DEVOTIONAL ON PSALM 26:6-7

Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL

"I will wash my hands in innocence;

So I will go about Your altar, O LORD,

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,

And tell of all Your wondrous works.

Psalm 26:6-7, New King James Version.

Do you get excited about proclaiming with a voice of thanksgiving? I do. There is something exhilarating to have a heart full of gratitude to God especially, and likewise to others as well. Same thing with telling of God's wondrous works, from the beauty of His creation to His transformational work in our lives.

Of course, it's hard to do if there isn't thanksgiving in your heart to start. Likewise, we don't often proclaim God's wondrous works because we're looking for other things and/or are not recognizing His works when we see them.

Another reason we're not thankful and proclaiming God's works is dealt with in the first six verses of Psalm 26. Maybe we're not trusting in the Lord. Perhaps we're not asking Him to test our hearts. It could be that we're comfortable (or at best not uncomfortable) with the ungodly. And then, we may not be confessing our sins and seeking inner purity.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather be proclaiming with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all of God's wondrous works.

Lord, thank you for all Your wonderful works. Grant us a heart that seeks things to be thankful, and a spirit overflowing that we want to share what you've done in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
 

DEVOTIONAL ON PSALM 20:2

CEF International Headquarters, Warrenton, MO

"May He send you help from the sanctuary

And strengthen you from Zion."

Psalm 20:2, NKJV

What are my three favorite Psalms? Would you count me an infidel if the 23rd Psalm isn't that high? Believe it or not, it's 6th place? The top three consist of, in order, Psalms 84, 67, and 20. (For the curious, 4th and 5th, respectively, are 27 and 119.)

Today, I'm focusing on Psalm 20. Why do I place it so high? Is it verse 7, which says "Some trust in chariots and some in horses," and some paraphrase, "Some trust in Cadillacs and some in Porshes?" No, it's the first five verses.

Alex Darnall, worship leader at Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis, was doing a devotional series on the Psalms and commented on the 20th that it's in context of the King addressing his army. I didn't think of that, and it sounds good. But I looked at it as a great Psalm to pray for others, particularly the first 5 verses.

When I looked at this Psalm a couple of days ago, I felt I needed the prayer from verse 2 for me personally.

PRAYER: Lord, I need Your help; please send me help from Your Sanctuary in heaven. I need Your strength; please strengthen me from Zion. And Lord, please let me know of any brothers and sisters in You that need encouragement and need me to pray this Psalm for them.

 

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.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 46 OF 48 (THANKSGIVING EDITION) - PSALM 100

Eastwood Baptist Church, Cookeville, TN

1   Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2   Serve the LORD with gladness;
    Come before His presence with singing.
3   Know that the LORD, He is God;
    It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
    We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4   Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
    And into His courts with praise.
    Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5   For the LORD is good;
    His mercy is everlasting,
    And His truth endures to all generations.
                    Psalm 100:1-5; New King James Version

It may just be me, but I associate Psalm 100 with Thanksgiving. It is a nice joyful song, and encourages us to enter His gates with thanksgiving.

One side note - the hymn "All People That On Earth Do Dwell" takes its lyrics from this Psalm. I love the last verse of that hymn, which mirrors the final verse of this Psalm:

     "For why? The Lord our God is good;
        His mercy is forever sure;
    His truth at all times firmly stood
        And shall from age to age endure."

The name of the tune for the song is "Old 100th," referring to the Psalm. You might not be familiar with the above hymn or the tune's name, but it's the tune of the doxology ("Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow").

 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 45 OF 48 - PSALM 141:3-5

 

New Beginnings Outreach Ministries, Washington Square Mall, Indianapolis

3   Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; 

    Keep watch over the door of my lips.

4  Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, 

    To practice wicked works With men who work iniquity; 

    And do not let me eat of their delicacies.

5  Let the righteous strike me; 

    It shall be a kindness. 

    And let him rebuke me; 

    It shall be as excellent oil; 

    Let my head not refuse it. 

    For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.

                    Psalm 141:3-5, New King James Version

This is a wonderful passage to pray. Our mouths - and our fingers on the computer keyboard for that matter - need to be guarded, to keep us from sin in that way. 

We also should be cautious on our friends and on our heart inclination. Additionally, we should be willing to be corrected, especially by the righteous. 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 41 OF 48 - PSALM 133:1

Lewis & Clark statue, Falls of the Ohio State Park, Jeffersonville, IN

    "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
    For brethren to dwell together in unity!"
            Psalm 133:1, New King James Version

I've always loved this verse. How about you?

Unfortunately and predictably, living out this verse is easier said than done. That's because of how we interpret "brethren" and "unity." In other words, Goldilocks found some have a view that's too large and others have a view that's too small.

The large view is the "brotherhood of all men" position. Note - yes, the Bible does teach that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free (Galatians 3:28). But did you notice the qualifer? That is if we're in Christ. God has children from all nations (Revelation 7:7-9), but nowhere in the Bible does it teach the whole world - believer and unbeliever, righteous and wicked - are God's children. Rather, John - known as the apostle of love - points out both through Jesus and in his letter that some people are God's children and some are children of the devil (John 8:41-44; 1 John 3:7-10). 

But for some people, that leaves too many people in the family of God. So they spell unity u-n-i-f-o-r-m-i-t-y. Some do so by racial/national divisions, and others do so by pet doctrines. (Can you say "Calvinism vs. Arminianism?" How about "Covenant Theology vs. Dispensationalism?" I knew you could!)

Look at a sports team. No, there's not uniformity in their roles and positions. But they are unified in working together for victory. We should do the same as believers. 

I believe there is a soon-coming time we'll realize that we've met the enemy and it isn't us! The devil and those who oppose Christianity couldn't care less about election and free will - their anger is at those who of their free will submit themselves to the Sovereign God. They have no interest in arguments about if the Chruch is Spiritual Israel or when the rapture will occur - their hatred is for those who believe there's a time when Christ will return and defeat them. In those days, we'll find ourselves in prison with other believers we had been debating with on-line, and in those days, we need to encourage each other!

Isn't it a blessing for brothers to dwell together in unity?

 
 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 40 OF 48 - PSALM 131

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Park (some of these birds are native to the area, like the ducks.

 

1   LORD, my heart is not haughty,
    Nor my eyes lofty.
    Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
    Nor with things too profound for me.
2  Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
    Like a weaned child with his mother;
    Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3  O Israel, hope in the LORD
    From this time forth and forever.
        Psalm 131:1-3, New King James Version
 

How often are we guilty of violating verse one of this short and sweet Psalm? No, I'm not saying that your heart's haughty or your eyes lofty. But do we concern ourselves with great matters, with things too profound for us?

Christians have unfortunately done this for centuries. The debate of the relationship of free will and God's Sovereignty/Election has been going on a millennium and a half, and yet I hear people who think they have the final answer on it and why they're right. The same is true in dealing with eschatology (end-times, Bible prophecy) or the gifts of the Spirit.

When I was selecting a photo for this blog, I thought the picture of ducks and swans in the pond (or is it a lake) at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden would picture the calmness in verse 2. Of course, is it completely quiet? That pond isn't far from roaring lions and trumpeting elephants, and it's right by Gibbon Island - Gibbons are known for "singing," but it isn't either quiet or melodious. But as Christians, we can be clam and restful trusting in Christ in spite of all the clamor around us. 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 39 OF 48 - PSALM 130

 

Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, at sunrise

 1   Out of the depths
     I have cried to You, O LORD;
2  Lord, hear my voice!
    Let Your ears be attentive
    To the voice of my supplications.
3  If You, LORD, should mark iniquities,
    O Lord, who could stand?
4  But there is forgiveness with You,
    That You may be feared.

5  I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
    And in His word I do hope.
6  My soul waits for the Lord
    More than those who watch for the morning--
    Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
7  O Israel, hope in the Lord;
    For with the Lord there is mercy,
    And with Him is abundant redemption.
8  And He shall redeem Israel
    From all his iniquities.
         Psalm 130:1-8, New King James Version

Okay, all you who have been following this series - do you see why I'm so excited about Psalms?

One thing I forgot to mention a couple of weeks age: Psalms 120-134 are called "Songs of Ascent." Some of these are attributed to David (122, 124, 131, 133) and one to Solomon (127), but some seem to have a post-exilic flavor to them. These Psalms were sung by Jews going to Jerusalem - some say it was those returning from Babylonian captivity, others say it was by pilgrims making the annual trip to celebrate Passover or the Feast of Booths.

Way back in January, I'm guessing, I mentioned the three Hebrew names attributed to God: 

1. Elohim, translated "God" and used both of the true God and the false gods.
2. Adonai, translated "Lord" and used both of the Lord of all and human lords.
3. Yahweh, God's personal name, usually translated as LORD, though when used with Adonai, it's translated GOD. Some translations transliterate it and use God's name.

Some groups believe we should use God's name instead of titles like Lord or God. I can debate that issue, but sufficient to say is that whether we use His name or not is not grounds for salvation.

What does that have to do with Psalm 130? God is addressed eight times in this short Psalm. The first six instances alternate between Yahweh and Adonai (the final two times are Y7ahweh). I mentioned Crosswalk's on-line Bible doesn't distinguish between the two words. But the point is the Holy Spirit inspired Scripture, including this Psalm. No, God is not bothered if we call Him Lord or God instead of using His name.

Another thing I like is verse 4. What is the reason forgiveness is with God? So He can be feared! That isn't what you'd expect, is it? In verse 7, it also mentions that with Him is mercy and abundant redemption. 

In case you haven't realized it, God doesn't owe us His love. None of us are worthy of it. As Isaiah 53:6 says, "All we like sheep have gone astray." (It's fun listening to the upbeat music Handel put that verse to in his oratorio "The Messiah.") In a previously covered Psalm, it mentions God humbles Himself to observe things in heaven and on earth (Psalm 113:6). We should be in awe that He wants fellowship with us.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 38 OF 48 - PSALM 122:1

 

Christians United Church, Indianapolis

I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go into the house of the Lord."
Psalm 122:1, New King James Version

Aren't you glad when people say to you, "Let's go to the house of the Lord?" If so, why not?

Yes, unfortunately there are churches who love hurting people while others love hurting people. Wheat and tares are gathered together in the same sanctuary, and it's often there that the tares become recognized. When that happens, it's understandable why they don't want to darken the door of the church. 

However, does our experience take precedence over the words of the author of Hebrews: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembly of yourselves together as is the manner of some, but exhort one another, and so much more as you see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)? Because of the sin of others, are we granted permission of living in disobedience ourselves?

Is part of the problem that we're focusing on our own interests and ignoring the interests of others, contrary to Philippians 2:4? We're expecting others to love us, but are we loving each other? Maybe if we are treating each other as we should, they would be built up. Likewise, maybe we're called to stand up to those who are hurting others.

One thing to remember - the people we're either assembling with in church or avoiding by not assembling will be with us in heaven. Plus, they're all people Christ loves. And didn't Jesus say that if two or three are gathered together in His name, He's in the midst?

I don't know about you, but I'm glad when they say to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

 
 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 37 OF 48 - PSALM 120:6-7

Gibbons at Cincinnati Zoo. (They can be noisy as well.)

My soul has dwelt too long With one who hates peace.
I am for peace;
But when I speak, they are for war.
        Psalm 120:6-7, New King James Version.

Are you aware how few people there are who truly desire peace? They won't admit it. They'll probably tell you their goal is peace. But peace always follows, for them, the unconditional surrender of their opponents. No, no compromise, no win-win solution. They insist on complete victory.

Example one. Did you notice the length of time it took between the SCOTUS decision making gay marriage legal and the focus on transgenderism? Days? More like hours. After all, not everybody agrees with their agenda, and they can't have that. 

Example two. I read a book by a former worship leader who thinks the whole church should go back to traditional hymns instead of contemporary songs. The author pointed out the contemporaries should seek the interests of the traditionals, citing Philippians 2:4. But wouldn't that verse imply traditionals should seek the interests of the contemporaries? Total silence. Until the end of the book where he states going back to hymns is just the start; we also need to go back to hymnals instead of overhead projectors.

Example three. Have you noticed how peaceful pacifists are in speaking out against war? Not always the case. 

But we can spend too much time looking at everybody else without figuring out how we can be a pattern of being at peace with all other fellow believers. Yes, it's easier said than done, but there are times we fight others when we should be at peace with them.
 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 32 OF 48: PSALM 119:57-64

 

Christ Church Cathederal with nativity scene, Indianapolis

57     You are my portion, O LORD;
          I have said that I would keep Your words.
58     I entreated Your favor with my whole heart;
          Be merciful to me according to Your word.
59     I thought about my ways,
          And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60     I made haste, and did not delay
          To keep Your commandments.
61      The cords of the wicked have bound me,
          But I have not forgotten Your law.
62     At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
          Because of Your righteous judgments.
63     I am a companion of all who fear You,
          And of those who keep Your precepts.
64    The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy;
          Teach me Your statutes.
                                Psalm 119:57-64, New King James Version

Isn't this a wonderful section of Scripture? This is my favorite in this Psalm. One verse in particular is the reason why - verse 63. I love being a companion of other Christians!

Do I hear an "Amen"?

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 28 OF 48 - PSALAM 119:9-16

Living Word Bible Church, Indianapolis, IN

9  How can a young man cleanse his way?
   By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
   Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
  That I might not sin against You!
12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
  Teach me Your statutes!
13 With my lips I have declared
  All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
  As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
  And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
  I will not forget Your word.
            Psalm 119:9-16, New King James Version

Protestants rightly stand for Sola Scriptura. After all, the alternative to basing everything on God's word is trusting the word of man instead. However, we often forget why we stand for Scripture, which is because it transforms lives. This segment gives several examples of this. Verse 9 says its how a young man can cleanse his way. The well-known 11th verse points out it keeps us from sin. And the next verse talks about the joy it provides.

Verse 10 is an excellent prayer. It suggests that we seek him with our whole heart, and ask Him to keep us from wandering from His commandments. I find it easy to wander. We don't often take a running leap away from the truth, but rather wander a step or two away at a time before we're way off.

Verse 13 mentions meditating on God's Word. When you read the word "meditation," don't think of the Eastern mystical approach of emptying one's mind. On the contrary, Biblical meditation involves filling your mind with Scripture. 

I've done a lot of Scripture memorization. When my mind tends to drift, I start reviewing Bible passages I've memorized. That definitely makes a better day.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 27 OF 48 - PSALM 119:1-8

Castleton United Methodist Church, Indianapolis

1     Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
      Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2    Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
      Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3    They also do no iniquity;
      They walk in His ways.
4    You have commanded us
      To keep Your precepts diligently.
5    Oh, that my ways were directed
      To keep Your statutes!
6    Then I would not be ashamed,
      When I look into all Your commandments.
7    I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
     When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8   I will keep Your statutes;
    Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
                    Psalm 119:1-8, New King James Version
 

Yes, we've made it to Psalm 119! You're probably aware that it consists of 176 verses and is divided into 22 sections of 8 verses each. I wouldn't be surprised if you also know that in the Hebrew, each verse of each section starts with the same Hebrew letter. For example, this is the first segment, and the verses all start with aleph, the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Finally, you are likely to be aware that almost every verse is talking about the Word of God, the Scripture, what would be called The Holy Bible.

I find this introductory stanza interesting. The first three verses are talking about the righteous and their relationship with God and His word. Verse four focuses on God and His expectation from us. From verse 5, the Psalmist then moves into the first person and deals with his experiences and his interaction with Scripture and their Originator.

The beginning of this Psalm sounds like it's talking about not merely the righteous but the perfect, that they commit no iniquity. Again, the fourth verse mentions God commands us to keep His precepts diligently. 

Does that sound like your experience? What? You mean I'm not the only one who would answer "Nowhere close?" That it, you're saying we relate more to verse 5, where the Psalmist says, "Oh, that my ways were directed to keep your statutes?"

By the way, did you notice how often the word "keep" is used in this stanza? If you didn't, the answer is four: in verses 2, 4, 5, and 8. 

Final two things to remember. One is that if we do keep God's word, we'll be unashamed (verse 6). The other is that there will be joy in keeping His Word (verse 7).
 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 19 OF 48 - PSALM 86:11

Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville, TN

 

Teach me Your way, O LORD;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
            Psalm 86:11, New King James Version
 

This is a wonderful prayer. I love the thought "Unite my heart to fear Your name." 

What does it mean? Scripture warns us against being double minded. Psalm 119:113 says, "I hate the double-minded, but I love Your Law." James 1:8 says of one who doubts when asking God for wisdom that he's "a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." Later, James exhorts "Purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8)

Could another way to put a "united heart" or an "undivided heart" "whole hearted?" It means we're not divided by trying to fit in with the world and be in fellowship with God, because since the world's not in fellowship with God, we can't be whole heartedly following our Lord if we're spending a lot of time in the goat pen.

May we be taught God's way. May we walk in His truth. And may our heart be united to fear His name.