Psalm 29:1-2
“Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

When Moses pleaded to see the Glory of God, the Lord responded by passing before him and revealing His nature. He declared Himself to be merciful and gracious. The word gracious speaks of the giving nature of God. It is His desire to give what is best to man. James, addressing a group of trial-ridden Christians, reminded them, since God is gracious, every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). The message of the Bible has a whole lot more to do with what God gives us, than what we are to give to Him. Hosea reminded Israel of what God had done for them,

“I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.” Hosea 11:3-4

The message of the New Testament is no different. Jesus declared,

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Paul commenting on the giving nature of God wrote,

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32

When it comes to giving, God is all in. He has spared nothing. He even gave His only Son. That being said, David exhorts us to respond by giving back to the Lord. When we understand all that God has done for us, it becomes very natural for us to give back to Him. After all, what do you have that has not been given to you?

This makes me think of two questions. First, what is it that God desires from you? David reminds us, God wants glory. That is, He wants first place in your heart and life. He wants to be exalted to the highest place in your life and living. He also wants your strength. He desires your life be surrendered to Him, and your abilities given back as instruments of righteousness. One of the most amazing things about the Lord is, He can take any talent given back to Him and use it to further the Kingdom, and reserve heavenly treasures. The Bible is filled with people who took their gifts as writers, singers, musicians, cooks, doctors, hosts, artists… gave them to the Lord, and furthered the Kingdom. The second question is, what do you have to give back to the Lord today? You may have had some rough experiences in life, causing you to devalue yourself. May I remind you, that you matter to God. He loves you and wants to use you. Right now, offer your life to Him as a gift, for all He has done for you. Who knows what amazing things God has in store.

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
Psalm 30- Silence Is Not An Option
1 Samuel 29- Winning Team
1 Samuel- That’s Not Fair

Psalm 27:4
“One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, . . .”

Did you ever have that daydream, as a kid, where you found the magic lamp, and the genie promised to grant your wish, no matter how outlandish it may be? Imagine what it would be like if God appeared to you, declaring He would give you whatever you asked for. How would you respond? What would you ask from the King of Kings.

The Bible records the stories of a few men who actually had that experience. God asked them what they wanted, and granted their request. Solomon, the son of David, after receiving the kingdom from his Father, was overwhelmed by the task of ruling the nation. While seeking God for direction, he had a fascinating dream. In Solomon’s dream, the Lord appeared, explaining that he would be given anything he wanted. Solomon’s response was for a heart that would listen to God, and wisdom to rule the people. During the ministry of Jesus, he encountered two blind men outside the city of Jericho. Upon hearing that Jesus was passing by, they cried out for help. Jesus responded to their cry with a question, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Their response was foreseeable, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”

Here we find David giving his unsolicited response to the question. He declares that if he could have anything from the Lord, it would be to dwell in the presence of the Lord all the days of His life. More than riches, wisdom, health, power, or prestige, the heart of David cried out simply for more of the Lord. David was not alone in this cry, Paul declared; “. . . that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, . . .” (Philippians 3:10). Like David, Paul’s heart cried out to know Jesus better. It could be argued, the greatest hero of the Old Testament was David; and of the New Testament, Paul.

David was known as a man after God’s heart, who led the nation to the pinnacle of godliness, prosperity and success. Paul, after a remarkable conversion experience, became the greatest evangelist, and pioneer of the Gospel the church had ever seen. He was responsible for writing at least thirteen New Testament books, and carried the Gospel across the Roman Empire. I think a case could be made that the reason for their success, above their contemporaries, had to do with the desire of their hearts. They longed, not for riches or reward, but for more of Christ. What is your heart’s cry? No matter what it might be, there is nothing greater than to cry for more of Jesus.

Psalms 27:8 “When You said, ‘Seek My face’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’”

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 27

1. What titles does David give to the Lord?
2. What does David say is his one desire?
3. What is your greatest desire?
4. How can you make the Lord your first desire?
5. In verse 8, how did David respond to the invitation from God?
6. How can you apply verse 14 to your life today?

Old Testament
Psalm 28- Strength And Shield 
1 Samuel 26- Leadership 
1 Samuel 27- What Is Your Heart Saying?

Psalms 25:4-5
“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.”

As I child, I remember watching a movie where a group of people were trying to escape a town. Whatever direction they took, or road they chose, they always arrived at the same destination. They continued trying until they found the one way out. According to Jesus, life is like that. He stated that life really only consists of two roads. One is wide and crowded, but leads away from God. The other is narrow and difficult, and sadly, often ignored, but results in eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14).

David knew a lot about walking on the right road, but he also knew what it was to wander down the wrong path in life. After fleeing from Saul, living in the wilderness, sleeping in caves, surrounded by criminals and constantly fearing for his life, David grew tired. In the midst of his trials, and the difficulty they created, He began to doubt the promises of God.

“And David said in his heart, ‘Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand.’ Then David arose and went over with the six hundred men who were with him to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath.” 1 Samuel 27:1-2

David had the promises of God telling him he would survive the threats of Saul and become king. He also had the difficulties of life casting a shadow of doubt on the promises. This led him to listen to and follow his heart; and his heart led him out of the will of God. After failing so greatly, it is easy to understand why the cry of his heart was, “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths and lead me in Your truth” (Psalm 25:4).

One of the most common causes of failure in the life of the child of God, is following our hearts. After all, Jeremiah taught us the heart is deceptive above all things (Jeremiah 17:9). We must not let out hearts guide us. Instead, we must let the Word of God act as a lamp guiding the way of life and living. Instead of following what our heart says, let’s determine to become familiar with what God says, and live in line with His Promises. His ways are not our ways because they are so much better.

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
Psalm 26- His Habitat
1 Samuel 24- Conviction
1 Samuel 25- Heritage 

Psalm 23:1 
“The Lord is my Shepherd . . .”

In this Psalm, David uses the illustration of a shepherd to speak of God’s care for those who belong to Him. This Psalm speaks of the benefits true to all who are in a covenant relationship with God. He speaks of God’s provision, comfort, protection and care. Jesus used the same illustration in John 10 when He said,

“But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:26-28

While the poetry of this Psalm is beautiful and comforting, it is important that we realize the promises are for those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. If you want to experience God in the way that David describes Him, it begins with surrendering your life to Christ and following Him. Once that has happened, all these great and precious promises belong to you. As long as you live like a sheep outside the fold of God, you miss out on the loving care of the Good Shepherd; life’s difficulties must be faced with your own strength and resources. However, the moment you surrender to Him, He becomes your Shepherd, and you begin to lie down in green pastures, walk by still waters, benefit from His rod and staff, and experience goodness and mercy following after you.

With all that is promised to the one who follows Christ, it is so foolish to refuse Him. What are you holding back from God that is better than all He wants to do for you? Will you make Him your Shepherd today?

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
Psalm 24- Coming Messiah
1 Samuel 22- Great Opportunities
1 Samuel 23- Strong hands

Psalms 21:11

“For they intended evil against You;

They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.”

The thing that makes following Christ so difficult is the enemies we face. The primary enemy of the Christian is the devil and his minions. Scripture describes the devil as a schemer who seeks to derail us from following and serving Christ. He will use the weakness of our humanity as a tool to get us to stumble into sin. When at times, it may seem as though the temptations and the obstacles  are too great to overcome, we can be greatly encouraged by this promise.

Psalms 21:11

“For they intended evil against You;

They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.”

Satan sought to destroy Israel the moment they stepped out of Egypt, yet God intervened and their enemies were drown in the sea. Later, the same demonic plan was orchestrated by Haman,  whose wicked scheme was stopped by the actions of Esther and Mordechai.

It brings great comfort to realize that “greater is He who is you than he that is in the world”(1John 4:4).

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
1 Samuel 20- A Turning Point
1 Samuel 21- The Sword
Psalm 22- Forsaken

Psalm 19:10 
“More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”

We have all had the silly daydream of winning the lottery, finding a stash of money in a secret compartment in the attic, inheriting millions from an unknown uncle,  or inventing the next great product everyone wants to own. Why? I think the answer is simply that we would all love to have an unlimited supply of cash; not for it’s intrinsic value, but because of what we can obtain with it, and for the security that it brings. Imagine never having to worry about the bills again.

Here the Psalmist declares there is something he desires, perhaps even daydreams about, more than riches. His desire was for the Word of God. Using such sweet poetry, he declares that God’s Words are of more value to him than gold, and sweeter to his ears than honey is to his lips. Why? Why did the Psalmist put such a high price tag upon his Bible? I think the answer is found when we consider what we gain from the Words of God.

David is delighting in the purchasing power of the Words of God. Each and every one of the precious promises found in the pages of your Bible has power to transform your life, and your living. He declares four things about God’s Word that makes it more precious than any treasure on earth. First, it is able to convert the soul. No amount of money can prepare a man for eternity, but one truth from the Word of God can convict a person of their sin, and lead to the cross; where they can be forgiven and redeemed. Second, the Word will make wise the simple. We are daily faced with difficult decisions, but the Bible is filled with daily direction. Third, it rejoices the heart. In the times of deep despair, when the sorrows of death encompass us, a single verse has the power to bring joy to the heart, setting us free from despair. And finally, it enlightens the eyes. There are so many roads in life, so many dangerous pitfalls to avoid. We can sometimes be overwhelmed with the decisions we are forced to make. Yet, the Word of God promises to illuminate our paths. Later in the Psalms, we will read that His Word is like a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). No need to wander aimlessly through the darkness of life, when the Bible turns the lights on.

Instead of daydreaming about a bigger house, a newer car, a grand vacation, or pot of gold, let’s meditate upon the great and precious promises of God.

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
1 Samuel 18- Friends
1 Samuel 19- Guilty
Psalm 20- Shepherd’s Heart

Psalms 17:15 
“As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.”

I remember years ago listening to Pastor Chuck Smith teaching from John 15 on the Vine and the branches. To illustrate our need to bear fruit, he asked, “What does a full grown tree look like?” Immediately, my mind was filled with visions of the massive Redwoods of Northern California. I remember, as a child, driving our car through a tunnel cut out of a tree in Humboldt County. After pausing to let the question sink in, he responded, “A full grown tree looks like firewood.” You see, a tree grows as long as it is alive. The moment it stops growing, is the moment it has died.

We are like that. Once we begin a relationship with God, a process known as “Sanctification” begins. Sanctification is the work that God does in our lives to make us more like Jesus. The process starts with God removing the things from our lives that are harmful to us. Drugs, alcohol, pornography, unhealthy relationships, and the like, are all laid down at the cross, when we first receive Christ. But that does not complete our growth. Christianity is not just about what we don’t do. It is much more about who we become. As daily, we invest in the Word of God, prayer, fellowship and service, we find that the characteristics of Christ are being birthed in us. Paul called those attributes the fruit of the Spirit. The more we grow in Christ, the more we become like Him, until one day, we like David, will see His face in righteousness and be satisfied.

Until that day, lets determine to grow in Christ, by abiding in Him daily.

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
1 Samuel 16- Distressing Spirit
1 Samuel 17- Oh My!

Psalms 15:2
“He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his hear; . . . “

We have all heard the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” The sentiment behind that is simple; our behaviors speak more to our belief system, than our words ever could. Psalm 15 addresses the subject of true righteousness, and in a poetic fashion addresses our walk, works, and words. All three of these speak volumes regarding what we truly believe. Like balancing a check book to determine where all the money has gone, we can examine where we go, what we do, and what we say to determine the real driving forces in our lives.

If we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, our feet should be taking us daily to the Word of God, and at least weekly to the congregation, where we meet with the people of God. Infrequent or inconsistent time with the Lord, is an indication that we are neglecting to abide in Christ.

Paul spoke of spending himself for the kingdom of God. When his head hit the pillow, he was exhausted from having spent his days in the service of the Lord. When is the last time your muscles hurt from extending energy for the kingdom?

According to Jesus, words are indicators of the heart. If I am constantly complaining, criticizing, or backbiting, this indicates that something is wrong with my relationship with God. Two hints become necessary: first, I must ask God to change my heart, and second, I must change my actions. The best way to deal with a critical or complaining mouth is to close it. Every time you are tempted to say something negative about another person, try thinking something good about them, and share that instead.

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
Psalm 16- Life Is Good
1 Samuel 14- It Happened One Day
1 Samuel 15- Good Or Bad

Psalms 13:6
“I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”

As this psalm begins to unfold, we find David facing some pretty difficult times. He describes himself as feeling forgotten and being overcome by sorrow. Without giving details, he describes his enemy as threatening to prevail against him. Yet, in all this, he wrote of singing to the Lord. It is the song of triumph that will often lead to release from despondency. Instead of waiting for circumstances to change, David determined to worship in the midst of trial. As he took his eyes off his suffering and fixed them on the grace of God, he soon found himself rejoicing rather than complaining.

Whatever we are facing, we have to choose whether we will focus on the difficulty or on the Lord. When we keep our eyes on the problem, it seems to only grow and it won’t be long before we feel as though it will surely do us in. When we choose to focus on the goodness of God and His faithfulness, we will find ourselves overcome with hope, faith, and even a sense of expectancy. We learn to trust that He will not only carry us through our trying time,  but will accomplish his purposes in the midst of it all.

Whatever you are facing, take some time to look up and worship God. If you cannot think of anything worthy of worship, how about looking at the cross, where the Son of God paid the ultimate price to save us from the punishment of sin.

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
Psalm 14- True Fools
1 Samuel 12- It Stands To Reason
1 Samuel 13- Compelled 

Psalms 11:1
“How can you say to my soul,’Flee as a bird to your mountain’”?

Life hurls a vast array of difficulties at the child of God. We are struck with the common problems of every man, as well as those that are peculiar to attempting to follow Jesus, in the midst of ever increasing ungodliness. The question we are faced with is, where will we flee for safety, guidance and solace when struck by the trials of life? David thought it utterly preposterous to think of fleeing to the mountains for aid. To him, it was the Lord, and the Lord alone, who would be his defense.

There is something in the nature of all men that causes us to look to others when things get tough. When finances are short, we begin to think of who might be willing and able to assist us, and when illness strikes we seek out the best physician. While it is certainly not wrong to seek the aid of others, and we have scriptural basis for medicines and financial aid, it still remains critical that we learn to look first to the Lord for help. I wonder, how many amazing or even miraculous stories are never written because when times get tough we flee to the mountains?

Next time things are difficult financially, relationally or personally, run first to the Lord before seeking others. See what great ways God may want to minister to you, in the midst of the darkness engulfing you.

Pastor Jim

Old Testament:
Psalm 12- Help!
1 Samuel 10- Selective Service
1 Samuel 11- Anger Aroused