Jim Gallagher

Psalm 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

Psalm 11

1. We learn in Junior High Science class about adrenaline and the fight or flight response. It is not a new thing but part of human nature to run when things get scary. Why does David say it would be foolish for him to flee?
2. Take a look at verse 3; what foundation are you building your life upon?
3. God wants to bless everyone, but His wrath awaits those who refuse Him. What does David express about the coming judgment of God?

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

Psalms 9:10
“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”

A few years back I was teaching in a Bible school in Ghana on the subject of trust. I invited one of the students to come forward and asked him to put his arms at his side, close his eyes, and face the class. He had no difficulty doing what I asked until I added, “now remain stiff as a board and fall backwards.” He immediately opened his eyes, turned around, and looked at me as if to say, “No way!” I assured him that I would catch him, and asked him to face the class again. I counted to three and told him to fall back. To his credit, he tried, but once he began to lean, he stepped back to catch himself. The remaining students erupted in laughter as their friend was afraid to fall back.

The simple fact was, he did not trust me. He did not believe I was able to catch him when he fell. He was not my first victim in this twisted experiment. I had done it many times before with my children. They would close their eyes and fall back without hesitation. There were even times when they stood on a table and fell back. They looked forward to the opportunity to entrust their lives into the hands of Dad. Why would my children trust me and this young man be so frightened?

I believe the simple answer is, my children know me a whole lot better than he. David is declaring that same truth here, “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You.” Trust is something that grows out of relationship. The longer you walk with God, the more you get to know Him, the more you know Him, the easier it becomes to trust Him. If you are having a difficult time trusting the Lord in your current circumstances, the key is to spend time getting to know God better.

Paul wrote. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

In other words, our faith in God will grow as a result of reading about Him. The Word of God is filled with examples of people who are facing trials much too big for them to handle; yet they find God is completely trustworthy. We read of God parting the seas, providing water from rocks, knocking down walls, defeating giants, curing diseases, and even raising the dead. God has not changed, He is still in the business of providing aid to those who trust Him. If He was able to calm the seas with a word, don’t you think He is able to deliver you from the trial you are facing? Instead of cursing or questioning God, perhaps it would be better to follow the example of David and seek Him.

“For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” After all, David knew what it was to face difficulty. We are told this Psalm was sung to the tune of “The Death of a Son.” I cannot imagine a trial greater than that, yet,even then, God proves that He will catch us when we fall.

Pastor Jim

Psalm 9

The title of this psalm indicates that it may have been a funeral song.

1. David begins by setting an example. What does he tell us he will do? List all his “I will” statements.
2. If this is a funeral, how would it impact others to have David filled with praise after the death of one of his sons?
3. List the “You have” statements of verses 4-5.
4. According to verse 7, what is God prepared for? How does that truth affect the way you are living today?
5. Much of the reason for David’s rejoicing in this trial is the truth found in verse 9. How does that help you today?
6. What truth about sin is referred to in verse 15?

Old Testament:
Psalm 10- Consider God
1 Samuel 8- The Way I Am Feeling
1 Samuel 9- Great Expectation

Psalms 7:15
“He made a pit and dug it out, 
And has fallen into the ditch which he made.”

If we were writing a comedic screenplay, we might want to include a character who designs an elaborate trap, only to unwittingly catch himself. While it might be quite humorous on the big screen, it is tragic in the real world. The psalmist reminds us,  one of the consequences of wicked living is, in the long run, we are actually setting a trap for ourselves. The day is coming when the cage will swing shut, and we will find ourselves enslaved by the very thing we were toying with. This happened to Samson who fooled around with Delilah, telling her to braid his hair or tie him up with new ropes. As time went on, he found himself enslaved to the Philistines. It happened to David, who fooled around with Bathsheba, first watching her bath then flirting with her. He soon found himself enslaved by his lust and caught in an ungodly relationship that had devastating effects upon his family. And it will happen to us, if we toy around with sin. Each time we dabble in unrighteous behavior, it is like putting the shovel in the ground. Day after day, the hole gets bigger until one day we find ourselves caught in a trap we dug for ourselves.

Fortunately, this does not have to be our end. If we have not yet been enslaved, there is still time to turn from our sin, and allow the Lord to restore us to Himself. While it may have taken a long time to drift from the Lord, we can be restored in a moment of time. We simply need to confess our sin, turn from it, and to Him. When we do, He will begin to fill the hole so we don’t become ensnared in it. But what if you are in the trap? Understand, there is still hope for you. No matter how far you have fallen, the arms of God are long enough to reach you. Cry out to Him to forgiveness and to deliverance . David wrote about how God brought him out of a pit, set his feet upon a rock, and even put a new song of praise in his mouth.

Pastor Jim

Psalm 7

1. Our access to God is not based upon our righteous living but upon His substitutionary death. That does not however remove the need for righteous living. David here bases his prayer upon the fact that he has been living for the Lord by living a right life toward others. How about you? How would you describe the way you are living toward the people in your walk of life?
2. What truth does David declare in verse 9?
3. One day God will fully redeem the righteous. When that happens He who is filled with mercy and grace will condemn the unrighteousness. Are you prepared for that day?
4. Notice and describe what happens to the unrighteousness according to verse 15 -16.

Old Testament:
Psalm 8- Glory Of Creation
1 Samuel 6- Hard Heart
1 Samuel 7- Will This Ever Work?

Psalms 5:3
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.”

On a regular basis, how would you describe your mornings? Do you wake up grumpy, dreading another day? Or late, rushing to get your responsibilities done? Or perhaps you arise and rush to get the morning paper, check the news, or peruse Facebook, or the web.

David declares that his mornings began with the Lord. Even in the midst of difficult and trying times, he would start his day off enjoying fellowship with God. David determined that before he spent time walking about in this life, he would first spend time with the Lord. There is something special about beginning our days with the Lord. Like the early morning offerings sacrificed at the Temple, we should bring our lives before God as a morning offering. When we give the Lord first place in our day, we will find that He prepares us for what is ahead.

There have been so many days where I have had encounters with others, and realized, what I read in my morning devotions, proved to be the very counsel they needed. I have found that during morning prayer, the Lord will impress upon my heart someone who needs prayer; and later find that they were going through something difficult. I was able to participate in their victory by simply praying for them. Most of all, I have observed, when I start my day with the Lord, I avoid many of the pitfalls that I trip over on the days that I neglect to give Him first place.

Begin today making a commitment to start your day with the Lord. If you are not reading through your Bible regularly, go to http://www.ccvb.net and follow along with us, in the Through The Bible Reading.

When you give the Lord first place, you will find your life being transformed by Him.

Pastor Jim

Psalm 5

1. What does David declare he will do in the morning?
2. What do you think he means by, “I will look up?” How can we look up today?
3. We know God sent His Son to save sinners, but that does not mean that He tolerates sin. What does David declare is the attitude of God toward the unrepentant?
4. Look carefully at verse 7, what does David trust in for access to God in prayer?
5. What great promise does this psalm end with? How does that help you walk with Jesus today?

Old Testament:
Psalm 6- Need Help?
1 Samuel 3- By The Word
1 Samuel 4- The Glory Of God
1 Samuel 5- Spoils Of War

Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the man…”

When establishing the government of the United States, the founding fathers saw that man was created with certain inalienable rights. They believed it is the right of every person to be able to pursue personal happiness. They were not alone in this thinking. Many philosophers spoke of happiness as the chief goal of life.

It has been my experience that pursuing personal happiness is one of the key influences in the decision-making process of most people. While it is evident, at least to me, that the world is filled with people in pursuit of happiness; it is also clear that not many are actually finding it. Most roads that promise happiness, don’t actually get us there.

Many marriages began in hopes of becoming happy. The relationship wasn’t all that great, but the couple believed marriage would fix the problem and make them happy. For others, it has been a new job, boat, car, hobby, or even a new spouse and family. All these pursuits, though seemingly promise a better, happier life, only prove that they cannot deliver.

In this first Psalm, David sings of a road that when taken will lead, not only to happiness, but beyond that to the blessed life. This blessed life is what Jesus referred to when He said He came to give us life more abundantly (John 10:10). If we want that kind of living, David shows us what road to take. This road begins with choosing to reject the world’s counsel and accept the Lord’s. We hear the world’s counsel almost every time we turn on the TV, radio or computer. We are being told that life is found in possessions, or relationships, or activities. No regard is given to what is right in the eyes of God.

The counsel of God is found written in the pages of His Word, and we will find it when we daily delve into the Scriptures. David exhorts us to meditate upon the Word day and night. Meditation is not a process where we empty our brain of all thought, but instead, we fill our minds with what we know is well-pleasing to God. David goes on to illustrate this blessed life by comparing us to a tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit (Psalm 1:3). What a beautiful illustration. Your life, when lived God’s way, will become like a fruitful tree. Imagine your life being filled with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, self-control. Imagine a life that others would look at and desire to have as their own. It does not matter what roads you have taken, it does not matter how much life has beat you down over the years, if you choose today to surrender to, and walk in the ways of God, you will find that Jesus leads you to a fruit-filled life.

Begin your journey today! Surrender all to Christ. Leave nothing in your life that is not pleasing to Him, and watch as He transforms you.

Pastor Jim

Psalm 1

1. Notice the progression from walking to sitting. How do ungodly influences negatively affect your relationship with God?
2. Are there any worldly influences that need to be removed from your life today?
3. What are the results of making the Word of God your delight and being in it day and night?
4. The contrast is between the godly man who is daily in the Word and the ungodly that ignores the Word. What are the results in life of ignoring the Word? Look carefully at verses 4-5

Old Testament:
Psalm 2-Until The Whole World Hears
Ruth 3- The Whole Town Is Talking
Ruth 4- I’ve Been Redeemed

Acts 28:6
” However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.”

After the ship ran aground and all the passengers and crew arrived safely on shore, it would not take long for the onlookers to see who was who. Even after saving the lives of the entire crew, Paul is still treated as a criminal, and is sent to gather sticks for the fire. While reaching for a stick, Paul encounters what many people fear the most… a snake.

I have seen grown men scream like little girls, push their friends out of the way, and even leave friends stranded in the dark, at the sight of a snake. Paul did not just see a snake, but it struck him and refused to let go. What a sight that must have been! The darkness illuminated by the fire’s flames, and in the shadows, Paul swinging his arms around, attempting to get this poisonous viper to release its grip. The natives of the island, seeing this scene, determined that Paul must be a guilty man; although he was able to escape the sea, the viper got him. As they looked on, expecting him to be killed, their opinion drastically changed. They began to think that he was not a guilty man or even a man at all, but that he must be a god, for only a god could survive such things. What would cause them to have such a drastic swing in their opinion of Paul? I think it was due to their lack of a spiritual foundation upon which to build their understanding of God.

While we probably are not often mistaken for gods, we certainly live in a time when people seem to have little or no spiritual foundation. Outside the church, we find people searching everywhere to find spiritual encounters. Just the other day, I saw signs around our town for a “Psychic Seminar,” where people could come and have a spiritual experience. Within the church, emotions and experience are often mistaken for the moving of the Spirit; and popular opinion shapes our view of the love and holiness of God. We live in a time when a firm spiritual foundation is essential to develop our understanding of God; and that foundation can be nothing less than the Word of God.

Rather than being tossed around, wondering what God is really like, we need to take the time to see who He declares Himself to be, within the pages of His Word. It is very common to hear people say, “We can’t limit God” or “You cannot put God in a box.” While it is true that we often limit God and miss out on what He wants to do in and through us, it is also true that God has put boundaries upon Himself. Those boundaries are found in the pages of His Word. God is not different from who He declares Himself to be, nor will He change His viewpoint based upon public opinion. Let’s determine today to get to know the God of Scripture, rather than the god of culture.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 28

1. Who would have ever thought that a snake bite could change the hearts of the natives in Malta? Sometimes our actions speak to people we don’t even know. 1 Peter 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. God is waiting to use you in ways you could not imagine. Ask God now how He could use you today. Are you willing to take a chance that God would use you in a miraculous way?
2. Paul kept his focus on the Lord. How would you have responded if you were there with Paul? Worry of the storm? Death by a shipwreck? Pain in a snake bite? Today is not eternity, but an opportunity to allow God to work in our situations of life. Roman 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Paul penned these words; he trusted in God, had faith in God and obeyed. Take time now to lay the things of this world at the feet of Jesus.
3. Verse 20, Paul had hope for Israel (the Jewish people). Are you practicing the hope of God for yourself? Your friends? Your family?
   1. Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
   2. Psalm 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.
   3. Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.
   4. Psalm 147:11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.
   5. Lamentations 3:24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”
   6. Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
   7. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
   8. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
4. We see Paul now bound, living in a home he is renting in Rome. For 2 years, he welcomes all, explaining and solemnly testifying the Kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some believe some do not; some are challenged with their tradition. Isaiah 6:9-10 is quoted by Paul but they still struggle. May the Holy Spirit speak to you now concerning your struggles, may God heal your heart, allow Jesus to come in and heal those things you do not understand. Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Live in God’s grace and mercy, and be filled to overflowing with His Spirit!

Old Testament:
Ruth 1- This Is Not The End
Ruth 2- A Love Story

Acts 27:11
“Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.”

After appealing to Caesar, Paul was sent on the long journey to Rome. He was to stand trial for the accusations brought against him by the religious leaders of Jerusalem. Paul was released from his Caesarean prison and placed in the care of Julius, a Roman centurion. Acts 27-28 records the story of their journey to Rome. Right away, this journey faced obstacles.

Due to headwinds, travel was extremely slow and they reached Fair Havens very late in the season. The later their arrival, the greater their chances of encountering a storm that would threaten their travels, and their lives. Julius was responsible, not only for Paul, but other prisoners who were also under his care. He had a difficult decision to make. Do they press on this late in the season, or do they wait out the winter in Fair Havens?

Like most of us, when facing decisions, he sought the counsel of others. He spoke with the owner of the ship, who had a financial interest in the trip; as well as the captain of the ship, who knew the seas well. They both assured him of a safe journey. Then he received counsel from Paul; their journey would end in disaster. Julius was persuaded by the counsel of men and ignored the counsel of God. In the end, the ship was lost, their lives were threatened and they were shipwrecked on an island. It is not difficult to understand why Julius would listen to the captain and owner, while ignoring Paul. I mean, Paul was not a sailor, but a scholar and prisoner heading to trial.

I think we always assume we have good reasons when we allow ourselves to be persuaded by the counsel of men and to ignore the instructions of God. However, I think we always have good reason to obey the Words of God. This morning, in whatever you are facing, will you allow the Word of God to persuade you, or will you be tossed around by the counsel of men?

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 27

1. Paul develops a relationship with the centurion Julius. As their journeys proceed, Paul gives Julius a warning. What is the response of Julius and the outcome of the warning?
2. Paul gives advice again during the storm. What is the response to his words this time?
3. Paul speaks in verse 34 “since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” After these words, notice verse 42. Does everyone survive?
4. At the end of this chapter, there is an interesting observation. Our culture has often looked at customs in America and thought that certain things originated in the States. We read of “surfing” of the coast of Malta, recorded here in Acts 27:44.
5. Paul’s words were true, “they all escaped safely to the land.” Paul was tuned into God’s plan for his life. He wasn’t looking at the circumstances around him; his faith was in God, the Creator of the universe. Where is your faith at today? Is there something going on that is distracting you from God’s plan for your life? Read Jeremiah 29:11.

Old Testament:
Judges 20- The Wrong Battle

Acts 26:8
“Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?”

It has been said,  if we can believe the first four words of the Bible, we should have no problem with the rest of its claims. “In the beginning God…” The Bible is filled with stories of the mighty workings of God. We read of Him speaking the worlds into existence, delivering a nation from the threat of death, parting the seas, providing food in a desert, knocking down the walls of Jericho, raising a shepherd boy to the palace, healing the sick, and delivering those who were possessed by devils. Page after page, we read of God being God and providing victory over the affairs of life. It seems that for many of us, we have no problem believing in the mighty workings of God. We trust the validity of our Bibles, we celebrate His mighty work in the life of others, and even sing together of His miraculous power. However, when it comes to our own lives, we sometimes act like Agrippa. We question the ability of God; we wonder if His power is really strong enough to help us in our time of need.

I love Paul’s question; “Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?”

What is it about God that you do not understand which makes it difficult for you to believe He raises the dead? I mean, if He is, in fact, God, we should expect He would be able to do what is impossible. It would be foolish to think otherwise. The problem is, we often reduce God to someone we can understand. Since we have taken away so much of His majesty, we also doubt His ability. Sometimes, in our efforts to relate to God, we have a tendency to reduce Him to someone we can understand. We cannot fathom His holiness, so we ignore it and focus only on His love and mercy. Since we cannot understand His majesty, we limit Him to His humanity. The result is we lose sight of the power of God.

In “The Chronicles of Narnia,” CS Lewis refers to Aslan stating, “He is not a tame lion.” I have always loved that reference. I think He is referring to the fact that God is bigger than we will ever be able to comprehend. We cannot reduce Him to someone who we understand, or else we have reduced Him to someone He is not.

If you are having trouble believing that God is able to work in your life, or give victory to your situation, it is time to cast off the limited God that you have created. It is time to introduce you to the God of Scripture. A God so great that the Heavens cannot contain Him.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 26

1. Paul shares his testimony with King Agrippa. Isn’t it amazing how God works in our lives? Who in your life needs to hear your story?
2. Verse 18 is a wonderful prayer for our friends that have not accepted the Lord yet. Take time to write it out, memorize it and pray for your friends that do not know Jesus.
3. King Agrippa hears the gospel, what is his response?
4. What is the consensus of Agrippa and Festus about Paul?

Old Testament:
Judges 18- Pocket Size
Judges 19- Broken Compass

Acts 25:8
“Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.”

Jesus instructed His followers that their lives are to be lived as a testimony to the world. He taught “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”(Matthew 5:16).  In other words, the way we live should testify of a living God.

Paul lived that way. He not only believed that Christ was alive, he spoke about it, and lived it. His life was a living testimony of a risen Savior. While the religious leaders were in an uproar because of his preaching, they had nothing to hold against him regarding the law or customs.

We all ought to live that way. Writing to the Church in Philippi, Paul stated,

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, . . . ” Philippians 2:14-15

That word “blameless” really stands out to me. It speaks of having nothing of which to grab hold. I remember, years ago, watching a group of young people attempting to catch a greased pig. It was quite comical seeing them run around attempting to grab hold, only to have the pig wiggle away from them. There was nothing to grab hold of, and the pig remained uncatchable. We ought to be a bit like that. How we live at home, work, and around the community, testifies loudly of the reality of Christ. When we seek to be a witness of Christ, it will affect the way we live. The way we work, the way we talk, the things we look at, will all be affected, when we see them as a way to win others to Christ.

Let’s determine today, that we want to be those, who not only declare Christ as a Facebook status, but those who live like Jesus is actually alive from the dead.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 25

1. Why did the Jews want Paul to be judged in Jerusalem?
2. Paul states to Festus,” to the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know”. Paul is getting the run-around. So what does he do?
3. Paul is now put before King Agrippa. King Agrippa was a proselyte, a gentile who practiced Judaism and Paul takes this opportunity to witness. We know the end of the story and it is exciting to see who the Lord brings into Paul’s life. Your life on the other hand, we don’t know the end of the story. Will you take a step of faith and trust God that He does have a plan for your life and wait to see what exciting opportunities await you? Everything can change in the next 5 minutes!

Old Testament:
Judges 16- Super Strength
Judges 17- Homemade Religion