PSALM 32

Billy Graham used to say he looked for F.A.T. Christians...faithful, available and teachable. Today's Psalm illustrates his point.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you."

When was the last time we sought after God's way for a specific situation much less actually followed through and did it God's way? We often find ourselves in a bind/bridle that forces us to pray and rely on Christ. What would happen if we willingly gave each day over to God's purposes instead of our own? Yeah lived as F.A.T. free Christians without the need for a bit or bridle!

Mule and rider at Canonsburg PA 4th of July parade.

PSALM 31

Whatever you face this day ... floods, snowstorms, fire, rejection, temptation, illness,  stress or pain...  pray these words:
Lord, "turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me." Amen.

Here is God's answer: "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

If God has been a source of strength and guidance in your life, give this post a "like"!

Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, WY

PSALM 30 for friends in the Northeast

Katrina's hit to MS

"Hear, O Lord,
and be merciful to me;
O Lord, be my help."
You turned my wailing
into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and
clothed me with joy,
that my heart
may sing to you
and not be silent.

O Lord my God, 

Jeff Bowman pointing to water level in Iowa home


I will give you thanks forever."

May God's grace
and courage
be your portion
in the days ahead.



PSALM 29

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters;... The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic..."

 

"The Lord gives strength to his people;

The Lord blesses his people with peace.

{Photo from St Coix}

PSALM 28

How would you define evil? All sorts of things come to mine... but David's description is somewhat shocking! "Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, {now here it comes-} who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts."
How many times have we excused this kind of behavior, with "I was just being polite."  "Harboring malice" would seem to imply a deep seeded conviction of ill will for someone else and the Bible calls it EVIL.  May we all clean out  evil malice, repair our relationship with others and with the Lord who loves both us and our neighbor equally.  

Here is a photo of an ancient symbol for drama...the smile and the frown... I found this symbol in the ancient ruins of Philippi a city in Greece. Two faces... like the person who gives a cordial greeting but  behind the greeting is seething destructive anger.

PSALM 27

Ever fumbled your way through a dark room.. bumping into furniture on your way to find the light switch? A room that you have lived in for years, suddenly in the dark, becomes a place of fear and doubt. O the value of a simple flashlight! In the dark corners of our lives, "The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear?"How many of us know the truth of that statement?

If you have trouble seeing Christ's light, open your lens and be very still. A quiet dark night in Canonsburg PA ... with camera lens wide open for several minutes... now can you see?

PSALM 26

What a tightly written statement about the nature of God and humankind's appropriate response! David proclaims God's attributes as unending love and faithfulness. Then  David lays out a lifestyle that befits someone who is loved in such a way... we will stand up against evil, worship regularly with other believers, proclaim aloud praises to God, and give to others an eyewitness account of the ways God is working in our life.

Lastly David expresses his deep humility "My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the Lord." As king, David could demand special treatment in the assembly of worshipers... but instead he takes equal footing with all others when coming to praise the Lord Almighty. We all should follow David's example... Humility,  joyful worship, fearless standing against evil, integrity, and loyalty to God... Yes we could all use an extreme lifestyle makeover.

As faithful as the sunset is each night, our God remains steadfast to us.
Photo at Venice Beach, FL

PSALM 25

My bet is - many of us have a few "skeletons in our closets"...things we did when we were younger that we keep buried and shut off from our present lives... but they still haunt us from time to time. Listen to these words from Psalm 25-  "Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord."

Wow ...those last words kept me up last night! Even though God knows all about our past, present and future, He remembers us according to his love for us not according to what we have done! In God's eyes there are no skeletons rattling around kicking up shame. There is only love for us expressed in forgiveness.

When I pondered what photo would express God's unconditional love...  here is the first thing that came to mind!

Gabe my delightful Standard Poodle,
who always welcomed and loved me no matter what!

PSALM 24

Here is life lesson number one ... "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;".. so let's just get over ourselves trying to own as much stuff as possible... get over trying to be the one with the biggest "toys", loudest muffler or largest bank account! News flash - It all belongs to God! God loans this stuff to us  for us to care for it and share with others. Lesson over.

Here is little piece of God's real estate - "Old Faithful" at Yellowstone National Park

PSALM 23

Perhaps the most beloved passage in the entire Bible... From the sheep's perspective this is a declaration of faith "The Lord is my shepherd..."  Here are a few pictures ...

"He makes me lie down in    
 green pastures..."

Not exactly a sheep! Bison in Cluster State Park



"He leads me beside
still waters..."

From the Thomas Farm in Nottingham Township, PA

PSALM 22

A quick reading of this Psalm immediately reminds one of the Gospel's account of the Crucifixion of Christ. Words that Jesus spoke from the cross, details about his garments, torture, even the conversation of bystanders at the cross...all spoken by David in this song. Even as David is describing his own ordeal, God used these lyrics to foreshadow the drama of Christ's death.

In the midst of the author's anguish, he refers to God as his Strength, Deliver and Rescuer.... he commits himself to declare God's name in public and admonishes us to revere God's name at all times.

When Jesus cried out these same words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" .... make no mistake Jesus knew more than just the first line of Psalm 22! "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord;...for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations."

God always has the last word!

Statue from church in Santa Fe, NM

PSALM 21

King David's, success was unparalleled in the ancient world...a relentless warrior, master general, wise diplomat, skillful musician and poet. There was a great deal to honestly boast about on his resume! But listen carefully to Psalm 21. David credits God with all his success! "O Lord the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!"..."For the king trusts in the Lord..."

O that each of us would follow in the poet's humble words... and give God the glory for all we have...How can a flower take the credit for it's beauty? If even the bloom speaks up for God's creative majesty, surely we can give God a shout of praise and thanksgiving!

PSALM 20

Listen to this prayer for you!

"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;"

may God's power and authority protect you.

May God send you help from the storehouse of his glory and power.

May God remember all the sacrifices you made

on behalf of others in the name of your Lord.

"May God grant you the desire of your heart

and make all your plans succeed."

 

The Psalm comments, your friends will shout for joy

when you win a victory in life. They will lift up banners {or in this case, glasses} and shout for joy in the name of their God!

 

May this be your prayer and may you have a bunch of Christian friends to go with it!

 

 

 

PSALM 19

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

 

 

This same God gives us laws to live by...

laws that are trustworthy and pure!

Lord, forgive us our hidden faults.

Keep us from willful sins, may they not rule over us.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

PSALM 18

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer..." one of my favorite descriptions for God. For David, rocks were an essential tool in war, a barrier from the arrows and attacks of the enemy... a safe place. And oh do we need safe places to dwell!  Life can errupt at any time with arrows of financial crisis, relationships gone sour, workplace drama, our fragile health shatters. Where can we shelter our soul when, "the cords of death entangle" us or we find ourselves in "deep waters"? For over 50 years, since I meet Jesus, my soul has found rest, encouragment and wisdom at the rock of Christ's grace and love.

Call out to the Lord, who "lives"! "Praise be to my Rock!"

A rock formation in New Mexico ... But here is the surprising thing- Native American Indians live on top of the this "rock".

A Pueblo ...living safely on the rock!

PSALM 17

What courage David exhibits...  inviting God to probe his heart, to examine and test his resolve! And then to declare that his personal dignity/ vindication comes from God alone, not from those around him or from his station as the King of Israel.... indeed David is a person of integrity who is sold out for God.... a person who trusts God with his very life.

How often do we invite God to probe us... to examine us and point out any wrong doing or thinking?   Know that God's examination is  not to destroy us but directed toward our well being. So today, stand before your loving heavenly Father's gaze, welcome his correction as a kind father would discipline his child out of love.  

"Linda, you need to lose 20 pounds." Was that God or my new doctor? Or God speaking through my new doctor?!

PSALM 16

"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge." A good prayer for each day...not just that God would keep us physically safe, but keep our souls safe as well. Try this prayer for today-

God, guard my mind from distractions and thoughts that do not add any quality to my life or others. Guard my emotions that I not be blown away by what other's think of me. Let me find my rest...my peace ... my value in your love.

The Leach Farm in McMurray, PA

Psalm 15

Who stands a chance at getting close to a God who is  absolute righteousness and goodness? This Psalm answers that question. It is similar to the Ten Commandants and the Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's Gospel... a series of ethical standards....speak the truth, do not slander, do your neighbor no wrong, stand against a vile person, honor those who respect God, keep your promises, handle your money ethically.
This is a high bar to reach, and many of us fall short. Thanks be to God for forgiveness! Thanks be to God for the Holy Spirit's ability to empower us to reach higher than we thought possible.
Our lives and our greater communities would be  so much better off , if we, individually and collectively, strive for this kind of life. Or as God's Word says, "He who does these things will never be shaken."

As you read Psalm 15, ponder which of these ethical standards do you need the Holy Spirit's assistance. Take time in prayer, confessing your failure in that area and seeking God's help to allow you to reach higher. The person who comes to God with a repentant and willing heart, is received by God with joy!

 

Taken in Santa Fe NM... a road sign and moral message!



PSALM 14

"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God." New polls point to a 5% increase in the last five years for people who have no religious preference...making one in five Americans who are not anchored or even identified with a  faith based community.  One author equals atheism with intellectual and moral suicide!

God has surely shown us his creative power in the world around us, why would someone deny God? Rebellion, self centeredness, and the list could go on...but perhaps we Christians should take a hard sober look at ourselves! What does the world see in us? Are we reflecting the glory of Christ or claiming the name but rejecting the lifestyle that is necessary to be the "light of the world"? Take a peek at the next Psalm for an view of how we are called to live!

 

Picture taken in New York City

PSALM 13

"How long, O Lord?" There have been seasons in my ministry and in my personal life, when those words were burned on my lips. I am sure for most of us, David's anguished plea rings a familiar sound. "Will you forget me forever?" That is how it feels to us... that is how it felt to David.
There are many reasons God appears distant... our own unrepentant sinful behavior or to teach us patience or to deepen our level of trust. But lets be honest - sometimes it is just a mystery... we don't "feel" God's presence and the reason is left a unsolved mystery.

But don't miss how David ends this song,

"I will trust in your unfailing love"

I rejoice in your salvation.

I will remember your goodness.

 

Here is small plane flying in the Grand Tetons. At night, when a pilot cannot distinguish the difference between the sky and the ground, she must rely on the plane's instrument panel for direction. David could not feel God's presence but trusted in what he did know to be absolute truth: God love, salvation and goodness for those who trust in him. Those constant realities not only guided David through some very dark days, but also are there for us! Just listen to the song! 

PSALM 12

What a compact discourse... within a few words David once again paints a graphic picture of sin and evil. He begins with a bit of hyperbole; "the faithful have vanished from among men." ... "everyone lies to his neighbor"...The Scripture often uses this literary form to express an overwhelming situation, much the same as we do in common expressions like, "everybody is doing it". 

David portrays sin and evil prevailing throughout his society, especially expressed in speech....  lies, flattery, deception, bragging. Remind you of anything? But look how God's words are described- flawless and like refined purified silver! O how we listen and savory the former and ignore the later! When was the last time we set to memory a portion of Scripture? Have we taken a phrase to ponder during the day? Maybe today we will hold onto this - "Help, Lord!" Can't get much simpler than that!

 

Here is the Seder's furnace to fire clay pots...imagine firing silver seven times thus leaving a pure and very expensive piece of precious metal...just like God's Word!

PSALM 11

Grand Tetons in WY

In this Psalm David's friends give him some sound advice, "Go hide in the mountains to escape your enemies." And David often employed that tactic with great success, but here he points to a more profound solution to his distress. "In the Lord I take refuge."

Listen to what Michael Wilcock says about this Psalm;

"Here again are the wicked and the righteous, Here again is the Lord, who will punish those and favour these. We must remind ourselves also that although God is righteous and loves justice (v. 7), meaning that he loves to see righteousness in human lives because it corresponds to his own character, what wins God's favour is not our sinlessness but our submission. Again, therefore, he is on the throne, a judge of the rebellious and a refuge for the trusting."

Today, will you trust God? Will you allow God to protect you?

PSALMS 10

"Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

 

Who hasn't thought that at times? These are real longings from a real person struggling with real life issues, just like us! What follows is a description of evil revealed in community and in individuals. Evil is arrogant, relentless, self-centered, self-promoting, greedy, dishonest, threatening, scheming, murderous and without regard for God or God's laws. In fact evil mocks God, while saying "God has forgotten me and will do nothing to me!" ...in other words, "I can get away with anything, be happy for ever ...and God, who is God?! God will never call me to account for what I do!"

But carefully read all of this song... for embedded in the lyrics is the strong declaration of the justice of God. Verse 14 "But you O God do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand....The Lord is King for ever and ever..."

As Presbyterians we believe, God doesn't just overcome evil but in fact uses it for his own purposes. Why does it feel like God has disappeared in times of trouble? Perhaps because we do not have the vantage point to see God's purposes at work... Does God bring evil to our lives? I think not, but our Lord does have the creative healing power to take lives damaged by evil and transform them into strength and wholeness.

"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;

you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

defending the fatherless and the oppressed.."

PSALM 9

Psalm 8 was so articulate about the grandeur and power of God as seen in all of creation. How does one relate to such a God? Psalm 9 answers that question. "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders; I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

The phrases build on each other to express a relationship marked by passion and loyalty....a love for God that radiates from your inner being...including your emotions ... and is communicated to others  freely and honestly.This relationship with God demands your all. He is not to be taken lightly.

Note that later in the Psalm, David again points to his enemies, so life was not smooth for this writer, but he still rejoiced in God's care and protection.

If you are going through a rough patch of life, be sure to hang onto these words: "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."

On the hillside of the Thomas Presbyterian Church, is an "Ebenezer Rock Pile". .. from the Old Testament tradition of erecting a monument to help God's people remember how God was there help. Members have walked up the hillside and deposited their "rock" on the pile as a way to declare the wonders of God in their life. The pile continues to grow each year and can be clearly seen from the road as you drive by...a reminder that God is our refuge / our rock in times of trouble.

PSALM 8

Psalm 8 is a masterpiece of poetry and song . As Derek Kidner said this hymn celebrates the "glory and grace of God, rehearsing who He is and what He has done, and relating us and our world to Him; all with a masterly economy of words, in a spirit of mingled joy and awe. It brings to light the unexpectedness of God's ways in the roles He has assigned to the strong and the weak, the spectacular and the obscure, the multitudinous and the few but is begins and ends with God Himself, and its overriding them is 'How excellent is thy name'!" "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have have set your glory above the heavens."

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have have set your glory above the heavens."

{Taken in Durango, Colorado}

                                                    {Taken by Sugar Lake in Minnesota}

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, ..."

                                                   

 

"You made man ruler over the works of your hands; you put everyhing under his feet; all the flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth."

Indeed what is man, compared not only to creation, but especially to the God who created it all! This Creator God loves us, and that is the reason for our importance. 



 

 



PSALM 7

The themes in this Psalm are penetrating ... the need for honest self examination before God... the prevailing justice of God and an autopsy of evil! The later is graphically depicted ..."He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He digs a hole and scoops it out and falls into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head."

No need for us to stew in our juices when evil is abound. Instead follow David's lyrics, "...give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness." Yield to the the justice of God ...in the end, God, will "bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure." God calls us to work alongside Him to bring justice...but remember, the battle is already won.

A forest fire destroyed this wooded area in Yellowstone Park. but within a few years it will be lush again with new growth.

Goodness does overcome evil!

PSALM 6

Yesterday I had my yearly flu shot and for the first time an additional pneumonia shot. No big deal...except for today... very sore arm, hot and chilled, achy all over and the "runs" ...so it was interesting to read today's Psalm..."Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint;...heal me for my bones are in agony.".. David goes on, "I am worn out from groaning..." and crying!  I am quite sure David's affliction was huge compared to my touch of the flu! But it is startling to see David's prayer request... he doesn't say,"save me because I am miserable!".
He cries out "save me because of Your unfailing love."  His appeal is to the character of God...the unchanging and immovable, character of God Almighty. We can be assured that the effectiveness of prayer does not depend on the fluence of our prayers, but the character of
God, when we come in humility.

PSALM 5

Are you ever hassled by arrogant, deceitful, rebellious people? They may even live in  your home :-) King David understood what it was to be hassled ... from his enemies outside his kingdom and those as close as his own family. This Psalm addresses God's reaction to arrogant liars, but more than that, it lays out the prayer life of a man of God.

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;... I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Waiting?... What's that about?... He knew God would be up to something that day and he would be watching for it! How many of us could say we spent even a few minutes each day watching for God's next move?

The song goes on in verse 7, "But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple." David came to seek God's direction and wisdom for the day. As we awaken to a new day, may we lay out our requests to our merciful God, and then keep your eyes open for a God sighting!

This is the church building where I first grew in faith... was baptized at 16, ordained at 25 and married the same year. That red carpet collected many of my tears as a teenager and gave me many opportunities to stretch my wings as a potential pastor/preacher. Indeed may we each come into God's house this week for encouragement and wisdom for life.

 Dilworthtown
Presbyterian Church
West Chester, PA

PSALM 4

Here is David's honest cry to God, "Answer me when I call to you, ...give me relief from my distress... David goes on and tells us to;

1)search our hearts and be silent before God ... engage is a self examination under God's guidance ...what part of your distress do you play and therefore can change?

2) Offer right sacrifices to the Lord. In other words, when you give to the Lord do so with a sincere and joyful heart and may your gift actually cost you something!

3) Trust in the Lord. Your trust in God's mercy and power should outweigh your anxiety.

The prayer continues- Let the light of Your face shine upon us so that we will be filled with joy and peace.

Even in the parched distressed land of South Dakota's Badlands, there is life!



Psalm 3

Psalm 3 is quite the gem. It depicts King David at his most vulnerable ... his son has profoundly betrayed him, the people were turning away from him, rumors swirled that even God had turned his back on the King. {See 2 Samuel 15-18 for a full description.} His Kingship was slipping away..."O Lord how many are my foes!"

Has life ever hit you in the gut? ...relationships gone sour?... a job ripped out from beneath you? Look how the anguished David handled it. "To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill." God comforted David ... so that even in the midst of his many enemies he could still lay down and sleep, knowing that God would deliver him.

"God's Holy Hill" at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico...

PSALM 2

Psalm 2 is quoted often in the New Testament as it points to the high claims for God's Anointed...Jesus Christ... and his universal kingdom. It is a coronation song, declaring the power and position of the King, immediately referring to David but foreshadowing Christ. In the early verses, it points to the quiet sovereignty of God and the obtuseness of humankind. Christ's post resurrection declarations emphasize "the nations" and "the ends of the earth" thus calling the church to launch missionary ventures throughout the world in the name of the Anointed One, Christ. The power of the King is fierce and he rules with an iron scepter. As Derek Kidner said, "there is no refuge from Him: only in Him."

 

My photo of the "Resurrected Christ" taken in Santa Fe, New Mexico