Remarkable Things Today

Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today." (Luke 5:26 NIV)

Jesus performed many miracles throughout his three-year ministry.  They got people's attention.  Crowds would seek him out because of all the things he could do.  One group of people believed in his abilities so much that they brought a paralyzed friend to Jesus with hopes that he may be healed.  The crowd was so large that they couldn't get their friend to him, so they helped their friend "drop in."  They lowered him through the roof of the building where Jesus was preaching.  He was lowered in the midst of the crowd right down in front of Jesus.

What did he do?  Jesus healed the man.  He healing he offered at first, though, was not physical.  He healed the man's spiritual problems - the sin that separated him from God.  Then, to prove he had the power to forgive sin, Jesus healed the man physically.  The crowd was amazed.  They called it "remarkable," the things they had seen.  They gave praise to God.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20 NIV)

All too often we want to see "remarkable things" from God as well.  We wish that we could see the kinds of miracles today that Jesus performed back then.  We want to be amazed...they we will give praise to God.

The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter. (Psalms 74:16-17 NIV)

Maybe we should be amazed more than we are.  I watched part of a sunrise this morning.  I was amazed.  The sun is hurling through space at a rate of about 486,000 miles an hour.  Not to be lost, the earth rotates around this moving target at a rate of 67,000 miles an hour.  But neither of these events produced the "sunrise" today.  No, the earth also spins around like a top at the brisk rate of about 1,000 miles an hour - completing one spin in 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09053 seconds: the sidereal period.  

That produced this morning's sunrise - but not the temperatures associated with this season of winter.  Winter is produced by the fact that the earth is "tilted" at an angle of approximately 23.4 degrees.  The angle stays the same throughout the year while the earth circles the sun.  So, during part of the year the sun is closer to the "top" of the earth and during another part of the year the sun is closer to the "bottom" of the earth.  The angle of rotation produces "seasons" of warm and cold for the earth.

All of these things were necessary for me to enjoy one sunrise during the winter season in Northwest Indiana.  How much will it take for me to be amazed at "remarkable things?"  Seems like that sunrise was pretty remarkable.  I'm going to go praise God now...

Release

A psalm of David. Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (Psalms 32:1-2 NLT)

David had reason to celebrate.  He had really messed up and God forgave him.  He's feeling a sense of relief.  I can think of many times throughout my life where I felt a burden of guilt because of the wrong I had done.  Sometimes I think the guilt we feel is far worse than any other punishment we may receive for our wrongdoing.  David was released from that guilt.

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude (Psalms 32:3-5 NLT)

Notice when David was released of that guilt.  He said, "I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt."  That's when God forgave him.  God forgives us when we admit that we are wrong and turn back to him in repentance.  There's no other way.  We must admit we are wrong and turn back to Him.  Otherwise, the sting of guilt stays with us.

God forgave David only after he admitted that his actions were wrong and stopped doing them.  He didn't continue sleeping with other men's wives, murdering their husbands, and taking their wives for himself.  He admitted that he was wrong.  He was sorry for what he had done.  He stopped that sinful behavior.  He truly repented.  God doesn't forgive us unless we repent, too.  We have to stop making excuses for our actions.  We need to admit that we were wrong.  We need to stop sinning.

Therefore, let all the godly pray to You while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude (Psalms 32:6-7 NLT)

David realized that the joy and peace he felt was great.  It was so good that he wants everyone to experience just how good it can be.  He doesn't want them to drown in the floodwaters of judgement.  He wants them to pray to Him while there is still time.

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." (Psalms 32:8-9 NLT)

David also realized that it doesn't stop there.  God is willing to guide us to enjoy "the good life" if we will simply continue walking with Him.  When we stray, it hurts.  It's like being jerked around by a bit in our mouth.  When we stay on His path, it's a gentle, more enjoyable walk.

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! (Psalms 32:10-11 NLT)

Giving Thanks

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be sung to the tune "Do Not Destroy!" We thank You, O God! We give thanks because You are near. People everywhere tell of Your wonderful deeds. (Psalms 75:1 NLT)

Every day brings a new opportunity to give thanks.  God is always near.  He is always performing wonderful deeds.  The real question we need to ask ourselves is whether or not we like having God near.

God says, "At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the One who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude "I warned the proud, 'Stop your boasting!' I told the wicked, 'Don't raise your fists! Don't raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.'" For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness—should raise a defiant fist. It is God alone who judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall. For the LORD holds a cup in His hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs. (Psalms 75:2-8 NLT)

It's great to think of God being near when we are walking with God.  It's not so great when we are trying to hide from Him.  Usually it's not our whole life that we try to hide from God.  It's just a part of it that we know He wouldn't like.  So, rather than facing Him and the consequences He brings, we hide from Him...at least that part of our lives.

The thing is, God wants us to have peace in every area of our life.  He wants us to enjoy being in His presence all the time.  He wants us to turn those places over to Him, receive forgiveness if we've sinned, and start enjoying the walk again.  What will you decide this thanksgiving season?  Will you hide from Him and live in fear?  Or will you turn every area of your life over to God and live giving thanks?

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. For God says, "I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly." (Psalms 75:9-10 NLT)

Offering Thanks

A psalm of Asaph. The LORD, the Mighty One, is God, and He has spoken; He has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets. From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance. Our God approaches, and He is not silent. Fire devours everything in His way, and a great storm rages around Him. He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of His people. (Psalms 50:1-4 NLT)

I enjoy the holiday season.  It's the one time of the year that spiritual conversations pop up all over the place.  It doesn't matter where a person is in there relationship or walk with God, sometime during this season they will find themselves talking about God this season.  God get's our attention during these holidays.

"Bring My faithful people to Me—those who made a covenant with Me by giving sacrifices." Then let the heavens proclaim His justice, for God Himself will be the judge. Interlude "O My people, listen as I speak. Here are My charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God! (Psalms 50:5-7 NLT)

God got the attention of Israel in this Psalm.  It was a period of time where they were going through the motions of following God, but they really weren't.  In our day, it would be the equivalent of going to church services on a regular basis, giving money at offering time, then leaving the building and starting the week out by cussing someone out in the parking lot.  They were going through the motions, but not really walking with God.  So, God had a few things to say to them.

I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are Mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is Mine and everything in it. Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats? Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory." (Psalms 50:8-15 NLT)

I'm intrigued by God's response to their poor lifestyle.  

He tells them exactly what they should be doing:

Step 1 - Offer Thanks - God has done so much for us and continues to do more that we recognize for us each and every day. True sacrifices (true worship), He says, begins with simple recognition and thanks.  It's not about animal sacrifices or money or singing songs with the right words.  When we begin with thanksgiving, true thanksgiving, our heart is in the right place to worship.

Step 2 - Walk with Him - The vows God references here are the vows to follow Him and His Law.  They all committed to it, but now they were not following it.

But God says to the wicked: "Why bother reciting My decrees and pretending to obey My covenant? For you refuse My discipline and treat My words like trash. When you see thieves, you approve of them, and you spend your time with adulterers. Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies. You sit around and slander your brother—your own mother's son. While you did all this, I remained silent, and you thought I didn't care. But now I will rebuke you, listing all My charges against you. Repent, all of you who forget Me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. (Psalms 50:16-22 NLT)

Haven't been giving God thanksgiving for all He has done?  Haven't been following Him and walking in His ways?  God gives one simple answer to your predicament.  Repent.  Turn around.  Come back to Him.  Put God first in your life again.  What a great season to remember this one step.  Take the season of Thanksgiving to be thankful to Him.  Put God first in your life again.  Praise Him for all the good He has done.  Then, you are ready for the real blessings He wants to pour out on you.

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." (Psalms 50:23 NLT)

Christian Crust

A psalm of David. O LORD, I give my life to You. I trust in You, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in You will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. (Psalms 25:1-3 NLT)

I guess with thanksgiving coming up, I find myself thinking about pies a lot right now.  Some of the best pies I've ever had have "layers" to them.  There's some layer of crust on the outside that makes it look beautiful and enticing.  It may taste good, too, but it's not the substantial part of the pie.  The "real pie" lies beneath the crust - where we get to the good stuff.

All too often I encounter people who work hard on the "crust" of their walk with God.  They are concerned about showing things that are beautiful and enticing.  When you get past the crust, though, where the real good stuff should be, you find out the pie isn't really very good.

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You. (Psalms 25:4-5 NLT)

We fill our "pies" with "good stuff" when we truly trust Him, put our hope in Him, and follow Him.  We listen to His Truth and put it into practice.  When we do, we find ourselves putting more and more good stuff into the "pies" of our lives.

Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and unfailing love, which You have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of Your unfailing love, for You are merciful, O LORD. (Psalms 25:6-7 NLT)

The beauty of a walk with God is that He is even willing to convert the "bad stuff" we already put in our pie into "good stuff" that will be helpful and pleasing to others.  A life changed by God will be used by God for good - even the parts we messed up in the past.  The decision is ours.  Will we start putting "good stuff" in our pies and trust Him with the rest?

The LORD is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them His way. (Psalms 25:8-9 NLT)

Start putting good stuff in your life.  Keep reading the rest of this Psalm (Psalm 25:10-22).  God is right there ready to meet with you.  Will you meet with Him?

Shout To The Lord

A psalm of thanksgiving. 

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!

(Psalms 100:1 NLT)

Today's reading simply put me in the mood to worship Him today.

It made me think of this song.

Blessings!

Worship the LORD with gladness. 

Come before Him, singing with joy. 

Acknowledge that the LORD is God! 

He made us, and we are His. 

We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 

Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. 

Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good. 

His unfailing love continues forever, 

and His faithfulness continues to each generation. 

(Psalms 100:2-5 NLT)

God Still Reigns

For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah. Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the LORD Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. (Psalms 47:1-2 NLT)

I find it interesting that my daily reading plan is taking me through chapter after chapter reminding me that God is King over all the earth.  I remember a day in my own life when political contests would take me on a roller-coaster of emotions.  When the person I wanted to win would win, I was ecstatic.  When my person would lose, I would be close to depression.  Here, though, I am reminded that my King is always King so I can always celebrate.  God still reigns.

God has ascended with a mighty shout. The LORD has ascended with trumpets blaring. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King over all the earth. Praise Him with a psalm. (Psalms 47:5-7 NLT)

Now, political contests don't have the same effect on me.  I find myself looking for results but not worrying one way or another.  I find myself at peace and even celebrating no matter the outcome of the political race.  I can always celebrate because God still reigns.

God reigns above the nations, sitting on His holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere. (Psalms 47:8-9 NLT)

Today I will honor God in my heart, with my lips, and in my actions.  Today I will celebrate and enjoy the blessings of our King.

Who's In Charge?

Tomorrow we hold elections here in the United States of America.  It's a big deal.  Not only do we get to overthrow the government every few years, the person elected as president is commonly known as the "most powerful person in the world."

This is what was running through my mind as I read the following Scripture from the book of Psalms.


A psalm of David. The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. For He laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. (Psalms 24:1-2 NLT)

It was good to be reminded to day that no person is "all that."  All of us, even the "most powerful person in the world," is subject to a greater person...a greater power...God.  We are only as good as our relationship with God, our higher power and authority.

Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek You and worship in Your presence, O God of Jacob. (Psalms 24:3-6 NLT)

In the end, we are told, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus as LORD.  We will all bow down to and sing praises to the Glory of our God.  Even the "most powerful people in the world" will recognize Him a the true ruler, the true "King" over all the earth.  We might as well get started today.

Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven's Armies—He is the King of glory. (Psalms 24:7-10 NLT)

My Shepherd

A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. (Psalms 23:1-3 NLT)

I often hear this Scripture quoted when someone is going through great struggles in their life.  It's quoted at funerals as a reminder that He will comfort us.  I find it interesting that it's the very next Psalm after the one we read yesterday - the Psalm Jesus quoted while on the cross.  He was in great agony that day.  He would have memorized large portions of Scripture.  He obviously knew Psalm 22, because he quoted it while hanging on the cross.  I wonder if his mind went to Psalm 23 next.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalms 23:4 NLT)

God is often described with the image of a shepherd.  A shepherd cares about his sheep.  A shepherd cares for his sheep.  A shepherd loves, protects, feeds, redirects, and leads his sheep.  A shepherd would be the kind of person worth following.  That is God.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:5-6 NLT)

I don't need to remember Psalm 23 only when someone I love leaves this life or when I am in crisis.  I need to remember it every day.  When I remember this Psalm, I have all I need, rest in Him, my strength is renewed, and I bring honor to His name.  It doesn't matter what the world brings me that day, I am not afraid, I know I am protected, and I remember that my cup overflows with blessings.  It's amazing to see goodness and unfailing love pursuing me, because He pursues me ever day of my life.

When I remember this Psalm, I enjoy the Garden Walk.

Misunderstanding

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?" Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought He was calling for the prophet Elijah. (Matthew 27:45-47 NLT)

Jesus was about to die, hanging on the cross.  As he cried out, the bystanders misunderstood what he was doing.  Since that day, many of us have misunderstood what he was doing as well.  Jesus was quoting Scripture.  His death had more significance and any other death.  He was fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah.

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune "Doe of the Dawn." My God, my God, why have You abandoned me? Why are You so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to You, my God, but You do not answer. Every night You hear my voice, but I find no relief. Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in You, and You rescued them. They cried out to You and were saved. They trusted in You and were never disgraced. But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, "Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!" Yet You brought me safely from my mother's womb and led me to trust You at my mother's breast. I was thrust into Your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. O LORD, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lion's jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen. I will proclaim Your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise You among your assembled people. Praise the LORD, all you who fear Him! Honor Him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show Him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. I will praise You in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship You. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the LORD and return to Him. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him. For royal power belongs to the LORD. He rules all the nations. Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before Him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve Him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything He has done. (Psalms 22:1-31 NLT)

True Worship

A psalm of David. Who may worship in Your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter Your presence on Your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. (Psalms 15:1-2 NLT)

I've heard so many discussions over the years about the style of worship people enjoy.  Usually, they are talking about the type of music that is being sung and/or played with instruments of their choosing.  People go to war over such things.  Churches split over them.  The "style of worship" becomes a test of fellowship and people end up getting anxious, frustrated, or hurt.

The thing that always strikes me about the discussion is topic of the discussion itself.  It's the wrong discussion.  Worship has nothing to do with style of music, types of instruments, or even whether instruments should be used or not.  True worship has to do with walking together with God.  We can enter into the presence of God when we lead blameless lives, do what is right, and speak truth from sincere hearts.

Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.  (Psalms 15:3-5a NLT)

When we avoid evil and hold on to the good - we can enter His presence in worship.  Anything I do wrong - any sin I commit - gets in the way of my worship.  I cannot enter the presence of a Holy God when I am not Holy myself.  So, I strive to be Holy as He is Holy.  I want to be able to enter into His presence and enjoy true worship.  Oh, yeah.  There's another benefit to living the holy life.

Such people will stand firm forever. (Psalms 15:5b NLT)

Friends with God

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalms 1:1-3 NLT)

I've spent a lot of time over the years learning different perspectives, teachings and faiths.  Through that time, I've learned that walking with God not only makes sense - it just works.  I mean, it's always practical.  God's way leads to life.  Against God always leads to a mess - even death.  If there's someone's advice I'm going to listen to, it's Gods.  If there's someone I want to spend my time with, it's God.  If there's someone's friendship I value, it's God's.  I like being friends with God.  Life with Him really is awesome.

But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. (Psalms 1:4-6 NLT)
 
This friendship with God really has affected my friendships in this world.  I've found a wife who truly wants to walk together with God.  Our children have seen the benefits that come from being friends with God.  My friends...well...it depends on their friendship with God.  When they want to hang out and do things that God would like, I'm in.  When they want to get together to figure out ways to help more people walk with God, I'm really there.  When they want to waste time doing things with no positive eternal significance or value...we tend to part ways.  It's really just that simple.  My friendship with God drives all my other relationships - just as the Psalmist suggested.  When I do things this way, it just works.

Harmony

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! (Psalms 133:1 NLT)

I enjoy singing.  Many people have caught me over the years (especially my younger years) singing just because I could.  Growing up, my dad would sing in a barbershop quartet and in a chorus as well.  At the ripe old age of 13, the chorus let me join and I began learning to sing four part harmony with no instruments other than our voices.  It was pretty cool.

Each of the four singers had their own part to play in the chord when we sang.  The Lead typically carried the melody line that you would hum later when remembering the song.  The Tenor usually sang 1/3 higher than the lead, floating the note up high to give the light feeling to the music.  The Bass would give the rock-solid low note to the chord, often filling the room with sound.  That left the final of the four parts in the chord: The Baritone.

The Baritone would get whatever note was left over to fill in the chord.  Sometimes the Baritone would have a note lower than the lead.  Sometimes it was higher.  Sometimes it was even higher than the Tenor.  The Baritone was expected to maneuver his voice to jump all over the place with his non-melodic part and "fill in" the chord without anyone really knowing he was there.  The Baritone needed to be a technician.  As you might be able to guess, Baritone was my favorite part.

For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. (Psalms 133:2 NLT)

Your job as a Baritone was to make the chord ring.  Hitting the note wasn't enough.  You needed to sing on the "right side" of the note depending on it's placement in the chord.  You needed to match the tone of the Lead and other two singers.  If you did your job well, your unique part seemed to disappear but the overall chord and song just exploded with sound.  A quartet singing well together will stop being four different individuals.  Their individual parts become one chord, one song, and one amazing experience.

Walking together with God functions much like a quartet.  God designed us to be separate and distinct - singing our own parts.  The parts we are given by Him, though, are in harmony with all the other parts.  A husband compliments his wife and vice-verse.  Parents are given the exact children they need to build the "perfect family" He had in mind.  The church is described as His "Body" with separate parts all working together perfectly so that life is possible.  It's no wonder that most translations don't refer to this as "harmony" but as "unity."  The parts work together so well that it's really hard to discern where one part ends and the other part picks up.  The parts work together to create an amazing experience - the life God has always wanted for us from the beginning.

Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced His blessing, even life everlasting. (Psalms 133:3 NLT)

Down, Not Out

A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the LORD... (Psalms 102:1 NLT)

Before Life Bridge opened to the public, prayer was an intricate part of the vision-fabric.  People prayed about this church even 10 years before it began.  Traci and I found this ministry led by God through prayer.  Over one hundred prayer partners prayed Life Bridge into existence.  Now, every week I find myself praying for the heartfelt requests of the people who call this their church home.  I love lifting up people in prayer.

LORD, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Don't turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen, and answer me quickly when I call to You. For my days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals. My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. Because of my groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones. I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness. I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof. My enemies taunt me day after day. They mock and curse me. (Psalms 102:1-8 NLT)

The process of reading the requests and lifting them up, however, quickly became overwhelming.  It wasn't difficult keeping up with the volume of the requests.  It was the content of the requests that overwhelmed me in the early years.  People would be crying out to God over loss, addictions, hurt, fear, anger, financial burdens, lost souls, and even death.  I would read the requests and wonder how people face these burdens in life and continue on from day to day.

But I cried to Him, "O my God, who lives forever, don't take my life while I am so young! Long ago You laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with Your hands. They will perish, but You remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. (Psalms 102:24-26 NLT)

Then I would remember why I was reading the requests in the first place.  People weren't expecting me to fix the problems they were facing.  They were asking God.  I simply had the privilege of coming along side of them and lifting them up to Him.  My shoulders weren't big enough to carry the burden found in these requests - but Gods were.  He created the heavens and the earth.  He holds all things together.  He can carry their burdens.  He can help.  He loves us.  He wants to help us get through anything we face.  He his God.

But You are always the same; You will live forever. The children of Your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in Your presence." (Psalms 102:27-28 NLT)
 
Then, and only then, would I find peace.  When people around me did the same thing (turning their troubles over to God), I saw peace in their eyes as well.  They were down, but not out.  And so was I...down but not out.  It all worked when I turned things over to God.  I found peace.

God really does want to give us the fruit of His Spirit.  God really does want to empower us.  He really does want to help us through this life.  He wants to help us live in security.  He wants our children's children to thrive in His presence.  Praise God!

That's Good

A psalm. A song to be sung on the Sabbath Day. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim Your unfailing love in the morning, Your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. (Psalms 92:1-3 NLT)

All too often I find myself in conversations with people where they are asking me what is "OK" to do in God's eyes.

"Is it OK for me to wear jeans to church?" 
"Is it OK to have coffee even while the church service is going on?"

Sometimes the questions get a bit more personal and hard-hitting.

"Is it OK to drink as long as I don't get drunk?"
"Is it OK not to like a person as long as I don't hate them?"

We try so hard to understand where the line is with God.  How far can I go doing the things I really want to do without getting into trouble with God.  The thing is, walking with God is not about "getting away" with stuff that's "really fun."  Walking with God IS fun.

You thrill me, LORD, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done. O LORD, what great works You do! And how deep are Your thoughts. Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this: Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But You, O LORD, will be exalted forever. (Psalms 92:4-8 NLT)

God knows what's best for us.  He knows that when we follow His ways, life happens just the way He intended.  And everything God wants for us is good.  In fact, when we love Him and follow His ways, he promises to work things together for our good.  When we don't, though, we never win the fight against God.

Your enemies, LORD, will surely perish; all evildoers will be scattered. But You have made me as strong as a wild ox. You have anointed me with the finest oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents. But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, "The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in Him!" (Psalms 92:9-15 NLT)

I remember purchasing something one time and I asked the person behind the counter if he accepted credit cards.  "We gladly accept cash!" he said with a smile on his face.  That moment stuck with me.  All too often we think we are missing something because we can't use a "credit card" or accept "credit cards" in life.  What God wants us to see is that "accepting cash" is always good.  

We find joy when we live the life He designed us to live. 
We don't need to feel like we're missing something.

Walking with God is not just "OK."  
It's really, really good.

Stories Worth Sharing

A psalm of Asaph. O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. (Psalms 78:1-3 NLT)

I like a good story.  There's something about listening to a masterful retelling of someone's experience that simply draws me in and leaves me yearning for more.  Even the television programs and movies I enjoy the most seem to have a strong story component to them.  It seems like I was wired to enjoy stories.

Scripture reminds me that I'm not alone.  Sharing information about God was never done in a sterile, scientific fashion in the past.  It was always understood in the context of a story.  The story included a person, usually additional people, and God.  These stories teach us lessons about God and what it means to walk with Him.  These stories were never meant just for us.  They're meant for us to share.

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about His power and His mighty wonders. For He issued His laws to Jacob; He gave His instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. (Psalms 78:4-6 NLT)

Sharing God's stories with our children will help our children see and experience God.  This fundamental truth has permeated our home for years.  The result has been blessing after blessing for our family - something I would love your family to experience as well.  

Traci, my wife, does an excellent job of explaining how we can share God's story with our children and our children's children in her blog: Building Through God's Word.  I would highly recommend checking it out if you haven't already had the pleasure.  You can sign up for email delivery as well.  Put these concepts into practice.  Share His Story with your children.

So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands. (Psalms 78:7 NLT)

It's That Simple

For the choir director: A psalm of David. The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. (Psalms 19:1-4a NLT)

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the complexity of life?  I would be lying if I said I hadn't.  Having a penchant for computers doesn't make it any easier.  I find my mind moving at a rapid pace most if not all of my waking hours.  Sometimes I just don't know what to do with all the thoughts.

This morning I was watching the sunrise and remembering just how simple our walk with God was intended to be.  He got hold of my attention with a beautiful, clear sunrise.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. (Psalms 19:4-6 NLT)

God wants us to pay attention.  Loud thunder and lightning stops us in our tracks much more, but a sunrise is a daily miraculous reminder of His presence in our lives.  He simply wants us to let Him in our lives.

Then I began reading Scripture as a part of daily routine.  His Word, as always, spoke to me differently today than it had in the past.  I continue to learn and grow closer to Him each day.

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. (Psalms 19:7-10 NLT)

Of course, I ran into parts that I read which challenged me and my life.  I found myself talking to Him in prayer and asking Him how I should adjust my life to better match His desires for me.  I want to stay on His Path of life (Psalm 16:11).

They are a warning to Your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep Your servant from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. (Psalms 19:11-13 NLT)

At times the adjustments are bigger than others, but every little adjustment makes the walk that much sweeter.  It's about walking with Him.  All I need to do is see Him, join Him, then walk with Him.  That's what it takes to walk with God.  It really is that simple.

I have a friend who always finished her prayers with the following verse.  It's a verse worth memorizing and praying regularly.  A prayer like this will help keep us on The Path.

May the words of my mouth 

and the meditation of my heart 

be pleasing to You, O LORD, 

my rock and my redeemer. 

(Psalms 19:14 NLT) 

Amen.

How Majestic

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. O LORD, our Lord, Your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of Your strength, silencing Your enemies and all who oppose You. When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers—the moon and the stars You set in place—what are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that You should care for them? Yet You made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything You made, putting all things under their authority—the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O LORD, our Lord, Your majestic name fills the earth! (Psalms 8:1-9 NLT)

I can't read this Psalm without thinking of a praise chorus we  used to sing.  Thank you, Lloyd Hamilton, for making this a part of my Christian Experience.  I have been truly blessed by you.

I found an Amy Grant rendition from 1982.  I hope it's a blessing!

Here's another rendition by Sandi Patty as a part of a three-song medley.  These ladies can really sing!

Psalm 128

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, 
  who walk in obedience to him. 
    You will eat the fruit of your labor; 
    blessings and prosperity will be yours. 
      Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; 
      your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 
    Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the LORD. 
May the LORD bless you from Zion; 
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 
May you live to see your children's children... (Psalms 128:1b-6a NIV)

Blessings,
Pete

Pool Enclosures

A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the mountains-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalms 121:1-4 NIV)

Today I'm feeling a bit of "let down" and having trouble motivating myself to attack my overwhelmingly large task lists.  I've been around the block enough to know that there are "seasons" in life and that even within any given season there are "ebbs and flows" to our days.  Some days there is far more given to you than you can accomplish in a day.  On those days, the "task list" increases.'  Other days not many new projects are added to your list, so you "chip away" at what is in front of you.  My time since the Porter County Fair has been primarily the first category: adding to my list.  That's about 6-8 weeks worth of managing the "highest priorities" and letting the rest pile up.

In the midst of this time, I've found myself tempted to abandon my time alone with God each day.  After all, I'm "too busy" to spend time reading Scripture and talking to Him.  With few exceptions, I've fought off that temptation and at least followed my reading plan - keeping me grounded in His Word.  Even when I didn't blog or send out texts/emails telling people "I prayed for you," I was regularly having my focus being brought to Him.  I needed that.

A couple weeks ago, for example, Traci and I traveled down to Anderson University to drop off our daughter and get her settled in.  The orientation process worked out in such a way for her specific programs so that we really should have been spending three days down there.  My mom gave us an early Anniversary present so we could stay in a hotel during this process.  It was a great blessing.

Most of the time was spent moving our daughter into her dorm, attending parent orientation meetings, and spending time with our new college student to navigate this new world together.  One afternoon, though, we had a break in the action for a little while and Traci and I got to enjoy the hotel pool for two hours.  It was a nice pool with a glass enclosure all around it that allowed us to feel like we were outside, while we were really inside and protected from the elements.  Today's Scripture reading reminded me of those couple hours.

The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalms 121:5-8 NIV)

Traci and I spend most of those two hours talking about the overwhelming majesty of our God.  We talked about ministry and serving and how much we Him and the purpose He's given us.  We enjoyed being "outside" and at the same time "protected" from the harshness of the sun's rays.  I imagined what it would be like to sit in a room like that in the winter, protected from the cold and snow outside yet still enjoying the power of our God.

It's so easy to lose sight of the grandeur of our God.  It's easy to get caught up in the here and now and the "important" things that vie for our attention every day.  My time alone with God, though, breaks me out of that "daily grind" and reminds me of what this is all about.  It reminds me who is really in control.  It reminds me that He is watching over my life and that He will continue to do so for the rest of my life.  It reminds me to relax, enjoy His protective "enclosure," and walk with Him.  I'm asking Him to help you enjoy the LORD who watches over you as well.