allow his creation to proclaim his grace and also his word to shout with even greater clarity the grace we have through Christ? Both sing the same song. Both sing his praises. Both declare the steadfast love of the bridegroom in greater revelation. Just like the sun rises and sets with endurance, so Christ, our bridegroom, mercifully reveals his warmth and love to seeking souls. I pray we receive this invitation and warning. Look inward (vs. 12-14), repent, allow the Lord to cleanse you of sins you see and also sins you are unaware of, then receive the blood of Jesus over your life, which covers a multitude of sins. ARTIST STATEMENT:Tami BolteThe Heavens are evidence of God's existence and Power, His Love and care. God reveals Himself through nature to man, which He also omnipotently created. How can one look up at the stars, the moon and the galaxies and not be humbled at the sheer majesty of our Creator? His vast knowledge and creativity leave you speechless yet so thankful for showing us a glimpse of ALL Yahweh is, The splendor of His glory. It's hard to fathom that our Lord created the Heavens above, and gives each of us and our senses, such delight, without saying a word! Yet, NO ONE is exempt from enjoying and drawing closer to knowing and believing in God personally! It is this high view of God, the moon, stars, the skies, that was significant in my own journey to knowing Him personally. God used glow of a full moon to draw my heart to Him as a 17-year-old at a summer church camp. I wasn't a Christian but was drawn to God's people, something I had not desired before. Three weeks earlier, I had been stood up for my junior prom and was told "I was not WORTH talking” by my boyfriend. All I heard was... YOU ARE NOT WORTH MUCH. Now, three weeks later, I came to camp with my best friend, and let her wear my new Senior class ring I had just saved and bought. She lost it during camp. But instead of being angry, I felt peace I couldn't explain! Campfire had ended on the last night of camp, and I heard of God's love for ME! John 3:16 was shared and my heart understood that Jesus died for ME, my sins. As I walked down the hill, in the bright blue moonlight, I noticed a sparkle SO bright in the tall grass. I reached down to see it and it was my Senior ring!!In my heart I heard, "My Love for you is SO MUCH MORE THAN A RING! Follow Me!” God valued my life! He had drawn me to this moment and valued me! By looking up into that sky, He drew my heart into realizing, the Creator of the Universe had been waiting for me to see a high view of Him and the piece of me I had been searching for that only HE could fill! My life has never been the same. Without saying a word, HE said SO much about His love, grace and mercy to me that I don't deserve. His word truly IS more precious than gold! I chose to paint the vast starry sky with an eclipse of the moon. His light shining through the darkness—-just as it had changed my dark heart with HIS light and mercy. Huntsville has experienced the display of his glory lately in so many amazing ways: The Northern lights, solar and lunar eclipses and the brilliant views of the stars, I wanted them all to be displayed. My painting incorporates acrylics and gold leaf and it you look closely... you can see His Name written in the stars. I am humbled and eternally grateful for this opportunity. Look up! Be still! and listen for His whisper! O LORD, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!
ARTIST STATEMENT:Bre DownerThe Process:I really wanted to paint the skies that I've worshiped under so many times, and a specific moment came to me immediately. I remember watching the sun descend and was in awe of the magnitude of the cumulus clouds. Their colors all mixed almost like a liquid, the golds and oranges....they completely overwhelmed me with a deep sense of awe. As the sun set, the warmth of the colors reminded me of God's nearness, and the deep purples and blues reminded me of his power. This awe is something I wanted to capture. The use of gold leaf was two fold. I wanted the painting to play with illumination and light. Gold is naturally reflective and brightens the tones around it. Thus allowing for a contrast that I find visually rewarding. It also allows for personal reflection on the words of the Psalmists regarding the commandments of the Lord. I feel painting with oil over gold leaf allows God's creation to showcase its beauty and gives us a moment to pause and reflect upon the work of the Lord's hands. How worthy is he to be praised? The Vision In this Psalm of David we learn of different ways the Lord declares himself to his creation and the invitations and warnings he gives us to receive his grace. The first invitation is to look up to the heavens (vs 1-6). They are constantly pouring forth speech and proclaiming his splendor and also his nearness! Accept the invitation to see the salvation of our God. The second invitation is to look down into God's word (vs. 7-11) and be humbled all the same. The declaration of God's glory is across every page. It illuminates hearts the way the sun illuminates the sky, enlightening the eye and soul. As Martin Luther so beautifully stated when talking about Psalm 19, “My conscience has become captive to the word.” It is not enough to just stand in awe of the heavens, we must then accept the invitation the Psalmist gives, and take the warning and gift graciously given to submit to the creator of heaven and earth. How kind is God to allow his creation to proclaim his grace and also his word to shout with even greater clarity the grace we have through Christ? Both sing the same song. Both sing his praises. Both declare the steadfast love of the bridegroom in greater revelation. Just like the sun rises and sets with endurance, so Christ, our bridegroom, mercifully reveals his warmth and love to seeking souls. I pray we receive this invitation and warning. Look inward (vs. 12-14), repent, allow the Lord to cleanse you of sins you see and also sins you are unaware of, then receive the blood of Jesus over your life, which covers a multitude of sins. ARTIST STATEMENT:Tami BolteThe Heavens are evidence of God's existence and Power, His Love and care. God reveals Himself through nature to man, which He also omnipotently created. How can one look up at the stars, the moon and the galaxies and not be humbled at the sheer majesty of our Creator? His vast knowledge and creativity leave you speechless yet so thankful for showing us a glimpse of ALL Yahweh is, The splendor of His glory. It's hard to fathom that our Lord created the Heavens above, and gives each of us and our senses, such delight, without saying a word! Yet, NO ONE is exempt from enjoying and drawing closer to knowing and believing in God personally! It is this high view of God, the moon, stars, the skies, that was significant in my own journey to knowing Him personally. God used glow of a full moon to draw my heart to Him as a 17-year-old at a summer church camp. I wasn't a Christian but was drawn to God's people, something I had not desired before. Three weeks earlier, I had been stood up for my junior prom and was told "I was not WORTH talking” by my boyfriend. All I heard was... YOU ARE NOT WORTH MUCH. Now, three weeks later, I came to camp with my best friend, and let her wear my new Senior class ring I had just saved and bought. She lost it during camp. But instead of being angry, I felt peace I couldn't explain! Campfire had ended on the last night of camp, and I heard of God's love for ME! John 3:16 was shared and my heart understood that Jesus died for ME, my sins. As I walked down the hill, in the bright blue moonlight, I noticed a sparkle SO bright in the tall grass. I reached down to see it and it was my Senior ring!!In my heart I heard, "My Love for you is SO MUCH MORE THAN A RING! Follow Me!” God valued my life! He had drawn me to this moment and valued me! By looking up into that sky, He drew my heart into realizing, the Creator of the Universe had been waiting for me to see a high view of Him and the piece of me I had been searching for that only HE could fill! My life has never been the same. Without saying a word, HE said SO much about His love, grace and mercy to me that I don't deserve. His word truly IS more precious than gold! I chose to paint the vast starry sky with an eclipse of the moon. His light shining through the darkness—-just as it had changed my dark heart with HIS light and mercy. Huntsville has experienced the display of his glory lately in so many amazing ways: The Northern lights, solar and lunar eclipses and the brilliant views of the stars, I wanted them all to be displayed. My painting incorporates acrylics and gold leaf and it you look closely... you can see His Name written in the stars. I am humbled and eternally grateful for this opportunity. Look up! Be still! and listen for His whisper! O LORD, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!
There is so much to unpack from the Psalmists. Professor David T. Lamb joins the show for a comprehensive study on the book of Psalms. He covers the different genres of Psalms, why so many of them are laments, why they're so popular, and reads through several of them and how we use them in our lives today. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here This conversation originally took place on June 3, 2024
There is so much to unpack from the Psalmists. Professor David T. Lamb joins the show for a comprehensive study on the book of Psalms. He covers the different genres of Psalms, why so many of them are laments, why they're so popular, and reads through several of them and how we use them in our lives today. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here
Throughout the Psalms we see a template for prayer that often doesn't come naturally. We often pray buttoned up prayers to God. We see the Psalmists pray open and honest prayers. How do we learn to be vulnerable with God in prayer?
Join Swoopes and Soups as we discuss joining the Lord in his patience, which is highlighted by the Psalmists.
This week's passage is Psalms 76. This psalm is written following a victory over the enemies of Judah. Possibly written during the time of Isaiah 37:10 when the king of Assyria was threatening King Hezekiah. Hezekiah went to the LORD in his distress and the LORD delivered Judah. The truth still applies today as we can look and contrast the difference between the kings and powers of the earth and the true power and might of our living God. The victories God brings glorifies His name. The Psalm gives encouragement, builds faith, and gives hope for all who are still waiting to see the victory. The testimony of others can be an encouragement to my soul. How we can see God's character in the Psalmists words. God is glorious, God is feared, He rescues the oppressed and His boldest enemies are silenced. Verse 10, human defiance enhances God's glory as God uses it as a weapon. When Jesus came, God used the Pharisees pride and defiance as a weapon against the enemy for victory over sin and death. Even when the enemy thinks he is winning by darkening the hearts of man with pride and defiance, God's goodness and love can overpower the enemy through sacrifice. It is the goodness of God that breaks our pride. God knows the road we are on leads to destruction. He sees us in our mess and makes a way for us to be free from the road we are on that leads to destruction, He draws us to himself and rescues us.
——- Your Daily Portion Sabbath School Lesson with LD “The Anomaly” Harris- Please join L. David Harris in the Your Daily Portion Community here: https://yourdailyportion.com
Often, our baseline stance towards God is apathy. The Psalmists knew this. Be called with Hope and Chris to worship, be warned of rebellion, and be welcomed into God's rest in this Psalm. This episode goes with Study 9 of our book, Psalms. You can buy it and our other studies at athisfeetstudies.com.
Today, I have the absolute pleasure of sharing my conversation with the one and only Douglas McKelvey. Douglas is a songwriter, author, and liturgy writer extraordinaire. I have never met someone like Douglas. His gift with words and passion for Christ cultivates a visceral invitation to be more present in this life, to find your fight again as you walk this weary way, and speaks to our hope of the next life with Jesus. Douglas shares with me his story of what led him to Nashville, TN, his journey from songwriting to fiction writing and the idea of unpacking his belief that every moment in this life is sacramental, and sometimes words can help us to be present. Thus, the birth of Every Moment Holy. There are now 3 volumes of Every Moment Holy, each unique in how they offer opportunities for us to be awake to the moments we are living in. Whether that is something as simple as waking up in the morning and enjoying a sunrise, something unique like beginning a novel, or the keeping of bees, holiday celebrations, to going on a trip, there is a liturgy for it in one of these volumes. Many of these liturgies, especially in volume two, also hold space for the hard and holy moments around grief and lament, and even for those facing the end of their life. I cannot begin to express how much many of these liturgies have ministered to me as we've walked through many losses, and the anniversary of losses, over the last few years. As it is that time of year, Douglas and I also talk about how to embrace the season of advent, which asks our hearts to prepare Christ room, but also to ask “where is our hope?” as we wait for Jesus to come back again. He even blesses us with a reading of his “A Liturgy for the Start of the Christmas Season.” I hope all of this conversation serves as a blessing for you in this season. I hope it is serves as an invitation to prepare Him room not just for now, but for always. And I hope and pray, it reminds you that you are not alone in this life, no matter how it may seem, and Jesus is coming back for us. You matter. Your story matters. Merry Christmas! Connecting with Douglas and Every Moment Holy: Facebook Instagram Douglas' Website EMH Website EMH Downloads, some free, some for purchase EMH App Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you cannot financially commit at this time, please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts. My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:36-Christ is the Lord over all Colossians 3:17-Whatever you do whether in word or deed Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12- Being a living sacrifice Romans 8:22- Groaning and longing with creation Acts 2, Hebrews 10:19-25-The body of Christ in worship together Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:7-13- 1 Timothy 4:14-, 1 Peter 4:10- We are given spiritual gifts and our gifts are for ministering Psalm 23:4- The valley of the shadow Psalm 91, Psalm 42, Psalm 55, Psalm 34- Psalms that express disappointment, fear, pain, heartbreak Lamentations 3:19-24-But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope… great is His faithfulness Job 2:8-10- sitting on the ash heap Job 13:15- Even so I believe you are faithful Psalm 27:13-14- What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord? Wait for and hope for the Lord Revelation 12:12-13- come quickly John 1:5- The light has come and pierced the darkness Daniel 2:44, Revelation 11:15- Jesus is the King who will set all things right and establish a dwelling place on earth that never ends Revelation 21:4- He will wipe every tear from your eyes Habbakuk 1:2-How long oh Lord will you make me look at violence Luke 22:19-20-The Lord's Supper 1 Corinthians 13:12, Hebrews 10:1-5- We see now with veiled faces and a dim picture Revelation 19:6-9-The marriage supper of the lamb John 1 (14)- the MSG- “Jesus moves into the neighborhood” Luke 1-3-The Christmas story Isaiah 9:6- The Prince of Peace 1 Corinthians 16:23- Jesus is waiting with open arms References: Charlie and Andi Peacok- The Art House Mechanical royalties for songwriters Coram deo Leslie Bustard “In the Garden” Odessa Settles Andrew Peterson Every Moment Holy Volume 1 Rabbit Room Press “Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee” Every Moment Holy: Death, Grief and Hope Volume 2 Ned Bustard Examples of the cries of the Psalmists are “alive to the hope and alive to the heartache” My personal favorite reel of the insanity of December Every Moment Holy: The Work of the People Volume 3 Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog
••• Executing Divine Vengeance Through The Power of Praise . ••• Bible Study Verses:II Chronicles 20:2-24, Revelation 4:10-11, Isaiah 43:21, Psalm 69:30-31, Psalm 48:14, Psalm 67:5-6, II Chronicles 20:22, Psalm 22:3, Psalm 42:1, Psalm 27:4, Psalm 140:13, Psalm 55:22, Psalm 100:3, Exodus 33:14, I Chronicles 15:29, Joshua 6:20, Acts 16:25-26, Habakkuk 3:18-19, John 4:23, Psalm 24:3-4, Psalm 103:2, Psalm 100:4, Psalm 8:4, James 1:17 . “The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about” Source: Reflections on the Psalms, C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963, Oxford Professor and author of Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters and the Chronicles of Narnia . ••• “Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For He has delivered the life of the poor from the hand of evildoers”, Jeremiah 20.13, NKJV . ••• What are 3-reasons why Jehoshaphat went into battle praising God? ••• What are 6-attitudes of praise? ••• What are 5-reasons Why We Praise God? ••• What are 3-reasons why praise attracts God's presence? ••• What are 6-reasons why you should attract the presence of God? ••• What are 5-results of praising God? ••• What are 5-reasons why praising God can be difficult? ••• What are 5-life actions in Attracting God through Praise? ••• What are 5-personal attributes of those who can attract God through praise?••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be the kind of person who will praise God more intentionally through the power of Holy Spirit? ••• Pastor Godwin Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounters Radio Podcast originally aired on October 21st, 2023 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcasted to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in it's mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/231021vengeance-thru-praise-power . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Johannes Plenio Photography, Munich, Germany, Lippertstraße 34, D-85570 Markt Schwaben, Germany, https://www.coolfreepix.com, https://www.instagram.com/jplenio/, https://www.twitter.com/jplenio/, https://j.plenio.de/index.php/donate . ••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/C.S.-Lewis-Quotes/ . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 . ••• FERP231021 Episode#299 GOT231021Ep299 . ••• Victory Through Divine Vengeance ~ Through The Power of Praise . Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jon and Gus chat about why the Psalmists called themselves "righteous".
Presented by Lisa Bishop Whether you have been a follower of Jesus for two months or 20-plus years, we all have something in common. At some point or dare I say several times in your Christian walk, you will doubt the faithfulness of God. You will struggle to trust him. That's the honest truth. And frankly, I think we need to talk about that more and normalize it in our Christian circles. All throughout God's Word we see examples and stories of people doubting if God is trustworthy. We see the Psalmists and some of the greatest heroes of the faith struggling to believe at times. Yet even though we see evidence throughout Scripture of wavering faith (let's not forget about Doubting Thomas), I think we are so afraid of being shamed or condemned for questioning that we sit in our disillusion, silently suffering. We think something is wrong with us. Something is wrong with our faith. “Why does it look like everyone else's life is so good, that God is faithful to others, but I don't feel like he cares about me?” If you have ever heard yourself thinking that or even saying it out loud, you are not the only one. I have as well. So, it's not a matter of if you will wonder if God is really trustworthy, if he is faithful, you will. What matters is your response….what you do, in those moments or seasons when you doubt the faithfulness of God. The other day I was doing my morning quiet time, which is a time of stillness before the Lord, journaling, praying, and reading Scripture. When I journal, I typically start out by reflecting on the prior day by writing down my daily gratitude list and telling God what I am thankful for. This has become a daily habit; expressing appreciation for anything from a cool breeze and sunny day to time with my mom, a new work project, a divine encounter with a person God brings in my path, dinner with friends, patience to endure a frustrating situation with grace. There is a lot to be grateful for when you sit down and intentionally take the time to consider all of the ways God is present and providing. On this particular day, my journaling started differently. Instead of starting with my gratitude list, my pen uttered honest words that my heart was speaking that morning. I journaled, “Today I woke up with a fear of the future. But I will choose to trust.” That morning I found myself a bit bewildered and uncertain about the future. As I was reflecting on my life and current circumstances, I found myself wondering, “Is this it?” I went on to write, “I desire to be in the flow of my calling and giftedness, Lord. Am I missing it?” And then the words, “What if” spilled onto the pages. What if? Have you ever found yourself asking that question? What if I had made a different decision, taken another path, acted on that prompting, not taken that job, taken that job, gotten that degree, married that person, not married that person, said yes to…., said no to ……. What would life have been like if only I had…… (fill in the blank). Trying to play out the “what could have been” in life reminds me of the movie Sliding Doors. The movie tells the story of a London woman whose life and career both hinge, unknown to her, on whether or not she catches a train. The main character, Helen Quilley gets fired from her job as a public relations executive. As she leaves the office building, she drops an earring in the lift, and a man picks it up for her. This minor delay has her rushing for her train on the London Underground, but she misses it as the train doors are closed. But the film then rewinds, and the scene is replayed except that now she manages to board the train. The film continues, alternating between the two storylines in which different events ensue. In one story we see how her life plays out when she gets on the train. In the second scenario, we see how her life unfolds and what happens when she misses the train. In essence, her future, the trajectory of her life,
Presented by Lisa Bishop Whether you have been a follower of Jesus for two months or 20-plus years, we all have something in common. At some point or dare I say several times in your Christian walk, you will doubt the faithfulness of God. You will struggle to trust him. That's the honest truth. And frankly, I think we need to talk about that more and normalize it in our Christian circles. All throughout God's Word we see examples and stories of people doubting if God is trustworthy. We see the Psalmists and some of the greatest heroes of the faith struggling to believe at times. Yet even though we see evidence throughout Scripture of wavering faith (let's not forget about Doubting Thomas), I think we are so afraid of being shamed or condemned for questioning that we sit in our disillusion, silently suffering. We think something is wrong with us. Something is wrong with our faith. “Why does it look like everyone else's life is so good, that God is faithful to others, but I don't feel like he cares about me?” If you have ever heard yourself thinking that or even saying it out loud, you are not the only one. I have as well. So, it's not a matter of if you will wonder if God is really trustworthy, if he is faithful, you will. What matters is your response….what you do, in those moments or seasons when you doubt the faithfulness of God. The other day I was doing my morning quiet time, which is a time of stillness before the Lord, journaling, praying, and reading Scripture. When I journal, I typically start out by reflecting on the prior day by writing down my daily gratitude list and telling God what I am thankful for. This has become a daily habit; expressing appreciation for anything from a cool breeze and sunny day to time with my mom, a new work project, a divine encounter with a person God brings in my path, dinner with friends, patience to endure a frustrating situation with grace. There is a lot to be grateful for when you sit down and intentionally take the time to consider all of the ways God is present and providing. On this particular day, my journaling started differently. Instead of starting with my gratitude list, my pen uttered honest words that my heart was speaking that morning. I journaled, “Today I woke up with a fear of the future. But I will choose to trust.” That morning I found myself a bit bewildered and uncertain about the future. As I was reflecting on my life and current circumstances, I found myself wondering, “Is this it?” I went on to write, “I desire to be in the flow of my calling and giftedness, Lord. Am I missing it?” And then the words, “What if” spilled onto the pages. What if? Have you ever found yourself asking that question? What if I had made a different decision, taken another path, acted on that prompting, not taken that job, taken that job, gotten that degree, married that person, not married that person, said yes to…., said no to ……. What would life have been like if only I had…… (fill in the blank). Trying to play out the “what could have been” in life reminds me of the movie Sliding Doors. The movie tells the story of a London woman whose life and career both hinge, unknown to her, on whether or not she catches a train. The main character, Helen Quilley gets fired from her job as a public relations executive. As she leaves the office building, she drops an earring in the lift, and a man picks it up for her. This minor delay has her rushing for her train on the London Underground, but she misses it as the train doors are closed. But the film then rewinds, and the scene is replayed except that now she manages to board the train. The film continues, alternating between the two storylines in which different events ensue. In one story we see how her life plays out when she gets on the train. In the second scenario, we see how her life unfolds and what happens when she misses the train. In essence, her future, the trajectory of her life,
This week we take a deep dive on the Psalms with Text Talk hosts Edwin Crozier and Andrew Roberts. We talk about grappling with the really depressing Psalms and understanding why poetry can help make you a better Christian.The book Edwin wrote about this is incorrectly cited in the program. The correct title is Praying Like the Psalmists and is available here.Edwin and Andrew host a truly excellent podcast, Text Talk. They are excellent at what they do.Support the show
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