Bible Chapter: Psalms 61 & 62

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    King David gave us some great advice here. He prayed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. He expressed how God had always been a shelter for him and was a strong tower of protection from the enemy. Because of that he would abide in the Lord’s Tabernacle forever and trust in the shelter of His wings. He said he would praise the name of God forever and would daily perform his vows. He had truly learned to trust in God.
    King David expressed again that only God is his rock and salvation. Only God is his defense, so that he will not be greatly moved. He said that his soul waited for God alone because God is his salvation. He encouraged his readers to trust in God at all times and pour out their hearts before Him because God is our refuge.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I believe that I need to continually hear over and over the encouragement to put my trust fully in God. He really is the only refuge and strength that we have. God’s track record is that He does not let us down but that He is there for us to call on him at any time. We will always run into people who are out to hurt us. We can continually put our trust in the all mighty power of God.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I think of the passage in Proverbs that says we are to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lead on our own understandings. If we will acknowledge God in everything, He will direct our paths. That is really good advice for everyone to follow.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 59 & 60

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    I find it interesting that there are people who are so open about the sinful destruction they want to carry out that they don’t care who knows.  Saul considered David his enemy and openly conspired to kill him.  David’s response was to call on God for his defense.  He called them workers of iniquity and bloodthirsty men.  He was relying on the God of mercy for protection.
    God calls for His people to live in obedience.  When they don’t, they set themselves up for failure.  Then they need to come to God in repentance, calling for His help and deliverance.  This is the only way to truly make it in life.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Sinners these days are very open about their sin.  They even brag about lifestyles that are the exact opposite of what God commands.  I need to not be afraid to be open about being a follower of Jesus.  And, I need to not get caught up in things that go against God’s ways.  I am observing too many things done in the name of Christianity that are extremely questionable and that can easily lead to an open rejection of God’s ways.  I don’t want to get caught up with technicalities that squeak inside the line of not sinning but can provide an excuse for getting away with something.

3.  How can I help someone?
    How close can you get to Jesus?  How close to his power and might can you get?  How submissive to Him will your life be?  These are good questions to ask and answer.  That prevents issues like David had to deal with in Psalm 60.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 57 & 58

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    We find a safe place in the Lord.  We find shelter.  There is safety in reaching out to God and trusting Him.  The miracles that God can do give us hope.  When opponents come, God is the refuge.  So, David exalted the name of the Lord.  God’s glory is above all the earth.  We see David’s confidence in God.  His heart is steadfast in the Lord.  He gave God the praise that only God deserves.
    There are many wicked people in the world and they bring destruction.  They are a poison to society.  David called for God to break them, destroy them.  The righteous will rejoice when the time comes that God judges them and rejoice in the reward of the righteous.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I think of the words of an old song - there is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God.  That is a powerful reminder of where I need to stay.  In my ramblings through life I have been brought to that place where there is not quiet rest, and I need to always seek to stay close to HIM so I am not overwhelmed by the noise of the oppressor.  The safest place is always in the Lord.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people be continually pointed to the place of safety and hope in the Lord.  That is the best place we can ever be.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 55 & 56

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    So many people can identify with the author here.  There are problems that we face.  And, the problems don’t always come from the “other side”.  Sometimes they come from people who you would least expect to be the source of trouble.  Then, what we often want to do is just run and hide.  Discouragement seems to call for hiding.  The real answer is to reach out to God and find His help.  So, call on Him over and over again.  Cast all of your cares on God and let HIM carry everything.
    Then there are the times when a enemy comes in and does all it can to destroy.  That is the time when fear comes in and that is even more the time when we need to trust in God.  People twist things, they twist the words a person says.  But, what can people do compared to what God can do?  So, keep on trusting God.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Psalms like these help me keep the eternal perspective.  God really has all power.  It can easily seem as if all problems are overwhelming and I am about to go under the coming wave.  Then, God comes through with a word of encouragement and it turns things around.  Another note to self: remember this.

3.  How can I help someone?
    When the battles come, praise God and put your full trust in Him.  Though there are many who hound you, continually put your trust in God.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 53 & 54

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    There are many foolish denials regarding God.  Here we see those who claim that He doesn’t exist.  I see other foolish claims that, on the surface don’t deny God’s existence, and yet just as foolishly deny His work and power.  In the name of knowledge and science we hear that everything in nature just happened.  To say that God created the universe brings up the hatred and ire of these folks who say it is foolish to credit the Divine Creator.  It looks to me that this is just as foolish as saying that God doesn’t exist.
    God, save me.  Hear my prayer and deliver me.  God, you are my helper.  Lord, repay my enemies.  David was reaching out to God in a very difficult time.  He faced many opponents in his life.  He knew that God was the only One who delivered him from his troubles.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Looking to God when life is bringing problems is the best solution.  David obviously was not one of the folks who didn’t believe in God.  He had seen too many examples of God’s power and intervention in life.  He relied on God’s intervention to deal with his enemies.  These are good examples to follow.  For all who trust God, He really IS our helper and He is the One who delivers us out of trouble.

3.  How can I help someone?
    God IS, and He is the direction we must all travel as we journey through life.  Getting closer to God makes all the difference in the world.  Never try to face life’s challenges without being in submission to God.  He always has the best ways.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 51 & 52

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Psalm 51 is one of the best known Psalms and is filled with much teaching as well as understanding of the nature of God.  When David realized he had sinned and was caught, he came to the place of admitting it and seeking forgiveness. Admitting guilt is an important first step in receiving forgiveness.  We learn here that sin is always ultimately against God.  His sinful nature had taken over and David admitted his need of spiritual cleansing.  He prayed for God to create a clean heart in him.  What God is looking for is a broken and contrite heart that He can cleanse and make new.
    David had many enemies in his life.  King Saul often acted as an enemy.  David wrote about the tragic event Doeg was a part of.  He predicted his destruction and said it was something people should rejoice in.  Many innocent people were hurt because of Saul’s instructions and Doeg’s actions.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    There is so much to learn from David’s sin and his recognition of it.  God is against sin because of the destruction it does to people.  David acknowledged that it was only God Who can forgive a person and make them new.  And, it is the heart that needs to be made new.  He needed to be in God’s presence.  Learning from the mistakes of others is a good thing to do.  I need to grasp his expressions and reaching out to God and not fall into the same sinful traps.

3.  How can I help someone?
    David’s insight expressed here is extremely helpful.  People need to grasp the issue of sin.  David seemed to think that he could get away with his adultery because he was the king.  God helped him understand that everyone is accountable for their actions.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 49 & 50

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Being rich.  It is the dream and desire of millions of people.  Countless have died in the midst of schemes that promised to make them rich.  Yet, here we find that it is useless to put our trust in riches. No one can pay for the redemption of his soul.  Everyone will eventually die and we “can’t take it with us”.  God is the One Who redeems a soul.  Being rich is not evil.  It is simply not the solution to the issues of life.  Riches will not last for eternity.  We only have eternal life through God.
    Let the heavens declare God’s righteousness.  He is the judge.  He is God.  The earth and all creation belong to God.  People are to reach out to God in times of trouble and put their trust in Him.  There are hypocrites who pretend to love God, yet the ignore Hos commands and live like the rest of the ungodly world.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God said that He will rebuke those who pretend to love Him and yet are only playing a game.  We see how serious He is about this in v. 22 when God warns that he would tear them in pieces and there would be no one to deliver them.  These people bring eternal punishment down upon themselves.  This message speaks the importance of living a real life of service and submission to Jesus.  God is looking for people to be real believers in Him.  There needs to be evidence that a person is the real thing – a real believer in Jesus.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Are you serious about serving God?  Are you going through a religious routine?  I want to help people answer these questions to draw them to the Lord.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 47 & 48

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    How awesome God is!!  He is extremely worthy of praise.  Use every method available to give honor to God.  Clap your hands!!  Shout in triumph!!  Sing!!  We can never over-do the worship of God.  He is our creator.  He is our provider for eternity.  He reigns over the nations.  We see this powerful theme of Who God is throughout these Psalms.
    God will lead His people to eternity.  We have God’s promise of His help here on earth and on to eternity.  This promise is even more important these days as the world is more and more openly lashing out against everything God has said.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Someone made a short chorus from this Psalm.  We used to sing it with our children when they were small.  Clap your hands all ye people, shout unto God with a voice of triumph.  That is a good thing to do.  That is a good thing to sing.  We need to be reminded of giving God praise.  Praising and worshiping God is not part of a religious ritual we do when we go to church.  Some talk about “doing worship”.  No, we have the privilege of worshiping God every day.  God dwells in the praises of His people.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the blessings of really worshiping God.  We can worship Him in a variety of ways.  We can declare God’s worth, His value and exalt Him.  That’s worship.  That we can do often.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 45 & 46

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Part of this Psalm is prophetic, pointing forward to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  His ruling power and authority will never end.  Jesus is described by what He loves and hates.  He sets the pace for His followers.  The Lord loves righteousness.  That is a challenging concept and truth for us all to follow.  It is one thing to do what is righteous, it is another to actually love righteousness.  Jesus lived an example of righteousness.  Tied in with loving what is right, this Psalm says that God hates wickedness.  Sin destroys people and tears them away from God.  He is always against sin and His people need to follow that pattern.  The Lord wants to fill His people with the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit, which will increase their love for what God loves and blesses.
    We must continually remember the awesome message of this Psalm.  We find a hiding place in God.  We find our strength, our ability to go on through what God has for us.  So, we don’t have to be afraid.  God has an amazing river where we can find comfort and strength.  Rivers are vital for the sustenance of life.  God’s spiritual river is the same for us spiritually.  So, we need to stop and let God take us through the daily issues of life.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    “Let it go.”  This is a statement sometimes said to people who have issues and they can’t seem to find an answer.  Be still, let it go, and know that God is God.  Quit letting things hold you down.  God is with us and He is our refuge and strength.  That’s a good sermon for me to preach to me.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Give all the difficult problems and trials of life to God.  Let Him do the heavy lifting and figuring out what is going on.  Let God do the worrying.  Oh, yes, He doesn’t worry.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 43 & 44

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Prayer for strength and help when the world is crashing in.  This is a good example of what we should do.  The Psalmist says here that he will go to God and that he will praise Him.  Too many run away from God in times of trouble, which is the exact opposite of what we need to do.  We need to run to the Lord and praise Him so that we are in a position to receive His help.  Then we will realize that we don’t have to be disquieted within.  We can hope in God.
    God has done so many awesome things.  He drove out the nations and provided them with their land.  Through God’s name they gained great victories.  But, then, some questions arose.  The Psalmist felt that they were suffering because God had abandoned them.  He didn’t understand why, because he didn’t see evidence of sin or rebellion.  The nation had been faithful to God.  In spite of the fact that the nation was living in obedience and righteousness, they were  still experiencing difficult times.  Where was God?  The answer is found in the sinful world we live in.  Godly people sometimes suffer because the world is hostile towards God.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I find it interesting that one of the traits of our spiritual enemy, hatred, is the dart that is thrown in accusation against believers today.  When we teach the Bible and express what is right and wrong according to Bible standards, we are accused of hating anyone who disagrees with us.  Yet, what is obvious is that the real hatred comes from the troops of the enemy.  They are very good at creating confusion.  So, I must not get caught up in the confusion, letting them define the issues and battle.  I must be faithful to do what God’s word commands and trust Him.  God is love, and He tells us the truth.  It is loving to tell people the truth.  It must be done in the proper way.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Tell them the truth of God’s Word and help them see God’s love that sets them free from the bondage of sin.  God will receive and forgive anyone who calls on the name of the Lord.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 41 & 42

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    David understood God’s concern the poor and needy. He said the one who cares for those in need will find God’s deliverance in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and not deliver him to his enemies. David knew that his enemies would speak evil of him and desire his death, yet he continued to trust in God’s help. He cried out to the Lord to be merciful to him and raise him up.
    Both people and animals need water. We all have a thirst for water that keeps us alive.  This is especially true in hot and dry places. The psalmist used the illustration of deer that live near pools of water on the edge of the desert to talk of his longing for God. He said his soul thirsts for God, for the living God. This thirst for God is true in the heart of every human being. Sadly, many never find the way to truly know God. In talking to himself, the psalmist asked himself why he was cast down and discouraged. He needs to, and we all need to, hope in God. God is our help and our strength.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The Lord has promised to be with those who put their trust in him. It is very easy to get discouraged when things don’t look like they are going in a way that we like. We need to strive to continually get closer to the Lord and let his presence satisfy the thirst of our souls. God cares for all people in need and believers can be God’s messengers of sharing help to those in need. So it should be a normal part of life to help when we can continually reach out to get closer to God. And, when I feel cast down and discouraged, I need to remind myself that I have a solid hope in God. He is my strength.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Those who do not know God do not know the hope and joy that He offers. I want to be ready to share that hope and joy and point people to the peace of God that doesn’t make sense to our human thinking. God has promised to forgive all who come to him and in receiving forgiveness we have God’s peace.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 39 & 40

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Because God loves his people, He disciplines them when they need it. David said that he would guard his ways less he sin with his tongue. He wanted God to help him know the purpose and value of his days here on this earth. The days of any person on the earth are very short compared to eternity. David prayed for God to deliver him and remove His discipline from him. He prayed that the Lord would hear his cry and not be silent to his tears.
    Psalm 40 starts out in a very encouraging tone. David said he waited patiently for the Lord and the Lord heard his cry, and brought him up out of a horrible pit. God set his feet upon a rock established his steps. And God is put a new song in his mouth, even praise to God. There are many different songs that people around the world sing, but the best song is a song of praise to God. It brings a person into God’s presence and brings encouragement to their heart. We know that God’s great desire is not that we bring a sacrifice and offering but that we grow close to Him and live for Him. David prayed that God’s loving kindness and truth would continually preserve him.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God desires that we live our lives being faithful to him. When people are unfaithful, they can bring God’s discipline and judgment on themselves. Learning to live a life of praise to God makes life so much better. It is very easy to complain and to live a life of grumbling. The best life is when we learn to praise God and realize that He is the one who lifts us up from the messes of life and establishes our going. I want to continually learn to make praise a central part of my life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    There is an old song we used to sing that says:
Praise Him Praise Him
Praise Him in the morning
Praise Him in the noon time,
Praise Him Praise Him
Praise Him when the sun goes down.
    That is some really good encouragement and advice. Learn to continually praise God, He is worthy of all the praise you can possibly give Him.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 37 & 38

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    There are so many great thoughts and words of encouragement in Psalm 37. We are encouraged to NOT fret because of evildoers nor to be envious of people who commit iniquity. They will be judged. Believers in Jesus are encouraged to trust in the Lord, delight in the Lord and also commit your way to the Lord. Those who do these things will receive God’s blessings. We are also encouraged to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. We know that the evildoers will be cut off and those that trust in the Lord will inherit the earth. It is often a common struggle for a righteous person to see all that an evil person may own, but we are encouraged with the thought that a little the righteous person has is better than the riches of many wicked.
    The Lord is a righteous judge. David knew that when he sinned he would bring God’s chastening down upon himself. He had times of physical sickness and wounds because of his foolishness. He also expressed that his greatest desire was God. He said he would put his hope in the Lord. He prayed that the Lord would not forsake him and would make taste to help him because the Lord is his salvation.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    A question that many people have these days is who can I trust. These verses remind me that I can trust in the Lord and delight in Him. I can have confidence because the Lord loves justice and He does not forsake his saints. The wicked will be cut off and will be judged. I am reminded here to fully trust God and strive to obey Him in everything that I do. When I do that, then my heart becomes more tuned to God and my desires become more like His desire is for me. I can better learn to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people do the things that Psalm 37 talks about. I want to help them not to fret, but to trust in the Lord, delight themselves in the Lord, commit their way to the Lord and rest in Him. Let God show Himself as the source of life, hope and strength.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 35 & 36

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The Bible describes a strong spiritual battle that continues down through the ages. There are times when God’s people need to pray for God to deal with spiritual enemies and provide deliverance for believers. The Psalmist prayed for evil to end and that justice would be done for innocent people. Wicked people will one day stand before God as their judge and receive the reward they deserve for their sin. God will judge sinners when He knows the time is right. David prayed for God to plead his case. I can’t think of a more powerful ally to have than the Lord. Because he knew he could trust God, David said that his soul would be joyful in the Lord and rejoice in God’s salvation. David understood an important principle, that it is sinners who should be ashamed and not believers. The enemy is working hard to turn that around to cause people who are following God’s ways to feel shame. Believers must never get caught up in that trap.
    Wicked people have no fear of God. That is a very scary place to live because they do not abhor evil. They do not see how precious God’s loving kindness is. Evil people lack the righteous hatred for sin that they should have. Sinful behavior is accepted as normal and expected. Yet, the more we understand God’s character the more we see that God hates sin and the destruction that it brings.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    One of the best applications of the Bible in my life is to love God and hate sin. There are no new sins in the world, just new ways to participate in sin. I am observing that sinners are more open about their sin and more willing to attack those who live for Jesus. I must not let the intimidation of the forces of evil caused me to compromise truth and righteousness. I must continue to remember that, in the end, God will win.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The most destructive and painful life one can live is a life of sin. Many people don’t see that. I want to help people see that truth and receive the blessings and joy that come from living with Jesus in your heart.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 33 & 34

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    One of the questions that some people have thought of is, why is there music? This Psalm helps us understand God’s purpose in giving us music as it tells us we can use it to praise the Lord. God gave us music as one of the unique ways to bring honor and praise to him. God is righteous, just and powerfully creative. He is worthy of all the praise and worship we can give him. One of the ways we can worship Him is with music. This Psalm also gives us a very important word of advice when it tells us that blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. To trust in material strength for protection is vain. God wants us to trust him.
    We see some more good advice from David.  He sought the Lord and He delivered him from all his fears.  He cried out to God and He saved him from his troubles.  The angels of the Lord are present to deliver God’s people.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    David wrote about the troubles and trials of righteous people.  Some people don’t think that righteous people ever have difficulties.  What are we encouraged to do in times of troubles?  Cry out to God and look for His deliverance.  God is near those who have a broken heart.  The righteous have many afflictions, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.  God will bring ultimate condemnation to all who refuse to serve Him.  These are good words of encouragement to apply to life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    When a person is going through battles and struggles, turn to God, not away from Him.  Trust God to take you through even when you can’t see the end of the tunnel.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 31 & 32

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    In life many people have times of distress and sorrow.  Here the psalmist expresses a prayer to the Lord in his distress and sorrow. He prayed for God to deliver him and to be his solid rock of hope. There are enemies who were out to destroy him and he expressed the thought that he feels like a dead man. At the same time he said he puts his trust in the Lord. It is the wicked who should be ashamed, not the one who believes in God.  The Psalm ends with the challenge to be of good courage and God will strengthen the heart.  This is for all who hope in the Lord.
    Seeking happiness is one of the most common traits of people everywhere.  The only people who can be truly happy are those who have been forgiven by God. People who have been forgiven have a clear conscience and experience the relief and peace that comes through God's pardon. When God forgives a person he does not hold their sin against them any longer. It is not possible to truly hide sin from God, even though people continually try. The psalmist said that he acknowledged his sin before God and that admission is what brought him forgiveness.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    There are many things that never change. The sinfulness of the human race is one of them. We are living in an age when many sinful activities are not only tolerated but encouraged.  Sin is being legalized.  Over and over again I am seeing sin promoted as good and the truths of God's Word being distorted. The examples of prayer that we see in the Psalms should help set the pattern for our prayer today, to seek God's help in overcoming the power of the sinful enemies of God. I need to keep reminding myself that prayer is the weapon that God has given us, prayer is the battle.  All believers are called to serious prayer.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the clear truths of God's word. His truth will never change and the lies and deception of the enemy only bring people into bondage. God's forgiveness and living in obedience to his word will truly set people free.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 27 & 28

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Because the Lord is my light and my salvation, I do not have to live in fear. I can be of good courage because God says he will strengthen my heart. Therefore it is important for me to wait on the Lord. King David learned to trust in God knowing that with God’s help his enemies would stumble and fall. He also expressed the desire to dwell in the Lord’s house and behold the beauty of the Lord. This is something that people need to learn to understand, the awesomeness of being in God’s presence. David expressed the assurance that when he would cry out to the Lord, God would have mercy on him.
    There are times when it seems like God is silent. We can easily wonder if God is hearing our prayer. David cried out to God in prayer that He would not be silent to him. He cried out that God would hear the voice of his supplications. He prayed that God would deal with the wicked in the way they deserve. He again stated that the Lord is his strength and his shield and that he would praise God. He prayed for God to save His people and guide them in life.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Life is very interesting. So quickly things can go up or down. Accidents or injuries can happen suddenly and it can seem as if everything is falling apart. This is when we need to put our full trust in Jesus and not fall prey to the deception that God has abandoned us. In reading through the Psalms, I see over and over again that David called out to God in times of distress. This is a good encouragement to help me trust God when things are not going the way I want them to go.

3.  How can I help someone?
    We all need to accept the fact that there are ups and downs in life. We are in the midst of a spiritual battle, and it is important to always remember that in the end God will be victorious. So, when the challenges of life come, keep on trusting Jesus.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 25 & 26

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    King David again expressed his praise and worship to God. He talked about his amazing trust in God and then prayed that his enemies would not triumph over him. He expresses a very important thought as he prays that no one who waits on God would be ashamed. He says that those who deal treacherously without a cause should be the ones who are ashamed. I have noticed that many people these days who do not trust in God and promote sinful causes are using the term shame to try to put down people who are serving God. It is very important to let our trust in God be shown without fear or hesitation.  Sinners are the ones who should be ashamed. David again prayed for God’s preservation and deliverance.
    In Psalm 26 David prayed to the Lord and talked about his life of integrity before God.  He said that he trusted in the Lord and that God could examine him and prove him. He said he did not associate with hypocrites and that he hated the gathering of the wicked.  David said that he loved the habitation of God’s house. He again reiterated his desire to walk in integrity before God.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The topic of integrity is extremely important in the world. Unfortunately, we do not see much integrity in our culture. I am always amazed when I see people who do things that are against God’s ways and yet they are proud of breaking God’s laws. I have to admit I get frustrated by the things I have to put up with because so many people are dishonest. My desire is to live a life that reflects God’s righteousness and integrity.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people understand the importance of walking in God’s way and living a life of righteousness and integrity. I want to encourage people and help them to consistently live a godly life and not be ashamed of it or intimidated by the sinful people who literally promote sinful activity. I want to help people see the difference between serving God and serving sin. The blessings of serving God are always worth it.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 23 & 24

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    One of the best known passages in the Bible – The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.  How many millions of people have been encouraged by this Psalm!!  It is a real blessing to know that God will be with those who love Him.  He is our source and comfort.  God brings us to places of peace and rest.  Even in the hardest of times God promises to give us victory over fear.  His goodness and mercy will follow us in everything we do.  We have God’s promise to dwell with Him forever.  This short passage carries a powerful message.
    The Lord is the creator of all.  The earth and all in it belong to the Lord.  God gives the righteous the privilege of coming into His presence.  This awesome Creator is the King of glory and the Lord mighty in battle.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God is worthy of all praise.  This is something to always remember and constantly do.  I can also say that God deserves the praise.  I have recently read where someone who calls themselves a Christian said that God doesn’t need the worship people give Him.  That person is totally confused.  He is worthy of all praise and we must continually give it to Him.  This is one way we enter God’s presence.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people understand what real worship to God is.  It is not just singing songs of a certain genre. It is recognizing that God is the mighty Creator and deserves praise and worship.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 21 & 22

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Psalms 20 and 21 go together. They are prayers of the Psalmist regarding warfare. First is a prayer before the fight.  Then a time of praise when it is done.  King David said he rejoiced in the salvation of the Lord.  David said that God gave him the desires of his heart. He also said that he trusts in the Lord and find strength and shelter in God’s mercy. His enemies intended evil and they plotted against God, but they couldn’t accomplish their purpose. David said they would sing praise to God.
    Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm that points forward to Jesus and his crucifixion on the cross. It expresses the extreme suffering and agony He went through.  People would mock Jesus on the cross, taunting him to seek God to rescue him. It talks about some of the specific details of the crucifixion.  For example, the Psalmist said they pierced my hands and my feet. Jesus did go through all of this agony and more when He died on the cross to be the Savior for all who call on him for forgiveness of sins. This Psalm expresses the thought that on the cross Jesus felt abandoned by his Father. Many people as they go through struggles and trials in life have felt that God has abandoned them. But God has promised that he will never desert his people.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    In life there will be times of rejoicing as well as trials and difficulties. I can rest on the assurance that God will never leave me and that He will be with me through whatever comes. King David rejoiced in what God had done for them. We also have times when we feel all alone. God’s Word gives us the assurance that God will never abandon his people even when we think there is no hope. We know that in the end there is deliverance and salvation as we put our trust in Christ.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The Lord is my strength and my salvation. This is what God’s word says and I want to encourage people to put their trust in God in all the situations of life. It is a common temptation to run from God when things get difficult. We need to learn to run TO God in hard times because running from him will never solve our problems but only make them worse.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 19 & 20

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    All of creation shows God’s glory and power.  I continually hear people talk about how everything just happened, that over billions of years this extremely complex life we see all around us is the result of chance.  And yet, everything we use daily has a designer and maker.  Yet, somehow they think that life, all of nature and everything we see just happened.  We can see God’s glory and power in all of life.  God’s laws are perfect, and life is better because of God’s testimony, statutes, commandments, and judgments.  They are to be desired more than piles of gold.  What we receive from God will last.  Everything else will fade away. The Lord is our rock and redeemer.
    The prayer of David for God’s protection.  Lord, answer in the day of trouble.  God, we need your defense.  Then, we will rejoice in your salvation.  God answers prayer and is our help in the continual battle to cause people to fail before the Lord.  So, who are we going to trust?  Some people trust in all the weapons and strength of human creativity.  Back then war was with chariots and horses.  Today it is modern marvels of destruction.  But, David said he would remember the name of the LORD his God. God is the One who will carry His people through.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I must not get caught up in the pride of people who think they are smarter than God.  I am continually amazed at how life and nature works.  God is an amazing designer.  I must continue to recognize that what God provides will last and is more valuable than any material possession.  Stuff if fun, is helpful and our human desire is often for more stuff.  But, it will all eventually be left behind.  What we receive from God is the most valuable.  So, we must remember God and call on Him regularly.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Do you see the world?  Do you see the amazing variety of plants, animals, trees, terrain and more?  They all show the hand of a supernatural Designer.  This same Designer made us.  He loves us more than we can ever imagine.  This love He has for us gives us hope.  He is with us to take us through all the challenges of life.  Learn to trust Him.  Make Jesus the Lord of your life.

Bible Chapter: Psalms 17 & 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    David was praying to God.  He had confidence in his prayer because God is so merciful.  He also had faith because he had been living in obedience to God.  The Bible says that God hears prayer, especially the prayer of righteous people who are living in obedience to God’s ways.  There is protection in living under God’s direction.  David called on God to guide his steps that he not slip along the way.  David knew that serving God would lead to satisfaction in his life.
    Everyone has ongoing struggles in life.  God cares for us.  He is our safety and security.  David called God his fortress, for He is a place of refuge and safety from the enemy.  God delivers his people and protects them as the shield.  David also called God his stronghold who will lift us above the perils of life.
    I appreciate this verse that someone made into a chorus:  I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.  They combined it with another verse:  The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.  We CAN and MUST call on God and receive His strength and protection.  Because, as this Psalm also says:  In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple.
    With God’s help we can do what seems impossible.  David said he could run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.  Yes, God will make life amazing as we serve and trust in Him.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    There is so much in these Psalms to apply to life.  We need to trust God and fully expect His help.  We must study to know what He wants and then do it.  I think that often we make life more complex than it has to be.  Worship God.  Trust God.  Live for and with God.  When David did this wonderful things happened.  It was when he turned from the life of obedience that things fell apart.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Some wise advice I heard one time said “Learn from my mistakes so you don’t have to make them all yourself”.  That is good advice.  Learn from these writings that explain the best way to live and overcome the challenges and battles of life.