Tag Archives: the book of Psalms

September 5
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“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:10-11, NIV)

Today’s scripture reminds us that what impresses God is a person who reveres Him; a person whose hope resides in Him.

What motivates us?  Is it the approval of other people, or is it the approval of God?

In whom (or what) does our hope reside?  Is it with our extensive network of friends; or is it in our heavenly Father?

Parents delight in the love, trust, and obedience of their children.  Are we giving our Father reasons to delight in us?  – Luther

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September 4
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“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.  One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:3-4, NIV)

Most of what we know of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and power has been commended to us from those who have gone before us; whether from persons noted in the Bible, or from relatives and friends personally known to us.

As disciples of Jesus, we have the privilege and the opportunity to pass-along word of God’s “mighty acts” to other generations.

What have you seen God do — either for yourself, or for others?

Based on your personal experience, are you telling the story of His love toward you? Does your life, and your lifestyle, commend Him to those in other generations?  – Luther

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September 3
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“The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” (Psalm 135:6, NIV)

“Unbossed and unbought” was the slogan of the late Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005).

Chisholm was the first black woman elected to the U. S. Congress (New York – 1968); the first black candidate from a major political party (Democratic) for the U. S. Presidency (1972); and the Democratic party’s first female nominee for President.

Although I was too young to vote in 1972, I remember well the appeal of Congresswoman Chisholm: Direct, truthful, principled, and — of course — “unbossed and unbought.”  Many in the electorate who were on the margins of political influence and financial power were energized by Chisholm’s history and her message.

The psalmist’s description of God is of One who is truly sovereign.  Sovereignty is defined as “the quality of having supreme, independent authority” in a particular realm; or, as the psalmist says: Doing “whatever pleases him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.”

It should cheer us to worship a God who is sovereign over (and in) everything because He can never be “bossed,” and He can never — ever — be “bought.”  – Luther

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