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.