DEVOTIONAL ON PSALM 16:3

 

International Learning Center, Rockville, VA

"As for the saints who are on the earth,

They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."

Psalm 16:3, NKJV

This Psalm starts off with David stating that his trust is in the Lord, and that his goodness is nothing compared to God. But now the focus is on "the saints who are on the earth." Saints - i.e. holy ones - can mean angels, but in the New Testament it refers to the believers, and I believe that's true with a lot of the OT references, including this one.

Being with the godly is my delight. This shows up in my love for fellow believers - that is, the local church. It also is reflected in my love and prayer for Christian musicians. Yes, I like music, but those who use their gifts for God's glory are at a higher notch than the music of the world.

Too often, I see Christians looking for reasons not to delight in other Christians, or even delighting in tearing others down because of "bad doctrine" (translated beliefs different than ones I hold on what I want to make issued). That grieves me. It's enough for the world to hate us. The last thing I want to do is assist the devil in tearing other believers down. True, Christianity is a remnant, but I have a strong hunch the remnant is bigger than we may think it is.

Lord, I want to thank you for other believers: for those I fellowship with regularly in the local church,  for those who minister to my spirit through preaching the Word and through setting it to music. Help me be an encouragement to my brothers and sisters. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEVOTIONAL ON PSALM 6:2

Lodge, Turkey Run State Park, Marshall, IN

 "Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak.;

O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled."

Psalm 6:2, NKJV

We love Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. But are we as quick to claim verses like John 15:5 where Jesus says, "Without me you can do nothing," or God telling Paul that in weakness is the route to strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)?

Is it possible that for God to use us, we need to see Him as the source of all strength and we have nothing to bring to the table?

Likewise, artists' abilities can become liabilities when we see them as a strength? Maybe God is calling us creatives to focus on his word.

DEVOTIONAL ON PSALM 5:3

Baptistry at Arlington Avenue Baptist Church, Indianapolis

 "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; 

In the morning I direct it to You and will look up."

Psalm 5:3, NKJV

First, I will pray to God: I will communicate with Him. Too many don't take that step. To many, it's a duty, not a privilege, looking at it as a person who submits a shopping list to the store app, and then waiting to see if we receive what we ask, but not personal interaction.

Second, It's important to start in the morning as well. True, any time we pray is important. There are verses that include the evening (Psalm 92:2 for example). But I want God to be directing me from the beginning of the day. I want to ask God to lead me on His path before I start out and be dependent on Him. And I want to start following as soon as I get energy, rather than wait till bed time.

DEVOTIONAL ON PSALM 2: 11-12

Oriental Lamp Show, Chattanooga Zoo

"Serve the Lord with fear

And rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son lest He be angry 

And you perish in the way 

When His wrath is kindled but a little. 

Blessed are those who put their trust in Him."

Psalm 2:11-12, NKJV

We are in a society where many have no fear, no respect for God, a heart that like Satan exalts him/herself above God. There are also those that are complacent, thinking God will do neither good nor bad, but has just let the world go on its own (Zephaniah 1:12). This is the philosophy called Deism, and is reflected by the hit "From A Distance." Some believe God is involved, but see Him more as a doting grandfather than a disciplining father.

Unfortunately, some in the church lack a fear of God as well. In part, this is because our trust is not in God but various other things: politics, our church programs, "perfect doctrine," our own good works, and so on. 

What's the answer? Knowing that God loves us, but that He expects obedience. Realizing that we are here to serve Him, not that He's here to serve us.

Lord, give us a love tempered with the fear of You. We put our trusy completely, and long for the day when Jesus rules over the Earth.

 

DEVOTIONAL ON PSALM 1:2

At River Bluff Park, Ashland City, TN

"But His delight is in the Law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night."

Psalm 1:2, NKJV

Maybe I don't pray this daily (I do review several verses including this one on a monthly basis), but I desire first to delight in God's Word and second to have my mind saturated with it day and night.

Too often artists in particular and everybody else in general tends to practice what the Psalmist says is the opposite of being blest: walking in the paths of the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners, and sitting in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1:1). This influences their worldview and behavior.

Many who know me know I love hanging around with musicians, but in particular, it's musicians who live out Psalm 1:1-3. It may be hymnists who are trying to teach and exhort believers. It may be worship leaders encouraging the congregation to focus on God. It may be rappers and metal bands who are trying to reach a generation that has separated itself from the church to bring them back to their Creator. 

Lord,grant us hearts that rejoice in Your Word, and a desire for it to be on our minds day and night. Give us discernment and wisdom to avoid ungodly influences, and surround ourselves with those devoted to Your Word as we are.