Tag: Bible

Reflections on Psalms 21-25

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Trust – Again and again, David speaks of trusting God (21:7, 22:4-9, 25:2). Psalm 23 is a psalm expressing his trust in God.  In what situations do you need to trust God today?  How might the words of Psalm 23 help you?
  • Forgiveness and Instruction – David seeks God’s mercy, asking God not remember his past sins (25:6-7). He asks God to pardon his guilt (25:11) and forgive his sins (25:18).  But he goes further.  He also wants God to instruct him in God’s ways, in God’s truth, in what is right (25:4-5, 8-9).  For what sins do you need to seek forgiveness?  Will you then seek God’s help to overcome those sins in the future that you might follow God’s ways?

Reflections on Psalms 16-20

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • My portion – David says that God is his portion and inheritance (16:5-6). God is the giver of every good thing (16:2).  God gives joy and pleasure in his presence (16:11).  How have you experienced God this way?
  • Revelation – God reveals himself in his creation and through his Word (Psalm 19). How have you seen God’s glory in his creation?  How has God’s Word revived you, made you wise, brought you joy, and enlightened your eyes?

Reflections on Psalms 11-15

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Wicked versus Righteous – The wicked oppose the righteous (11:2), lie and boast (12:2-3), plunder the poor (12:5), and do corrupt abominable deeds as they deny God exists (14:1). Meanwhile the righteous walk blamelessly, speak the truth, don’t slander others, don’t do evil to others, are faithful to his word, and just towards others (15).  Which characteristics describe you?
  • How long? – Have you ever felt like David in Psalm 13:1-4? How might verses 5-6 help?

Reflections on Psalms 6-10

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • Great God – God is full of glory and majesty (8:1-2). He created this incredible world (8:3).  He is enthroned as king forever (9:7, 10:16).  Ponder the great God you serve, and bow down in worship.
  • Give thanks – Twice David gives thanks to the Lord (7:17, 9:1) as he recounts God’s wonderful deeds (9:2). Recount God’s wonderful deeds in your life, and give thanks to him!

Reflections on Psalms 1-5

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today?  Use those words to talk to the Lord.

  • The World versus the Word – What advice, lifestyle, and attitudes come from the world? What advice, lifestyle, and attitudes come from the Word?  How is each influencing you?  Which are you more closely following?
  • God’s Help – God is our Shield (3:3), our Sustainer (3:5), our Savior (3:8), and our Safety (4:8). How do you need God to be these things for you today?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

How Scripture Empowers Personal Holiness – John MacArthur (Crossway)
Christian spirituality involves growing to be like God in character and conduct by personally submitting to the transforming work of God’s Word and God’s Spirit.

Words Matter: Recovering Godly Speech in a Culture of Profanity – Jon Payne (ref21)
Dear Christian, words matter. They have the power to build up and to tear down; to bless and to poison (c.f. James 3). Therefore, let us recover, cultivate, and model godly speech in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, communities, and churches.

The Case for Boredom – Kevin DeYoung
I don’t get bored as much as I should. Chances are neither do you. And the chances are exceedingly good that your children aren’t as bored as they should be.

More God in the Daily Grind – Joshua Bremerman (DG)
God has closely connected the way we work and how unbelievers view the gospel.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Reflections on II Samuel 23-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today we see one final story about David.  Note:

  • Sin and consequences – Chapter 24 repeats the same themes of chapters 11-12. David sins.  He confesses his sin.  Yet there are still consequences – consequences that hurt not only him but the entire nation.  Sin always has consequences.  Are you guarding your life against temptation?  Seek the Lord’s help!
  • Sacrifice – David offers a sacrifice to the Lord to end the punishment for his sin. David’s son Solomon will later build the temple on the exact spot of David’s sacrifice, and more sacrifices will be made to cover sin.  Finally, Jesus will come to offer himself as the final sacrifice for sin.  Praise the Lord for Jesus who paid for all of our sins!

Reflections on II Samuel 20-22

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today’s passage tells a few more stories about David, and records one of his songs.  Consider:

  • Sin and consequences – Sheba rebels and must face the consequences. Saul sinned, and his descendants faced the consequences.  When you are tempted to sin, remember that there are consequences for you and the people around you.
  • God as our refuge – David praises the Lord for helping him against his enemies. He calls God not only his refuge, but also his rock, fortress, deliver, shield, stronghold, and savior.  When has God been these things to you?  In what situation do you need him to be these things to you now?

Reflections on II Samuel 18-19

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Absalom is killed and David returns to Jerusalem.

  • Pardon – As David returns to Jerusalem he pardons those who had sided with Absalom. He even makes Absalom’s general Amasa his new general.  Do you pardon those who hurt you?  Who do you need to forgive and reconcile with?
  • Revenge – Joab has a different heart than David. Rather than spare Absalom, he kills him.  Later he will kill Amasa who was to take his place as general.  What do you do when people cross you?  Are you seeking vengeance on someone?