Today’s Reading: Luke 23, Mark 15, Isaiah 53

Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. – Matthew 27:27-31

These next few portions of scripture are difficult to read. It is uncomfortable to consider the pain Jesus suffered for us. It is hard to comprehend that a holy God could love a sinful people enough to send His very own son to be mocked, tortured and crucified. It is often more than we can fathom or wrap our minds around.

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS?

They led Jesus away, walking up a road leading to the place called Golgotha. At one point, the soldiers either had some compassion on Jesus or they became impatient with how long it was taking our wounded Lord to carry the cross. They seized Simon of Cyrene and made him carry the cross behind Jesus. A large crowd followed, including many grief-stricken women. Even in that awful moment, Jesus had compassion on the broken-hearted following this procession.

And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.

Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece…

The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”…

Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him. – Mark 15:22-32

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”…One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed…but the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:34,39-43

Again, the compassion of Jesus is displayed. Even while he was suffering, he was thinking of the purpose for which he was dying – salvation.

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS?

Scripture says that Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9 o’clock in the morning. At noon, darkness fell over the whole land. At about three o’clock, the time at which the Passover lamb would be sacrificed, Jesus called out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46).

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. – Matthew 27:50-52

When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:39

Many walked away in deep sorrow while some stayed close by. A man named Joseph came with an order from Pilate to release Jesus’ body to Joseph. His loved ones followed as Jesus’ body was placed in the new tomb. By now it was the Sabbath so they would have to wait until Sunday morning to anoint his body.

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS?

He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth…
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.
I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. – Isaiah 53:3–7, 11–12

Today’s Reading: Luke 22, Mark 14

“Look, my betrayer is here!” – Mark 14:42b

But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” – Luke 22:47-48

They took Jesus first to Annas and then to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest – the one who had joined in the plot to kill Jesus. They brought many false witnesses in to tell lies about Jesus and they brought up the moment when Jesus had said, “I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days, I will build another, made without human hands.” Even though they couldn’t get their stories straight, the people still cried out, “Guilty! He deserves to die!” Then the guards mocked him and beat him, they blindfolded him and hurled insults at him (Mark 14:53-65).

The next day, Jesus stood in front of the elders, leading priests and teachers of religious law. They condemned him for saying he was the Son of God. They bound him, led him away and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.

When Judas heard that Jesus had been condemned to die, he went back to the leading priests and tried to undo what he had done. It was too late. Filled with remorse, he threw the silver coins down, left the Temple and hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5).

Defining who was King of the Jews was the argument surrounding the trial of Jesus Christ. Pilate asked Jesus if he was king of the Jews and Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
Pilate said, “So, you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked (John 18:36-38).

Finding Jesus not guilty of any crime, Pilate went out to the people and asked them, “Would you like for me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?”
But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas” (John 18:39-40).

Just moments before Jesus was going to die on the cross for their sins, the people were emphatically denying him and crying out for his death – “Crucify him! Crucify him!” The soldiers mocked Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head and purple robe on his back – “Hail! King of the Jews!”

Still finding Jesus not guilty of any of the charges against him, Pilate again went out to the people and said, “Look, here is your king!”
“Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!”
“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.
Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away (John 19:14-16).

But Pilate seemed to know who he was handing over to be crucified. It didn’t matter to him that the people and the Jewish leaders were rejecting Jesus, he knew who Jesus was and he was determined to make it known. As was the custom, he had a sign made to hang over each man being crucified. Over Jesus the sign read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Once more the leading priests, men appointed by God to lead His people in sacrificial worship of Him, led the people in their rejection of the promised Messiah saying, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am the King of the Jews.’” Pilate stubbornly refused, “No, what I have written, I have written” (John 19:19-22).

God’s people stubbornly refused to acknowledge His Son as their King at the same time that Pilate stubbornly refused to acknowledge Him as anything but the King of the Jews. Just as their ancestors rejected God as their King (1 Samuel 8-10), demanding an earthly king instead, the Jews were now rejecting His Son, the Messiah.

So today, as we remember the sacrifice Christ made for us when he died on the cross, let us consider if we are acknowledging Jesus as King. Let’s ask the same question that Pilate asked, “What is truth?” We can claim that Jesus is Lord of our life, but are we really giving him power and authority over the decisions we make?

Today, I want God’s Kingship to be evidenced not only in my words but in my actions. I want to look back and see where He has brought me from and from what He has rescued me. He gets to be in charge, He gets all the authority and it is to Him that I bow in reverence this morning as I enjoy my morning coffee with my Savior — the One who gave his life so that I could have mine.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 146, 148, 150

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1

This is a familiar phrase to all of us. We have heard it spoken among believers, written in correspondence and shouted in worship services. But I do not want the familiarity of these words to cause me to miss out on what God’s Word is calling me to do.

The word “praise” can be found 380 times in the Bible (NLT) and 187 times in the book of Psalms alone. As we finish up our study of this book of poetry, let us slow down to consider this familiar phrase that rolls of the tongue. Let us seek new understanding of this command in scripture – the command to praise the Lord.

Google provides us with a few definitions: Praise is the expression of approval or admiration. Approval is the agreement that something is good, acceptable or satisfactory. The meaning of admiration adds respect to my approval. [google.com]

So when I say “Praise the Lord” what am I saying? I am expressing approval and admiration of God. I am agreeing that God is good and I can accept what He decides to do. SUBMISSION. I am showing respect for who God is and what He does. God does not need my approval in the sense of seeking my permission or favor, but He demands my respect and acceptance of His Lordship. SUBMISSION.

Can I now say “Praise the Lord” and really mean it? Can I accept Him for who He is and recognize that He is good, that all He does is acceptable and worthy of my admiration? Even in the most difficult of situations, can I rest submissively in His hands and say, “Praise the Lord!!!” Let’s worship with abandon, expressing unconditional passion for our God!

Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord, I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. – Psalm 146:1-2

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all His creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. – Psalm 145:8-13

Praise the Lord!

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them by name.
How great is our Lord!
His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension! – Psalm 147:3-5

Praise the Lord!

Let all created things give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being…
Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, your men and young women, old men and children.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven. – Psalm 148:5-13

Let the praise of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands. – Psalm 149:6

Praise the Lord!

Praise him in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works; praise him for his unequaled greatness!…
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1-2,6

There is a video online of a 15-month old baby girl experiencing rain for the first time. She adorably stretches out her hands and tilts her face toward the sky. She giggles and smiles in approval of this new experience. Let’s worship like this little girl experienced the rain? Let’s turn our face towards God and lift up our hands in praise, showing how we agree with God that this life He has given us is good – that we admire and approve. Praise the Lord!

Today’s Reading: Psalm 140-145

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:8

Has your morning ever taken off without you? The day starts at a fast pace and, before you know it, you are hours into your day and you have not spent any time in God’s word. Those are my least favorite days. I know how spending time in God’s presence can change me and refresh me. That is why I get up each morning and spend time in His presence before the house gets loud and the day picks up momentum. Me, my God and a hot cup of my morning coffee.

…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES US.

Spending time with the Lord produces godliness in our lives. Spending time daily getting a fresh filling of the Spirit produces good fruit in our life. It changes what we do and what we say.

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong. – Psalm 141:3-4

Lord, I long to dwell in your presence and give you control of what I say and what I do. Lord, protect me from the urgings of my sinful nature and breathe into me the urgings of your Spirit. Guide what I say and what I do. Steer the direction of my life, O God.

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES OUR DIRECTION.

When I am overwhelmed, YOU ALONE KNOW THE WAY I SHOULD TURN.
Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.
I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought!
No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
YOU ARE ALL I REALLY WANT IN LIFE.” – Psalm 142:3-5

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES OUR DESIRES.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. – Psalm 143:8-10

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE BRINGS US JOY!

Yes, joyful are those who live like this!
Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 144:15

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE DRAWS US CLOSER TO HIM.

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them. – Psalm 145:18-19

…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b

Father God, that is where I long to spend my day – in your presence. Not just while I drink my morning coffee, but all day long. May your presence in my life today change me – change my desires, change my direction. May time in your presence bring me joy and draw me closer to you. Lord, refresh me and renew me for what lies ahead. I soak in your presence, Father God, and fix my eyes on you.

“I don’t just want a piece of you and a piece of your life. Even if you were able, which you are not, to give me the biggest piece, that is not what I want. I want all of you and all of every part of you and your day.” ― William Paul Young, The Shack

Today’s Reading: Psalm 139

The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138:8

My favorite verse in scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

The God who created me knows everything there is to know about me and it is this God who holds my life in His hands.

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know EVERYTHING about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know EVERYTHING I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
I can never escape your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to the heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night –
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you. – Psalm 139:1-12

There is no pretending when it comes to our relationship with God. He knows our heart; God knows what we are feeling and where we are struggling. This God who created us understands us. He created us to need His hand to guide us and His strength to support us. He will not leave us alone. When we look back, He is there. When we look forward, He is there.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:13-18

God knows all – He will work out His plans for my life and never abandon me. I can rest in the knowledge that God loves me and thinks about me – that His faithful love will endure forever!

Lord, you know what this life holds for me. I ask you to guide me and strengthen me according to your plan for my life. Go before me and follow me. Place your hand of blessing on my head. I commit another day to you, Lord, trusting you with all the details. I choose to spend my time in your ever faithful presence. Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord, and make today exactly what you want it to be. Amen.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out everything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalm 139:23-24

Today’s Reading: Psalms 8, 136, 138

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1

God, my Creator, will love me with a love that will endure forever.

Soak in the meaning of just how incredible God is. He is a good God – a God who loves us with a love that will endure forever. His love will endure; it will suffer patiently. His love will bear…stand…suffer…tolerate…sustain…undergo.

Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights – His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:4-7

God, my Protector, will love with a love that will endure forever!

He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:12-14

God, my Provider, will love with a love that will endure forever!

Do you get that? Are you letting that completely soak in and saturate your being this morning? Don’t let a phrase you have heard over and over again lose its meaning. Take hold of this promise – HIS FAITHFUL LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:23-26

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength…
Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138:3-8

God, my Beloved, suffers patiently for me.

The God who created me will not abandon me because He loves me. His love is strong and can bear with me through my struggles because it is a love that protects and provides. The Lord will work out HIS plans for my life. He will part the “Red Seas” and bring me out of my “Egypt”. He will remember me in my weakness and provide for me according to His plan. His faithful love endures forever. I do not deserve this faithful God.

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? – Ps. 8:3-4

God, my Designer, will love with a love that will endure forever!

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the fact that the God of Creation loves me and cares about me! Psalms does not just tell us about God, it describes man’s relationship with God. As we read through it, we do not simply increase what WE KNOW ABOUT GOD. We come face to face with the fact that WE ARE KNOWN BY GOD and…

God loves us with a love that will endure forever!

Today’s Reading: Psalms 32, 33, 34, 36, 37

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

There are times in our lives when we wonder if God is watching; if He is going to respond to what is happening around us. The psalmist felt that way at times — times when he was struggling and needed desperately to hear from God. But this same psalmist, David, used his songs to celebrate the wonder of His God. This morning it is nice to join David in simply sitting back and relaxing in who He is.

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.
For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. – Psalm 33:6-9

He is our Creator. He made us and, therefore, He understands us (33:15). He is our help and our shield, surrounding us with His unfailing love. In Him alone we can put our trust (33:20-22).

WE CAN TRUST THE LORD.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy…
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles…
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help…
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. – Psalm 34:4-6,15-19

There are so many scriptures that warn us that we will experience troubles and difficult times. Consider John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” There is no promise that our heart will never hurt or that we will never face disappointments or persecution. But we serve a God of unfailing love who never leaves us. He is bigger than any difficulty we are facing.

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity find shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. – Psalm 36:5-9

Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
So rejoice and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! – Psalm 32:10-11

Lord, we praise you for being our fortress in times of trouble. You are the God who rescues the godly from the hands of the wicked. You are our help in times of trouble. Today we choose to find our shelter in you and you alone (Psalm 37:39-40).

Today’s Reading: Psalms, 121, 124, 126, 130

Life is very much like a fresh snowfall. It is absolutely beautiful and full of the potential for fun, but with it comes fear. Just like driving on an icy surface, there is fear when we feel out of control — when life is happening to you and, no matter which way you turn the steering wheel, your life seems to be spinning the wrong direction. It is in these moments that we turn our eyes to the Lord. We cry out for His help and we place our family and our life in His hands.

MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD

I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. – Psalm 121

WHAT IF THE LORD DID NOT HELP ME?

I love this picture of God watching over me, providing a protective shade. But what if He did sleep? What if He did not watch over us protectively? As a mother, I can drive myself crazy in a matter of a few minutes if I let my mind go to the “what if’s” in life. It is better for me to relax in the reality that I serve a God I can count on – a God I can trust.

What if the Lord had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat:
What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us?
They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger.
The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.

Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free!
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 124

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! – Psalm 126:3

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.

Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?
But you offer forgiveness that we might learn to fear you.

I AM COUNTING ON HIM.

I have put my hope in his word.
I long for the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in the Lord.
I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn.

O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin. – Psalm 130

Today’s Reading: Psalm 101, 103, 105, 106

The Lord gives righteousness… – Psalm 103:6a

I could just stop right there. I love the powerful message contained in these four words. I cannot in a million years be holy or righteous on my own, but I serve a generous God who GIVES righteousness. I can never be good enough but He is enough. His righteousness can look at this ungodly heart and call me godly.

When I consider that it is HIS righteousness that makes a godly life possible, I can join in with the psalmist in this prayer of commitment to living a godly life. If I think for one minute I can do it on my own, this prayer is said with uncertainty. I HOPE I can live a blameless life, I THINK I can lead a life of integrity. If the foundation of my prayer starts with “The Lord give righteousness…”, then I can join in this prayer with confidence that it is all about my WILLING heart and God’s CAPABLE heart. It’s not about what I HOPE I can do but what I KNOW God can do! If I am willing to commit to living a holy life, He will give me His righteousness.

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life – when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. – Psalm 101:1-2

Give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. – Psalm 106:1-3

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. – Psalm 105:4

Lord, I search this morning for you and for your strength. I am seeking you and asking you for a fresh outpouring of YOUR righteousness into my life. Fill me with your Spirit so I can submit to your plan for my life. Every word I say, every action I take today, may it be evidence of your righteousness at work in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness. I desire to sing your praises all day long! Amen.

My hope is built on nothing less / Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness / I dare not trust the sweetest frame / But wholly trust in Jesus’ name / Christ alone, Cornerstone / Weak made strong in the Savior’s love / Through the storm / He is Lord / Lord of all / When darkness seems to hide His face / I rest on His unchanging grace / In every high and stormy gale / My anchor holds within the veil / My anchor holds within the veil [Cornerstone, Hillsong Worship, 2012]

Today’s Reading: Psalms 97, 119

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:11

The word that comes to my mind when I read this verse is “holiness”. I hide God’s word in my heart so that I can live out the holiness He is calling me to. To settle comfortably into a life of sin would be to sin against a God who loves me – who created me with a plan to live in relationship with Him. But sin separates me from God because God is holy. It is the desire of my heart to experience God, to remain close to Him. How can I do this? His word is a lamp unto my feet on this journey of holiness; a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.
Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions…
Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for this is where my happiness is found.
Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!
Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.
Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.
Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.
I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness. – Psalm 119: 33-40

God’s word encourages me when I am sad.
God’s word reveals truth to me when I am trying to convince myself of what I want to be true.
God’s word reminds me of the value in God’s plan.
God’s word reassures me of His promises and I am renewed!

God has done more than just hand us His word. He continues to use His word to teach us and to give us understanding. Obedience comes from these teaching moments and these teaching moments create more obedience. We walk along the path of holiness and find happiness in following His ways.

How I delight in your commands! I love them! – Psalm 119:47

Let’s join the psalmist in his love song of commitment to the God of holiness.

Lord, you are mine!
I promise to obey your words!
With all my heart I want your blessings.
Be merciful as you promised.
I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.
I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.
Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations.
I am a friend to anyone who fears you – anyone who obeys your commandments.
O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. – Psalm 119:57-64

You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands…
For I have put my hope in your word…
Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight…
My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. – Psalm 119:73-77,82

Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
Yes, I have more insight…I am even wiser…
Your commandments give me understanding… – Psalm 119:97-104

Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight…
Your word is my source of hope. – Psalm 119:111,114b