Note: All quotations are from "Shaken Not Shattered" by Matthew Hagee, published by Charisma House, 2009.
When I was in Kansas City for a conference I found myself searching TV early on Sunday morning for a glimpse of worship. Our daily session had a starting time of 8:00 sharp, so visiting a church for Sunday morning worship was not an option. As a possible alternative, I stood with remote in hand cruising the options for worship with doubts of success. Fortunately, I landed on a sermon by Matthew Hagee. The message was clear and energized me for the day.
The topic was "Shaken Not Shattered" with a clear message that no matter what trials and tribulations we experience, God is still God. He is Unshakable. He is Almighty.
Just recently I purchase his book that expounds that sermon. Although I am not finished with it, I already see areas that need my repentance, forgiveness, and humility.
One point is that priorities need to be kept straight. God is in control and when I try to do things my way, taking charge of all areas of my life, I shift Him out of the picture and put myself in the driver seat. "In truth, the more we try to take over our lives, the more totally out of control we become on every level... However, no matter how much power and influence you possess, you will always serve in the capacity of management and not in ownership... "
Indeed, "God is not here to fit into our busy lives and exist only when and where it is convenient for us. Remember the first commandment? 'Thou shall have no other gods before Me.' That means that in order for the King of kings to rule in our lives, our personal desires have to be dethroned.... You and I are here to function on His schedule for His glory and to pursue His purpose."
As I scramble this semester with many hours of prep, grading papers, and responding to students too often I have left out studying His word, praying, or singing songs with rejoicing. He had been sent to the back burner as my efforts focused on just keeping up with the daily requirements.
Had I asked for His help and blessing on my time? Had I set aside that one more check to my online classes to spend some time in His Word or say a prayer or listen for His voice?
Put Him in control.... I'm not the owner, He is. All that I have is His...
Prayer:
Oh Lord, help me to be humble, recognizing you as Maker, Unshakable, Almighty. As I try to take control and be strong in ways that take my focus off of You, help me to see my selfishness. Help me to remember that I am not the owner, but simply the manager that needs directives through prayer to carry out Your plan.
Work humility, gentleness, kindness, and self-sacrifice into my daily walk with you. Forgive me for finding other things more important in my time to the point of leaving you out of regular study and devotion. Help me to serve You and put no other gods above you...
Thank you for messengers along the way to remind me of Your ways. Thank you for brothers and sisters in Christ to help guide and encourage. Help me give all that I have back to You -- time, talents, skills, love, money, spaces... all oh, Lord.
In Jesus' name... Amen....
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Is 100% enough?
Several weeks ago I preached at two neighboring churches to enable to the pastor to have some time off from the pulpit. In preparation I typically explore many different avenues for God's possible message, exploring the assigned lectionary scriptures for details or new meaning, searching for reminders of His work or path for us.
My second week as worship leader brought me to studying and searching with limited time. The harder I tried to go beyond my original inkling of a message resulted in new meetings, conflicts and challenges added within the calendar. Although I prepared the service and lead with confidence, my heart was heavy driving from one church to the next. I had not taken opportunity to dive into the Word and explore nuance of meaning. Instead, I had merely pulled together the service and message that I felt appropriate -- and then called it good. But that 30 minute drive between churches made me doubt what I really had given to the Lord.
Would the congregation members hear a message from their God and Savior? Would the people hear a message directly to the individual and pressing them toward life in Christ? Would my words be enough?
****
The question kept looming over me... Would my words be enough? And then a voice whispered in my ear.
A voice spoke clearly that the work that I offer is not my own. The work that I do is God's work. He uses my voice. He uses my hands. He uses my feet. The work is God's work -- He is the One that speaks to the heart of those listening. He is the One that draws others to Him. He is God. It is not my words that make a flick of a difference to any that are there. It is God's speaking and breathing life into those words.
****
I am reminded of several scriptures:
Phil 2:13 ... for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
God is working with us -- we are but clay for Him to mold and shape after His will. He can use what I offer, but it is not MY working -- but HIS working.
Heb. 13:20 Now the God of peace who brought up from the dead for the great Shepherd of the sheep though the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
God is the one who does the work -- using me as a vessel for His service. He is working... for His glory.
****
My questions as I drove kept coming back to giving 100%. I felt that with the resources that I have, I had given Him 100%. I had given Him all the possible time that I had to give. I had given all the possible studying and all possible devotion. Why did I feel that one should give more time, more devotion, more studying, more of myself for Him?
And then it hit. I wanted to give Him more. I wanted to study more. I wanted to search more. But time just simply did not allow.
I had given Him 100%. Was it enough???
In the still voice, I heard, "100% is enough." It is not what Rebecca does, anyway. It is what God does with those small offerings of words, prayers, etc, that makes the difference to any one person.
The widow gave what she could, and her story is recorded for us all to learn a lesson. (Mark 12:41-44) Give what you can and the Lord blesses it for His use.
Allow God that opportunity to use what we offer. With His grace, stand confident that what is offered He can use.
He can take my 100% and make it work something valuable -- if I allow that. Offer what I have to Him, and ask Him within His mercy to use it as He wills.
My second week as worship leader brought me to studying and searching with limited time. The harder I tried to go beyond my original inkling of a message resulted in new meetings, conflicts and challenges added within the calendar. Although I prepared the service and lead with confidence, my heart was heavy driving from one church to the next. I had not taken opportunity to dive into the Word and explore nuance of meaning. Instead, I had merely pulled together the service and message that I felt appropriate -- and then called it good. But that 30 minute drive between churches made me doubt what I really had given to the Lord.
Would the congregation members hear a message from their God and Savior? Would the people hear a message directly to the individual and pressing them toward life in Christ? Would my words be enough?
****
The question kept looming over me... Would my words be enough? And then a voice whispered in my ear.
A voice spoke clearly that the work that I offer is not my own. The work that I do is God's work. He uses my voice. He uses my hands. He uses my feet. The work is God's work -- He is the One that speaks to the heart of those listening. He is the One that draws others to Him. He is God. It is not my words that make a flick of a difference to any that are there. It is God's speaking and breathing life into those words.
****
I am reminded of several scriptures:
Phil 2:13 ... for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
God is working with us -- we are but clay for Him to mold and shape after His will. He can use what I offer, but it is not MY working -- but HIS working.
Heb. 13:20 Now the God of peace who brought up from the dead for the great Shepherd of the sheep though the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
God is the one who does the work -- using me as a vessel for His service. He is working... for His glory.
****
My questions as I drove kept coming back to giving 100%. I felt that with the resources that I have, I had given Him 100%. I had given Him all the possible time that I had to give. I had given all the possible studying and all possible devotion. Why did I feel that one should give more time, more devotion, more studying, more of myself for Him?
And then it hit. I wanted to give Him more. I wanted to study more. I wanted to search more. But time just simply did not allow.
I had given Him 100%. Was it enough???
In the still voice, I heard, "100% is enough." It is not what Rebecca does, anyway. It is what God does with those small offerings of words, prayers, etc, that makes the difference to any one person.
The widow gave what she could, and her story is recorded for us all to learn a lesson. (Mark 12:41-44) Give what you can and the Lord blesses it for His use.
Allow God that opportunity to use what we offer. With His grace, stand confident that what is offered He can use.
He can take my 100% and make it work something valuable -- if I allow that. Offer what I have to Him, and ask Him within His mercy to use it as He wills.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thank you, Lord!
Today I played the piano at church again. In my final prep, I asked the Lord to call my nerves and help the adrenline not to flow such that I shake. When I prayed in the middle of the service last time, His hand obviously calmed me. Again, I lifted the prayer and His calming hand took charge.
There is a song based on I Peter 5:7: "Cast all your care on Him, for He careth for you..."
Thank you, God! I give testimony of a living, active and loving God! Thank you for calming my hands and my heart.
May the music and my life be an offering to You!
Amen...
There is a song based on I Peter 5:7: "Cast all your care on Him, for He careth for you..."
Thank you, God! I give testimony of a living, active and loving God! Thank you for calming my hands and my heart.
May the music and my life be an offering to You!
Amen...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Husband encouragement challenge
This concept is a new one for me -- "husband encouragement challenge." I did a little with it several years ago, but my My daughter and my daughter-in-law have been faithfully including ways to honor their husbands. Their joy spills out as they share something special they have done, thought, or prayed for their mate.
Today as I was grocery shopping, a light bulb popped on for me. What could I do to honor my husband -- to participate in encouraging my husband?
Hubby is at a conference right now, scheduled to return home on Wednesday. My Wednesday, however, is packed with meetings in the afternoon and early evening... So what could I do special to welcome him home?...
Well, what about dinner for him -- in the fridge such that he can eat it cold (you know, a salad or something) or warm it up? How about German potato salad with sausage...? Maybe add a lettuce salad with sliced tomato from the garden... And for dessert cherry fruit pizza?
You know what I found as a result of taking the challenge (again)? I found that I was excited about showing someone love. I was excited about focusing on someone or something other than myself. I was excited to think of other things that might show Hubby he is valuable to me.
_____
The best closing to this post would be scripture that ties my actions back to what we are instructed to do or in showing God's love by serving others. But it is late and I'm tired and I don't have a scripture to share. Any thoughts????
Today as I was grocery shopping, a light bulb popped on for me. What could I do to honor my husband -- to participate in encouraging my husband?
Hubby is at a conference right now, scheduled to return home on Wednesday. My Wednesday, however, is packed with meetings in the afternoon and early evening... So what could I do special to welcome him home?...
Well, what about dinner for him -- in the fridge such that he can eat it cold (you know, a salad or something) or warm it up? How about German potato salad with sausage...? Maybe add a lettuce salad with sliced tomato from the garden... And for dessert cherry fruit pizza?
You know what I found as a result of taking the challenge (again)? I found that I was excited about showing someone love. I was excited about focusing on someone or something other than myself. I was excited to think of other things that might show Hubby he is valuable to me.
_____
The best closing to this post would be scripture that ties my actions back to what we are instructed to do or in showing God's love by serving others. But it is late and I'm tired and I don't have a scripture to share. Any thoughts????
Friday, July 10, 2009
Psalms Part 2
The Psalms offer a variety of uplifting praise and yet invoke emotions of torment, sorrow, or frustration. In this study of the Psalms one of the first points for theology brought out in The New Interpreter's Bible - Volume IV (Abingdon Press) is found in the first word in Psalm 1:1. The NIV uses "blessed" and NRSV uses "happy".
Happiness can come through a variety of experiences and situations. We sing "Happy birthday to you.... " wishing a person well on the date of their coming into the world. The Psalms, though, clarify that the happiness is from placing our focus on God. "The 'happy' are those who constantly delight in God's 'instruction'. In short, happiness derives from the complete orientation of life to God, including perpetual openness to God's instruction." (NIB, page 666)
The study continues that happiness is tied to taking "refuge" in God. "In short, happiness derives from living in complete dependence upon God rather than upon self." To take refuge, we must "trust".
Grounds for trust include God's power and strength (Ex. 14:31, II Ti. 1:12), His unfailing love (Ps. 13:5), and salvation that He offers. We respond to what He has done through praise and worship, perseverance in faith, and holding to His promises. The end results for us show in peace, security, protection from danger, freedom from fear, prosperity, strength, and physical life. (Zondervan)
Getting back to refuge, the definition given in Zondervan Dictionary of Bible Themes states, "A safe retreat; a place of healing and renewal; also a stronghold from which to launch a counter-attack." God is indeed our true refuge.
Jesus tells his followers, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." (John 10:27-29)
That message continues to the churches as the apostle Paul declares, "... If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?.... For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31-32, 38-39)
And as we put our trust in Him, our happiness is filled up. Not with things of this earth, but in knowledge of a God bigger than anything here. The apostle Paul encourages us, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! ... The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.... whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let you mind dwell on these things. " (Phil. 4:4, 6-8)
The Psalms are encouraging each of us to turn our hearts to the Lord, taking refuge in Him and trusting Him. And we shall know happiness.
Amen....
Happiness can come through a variety of experiences and situations. We sing "Happy birthday to you.... " wishing a person well on the date of their coming into the world. The Psalms, though, clarify that the happiness is from placing our focus on God. "The 'happy' are those who constantly delight in God's 'instruction'. In short, happiness derives from the complete orientation of life to God, including perpetual openness to God's instruction." (NIB, page 666)
The study continues that happiness is tied to taking "refuge" in God. "In short, happiness derives from living in complete dependence upon God rather than upon self." To take refuge, we must "trust".
Grounds for trust include God's power and strength (Ex. 14:31, II Ti. 1:12), His unfailing love (Ps. 13:5), and salvation that He offers. We respond to what He has done through praise and worship, perseverance in faith, and holding to His promises. The end results for us show in peace, security, protection from danger, freedom from fear, prosperity, strength, and physical life. (Zondervan)
Getting back to refuge, the definition given in Zondervan Dictionary of Bible Themes states, "A safe retreat; a place of healing and renewal; also a stronghold from which to launch a counter-attack." God is indeed our true refuge.
Jesus tells his followers, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." (John 10:27-29)
That message continues to the churches as the apostle Paul declares, "... If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?.... For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31-32, 38-39)
And as we put our trust in Him, our happiness is filled up. Not with things of this earth, but in knowledge of a God bigger than anything here. The apostle Paul encourages us, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! ... The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.... whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let you mind dwell on these things. " (Phil. 4:4, 6-8)
The Psalms are encouraging each of us to turn our hearts to the Lord, taking refuge in Him and trusting Him. And we shall know happiness.
Amen....
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Have a cup of tea
I love tea. For many years I have enjoyed a cup most every day. In the south, iced tea is served “sweetened” with just the right amount of sugar to keep a person sipping for hours. Some places add a slice of lemon to add to the flavors and refreshment. Other places serve tea with crumpets or scones to offer an afternoon tea-break.
When looking in the grocery store for tea to replenish the shelf, I noted the varieties available. One can get just “tea” – you know, that orange pekoe blend that is what I first think about with tea. In today’s world, that “orange pekoe” can now be decaffeinated to or go with the “Cold Brew” option available both as a single cup or family size. If you want a flavored tea, the options continue to grow. How about honey vanilla chamomile, earl grey, darjeeling or a variety of herb teas like raspberry, orange and spice, or perfect peach? Then we can go to various colors: green tea, white tea, or black tea.
After the “tea” is selected, one can then decide for cream and / or sugar, or one of the many options in the dairy case for an extra within the cream – like French vanilla, amaretto, or hazelnut.I’m not a connoisseur of tea. Believe me, if I were taste-testing I wouldn’t be able to tell which flavor or type of tea is in my cup. But I have learned something about myself related to tea. The preference for tea with milk and sugar is definitely higher than just plain tea. On a cold day I prefer hot day, and on a hot day I prefer cold tea (with sugar like found in the south.) Then it came to preference for cream rather than milk and of course adding sugar was great too. Then I preferred French vanilla over cream and definitely over milk. Then I had to have 2 cups, not just 1.
And then it hit me.
This simple cup of tea could become a cup of sin for me. How- you ask? By letting my thoughts and desires escalate to what I want. For me, that simple cup of tea was not just simple – like turning on the tap for cool water. I found myself thinking of which flavor or addition or hot / cold or which cup to serve myself that silly cup of tea. It wasn’t just a simple cup of tea anymore, but a progression of wanting something more than what I had been having before. How could I make that cup of tea better? Doing things better is fine. I am an educator with goal of helping others learn so that they have something more than they had before. But… that “more” can become an obsession that does not allow satisfaction in the simple.
As I was driving home from Omaha after a wonderful vacation in Denver with family, I heard a message by Jack Graham on the local radio station. He started his message with “We all worship something. Who or what is your God?”
And you know what came to mind for me? That silly cup of tea… For each of us serving Christ, the god that directs us away from worshipping the Most High alone might be something small that just gets bigger and bigger within our thoughts and desires. Of course, I don’t fall down and worship tea – it does not sit on a table and I bow before it. But the thoughts and desires can turn to fleshly desires such that we cross the line of OK to sinful.
Jack Graham points out that idolatry is a serious sin with serious consequences – so if we practice idolatry in any form with our hearts, hands and mind there are severe repercussions. Rather than turning away from anything that takes too much of our attentions, we often change our view of God. He said, “We want a God that will tolerate our excesses and our lifestyles as we choose.” [True Worship, Sunday June 14, 2009 found at http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/powerpoint_with_jack_graham/20090614/ ]
Excesses…. That word hit me…. How often am I not a content person with what I DO have? I want something more… something better… or simply something different. Again, I do think progress moves us on from one place to another. But what about the exclusivity of Christ and Biblical standards that are given?
Christ calls us to a life not of personal fulfillment, but a life of self-denial, a life of service to Him. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. “ (Matthew 16:24)Jesus tells his disciples in relation to seeking treasures, “For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. For life is more than food, and the body than clothing…. And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying… But seek His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:22-34 selections)
Dr. Graham said, “We ultimately become what we worship. If we are dedicated to food, we will become gluttons. If we are dedicated to drink we will become drunkards… If we are dedicated to self and personal fulfillment we will neglect the compassion and love for Christ...” We ought to have a life of service, commitment, and devotion and worship and love and sacrifice…
Who is God? He is the Lord above. All are directed to “have no other gods before me….” (Exodus 20:3)
Keep watch within your own life to what starts as OK, but then becomes bigger and bigger such that the fine line is crossed. The “self-desire’ becomes too big and our “serving Him” becomes smaller.
When looking in the grocery store for tea to replenish the shelf, I noted the varieties available. One can get just “tea” – you know, that orange pekoe blend that is what I first think about with tea. In today’s world, that “orange pekoe” can now be decaffeinated to or go with the “Cold Brew” option available both as a single cup or family size. If you want a flavored tea, the options continue to grow. How about honey vanilla chamomile, earl grey, darjeeling or a variety of herb teas like raspberry, orange and spice, or perfect peach? Then we can go to various colors: green tea, white tea, or black tea.
After the “tea” is selected, one can then decide for cream and / or sugar, or one of the many options in the dairy case for an extra within the cream – like French vanilla, amaretto, or hazelnut.I’m not a connoisseur of tea. Believe me, if I were taste-testing I wouldn’t be able to tell which flavor or type of tea is in my cup. But I have learned something about myself related to tea. The preference for tea with milk and sugar is definitely higher than just plain tea. On a cold day I prefer hot day, and on a hot day I prefer cold tea (with sugar like found in the south.) Then it came to preference for cream rather than milk and of course adding sugar was great too. Then I preferred French vanilla over cream and definitely over milk. Then I had to have 2 cups, not just 1.
And then it hit me.
This simple cup of tea could become a cup of sin for me. How- you ask? By letting my thoughts and desires escalate to what I want. For me, that simple cup of tea was not just simple – like turning on the tap for cool water. I found myself thinking of which flavor or addition or hot / cold or which cup to serve myself that silly cup of tea. It wasn’t just a simple cup of tea anymore, but a progression of wanting something more than what I had been having before. How could I make that cup of tea better? Doing things better is fine. I am an educator with goal of helping others learn so that they have something more than they had before. But… that “more” can become an obsession that does not allow satisfaction in the simple.
As I was driving home from Omaha after a wonderful vacation in Denver with family, I heard a message by Jack Graham on the local radio station. He started his message with “We all worship something. Who or what is your God?”
And you know what came to mind for me? That silly cup of tea… For each of us serving Christ, the god that directs us away from worshipping the Most High alone might be something small that just gets bigger and bigger within our thoughts and desires. Of course, I don’t fall down and worship tea – it does not sit on a table and I bow before it. But the thoughts and desires can turn to fleshly desires such that we cross the line of OK to sinful.
Jack Graham points out that idolatry is a serious sin with serious consequences – so if we practice idolatry in any form with our hearts, hands and mind there are severe repercussions. Rather than turning away from anything that takes too much of our attentions, we often change our view of God. He said, “We want a God that will tolerate our excesses and our lifestyles as we choose.” [True Worship, Sunday June 14, 2009 found at http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/powerpoint_with_jack_graham/20090614/ ]
Excesses…. That word hit me…. How often am I not a content person with what I DO have? I want something more… something better… or simply something different. Again, I do think progress moves us on from one place to another. But what about the exclusivity of Christ and Biblical standards that are given?
Christ calls us to a life not of personal fulfillment, but a life of self-denial, a life of service to Him. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. “ (Matthew 16:24)Jesus tells his disciples in relation to seeking treasures, “For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. For life is more than food, and the body than clothing…. And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying… But seek His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:22-34 selections)
Dr. Graham said, “We ultimately become what we worship. If we are dedicated to food, we will become gluttons. If we are dedicated to drink we will become drunkards… If we are dedicated to self and personal fulfillment we will neglect the compassion and love for Christ...” We ought to have a life of service, commitment, and devotion and worship and love and sacrifice…
Who is God? He is the Lord above. All are directed to “have no other gods before me….” (Exodus 20:3)
Keep watch within your own life to what starts as OK, but then becomes bigger and bigger such that the fine line is crossed. The “self-desire’ becomes too big and our “serving Him” becomes smaller.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
David the blogger - Psalms Part I
For the past several years I have been reading through the Bible using a list of each book and recommended readings for the day. The list was designed to read the Bible in 1 year. Okay... I just admitted that I have been working on this for several years... And one book that I have read in the past, but not within the "list" was Psalms.
As a child I read the Psalms -- for whatever reason I could identify with the author's anguish, love, hate, etc that flowed through the words. Over the years I have heard a reading from Psalms at worship on Sunday morning (each lectionary passage includes a Psalm -- so with 150 of them, and 52 weeks in a year, every third year we start over again) and at funerals (with the 23rd Psalm at 99% of them) and the words set to a variety of melodies for hymns or "Christian" songs.
Finally I put Psalms at the top of the Bible reading list and set off through those familiar expressions of praise and anguish. But the other night it occurred to me -- maybe I should try a different approach. Rather than just reading the words, look to further messages. What can I learn about God or my approach to Him in the midst of the written words? What response does He desire back from me in my devotion of service to Him?
On a day of wandering, I ran across a book, "The Bible" within "the Smart Guide to the Bible series". This was a really cheap book in a store that I did not anticipate selling anything religious. I bought the book because it was so cheap, I wanted to let the store know that I support their carrying Christian material, and in just 2 pages I learned something. One thing was the list classified as "expressions of emotion" -- that very thing thing that drew me as a youngster to reading Psalms. The emotions listed were:
1. Anger at others (Ps. 7, 36)
2. Guilt over sins (Ps. 32, 51)
3. Anxiety or fear (Ps. 23, 64)
4. Discouragement (Ps. 42, 107)
5. Joy (Ps. 33, 98)
6.Loneliness (Ps. 25, 91)
7. Stress (Ps. 31, 89)
8. Troubled (Ps. 10, 126)
9. Weakness (Ps. 62, 102)
10. Envy (Ps. 16, 73)
(p. 77)
Another list was the "What's to Talk About?"
Themes, confession of sins, consideration of right choices, anticipation of Christ, call on God to judge, complain to God, thanks for deliverance, and praise for God himself. (p. 77)
The view of David as a blogger popped in my head. He was just rambling at whatever came into his mind about God -- they caught on and now there is a book of those random thoughts presented in the Psalms.
OKAY -- not a hard book to read... Should be much easier than some of the other choices still on my "to-do" list for successfully reading the entire Bible. (I still have all the "Pentateuch" books left... although Genesis is almost complete.)
This morning I picked up The NIV Study Bible expecting just a few short paragraphs telling of the Psalms. Instead, I found pages written and some of the information changed my thinking of "David as a blogger". Here are some exerpts...
The Psalter served as a the prayer book (book of prayer, praise and religious instruction)...
Psalm Types (numbering added for emphasis)
1. Prayers of the individual (Ps. 3; 7-8)
2. Praise from the individual for God's saving help (Ps. 30; 34)
3. Prayers of the community (Ps. 12; 44; 79)
4. Praise from the community (Ps. 66; 75)
5. Confessions of confidence in the Lord (Ps. 11; 16; 52)
6. Hymns in praise of God's majesty and virtues (ps. 8; 19; 29; 65)
7. Hymns of celebrating God's universal reign (Ps. 47; 93-97)
8. Songs of Zion, city of God (Ps. 46; 48; 76; 84; 112; 126; 129; 137)
9. Royal psalms - by, for or concerning the king, the Lord's annointed (Ps. 2; 18; 20; 45; 72; 89; 110)
10 Pilgrimate psalms (Ps. 120-124)
11. Litergical songs (Ps. 15; 24; 68)
12. Didactic (instructional) songs (Ps. 1; 34; 37; 73; 112; 119; 128; 133)
Theology
The Psalter is for the most part a book of prayer and praise. It speaks to God in prayer and it speaks of God in praise -- also in professions of faith and trust... The Psalter is not a catechism of doctrine. Its "theology" is therefore not abstract or systematic but confessional and doxological."
At the core of the theology of the Psalter is the conviction that the gravitational center of life (of right human understanding, trust, hope, service, morality, adoration),but also history of the whole creation (heaven and earth) is God (YAHWEH, "The Lord). He is the Great King over all, the One to whom all things are subject. He created all things and preserves them; they are the robe of glory with which he has clothed himself. Because he ordered them, they have a well-defined and true identity (no chaos there). Because he maintains them, they are sustained and kept secure from disruption, confusion or annihilation. Because he alone is sovereign God, they are govered by one hand and held in the service of one divine purpose. Under God creation is a cosmos -- an orderly and systematic whole. What we distingguish as "nature" and history had for them one Lord, under whose rule all things worked together. Through the creation the Great King's majestic glory is displayed. He is good (wise, righteous, faithful, amazingly benevolent and merciful -- evoking trust), and he is great (his knowledge, thoughts and works are beyond human comprehension -- evoking reverent awe). By his good and lordly rule he is shown to be the Holy One."
At this point, I can honestly say that I never imagined so much depth to the Psalms. The concept of David (or other authors) as simply bloggers jotting down their thoughts has come to a screeching halt. Instead, I am filled with wonder at learning more to the words and meaning shared.
As a child I read the Psalms -- for whatever reason I could identify with the author's anguish, love, hate, etc that flowed through the words. Over the years I have heard a reading from Psalms at worship on Sunday morning (each lectionary passage includes a Psalm -- so with 150 of them, and 52 weeks in a year, every third year we start over again) and at funerals (with the 23rd Psalm at 99% of them) and the words set to a variety of melodies for hymns or "Christian" songs.
Finally I put Psalms at the top of the Bible reading list and set off through those familiar expressions of praise and anguish. But the other night it occurred to me -- maybe I should try a different approach. Rather than just reading the words, look to further messages. What can I learn about God or my approach to Him in the midst of the written words? What response does He desire back from me in my devotion of service to Him?
On a day of wandering, I ran across a book, "The Bible" within "the Smart Guide to the Bible series". This was a really cheap book in a store that I did not anticipate selling anything religious. I bought the book because it was so cheap, I wanted to let the store know that I support their carrying Christian material, and in just 2 pages I learned something. One thing was the list classified as "expressions of emotion" -- that very thing thing that drew me as a youngster to reading Psalms. The emotions listed were:
1. Anger at others (Ps. 7, 36)
2. Guilt over sins (Ps. 32, 51)
3. Anxiety or fear (Ps. 23, 64)
4. Discouragement (Ps. 42, 107)
5. Joy (Ps. 33, 98)
6.Loneliness (Ps. 25, 91)
7. Stress (Ps. 31, 89)
8. Troubled (Ps. 10, 126)
9. Weakness (Ps. 62, 102)
10. Envy (Ps. 16, 73)
(p. 77)
Another list was the "What's to Talk About?"
Themes, confession of sins, consideration of right choices, anticipation of Christ, call on God to judge, complain to God, thanks for deliverance, and praise for God himself. (p. 77)
The view of David as a blogger popped in my head. He was just rambling at whatever came into his mind about God -- they caught on and now there is a book of those random thoughts presented in the Psalms.
OKAY -- not a hard book to read... Should be much easier than some of the other choices still on my "to-do" list for successfully reading the entire Bible. (I still have all the "Pentateuch" books left... although Genesis is almost complete.)
This morning I picked up The NIV Study Bible expecting just a few short paragraphs telling of the Psalms. Instead, I found pages written and some of the information changed my thinking of "David as a blogger". Here are some exerpts...
The Psalter served as a the prayer book (book of prayer, praise and religious instruction)...
Psalm Types (numbering added for emphasis)
1. Prayers of the individual (Ps. 3; 7-8)
2. Praise from the individual for God's saving help (Ps. 30; 34)
3. Prayers of the community (Ps. 12; 44; 79)
4. Praise from the community (Ps. 66; 75)
5. Confessions of confidence in the Lord (Ps. 11; 16; 52)
6. Hymns in praise of God's majesty and virtues (ps. 8; 19; 29; 65)
7. Hymns of celebrating God's universal reign (Ps. 47; 93-97)
8. Songs of Zion, city of God (Ps. 46; 48; 76; 84; 112; 126; 129; 137)
9. Royal psalms - by, for or concerning the king, the Lord's annointed (Ps. 2; 18; 20; 45; 72; 89; 110)
10 Pilgrimate psalms (Ps. 120-124)
11. Litergical songs (Ps. 15; 24; 68)
12. Didactic (instructional) songs (Ps. 1; 34; 37; 73; 112; 119; 128; 133)
Theology
The Psalter is for the most part a book of prayer and praise. It speaks to God in prayer and it speaks of God in praise -- also in professions of faith and trust... The Psalter is not a catechism of doctrine. Its "theology" is therefore not abstract or systematic but confessional and doxological."
At the core of the theology of the Psalter is the conviction that the gravitational center of life (of right human understanding, trust, hope, service, morality, adoration),but also history of the whole creation (heaven and earth) is God (YAHWEH, "The Lord). He is the Great King over all, the One to whom all things are subject. He created all things and preserves them; they are the robe of glory with which he has clothed himself. Because he ordered them, they have a well-defined and true identity (no chaos there). Because he maintains them, they are sustained and kept secure from disruption, confusion or annihilation. Because he alone is sovereign God, they are govered by one hand and held in the service of one divine purpose. Under God creation is a cosmos -- an orderly and systematic whole. What we distingguish as "nature" and history had for them one Lord, under whose rule all things worked together. Through the creation the Great King's majestic glory is displayed. He is good (wise, righteous, faithful, amazingly benevolent and merciful -- evoking trust), and he is great (his knowledge, thoughts and works are beyond human comprehension -- evoking reverent awe). By his good and lordly rule he is shown to be the Holy One."
At this point, I can honestly say that I never imagined so much depth to the Psalms. The concept of David (or other authors) as simply bloggers jotting down their thoughts has come to a screeching halt. Instead, I am filled with wonder at learning more to the words and meaning shared.
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