2012 Day 132 – Psalm 140, 142, 143, 144

11 Friday May 2012

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Today’s Psalms were written by David during some very desperate times. I love how he turns his hopelessness to the one place he knows he will find relief. In verses 6 and 7 of chapter 142 it says, 6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. All David wants to do is to give God the glory for delivering him. How often do I pray to God to deliver me from a situation, then as soon as I am free I forget where it came from. It is only through a close relationship with God that I can know who is my provider and deliverer.

2012 Day 131 – Psalm 80, 83

10 Thursday May 2012

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Three times in chapter 80 the author asks God to “restore us” in verses 3, 7, and 19. Before God can restore us, we must humble ourselves by turning away from things that distract us from Him or cause us to sin. As we turn our focus to God, He can help us see ourselves and sin more clearly. Only then can we have true fellowship with God; not through perfection, but honest repentance and desire for Him.

2012 Day 130 – Psalm 74, 79

09 Wednesday May 2012

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As Americans we have it easy, but persecution is something we must be prepared to endure. In the end, God will have the final say. In Psalm 79:10 it says, Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.

2012 Day 129 – Psalm 70, 71

08 Tuesday May 2012

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There is some very good contrast in Psalm 71. First with verse 2, where David asks God to bring confusion and shame to his enemies, May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. Then in verse 4, where David now asks God to bring joy to those who seek Him, But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!”

2012 Day 128 – Psalm 61, 69

07 Monday May 2012

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There are days when we all want to stay at home and not leave its shelter and security. David is asking God in Psalm 61:4 to be the safety he is longing for, I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah David had the right idea. God is the only one who can comfort us when we truly need to feel safe. We need to seek Him out when we struggle and He will protection us.

2012 Day 127 – Psalm 31, 54

06 Sunday May 2012

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In chapter 54, David is asking God to hear his prayer and to deliver him from his enemies. In verse 2 it says, Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. How often do I need to feel God is hearing my prayers and is going to answer them.

2012 Day 126 – Psalm 17, 28

05 Saturday May 2012

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Psalm 17 was written by David when he was being persecuted by Saul. Even when he knew his life was at risk, David knew where his protection was. I love verse 8 where it says, Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. According to the notes in my Bible, the “shadow of your wings” is a figure of speech symbolizing God’s protection. This same metaphor was used by Moses in Deuteronomy 32:11 because God guards us no matter what our circumstances may be.

Psalm 28 emphasizes the same message of protection, but this time specifically through prayer. Verse 1 says, To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Prayer is the best way to handle trials because it keeps us in communion with God who is our only source of safety.

2012 Day 125 – Acts 14

04 Friday May 2012

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Paul and Barnabas experience a little bit of everything in today’s reading. At one point they are thought of as gods and the next Paul is almost stoned to death. Through it all they continue to drive down the road of obedience. It is usually easy for us to follow God when things are going right, but it’s not as easy when we see the locals with stones in their hands ready to throw it at our heads.

2012 Day 124 – Acts 13

03 Thursday May 2012

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It never gets old hearing the plan of salvation, 38 “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.” No matter how hard we try to be good, it is clear that we can never meet up to the standards required by the Law. It is only through the forgiveness of sin through Jesus that we can have salvation. The entire Bible is about this one thing and to miss this point is to miss THE point.

2012 Day 123 – Acts 12

02 Wednesday May 2012

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Seeing how God help Peter escape from prison with the help of an angel shows how much the Apostles depended on God for everything. There are times, especially recently, where I realize I do not depend on God enough. As an American we are able to theoretically provide for all our own needs. I wonder what my “needs” would look like if I allowed God to provide according to His plan as opposed to what I think my “needs” are.