Psalm Twenty - Five

God's protection matters in a world that is fallen. We live everyday in the need of someone greater than ourselves to protect us from danger that either happens upon us, we stumble into, or intentionally wander in. Admitting your need to God is the strongest act any of us can do.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twenty - Four

This is one of my favorite Pslams because it links a generation of believers that seek God's face above all others. I am not sure if we will brag in heaven or anything. But what would it look like if this generation was the one that Psalm 24 was talking about? People that lifts clean hands and with pure hearts refuse to bow down to idols?

"Father, help me be a part of that generation."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twenty - Three

David's classic Psalm 23 is wrapped around complete dependence in God. His claim is that God is the reason and source of supplying all of his needs. God causes him to rest at times when life gets out of control and brings nourishment and restoration for the journey of life. David also declares that when uncertainty and hard times fall that God's protection is essential for surviving. His realization that goodness and mercy follow God's children as they experience an intimate relationship with God is something we should remind ourselves daily. God is good and we are blessed.

"Father, thank You for being a good shepherd."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twenty - Two

David's psalm here is known as the "Psalm of the Cross". His description of the death of Jesus is uncanny. Especially when you take into consideration that the crucifixion was not a form of punishment for a few more centuries. I believe it points directly toward the sovereignty of God and His ability to have a handle on all situations.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twenty - One

"For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken."
----- Psalm 21:7

Notes for 21:7 —Life Application Bible Notes
A good leader trusts the Lord and depends upon his unfailing love. Too often leaders trust in their own cleverness, popular support, or military power. But God is above all these "gods." If you aspire to leadership, keep the Lord God at the center of your life and depend on him. His wisdom is the best strength you can have.

"Father, help me be a leader that reflects You over results."

Heart and Soul,

BAG

<><

Psalm Twenty

This Psalm is in response to a victory David had in battle. And though for the most part we do not face the same kind of battles he is talking about here, we still have battles in our lives. Much of the time we forget to acknowledge God in the deliverance and are quick to blame when we feel we have been defeated. Truth is God is present in both. Even when we feel we have lost the battle He is still there. His ways are higher than our ways and sometimes losing a smaller battle will give the proper motivation to actually win the war. God is good....all the time.

"Father, thank You for saving me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Nineteen

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
-----Psalm 19:14

I love the implications of David's prayer here. We think and speak all day long. Sometimes in response to life, others in creation of moments. David here implies that what we say and what we think is a choice that we make daily. What we choose to dwell on today as Pastor Jess said Sunday will guide the direction of our day. Most people will speak in a reactive way and will use the excuse, "I don't know what I was saying" as their defense. You ever notice that is only used when we are trying to take something back?

Bottom line is... the words that we speak today are powerful because reveal the inner courts of our hearts. Today, make it your choice to speak and think in a manner that glorifies your Creator.

"Father, help me think."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Eighteen

As David recounts what God has done for Him I am reminded just how powerful He is. His ways are perfect and we can not fathom all of His will. He has split seas and defeated entire armys with just His thunder. What is most amazing about this is that He can do all this and yet know the numbers of hairs on my head. What an amazing God.

"Father, I love You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Seventeen

David is relying on God's protection to deliver him from enemies that he believes are to strong to face by himself. As we read the story of his life, David faced this through just about every season. Reminding yourself where your protection comes from will keep you grounded and not running in directions where you expose your weakness. The only time you can be defeated is when you forget what God has done for you and become arrogant believing that you can take on the world by yourself.

"Father, help me stay anchored to You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Sixteen

God is good, all the time. His covering and protection is unmatched. His love for us is indescribable and the passion of His Son is the greatest act of sacrifice we will ever experience. He has shown us the paths to choose by writing desire in our hearts. He has rescued us not only from the pits of hell but has given us reason for today. Let us rejoice today in who He is and all that He has done. God is good and we are blessed.

"Father, thank You for Your love."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Fifteen

David offers some great guidelines for living a blameless life in this psalm. Our pursuit of holiness is what draws us closer to God. This is what I believe is the amazing thing about having a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Someone asked me the other day, "If God loves us that much then why do I still struggle with sin?" I thought the question was fair and genuine and as I have thought about it the last few days, I believe that it is in the journey that we build the relationship. If God would have made us "fully" complete at the moment of our salvation we would not need His guidance in our lives. He would be nothing more than a distant relative that gave us an amazing gift. We could even fool ourselves in believing that all we experience is about us and that we don't need anyone's help. But God chooses a different path for us. INTIMACY. He is committed to the journey of our lives because He desires a relationship with us built on more than just a one and done transaction. This is what I believe makes Him 'Indescribable'.

"Father, thank You for saving me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Fourteen

David seems to be pretty down on man in this psalm.

"Father, help me love the ones You send me to."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Thirteen

Many times in life, pre-deciding your reaction could save you from greater challenges. We think this is such an important life principle that we teach it to our kids and our teenagers. It may be a good idea to take some advice from our own play book. Because life can come at you fast, it is a wise move to pre-decide the attitude you will carry throughout your day. David seems to be coming to that realization here at the end of his Psalm. Reminding yourself that God is near, brings strength and hope to the journey. Take some time this morning and decide the attitude you will choose to have today.

"Father, thank You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twelve

"And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times."
-----Psalm 12:6

Because of God's perfection, He never has a slip of the tongue. This is good news for all of His children, since He has spoken that we are heirs in the inheritance of Jesus Christ. He has promised us future glory and present guidance. There is great controversy over the inerrancy of the scriptures. Is what we read the truth, or a manipulation of it? I tend to believe that because God has chosen His Word, to be one of the major ways He communicates to us about life, that He would be capable of protecting His own words. He placed stars in the sky, built the Rocky Mountains, created sunsets, split seas, sent fire from the heavens, just to name a few. It would seem that making sure what He wants to say to us, would not be any more difficult than the previously stated miracles.

"Father, thank You for protecting Your word."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Pslam Eleven

Not only is the Lord righteous. He IS righteousness in it's purest form. David acknowledgment of the reality that God loves justice is important to note. As believer's we can fall into the trap that we can sneak by with little sins that seemingly have no effect on the people that we are. This is a distortion of truth. Every time we choose to be on the other side of righteousness we create a wall blocking our relationship. This is not God's fault, but ours.

"Father, thank You for tearing down walls."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Ten

Man can do much damage to ourselves. It is easy at times when man is doing something hurtful to another to blame God. I think this is because we tend to think it's easier to throw punches at the wind than another person. We feel the wind will not punch back. Removing us from further pain. God does not forget the afflicted. He knows where they are, what they are going through and how they will get out of the situation.

"Father, thank You for caring."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Nine

While reading this Psalm this morning I was reminded of a lesson Pastor Jess taught a few years ago. The first two verses possess in it the statement "I will" four times. The "I will's" our conscience choices we make each day that have an effect in how we live.

"I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart..."
This is the choice to not be distracted by what the world throws at us. This is our declaration to start each day committed to God's kingdom and doing things His way.

"I will tell of all your wonders..."
Love is to be shouted from the roof tops, not hidden because of fear or awkwardness. There is a way for you to declare the love of God in an a way that attracts people toward our Heavenly Father.

"I will be glad and rejoice in you...;"
Choose gladness and rejoicing changes the way we see others and circumstances. It is possible to choose the attitude that you will carry through out your day.

"I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."
Your praise should be pointed and directed to the one that gives hope and has rescued you from the punishment of sin and death.

"Father, Thank YOU."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Eight

Taking time out of our days to remind ourselves just how majestic our Heavenly Father is, brings joy to our souls. Not just that, but it brings strength to our step, a smile to our heart and a radiance to our body. We carry ourselves differently and the people we are around notice the change.

Spend some time this morning telling God just how incredible He is. If this is one of the first times you have ever done this fight through the awkwardness of the beginning. Doing this will bring nourishment to your soul.

"Father, help me live with joy today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Seven

"I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High."
----- Psalm 7:17

****Study Note from Life Application Bible*****
During a time of great evil and injustice, David was grateful that God is righteous (see also 7:11). When we wonder if anyone is honest or fair, we can be assured that God will continue to bring justice and fairness when we involve Him in our activities. If you ever feel that you are being treated unfairly, ask the one who is always fair and just to be with you. Then thank Him for His presence (Isaiah 42:1-6).

Psalm Six

The transition of this Psalm happens at the begging on verse 8. Here it seems that David has made the choice to not dwell on the past and he is confident in the future. It is important to note that his "second wind" comes after he accepts his punishment from God. His only request here is that God would deal with him in mercy as well as justice. Though it is unsure what God was rebuking him for, David's transparentness is evident. There is a time to hurt and there is a time to move ahead. The transition in verse 8 is everything here, as David goes from the challenges he is facing toward the realization that God is forever near him. This reality is the reason we can get out of bed on those morning we would rather hide from the world.

"Father, help me rest in You today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Five

The theme of the Psalm is, the lies of your enemies can not break through God's protection. There are times in life when it would seem like the words spoken against you can do more damage than anything physically. When this happens, the old adage "sticks and stones may break my bones..." is only an intimidation tool. Truth is, the words people speak about us mean a great deal. Even in denial, we give others more power to influence our emotions than much of our own personal accomplishments. It is clear through scripture that David had many enemies. It even seemed, that at times those enemies conspired at the same time to attack David. His refuge however, was found not in the words of man but in his identity in the Almighty.

Psalm Four

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
-----Psalm 4:8

Two Thoughts:
1) There is no match for the peace that God offers our soul. He relieves our worries, strengthens us in our fears and brings calm in the storms of life.

2) As a perfect Father, He brings safety in the shelter of His protection.

"Father, help me rest today in Your protection."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Three

As David is retreating from the attack of his son, he finds solace in the reality that he has not been left alone. During the storms of life it is easy to believe that we have been left to fend for ourselves. However, like David we are not alone. God sustains us when the stress and the fear of the enemies arise. He protects us when the assault is is the fiercest.

"Father, thank You for saving me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Two

Clearly David was happy that God and him were on the same side. Having the security and protection of the almighty will help you live life with hope. Because God will never leave you or forsake you, there is a light at the other side of storms that approach and threaten to destroy you.

"Father, thank You for caring."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm One

The world can be very deceptive about where delight may be found. It screams that it is achieved in stuff and title. However, the story of God is filled full of people that found great delight in very little. The common denominator between them all is doing things God's way. Though they lived very imperfect lives, their pursuit was in pleasing God. When God is in the horizon of your heart and you are committed to getting closer to Him. Great things happen.

"Father, You are my joy."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Galatians 6

Paul speaks of an important life principle as he wraps up his letter. We reap what we are sowing. What we invest in relationships, character decisions, gestures toward fellow man will eventually pay out. Most of the world calls this Karma. As believers we know that there is nothing left to chance when it comes to doing life with our God. He speaks clearly here about not being surprised when good things happen to you as the result of spreading good seed. Also, He is pretty clear about the opposite happening as well. This principle is a big one in our household and will be a key value I teach my son. The power of spreading positive seed can overcome many of life's challenges because the return comes back multiplied.

"Dad, help me sow good seed."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Galatians Five

As Paul writes about not being slaves to sin he instructs us to express our faith through love. It is important to acknowledge that there is a conflict between our two natures. Though at times it may seem that the sinful nature is stronger, we must remember that the Holy Spirit comes when we are weak. This is why choosing to display and focus on the attitudes of the Spirit is vital. This will center our focus and help in our pursuit of Holiness. I like to think of it as two beasts living inside of me. The one that I feed the most will become stronger. The choice is entirely up to me.

"Dad, help me feed the beast of Your Holy Spirit."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Galatians Four

Paul is driving home the point that because of Jesus we are children of a promise. We are now heirs to the inheritance of the Almighty. This is good news for us! However, at the present time we submit ourselves to the protection and the authority of those God has placed in leadership over us. He sends guardians and trustees to help us along on the path of life's journey. This continues through out our lives when eventually we stand in the presence of the God of all creation. When we receive our full inheritance and experience Him in all of His glory.

"Dad, Your ways are greater than mine."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Galatians Three

Paul will once again reference that simply observing the law is not enough to make us right with God. Faith is required to be complete in Christ. We observe the laws of God because of our love for Him and our desire to please Him. Not because there is any power for our salvation in it. That was in the old law, which as the book of Hebrews said, "made nothing perfect." That power of our salvation rest alone on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is why we have hope for the journey and a reason for committing our lives toward purity, justice and peace.

"Dad, help me rest in You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Galatians Two

"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
-----Galatians 2:21

God's grace can be easily forgotten in the world of "I will help you only if there is something in return for me." We tend to equate value with stuff and relationship with connections. This is where God doesn't make sense. We can't return enough for His friendship. And to be honest the connections we have with others really doesn't help Him in advancing His kingdom since He is capable of anything. So His story is about true love. He loves us so much, that He lavishes His blessings on us because He knows there is no other way for us to have a relationship with Him.

"Dad, You are great."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><