I WIll Boast - Paul Baloche (Psalm 44 - Part 1 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 22:17-23:44 ~ Mark 9:30-10:12 ~ Psalm 44:1-8 ~ Proverbs 10:19

Psalm 44 facilitates authentic worship by reminding the worshiper how God has been faithful in the past and how our only hope for the future is in God alone. I love how the psalmist says...

⁸ In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever.

Psalm 44:8

HE is the focus of our boasting; there is nothing else that is worthy or even comes close. The Apostle Paul echoes this truth saying...

²⁶Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

¹⁴May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Galatians 6:14

Today, as an act of worship, make sure you are not boasting in anything but the cross of Christ. Exalt Him! Worship Him! Boast in Him!

To help facilitate such an attitude of worship I pray you will take 5 min right now and express your praise and commitment to Christ through the song, "I Will Boast" by one of my favorite worship leaders, Paul Baloche.

Depression and The Altar of God (Psalm 43)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 20:22-22:16 ~ Mark 9:1-29 ~ Psalm 43:1-5 ~ Proverbs 10:18

Psalm 43 is another vivid reminder of how a faithful worshiper of God can and should respond to depression and oppression. These words offer us great hope in knowing that others have gone before us and been faithful to God in the midst of these painful emotions.

¹ Vindicate me, O God,
and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.

² You are God my stronghold.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?

³ Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.

⁴ Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.

⁵ Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43

Today, as an act of worship, let your soul soak in the words of this Psalm - knowing that one day your faith in God could depend on your ability to survive depression.

Here is a short video clip (1:54) of the message I mentioned yesterday by John Piper called "Spiritual Depression in the Psalms"



Here is the song "Altar of God" that I mentioned yesterday. It is based on this Psalm as well as Psalm 42.

Spiritual Depression in the Psalms (Psalm 42)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 19:1-20:21 ~ Mark 8:11-38 ~ Psalm 42:1-11 ~ Proverbs 10:17

Psalm 42 holds a special place in my heart for at least three reasons. For starters, the song "As The Deer" (written in 1984 and based on the opening verse) brings back many great memories of worship services as a teenager.

Secondly, in recent years I have gravitated toward a particular worship CD called, "Glory Revealed: The WORD of God in Worship" and there is a song on the album based on the last verse (also refrain) of the psalm called "Altar of God".

And finally, I listened to and read a sermon last summer by John Piper called "Spiritual Depression in the Psalms" that helped me see what was really being described in Psalm 42.

¹¹ Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:11

Today, as an act of worship, spend some time reading and meditating on the words of Psalm 42. Remind yourself (over and over if necessary) that you must put your hope in God; nothing else will satisfy.

Enjoy this video of "Altar of God" (From the Glory Revealed album)

Have Regard for the Weak (Psalm 41)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 16:29-18:30 ~ Mark 7:24-8:10 ~ Psalm 41:1-13 ~ Proverbs 10:15-16

Psalm 41 reminds us of the importance and value of looking after those who are weak. Caring for the needs of the helpless and powerless should be a priority for every Christian simply because we know that God has a heart of compassion.

¹ Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.

² The LORD will protect him and preserve his life;
he will bless him in the land
and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.

³ The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed
and restore him from his bed of illness.

Psalm 41:1-3

Today, as an act of worship, commit to care for those who are weak and in need. Be mindful of people you come in contact with; they may need you more than you realize.

The LORD Be Exalted (Psalm 40 - Part 2 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 15:1-16:28 ~ Mark 7:1-23 ~ Psalm 40:11-17 ~ Proverbs 10:13-14

Today we will focus on the concluding verses of Psalm 40 where the psalmist writes, "But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, 'The LORD be exalted!' " (40:16)

I can honestly say that these words have resonated with me in a profound way. However, I did not realize it at the time God gave me this verse that He was planning to use it in my life in such a critical way.

On that afternoon in June of 2003 He gave me a simple melody that goes with this verse. Since that time I have used it often in personal devotions with the LORD. One day I may get around to sharing it with others, but until then suffice it to say, "Psalm 40:16 will always be special to me."

When you find yourself surrounded by enemies rejoice and be glad. Love His salvation, and exalt His holy name!

Today, as an act of worship, proclaim, "The LORD be Exalted!" (Meditate on verse 16 today!)

He put a New Song in my Mouth (Psalm 40 - Part 1 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 14:1-57 ~ Mark 6:30-56 ~ Psalm 40:1-10 ~ Proverbs 10:11-12

In Psalm 40:1-10 we read how David praised God for saving him - lifting him out of a pit and placing him on a solid foundation. After that, David says that God gave him a song, but not just any song - an evangelistic praise song.

It's encouraging to read how God used music to minister to the needs of others. I love how David says (prophetically) that the "new song" of God's faithfulness will lead others back to God.

¹ I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

² He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

³ He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40:1-3

Today, as an act of worship, think of all the things you could and should be thankful for; offer them back to the Lord as expressions of God's love and faithfulness. He is worthy of all our praise!

Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw (Psalm 39)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 13:1-59 ~ Mark 6:1-29 ~ Psalm 39:1-13 ~ Proverbs 10:10

Here's a neat video for today. Live Live You Were Dying (song by Tim McGraw, video footage from The Bucket List) Enjoy!



In Psalm 39 the worshiper blurts out a pea for the Lord to reveal how much longer his earthly life will last. Its a question that helps us put things in perspective. Regardless of whether or not God tells us how much longer we will live, we should live like today is the last day we have.

⁴ "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

⁵ You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.

Psalm 39:4-5

Today, as an act of worship, seize every opportunity to glorify God with a fresh zeal as if it were your final opportunity (you never know - it very well may be).

My Guilt Has Overwhelmed Me (Psalm 38)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 11:1-12:8 ~ Mark 5:21-43 ~ Psalm 38:1-22 ~ Proverbs 10:8-9

Psalm 38 is a petition for mercy from a sinful worshiper who is guilty and in agony. The whole psalm is gut wrenching and quite stirring to read and personalize. The psalmist, David, realizes the significance of his sinfulness and owns up to it fully before God. He knows there are direct repercussions for disobeying God, and part of those effects are often physical sufferings. Here's how he words it...

³ Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
my bones have no soundness because of my sin.

⁴ My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear.

⁵ My wounds fester and are loathsome
because of my sinful folly.

Psalm 38:3-5

Today, as an act of worship, come clean before God recognizing your need for forgiveness and grace. Own up to your sin, and lean on His amazing grace.

The Wicked and the WORD (Psalm 37 - Part 3 of 3)

Friday's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 9:7-10:20 ~ Mark 4:26-5:20 ~ Psalm 37:30-40 ~ Proverbs 10:6-7

Psalm 37:30-40 ends the psalm in an appropriate fashion by answering the imagery of the apparent success of the wicked. It says, "The future of the wicked will be cut off." (vs. 38) God is the ultimate judge and will bring about His righteous, merciful, and perfect judgment!

I am further encouraged today by the words of verses 30 and 31.

³⁰ The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.

³¹ The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.

Psalm 37:30-31

Today, as an act of worship, allow your heart to be fertile soul for the seed of the WORD of GOD to take root and bear fruit. Is the law of God in your heart? Do you even allow yourself the opportunity to meditate on His Word? If you do not memorize it, how will you go about meditating on it throughout the day?

The LORD Delights... (Psalm 37 - Part 2 of 3)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 7:28-9:6 ~ Mark 3:31-4:25 ~ Psalm 37:12-29 ~ Proverbs 10:5

Psalm 37:12-29 presents how the worshiper can continually be confident in the LORD - who sees all and know all - by delighting in Him. As we read yesterday, the psalmist instructs the worshiper to be completely satisfied and filled with joy in the LORD. "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (vs. 4)

In today's reading we see that...

²³ If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;

²⁴ though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

These are amazing words and should fill us with abounding joy. God wants to delight in us and the choices we make everyday. He wants to be our hope and confidence and make our steps secure.

Today, as an act of worship, be creative and express your love to God in a special and significant way. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to You. Delight in Him and He will delight in you.

Delight Yourself in the LORD (Psalm 37 - Part 1 of 3)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 6:1-7:27 ~ Mark 3:7-30 ~ Psalm 37:1-11 ~ Proverbs 10:3-4

Psalm 37:1-11 is a fresh read for today, as it covers our thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the prevalence and apparent "worldly" success of wicked people. Furthermore it assures us of God's faithfulness to those who live for Him.

⁴ Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

⁶ He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

⁷ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:4-7

Today, as an act of worship, delight yourself in Him. Spend time in His word and in prayer. Believe Him; He sees and hears all. "

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
-Hebrews 4:13

Your Love, O Lord (Third Day)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 4:1-5:19 ~ Mark 2:13-3:6 ~ Psalm 36:1-12 ~ Proverbs 10:1-2

In Psalm 36 the worshiper reflects deeply on the sinfulness of the wicked and the amazing Love of God. In many ways, the second verse is a vivid reminder of how I used to live and how prone I still am to wander. "There is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin." O, how is breaks my heart to remember how blind I once was.

Praise God for His amazing grace. These words encapsulate my meditation today...

⁵ Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

⁶ Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

⁷ How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:5-7

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for demonstrating His amazing love to a sinful people like us. I once was blind...

Here's a video that says what I want to say:

Tell of His Righteousness (Psalm 35 - Part 2 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Leviticus 1:1-3:17 ~ Mark 1:29-2:12 ~ Psalm 35:17-28 ~ Proverbs 9:13-18

Psalm 35:17-28 strikes me as an intercessory worship song or prayer in which the worshiper cries out for God's justice to prevail in rescuing him from those who are "enemies without cause" (verse 19). I am particularly impressed by the resolve of the worshiper to commit to praise God and speak of His righteousness in the midst of such circumstances.

²⁷ May those who delight in my vindication
shout for joy and gladness;
may they always say, "The LORD be exalted,
who delights in the well-being of his servant."

²⁸ My tongue will speak of your righteousness
and of your praises all day long.

Psalm 35:27-28

Today, as an act of worship, come before the LORD seeking His will to be done. Tell of His righteousness and praises all day long.

(Remember, today marks a pivotal point in our One Year Bible readings; I highly encourage you to read yesterday's post if you are trekking through the Bible this year.)

Week 8 - Learning to Love Leviticus

I hope you are trekking along through the Psalms and the One Year Bible with me here in 2009. If you are - AWESOME! If you aren't - why not start with today's reading? Either way, we are at the threshold of triumph or disaster for many. Tomorrow we begin the book of Leviticus. It is perhaps one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible.

Let me encourage you, right now, to stop and read the following article which I have found most helpful and inspiring at this point in my One Year Bible - Learning to Love Leviticus, by Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.

May God continue to bless you as you read and apply His eternal Word!

My Soul Will Rejoice (Psalm 35 - Part 1 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 39:1-40:38 ~ Mark 1:1-28 ~ Psalm 35:1-16 ~ Proverbs 9:11-12

Psalm 35:1-16 describes how the worshiper is greatly distressed by His enemies and prays that God will contend for him. The resulting response of the worshiper is that he worships God and delights in God more and more.

9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
and delight in his salvation.

10 My whole being will exclaim,
"Who is like you, O LORD ?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them."

Psalm 35:9-10

Today, as an act of worship, celebrate what God has done for you. Thank Him for His provision and presence. He is more than enough for us.

The LORD is Close to the Brokenhearted (Psalm 34 - Part 2 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 37:1-38:31 ~ Matthew 28:1-20 ~ Psalm 34:11-22 ~ Proverbs 9:9-10

Psalm 34:11-22 continues to drive home the point that God is eternally faithful. He loves us. And, through Christ, He sympathizes with us in our pain and sufferings. The psalmist reminds us this way...

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Today, as an act of worship, be satisfied with knowing that God is near to us at all times, especially to when we are brokenhearted. That being the case, use this truth to encourage those who are hurting to turn to Christ. He is near.

"God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."
- Acts 17:27

Taste and See (Psalm 34 - Part 1 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 35:10-36:38 ~ Matthew 27:32-66 ~ Psalm 34:1-10 ~ Proverbs 9:7-8

Psalm 34:1-10 is a fresh reminder that the LORD of all creation is a good God. He has done marvelous things and is worthy of our worship all day every day! I love the opening line, "I will extol the LORD at all times." It challenges me deeply because I know there have been many times in my life where I have fallen far short of this level of trust and devotion in God.

Let these words penetrate your heart.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Psalm 34:8-10

Today, as an act of worship, drink deeply of the love and grace of God. Be satisfied completely in His fullness and provision. Taste and see Him...take refuge in Him...fear Him...seek Him.

Mighty To Save (Psalm 33 - Part 2 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 34:1-35:9 ~ Matthew 27:15-31 ~ Psalm 33:12-22 ~ Proverbs 9:1-6

Psalm 33:12-22 elevates our eyes to the amazing God of the universe; he sees all mankind and watches everything that happens. The psalmist reminds us that no king is saved by the size of his army. Tanks, guns, soldiers, and horses are a vain hope for deliverance; they cannot save - only the LORD saves! Only the LORD delivers! May we respond along with the ancient worshipers, who said...

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Psalm 33:20-22

Today, as an act of worship, place your trust in the LORD! He is mighty to save!

Sing Joyfully (Psalm 33 - Part 1 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 32:1-33:23 ~ Matthew 26:69-27:14 ~ Psalm 33:1-11 ~ Proverbs 8:33-36

Psalm 33 challenges me to worship God with joy, happiness, and faith. It is vivid reminder that God dersires that we be filled with joy and express His praise with smiles of total satisfaction. He is more than enough to supply all our needs, wants, and inmost desires.

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Psalm 33:1-3

Today, as an act of worship, may we be filled with joy as we praise the Lord of all creation.

I Acknowledged My Sin

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 30:11-31:18 ~ Matthew 26:47-68 ~ Psalm 32:1-11 ~ Proverbs 8:27-32

Psalm 32 is an awesome testimony of God's forgiveness of sin for those who with integrity confess there sins and are open to the rule of God in there lives. He wipes away our sin and restores our strength and hope. Without His forgiveness our sin will simply smother us; without our confession His conviction will likely smother us as well. Clearly, the best thing we can do is come to God with absolute integrity and confess our sins.

1 Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 32:1-5 (NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, take time to confess to the LORD any known sin in your life. Be set free by His love and grace, this very moment.

Love the LORD (Psalm 31 - Part 3 of 3)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 29:1-30:10 ~ Matthew 26:14-46 ~ Psalm 31:19-24 ~ Proverbs 8:14-26

Psalm 31:19-24 portrays the climactic ending we all hope for when we are suffering - that God hears us, rescues us, and brings justice to our cause. Be encouraged by these words...

23 Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.

24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 31:23-24 (NIV)

The final words of instruction from this psalm cannot be overstated, "Love the LORD...Be strong and take heart!"

Today, as an act of worship, put this words in practice by giving yourself a love litmus test. Ask yourself, "Do I really love God? Do I REALLY love God? Do I really LOVE God? Do I really love GOD?" Emphasis each word individually and then ask yourself this follow up question, "If I REALLY loved God the way I think I do, what needs to change in my life?

I Trust in You (Psalm 31 - Part 2 of 3)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 28:1-43 ~ Matthew 25:31-26:13 ~ Psalm 31:9-18 ~ Proverbs 8:12-13

Psalm 31:9-18 paints a painful picture to imagine, yet it is a bitter reality that many people face and one in which no one is totally immune. The words that really strike me are the words of faith that the worshiper expresses in the midst of his distress.

14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."

15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.

16 Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.

Psalm 31:14-16 (NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, have faith in God; believe He cares for you and has your best interests in mind. There is nothing greater than for your life to bring Him glory. Praise Him even in the valley.

For the Sake of Your Name (Psalm 31 - part 1 of 3)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 26:1-27:21 ~ Matthew 25:1-30 ~ Psalm 31:1-8 ~ Proverbs 8:1-11

Psalm 31 helps me keep God in a right perspective; He is the Creator and Sustainer of all, and He is my only source of hope and strength in this world. I cannot live, move, or breath without Him. The psalmist brings this out by saying, "Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me." (Psalm 31:3)

Notice, the psalmist did not say, "for the sake of MY name" but he said to the Lord, "for the sake of Your name lead me and guide me." Each of us need to be constantly seeking to magnify and glorify the name and fame of God. He is supremely glorious and we should never diminish that by seeking to glorify any other name.

Today, as an act of worship, proclaim His name everywhere you go. Be a God-Name-Dropper. Speak of His name in as many conversations as you can.

"He must become greater; I must become less."
-John the Baptist (John 3:30)

Wailing into Dancing

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 23:14-25:40 ~ Matthew 24:29-51 ~ Psalm 30:1-12 ~ Proverbs 7:24-27

Psalm 30 is a song of praise specifically for the dedication of the temple. It's lyrics remind the worshiper how God demonstrated His faithfulness to previous generations by leading them to this pivotal moment.

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, reflect on the faithfulness of God, and exalt Him as the centerpiece of your affections.

The Voice of the LORD

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 21:22-23:13 ~ Matthew 24:1-28 ~ Psalm 29:1-11 ~ Proverbs 7:6-23

Psalm 29 illustrates God's voice in terms as of a thunderstorm. The voice of the LORD is powerful, majestic, breaks cedars, strikes with lightning, shakes the desert, twists oaks and stripes the forests bare. (verses 4-9)

Wow! Just imagine for a moment how amazing our God is. In the book "Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity", Eugene Peterson writes about the significance and importance of prayer. And, as he describes this most simple yet gloriously and dreadfully profound act, he reminds us that it is there, in the act of prayer, that our words touch and interact with "words that shake the deserts and break cedars."

Today, as an act of worship may this truth inspire us to commune with God in prayer humbly and carefully.

"Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."
(Psalm 29:1-2)

"And in His temple all cry, 'Glory!' "
(Psalm 29:9)

My Heart Leaps for Joy

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 19:16-21:21 ~ Matthew 23:13-39 ~ Psalm 28:1-9 ~ Proverbs 7:1-5

Psalm 28 brings to mind the great privilege and responsibility we have of depending on God every day of our lives. Not only should we call on God for mercy and grace in our time of need, but we should joyfully respond with thanksgiving and praise when He acts on our behalf.

6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 28:6-7 (NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, may your heart leap for joy and your mouth overflow with praise as you learn to trust Him more!

Wait For the LORD (Psalm 27 - part 2 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 17:8-19:15 ~ Matthew 22:34-23:12 ~ Psalm 27:7-14 ~ Proverbs 6:27-35

Psalm 27 ends in similar fashion to the way it began, that is, with words of strength, courage, and trust in the LORD during our difficult tests and trials.

Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, step back from your worries, and renew your hope and dependence on God. Wait for Him; He is actively at work.

Whom Shall I Fear? (Psalm 27 - part 1 of 2)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 15:19-17:7 ~ Matthew 22:1-33 ~ Psalm 27:1-6 ~ Proverbs 6:20-26

Psalm 27 offers the worshiper powerful words of strength and hope for many painful, dark, and treacherous circumstances.

The LORD is my light and salvation-
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life-
of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, call upon the LORD in the midst of your storm. With the LORD's help, we can face any trial even if it should claim our earthly lives.

Walk Continually In His Truth

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Exodus 13:17-15:18 ~ Matthew 21:23-46 ~ Psalm 26:1-12 ~ Proverbs 6:16-19

Like many other ancient psalms, Psalm 26 is both helpful and difficult to express back to the LORD. It reveals the differences between those who are faithful and those who are not, those who are righteous and those who are wicked. The psalm starts this way...

"Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. " (Psalm 26:1-3)

How transparent can one be; and, yet, how dependent on Him must you and I remain? Do our works make us righteous, or is it all the grace of God?

The new testament says it this way, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Remember, that even though we are saved by grace through faith, we must still seek to glorify Christ with our entire lives. We are not "finished", "done", or "off the hook". We have the God-given and God-empowered responsibility to magnify the glory and grace of God with the fullness of our being every moment of every day for the rest of our existence.

Notice that grace is not merely a new testament or new covenant reality; God himself proclaimed it to Moses this way, saying, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." (Exodus 34:6-7)

Today, as an act of worship, surrender your all to Him and "walk continually in [His] truth." (Psalm 26:3)