Month: May 2025

Psalm 1 is one of my favorites for the plain speaking revelation of how men live and move in an ungodly world. This psalm reflects the rest of the book as it sets the stage for all other psalms. It reveals who we are, both righteous and unrighteous. For example as you read this psalm men like Job come to mind for his steady life in spite of the friends who offered him advice, none of which helped him in his pain and distress. The psalmist depicts men who have a discerning spirit vs men who only live by the standards the world offers. 

Point one is given that the godly man discerns where others stand and he chooses not to join them for he could see their end, therefore, he chose to not accompany them in their endeavors. He also discerns where his daily walk would take him if they reject Him. The third man is seated thereby showing us his commitment.  Again, the psalmist has wisely chosen not to join in his company or sit at the board table with him.

Why is this psalm so critical to our lives? It is because it shows what our heart reveals and what we can do to alter our way in this dark world controlled by the evil one. 

Samuel 5:11-6:23; 1 Chronicles 13-16. Time to Celebrate!

David led the procession to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem, but the first time they carelessly put it on a cart rather than the way Moses had instructed them. Imagine being in that procession and then seeing the hand of the Lord strike one of the procession as he reached up to stabilize the cart. Wrong directions caused his death so why was David angry at the Lord? When do we surmise this is the way by what we think is the right way only to face His discipline?  There is a lesson there for us, do it the way God directed.

The second time David instructed the men to carry it on poles as Moses had instructed and this time it was successful. When we do God’s work, we must do it as He instructed. When that happens, we can, like David, celebrate and celebrate they did!  

What has God instructed you to do and will you seek His direction so you do it correctly?  

Howdy

Psalm 107 A Diary of Life 

Whoever is wise, let him take note of these things.Let them consider the Lord’s acts of loyal love.

Over and over those God called, He blessed. But, the chosen ones did not honor Him as they should. So he used suffering to humble them; they stumbled and no one helped them up.Further, They acted like fools in their rebellious ways and suffered because of their sins. Is this not the history of mankind? Yet, God in His loving kindness heard their cries: They cried out to the Lord in their distress; he delivered them from their troubles. 

How many times is this our story? We act like fools in our rebellion and we suffer. Peter wrote; don’t think this is strange. It truly is a gift from the Lord to feel His discipline so we can return to Him and give Him praise. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love and for the amazing things he has done for people. 

Today stop and give the Lord praise for all He has done for you. 

Here in Texas the climate is often dry, yet even with the dryness each morning we find the dew has fallen in the night to water the plants and the lawns. The temperature is cool and so the dew is refreshing. As the day unfolds and the sun rises the dew begins to dissipate and about mid morning the grass is dry once again. In Israel the climate is dry as well and in the time of the psalmist it was the dew that awakened the day and refreshed it and the people’s hearts. Furthermore, it recalled the time when God sent the dew and the manna to feed His people in the wilderness. Num 11:9 And when the dew came down on the camp in the night, the manna fell with it.

Each morning as the dew comes to water the physical land, the dew of the Holy Spirit refreshes our spirits as we meditate upon His Word. Have you been refreshed today in the Word? Don’t wait until your day is filled with duties and busyness, spend time letting the Holy Spirit’s dew refresh your spirit. 

2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11-12 Records of the Faithful

David is right to be wary of those who came to him proclaiming victory and praising him for his exploits. So many had said they would follow him but then they deserted him. But, David records the faithful. This reminds me of the Book of Life that records my name and the many who have chosen to follow Messiah. Is your name there? 

The NT records the many who were faithful but then Paul records those who were not just like David. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews records the faithful. Again and again God has provided these lists that we might be encouraged to stand strong against the wiles of the devil for one day that book will be open and the names read. Is your name there?