Tag Archives: the book of Psalms

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.

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 message and her personal history.

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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August 28
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“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, NIV)

For the disciple of Jesus, walking the narrow path that leads to life (please click on Matthew 7:13-14 for full scripture reference) is as natural as breathing; but it doesn’t begin that way. 

It may take us years to reach the place where we are naturally in stride with the will of God, and we will never arrive at that point without first subjecting our ambitions, habits, preferences, prejudices, and pastimes to the scrutiny God’s word — and modifying our actions accordingly. 

To “sin” means is to “miss the mark.” There are some deficiencies in our living that are the result of ignorance, but these instances are few (and become fewer and fewer with each year of our life).

Most of the shortcomings in our relationship with God are the result of our willful disobedience.  We yield to bad habits, craven ambitions, and prejudices because it is far more comfortable to continue living that way than it is to change-up our lifestyle and come alive to God’s plan.

The key to staying in stride with our heavenly Father is to read His word; to heed His word; and to hide His word in your heart.  – Luther

 
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