I WIll Set Before My Eyes No Vile Thing (Psalm 101)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Judges 11:1-12:15 ~ John 1:1-28 ~ Psalm 101:1-8 ~ Proverbs 14:13-14

Psalm 101 offers the worshiper careful encouragement and instruction for leading a life of holiness.

I remember encountering lust and the sins of the flesh as a young teenager and struggling to develop self control. Every human being on the planet (with rare exception) knows exactly what I'm talking about.

Thankfully, God does not abandon us to figure things out on our own. In fact, He directs us through His Word by giving us examples to learn from and follow, and "fighter verses" to sharpen and rescue our minds in the heat of the battle. Verse 3 of Psalm 101 has been one such "fighter verse" for me.

¹ I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.

² I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house
with blameless heart.

³ I will set before my eyes
no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me.

⁴ Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with evil.

Psalm 101:4

Today, as an act of worship, commit God's Word to memory, and be prepared to respond to the enemy; resist the Devil and flee from evil. Keep in mind there's a time to fight and a time to run - know the difference!

Shouting For Joy (Psalm 100)

Today's full One Year Bible reading:
Judges 9:22-10:18 ~ Luke 24:13-53 ~ Psalm 100:1-5 ~ Proverbs 14:11-12

Psalm 100 is probably my most quoted psalm while leading worship. It has proven to be a deep well that I have drawn from time and time again.

The title in the NIV says, "A psalm. For giving thanks."

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100

The opening phrase begs the question, "When was the last time you shouted for joy to the LORD?" I ask this of myself as well, and honestly, at first I am always concerned about the volume of my expression of worship - Did I just SHOUT, or was that just loud singing?

But, then I notice the little three letter word, "joy". I think it is even more significant and reveals what the psalmist is trying to say - we should be overflowing with joy as we shout to the LORD; it is a happy celebration. Our joy fuels our praise!

Furthermore, the two words in verse two that standout, while I'm on the subject, are "gladness" and "joyful". "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalm 100:2)

Our thanksgiving should be offered from a joy-filled disposition. The new testament echos this saying, "God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

I'll save any further commentary for another day.

Today, as an act of worship, lift up your voice and praise the LORD with a joyful shout! We typically shout for lots of very good and bad reasons. Why not go a little deeper with God today?

Give it a try; the next time you get fired up about what God has done for you, lean your head back, cup your hands around your mouth, take a deep breath, and at the top of your lungs, with all your might let out a BIG - WOOOOOOOOOHH!!! PRAISE GOD!! THANK YOU, JESUS!!! YES!!!

You may get set free! :-)

I guarantee you'll feel better! ;-)

My Underline-ings (Psalm 92-99)

Those of you who know me well, know that I am an underline-er; I like to underline passages in my Bible. Actually, I'm a little obsessive on drawing straight lines as well. This was likely caused by a well meaning music composition instructor I had in college who had us use our driver's license to draw the stems on our music notes perfectly straight. The habit stuck. On a positive note: I've now found a great use for all those redundant credit card offers that come in the mail - trash the paper and take the handy little phony card and start underlining favorite passages.

Anyway, I thought in today's post I'd just share the verses I underlined in the psalms over the last few days. I hope you enjoy sifting through the infallible Word of God; it's great stuff.

(I was reminded today in Peter's first letter that we "have been born again...through the living and enduring word of God." 1 Peter 1:23. What an AMAZING thought!!)

Full One Year Bible Readings:
Friday, April 24
Saturday, April 25
Sunday, April 26
Monday, April 27
Tuesday, April 28


MY UNDERLINE-INGS FROM PSALMS 92-99

¹ It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,

² to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,

³ to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.

⁴ For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

⁵ How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!

⁸ But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.

¹² The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

¹³ planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.

¹⁴ They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,

¹⁵ proclaiming, "The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Psalm 92:1-5, 8, 12-15

¹ The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.

² Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.

⁵ Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.

Psalm 93:1-2, 5

⁹ Does he who implanted the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?

¹⁰ Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?

¹¹ The LORD knows the thoughts of man;
he knows that they are futile.

¹² Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;

¹³ you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.

¹⁴ For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.

²⁰ Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
one that brings on misery by its decrees?

²¹ They band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.

²² But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

Psalm 94:9-14, 20-22

¹ Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

² Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

³ For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.

⁴ In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.

⁵ The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

⁶ Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

⁷ for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

Psalm 95:1-7

¹ Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.

² Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.

³ Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

⁴ For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.

⁵ For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.

⁶ Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

⁷ Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

⁸ Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.

⁹ Worship the LORD in the splendor of his ^c]">[c] holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.

¹⁰ Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.

¹¹ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

¹² let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

¹³ they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.

Psalm 96

¹ The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.

² Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

³ Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.

⁴ His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.

⁵ The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.

⁶ The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.

⁹ For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

¹⁰ Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

¹¹ Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.

¹² Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.

Psalm 97:1-6, 9-12

¹ Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.

⁴ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;

⁵ make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,

⁶ with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Psalm 98:1, 4-6

² Great is the LORD in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.

³ Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.

⁵ Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.

⁹ Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his holy mountain,
for the LORD our God is holy.

Psalm 99:2-3, 5, 9

Today, as an act of worship, meditate on a few verses from these psalms, and allow them to blaze a path for your own words of praise and worship!

Sunday Afternoon Reflections

We had some great worship services in the Annex this morning. Due to some last minute travel changes, I was a little concerned about how the music would come together - but, it did! And, God was magnified among us.

Just this week I was reminded the importance of that word - magnify - and, how critical it is that we think of it properly when speaking of magnifying God!

Microscopes and telescopes both magnify, just in different ways. Microscopes make tiny things appear larger than they are; telescopes make enormous things (though far away) appear more like they REALLY are.

We should never even dream of trying to magnify God in the sense of a microscope, for we can never make Him greater than He already is. However, we SHOULD seek to magnify God in the sense of a telescope - making God appear to the world more as He REALLY is - huge, perfect, holy, pure, righteous and full of love and grace!

The message today was titled "What if...We Live For Him?" It is incredible to think of the endless possibilities of a life sold out to the glory of God. Now just imagine a congregation full of lives sold out to the glory and fame of God.

I was especially moved in worship as we sang "Your Grace is Enough". I've been longing for us to use proclaim that truth in corporate worship, and it couldn't have come at a better time. As we run full-on for God this week, anticipating the crossing of a major mile marker for our church next Sunday, I love knowing that HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH!

For those interested, here are the other tunes we used in worship (with links to various versions of them I found on youtube). Enjoy!

Your Grace is Enough

Not To Us

Shine

Consuming Fire

Take My Life

Lifesong

Number Your Days Aright (Psalm 90)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Judges 1:1-2:9 ~ Luke 21:29-22:13 ~ Psalm 90:1-91:16 ~ Proverbs 13:24-25

Today we begin the fourth of the five books of the Psalms which includes Psalms 90-106.
Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses, the man of God, and reminds us that God was ordaining praise long before the time of David, the man after God's own heart.

¹ Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.

² Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

¹⁰ The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

¹² Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:1-2, 10, 12, 14

What is so special about today? What is the significance of TODAY? Does TODAY really MATTER?

I know of at least one good book written on this subject and one good saying that is particularly applicable, but what is the use of all the knowledge in the world if we do not allow it access to our schedule or day planner.

Recently, our pastor preached a message on the greatness of God. The whole service was carefully structured in such a way as to help us gain a better perspective of just how enormous God is and just how tiny we really are!

I will never forget the moment he read from Psalm 8, "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?"

I felt so small and yet so loved!

Now, just imagine that same God - the author of TIME and SPACE - gives you and me 70-80 years to leverage everything we have for His glory.

Every second counts. No two minutes are ever the same. We will never get a true second chance or do-over. Every second we waste is eternally lost.

Likewise, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. The only day we have is today, and the only time we have is right now. Will you make the most of it?

Today, as an act of worship, consider the air in your lungs, the strength in your bones, and the opportunities you've been given. Be the hands an feet of Jesus today!

Pilgrimage through Psalms 82-89

I have not posted any devotions in the last ten days or so and have enjoyed the slight change of pace it has given me. However, I HAVE been greatly strengthened by our daily readings through the Psalms and have made a few observations that I think will encourage you in your pilgrimage with Christ. Enjoy!

First, here are the links to the full One Year Bible readings you may or may not have missed. I'll post them here for the sake of being consistent.

April 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22 (Just click on the date for a link to that day's full One Year Bible reading at www.biblegateway.com)




In Psalm 82, we are reminded of the character and heart of God as a great ruler, judge, king, or president. He has a heart for the weak, fatherless, poor, oppressed, and needy; and, he rebukes those who overlook them - defending the unjust and favoring the wicked.

² "How long will you defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?
Selah

³ Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

⁴ Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:2-4

As an act of worship, commit to stand up for those who have not the strength to stand. If you refuse, then you stand against God!




Psalm 83 is the corporate outcry of a troubled people. This psalm is written as a response to the realities of being faced by many real and threatening enemies. What struck me as personally applicable is the last few verses where the the heart of the worshiper appears to be that God would be sought and worshiped by his enemies.

¹⁶ Cover their faces with shame
so that men will seek your name, O LORD.

¹⁷ May they ever be ashamed and dismayed;
may they perish in disgrace.

¹⁸ Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—
that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Psalm 83:16-18

As an act of worship, may we earnestly seek the Lord on behalf of His worship in all nations and peoples. May we put aside our self-centered desires and seek that all men everywhere worship our God - the LORD - Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer!

Psalm 84 grows sweeter every time it's phrases part my lips. It is truly the outpouring of my heart for the Lord! Here's a taste...

¹ How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!

² My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah

⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

¹¹ For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

¹² O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Psalm 84:1-2, 4-5, 10-12

I cannot keep from offering thanks to the Lord for the journey on which he has led me. My heart is set on pilgrimage, and my compass points to God alone. May we continually draw nearer to Him!

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. Earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it but only to arouse it to suggest the real thing."

Psalm 85 is a fresh reminder of the forgiveness that God gave to His people hundreds of years before the earthly sacrifice of Jesus.

¹ You showed favor to your land, O LORD;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

² You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
Selah

Psalm 85:1-2

May we respond to God's forgiveness and grace with reverent fear and full obedience.

⁸ I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints—
but let them not return to folly.

⁹ Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.

Psalm 85:8-9

As an act of worship, thank God for the revelation of His great salvation. It has come to us as a costly and yet free gift. We do not and will not every deserve it, yet if we are to truly receive it we must surrender all - dieing to ourselves that we may live for Him!

Psalm 86 is the only psalm of David included in the third Book of the psalms (73-89), and it is remarkably noticeable to me. I think this is the slowest and most thorough I have every worked my way through the Psalms - stopping and smelling the roses along the way. For the first time in my life I realized the content, style, and language and associated them with David before even reading the notated author.

It's a psalm of refuge, restoration, forgiveness, and joy, as well as a psalm of praise and adoration. I am especially encouraged by proclaiming the greatness of God.

⁸ Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.

⁹ All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, O Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.

¹⁰ For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.

Psalm 86:8-10

As an act of worship, may we affirm God's majesty in all creation and His divine authorship of our very lives. His plans for our lives are higher and better than ours. May we fully embrace His will in our decisions.

Psalm 87 stirs up images of that great heavenly city called ZION where the LORD dwells and is exalted in worship forever and ever. Oh, how I long to be there! To see Him, to behold Him whom the Angels have never stopped praising, Him who sits on the Throne, Him who is worthy of all glory honor and praise! Do you long to go there?

"Glorious things are said of you, O city of God."

-Psalm 87:3

Psalm 88 is the most painful lament I believe I have ever read. It breaks my heart to hear the words of grief, pain, and suffering that this faithful worshiper is offering to the Lord. At this place in my life, such hardship is difficult to personally identify with, yet I conclude, along with this believer, that our only hope is in the Lord.

⁸ You have taken from me my closest friends
and have made me repulsive to them.
I am confined and cannot escape;

⁹ my eyes are dim with grief.
I call to you, O LORD, every day;
I spread out my hands to you.

Psalm 88:8-9

As an act of worship, may we praise God from and for our current life circumstances, and may we pray that our faith will not falter when and if the time comes that it seems all is lost.

Psalm 89 is the final psalm in book 3 of the 5 books of psalms. It includes some great Messianic prophesies about how God will establish the line and throne of David forever - referring to Jesus. But, what I really find encouraging is the straight-forward word of instruction and blessing on those who learn to acclaim God, walk in the light of His presence, rejoice in His name, and exult in His righteousness.

¹⁵ Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

¹⁶ They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.

Psalm 89:15-16

As an act of worship, may we do all these with a sincere heart and a steadfast devotion to God alone.

Monotheistic Devotion (Psalm 81)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Joshua 5:1-7:15 ~ Luke 15:1-32 ~ Psalm 81:1-16 ~ Proverbs 13:1

At the heart of Psalm 81, we see the supreme LORD of All calling His chosen people, once again, to a monotheistic totally surrendered life. Yahweh is a jealous God and will not share His worship with anyone or anything!

⁸ "Hear, O my people, and I will warn you—
if you would but listen to me, O Israel!

⁹ You shall have no foreign god among you;
you shall not bow down to an alien god.

¹⁰ I am the LORD your God,
who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

Psalm 81:8-10

Today, as an act of worship, totally reject anything that steals away your affection for the LORD. The Bible is clear that we should be fully devoted to God above all else. Remaining in fellowship with God should always be our first priority!

Happy Easter Everyone!!

I enjoyed this post from Mike over at www.oneyearbibleblog.com I thought I put it here for you to enjoy as well. Have a great Easter Sunday! - B.J. Price

Happy Resurrection Sunday to you and your families! As we're going through the One Year Bible together this year, I wanted to note that this year we'll read about all of these resurrection appearances of Jesus' listed below:

1. The empty tomb (not an appearance so to speak - but no body was in the tomb - the first indication of the resurrection)
2. To Mary Magdalene in the garden
3. To the other women
4. To two people going to Emmaus
5. To Peter
6. To the ten disciples in the upper room
7. To the 11 disciples in the upper room
8. To seven disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee
9. To the 11 disciples on a mountain
10. To more than 500
11. To James
12. To the disciples at His ascension
13. To Paul on the road to Damascus

Jesus' resurrection is the key to our Christian faith. The resurrection is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and of Jesus' own statements. The Christian faith stands or falls on the bodily resurrection of Jesus. We can read more about this important point from Paul in 1 Corinthians 15. The resurrection guarantees:

1. Jesus was truly the Son of God. (Romans 1:4)
2. God the Father accepted what Jesus did on the cross on the basis of the resurrection. (Romans 4:25)
3. Jesus as our Risen Lord pleads for his people before the Father. (Romans 8:34)
4. Believers have the hope of eternal life. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
5. Believers will also rise and have resurrected bodies like that of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:49, Philippians 3:21, 1 John 3:2)

Shine Upon Us (Psalm 80)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Joshua 3:1-4:24:16 ~ Luke 14:7-35 ~ Psalm 80:1-19 ~ Proverbs 12:27-28

Psalm 80 gives us the powerful refrain three times "make your face shine upon us that we may be saved" (see verses 3, 7, and 19). It reminds us that salvation comes from the Lord alone. It is because of His glory and for His glory that we are saved.

³ Restore us, O God;
make your face shine upon us,
that we may be saved.

⁷ Restore us, O God Almighty;
make your face shine upon us,
that we may be saved.

¹⁹ Restore us, O LORD God Almighty;
make your face shine upon us,
that we may be saved.

Psalm 80:3, 7, 19

I love how the psalm becomes increasingly more intense as God's name is proclaimed. Notice the name of God used in the first phrase of each verse. They are carefully embellished to lead us to the stunning truth of who's face we are asking to shine upon us - O LORD God Almighty!

Today, as an act of worship, ask the LORD to make His face shine upon you that you may be saved and that you may reflect His glory for all to see. May the world see Jesus in us when they see us.

For Your Name's Sake (Psalm 79)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24 ~ Luke 13:22-14:6 ~ Psalm 79:1-13 ~ Proverbs 12:26

Psalm 79 was written at a particularly painful time in Israel's history. The temple had been ransacked and it seemed as though all was lost. Those worshipers who remained faithful began to mourn and lament calling on God for help. Notice their ultimate reasoning for seeking such intervention.

Help us, O God our Savior,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
for your name's sake.

Psalm 79:9

We know that this is a prayer that the Lord loves to hear. Anytime we begin focusing on God's will and the things that bring Him glory, we can know that we are moving closer to Him.

Today, as an act of worship, give God the glory He deserves. As you make requests of the Lord be sure they are truly being asked for the purpose of lifting up the name of Jesus!

Remembering God: Four Days in Psalm 78

Full One Year Bible readings:
Monday, April 6,
Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20 ~ Luke 11:37-12:7 ~ Psalm 78:1-31 ~ Proverbs 12:19-20
Tuesday, April 7,
Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27 ~ Luke 12:8-34 ~ Psalm 78:32-55 ~ Proverbs 12:21-23
Wednesday, April 8,
Deuteronomy 32:28-52 ~ Luke 12:35-59 ~ Psalm 78:56-64 ~ Proverbs 12:24
Thursday, April 9,
Deuteronomy 33:1-29 ~ Luke 13:1-21 ~ Psalm 78:65-72 ~ Proverbs 12:25


Psalm 78 is a historical Psalm. The writer obviously had a heart to educate the congregation - not just pump them full of cliches and fluff. The Nation was struggling with the serious and startling issues of forgetfulness and utter rebellion toward God. This thesis is stated and described in the opening six verses.

What I like about this psalm is that it presents a great solution to the thesis both through the content and the medium itself. By placing the key events of Israel's history in a congregational worship song along with the reality of her rebellion toward God, the psalmist is attempting to single-handedly ensure that the Nation does not repeat this cycle - by reminding them of their dealings with God.

¹¹ They forgot what he had done,
the wonders he had shown them.

¹² He did miracles in the sight of their fathers
in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.

¹³ He divided the sea and led them through;
he made the water stand firm like a wall.

¹⁴ He guided them with the cloud by day
and with light from the fire all night.

¹⁵ He split the rocks in the desert
and gave them water as abundant as the seas;

¹⁶ he brought streams out of a rocky crag
and made water flow down like rivers.

¹⁷ But they continued to sin against him,
rebelling in the desert against the Most High.

Psalm 78:11-17

One of the main reasons we are "prone to wander" is we forget what God has done for us! We are all at risk of forgetting what God has done! Right now is an especially good time to remember - The Last Supper, the foot washing, the prayer, the betrayal, arrest, flogging, crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Holy Spirit! He has done an awful lot!

Today, as an act of worship, remind yourself of what God has done, not only in your life personally, but also the things He has done for your friends, family members, church, community, and country.

Remember His Deeds (Psalm 77)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Deuteronomy 28:1-68 ~ Luke 11:14-36 ~ Psalm 77:1-20 ~ Proverbs 12:18


I love the statement that Psalm 77 makes about the deeds of God. We would do well to remember the things that our Creator and Sustainer has done throughout history.

¹² I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.

¹³ Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?

¹⁴ You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.

¹⁵ With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

Psalm 77:12-15

Today, as an act of worship, give God your all as you praise Him for His amazing deeds. Remember the CROSS! God loves you and has a glorious Christ-exalting purpose for your life.

You Alone Are To Be Feared (Psalm 76)

Saturday, April 4th, full One Year Bible readings:
Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 ~ Luke 10:38-11:13 ~ Psalm 76:1-12 ~ Proverbs 12:15-17

At the time of it's writing, Psalm 76 was no doubt a great song for the faithful worshiper to reflect on the city of Zion - God's dwelling. The nation of Israel enjoyed the special privilege of getting to worship there in that day. It was a place of amazing worship, for God demonstrated His mighty power by protecting and preserving Zion as His Holy dwelling place, and everyone knew it!

⁷ You alone are to be feared.
Who can stand before you when you are angry?

⁸ From heaven you pronounced judgment,
and the land feared and was quiet-

⁹ when you, O God, rose up to judge,
to save all the afflicted of the land.

Psalm 76:7-9

Today, as an act of worship, reflect on the privilege you have as a Christ follower of worshiping, not in a special building, but in Spirit and in Truth (see John 4:20-24). God desires more than a change in our activities; He wants to give us a new heart!

It Is God Who Judges (Psalm 75)

Friday, April 3rd, full One Year Bible readings:
Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19 ~ Luke 10:13-37 ~ Psalm 75:1-10 ~ Proverbs 12:12-14

Psalm 75 is a psalm of praise that focuses on celebrating the deeds of God as the righteous judge of the earth. It is refreshing to be reminded once again that God is in control. His ways are higher than our ways.

When I get all wound up in the news and begin stressing out, God is still on His throne. I think this psalm says it best.

⁶ No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt a man.

⁷ But it is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.

Psalm 75:6-7

Today, as an act of worship, embrace the peace of God; it surpasses the understanding of the world and will enable us to withstand the storms of life. Praise God for His mighty deeds all around us.

Rise Up, O God, And Defend Your Cause (Psalm 74)

Thursday, April 2nd, full One Year Bible readings:
Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30 ~ Luke 9:51-10:12 ~ Psalm 74:1-23 ~ Proverbs 12:11

Psalm 74 is a song for a nation in turmoil and distress. It gives us words that express the undeniable thoughts and feelings that we have when it would seem God has abandoned us.

In many ways, even as stressful as political unrest can be, this psalm feels like a deep sigh of relief, for it reminds us that God is still on His throne.

¹⁶ The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.

¹⁷ It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter.

¹⁸ Remember how the enemy has mocked you, O LORD,
how foolish people have reviled your name.

¹⁹ Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts;
do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.

²⁰ Have regard for your covenant,
because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.

²¹ Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace;
may the poor and needy praise your name.

²² Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.

Psalm 74:16-22

Today, as an act of worship, trust the LORD. Look nowhere else for refuge for He alone has the power to save.

I envied... when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73)

Wednesday, April 1st, One Year Bible readings:
Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20 ~ Luke 9:28-50 ~ Psalm 73:1-28 ~ Proverbs 12:10

Psalm 73 is a worship song that deals specifically with the problem many faithful worshipers face - jealousy over the apparent prosperity and pleasure enjoyed by wicked and ungodly people. Left unchecked, these feelings of jealousy are a trap that entice many of the otherwise faithful to turn away from the faith and indulge in the fleeting pleasures of the flesh.

¹Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.

² But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

³ For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:1-3

The psalm offers a solution that is more than saying, "Don't do that. Don't envy." It actually explains the reasonable train of thought that the faithful worshiper must experience...

¹⁶ When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me

¹⁷ till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.

Psalm 73:16-17

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for His wisdom, justice, and grace. Keep eternity in your gaze, and remember the final destination of those without Christ.

"There's more to this life than living and dying, more than just trying to make it through the day."

- Steven Curtis Chapman.

For more on Psalm 73 see my post on Psalm 49 "Who are You Trusting in?"