Life is short and then we die. Seemingly cynical words about our lot but actually a biblically sound observation. Psalm 39 finds David frustrated with himself, other people, the world and God, his maker. He attempts to govern his passions and keep silent when contending with fools, …
Read More surrenderForgive me for being blunt, but God doesn’t need you.
In fact, I think He is tired of you and of me and of all of us doing what we do.
He’s not tired of us as His children, or tired of loving us: but He’s tired of our fickle ways, self-satisfied ways.
Read More sacrifices and offerings, thankfulness, prayerI often heard it said that, “As we think, so we are.” Basically, our actions are a result of our thoughts. So, what do you think the end result is of us as individuals and a society saying, “There is no God”? And if you think you don’t say it directly, would you agree we certainly live as though we believe it were true?
Read More seeking God, human conditionThe best is yet to come! A positive outlook to have and one full of faith. It’s living with the confidence of what we hope for and the assurance of what we don’t yet see, mentioned at the beginning of Hebrews.
In psalm 60 David’s kingdom and reign are established and secure, as they had not been up until this point.
Read More confidence, faith, hopeIt’s not all about you.
It’s all about Him.
At the time of this psalm, David has taken the throne promised to him and he is thanking God
Read More God’s sovereignty, thankfulnessFor me, this psalm of praise and thanksgiving hinges on verse 4, “May God do what you want most and let all go well for you.” The NIV version has it this way, “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
Nice as it sounds in either translation I find this verse really hard.
Read More our heart’s desires, a praying communityDo you regularly take time to stop and thank God for His answered prayers in your life? I don’t mean now and again when you feel a spark, but as a regular discipline regardless of what is going on in your day to day.
My wife and I often play a game we call “21 Praises”.
Read More praise, thankfulnessI walked out very early this morning seeing Venus so bright and low in the eastern sky, that she was reflected in the still water of the bay. And Orion suspended high above her among all the other stars so luminous I was overcome with wonder at the beauty of it all and found myself so naturally falling into a rhythm of praise and exhalation that seemed to rise from within me.
Read More creation, praiseThe apple orchards along the roads I run are laden heavy with a harvest of new fruit right now. It will soon be time to gather them in and enjoy this year’s crop. Psalm 67 was written to be sung at a time like this during worship at the harvest feasts. It’s an all encapsulating chorus praising God for blessing the whole community.
Read More worship, harvest