Foundations: The Books of Philippians, Colossians, Titus & Philemon - Day 7

READ: Colossians 1:1-14

Paul begins his letter with a greeting, and in it gives himself a title. He calls himself an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. The first thing this demonstrates to the reader is his authority. He is confident in his position and willingly takes on the responsibility of the position. At the same time he is acknowledging this as God’s idea, not his. This humility is necessary for any leader, but especially for Paul who is writing to a church he’s never personally met. He writes to correct and teach them, so if he doesn’t come with both authority and humility, they may reject him, and then in turn reject Jesus Christ.

Paul tells the church how and what he prays for them. This is meant as a threefold encouragement. First, just knowing they are being prayed for will give them motivation to keep fighting the good fight. Secondly, as they know what Paul is praying for them they will be able to look at their lives and see God at work in their lives as a direct answer to his prayer. Thirdly, they can pray along with Paul for the very things he has, in essence, told them are necessary for spiritual growth.

Paul tells the Christians at Colossae exactly what he prays for them to encourage them, but it’s also to instruct and affirm. As an apostle (and disciple maker) it is his responsibility to ensure those under his direction have accurate teaching and are encouraged to keep growing in the faith.

One of the specific things Paul prays is for their filling of spiritual wisdom and knowledge. However, Paul doesn’t expect them to sit and study to gain copious amounts of knowledge. No. The knowledge is to come not only from study but from a filling of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the knowledge is so their behavior would change.

Behavior should change as a result of this increased knowledge. There must be fruit. It’s pointless to be filled with knowledge if that knowledge is never used. There is a common saying, or proverb, which reflects this teaching: Don’t be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good. Those who are truly heavenly minded – with their thoughts focused on Christ and filled by the Holy Spirit – will actually be those of the most earthly good, just like Paul is instructing here. However, there are those who would be tempted to spend all their time gaining knowledge, and seeming to be spiritual, yet not living out the practical applications of what they’ve learned. Paul prays against this, and lets the church at Colossae know this knowledge is to be the motivation for godly living.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Are you as confident in your calling as Paul was? Ask the Lord to speak to you about the gifts He has given you, and how you are using them. Are you being deliberate and intentional with them? Are you exhibiting humility and a servant heart? Ask the Lord how to become more effective in your calling and in the use of your gifts. Write down what He says.

2.      Are you regularly praying for your disciples/cell members/converts? Do you let them know? If you have not led anyone to the Lord, are there new believers you could be praying for and encouraging in their walk with the Lord? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the name(s) of those He would like you to carry in prayer over the next few weeks. Write down their name(s). Start today by praying the scripture from our reading passage today over them as a blessing.

3.      Ask the Holy Spirit if you have fruit in your spiritual life, or if you are full of knowledge that doesn’t lead to action. If necessary, confess any sin. Ask the Lord to motivate you through the reading of His Word and the voice of His Spirit to live the godly life He has called you to. Thank Him for any fruit He has produced in you. Ask Him if there is any action He wants you to take today.

Foundations: The Books of Philippians, Colossians, Titus & Philemon - Day 6

COLOSSIANS

DAY SIX

READ If your Bible has an introduction to the book of Colossians, read that.

INTRODUCTION

Paul, the writer of the letter to the church at Colossae, was in prison when he wrote this epistle.

Colossae was located in Lower Asia Minor, now Turkey. It was part of the Kingdom of Phrygia, and very close to several other small cities such as Laodicea and Hierapolis. Epaphras was likely a leader in the church at Colossae, and in nearby churches. (Col. 4:12) Epaphras was likely visiting Paul in prison. Because of the relationship Epaphras had with neighboring churches, Paul asked the Colossians to share their letter with the Laodicean church, and to read the one the Laodiceans had been sent. (ch. 4) This indicates to us the relationship the churches had with each other, and with their leader, Epaphras. They likely struggled with some of the same issues, lived in similar cultures, and had been taught similar doctrine regarding Christianity.

Paul had never been to Colossae. The believers there were not his direct converts. No one can say for sure who introduced Christianity to this city, but there are two likely options. The people from Colossae could have been present at the time of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 1:9 indicates people from Phrygia). Or Epaphras may have been the initial witness to the area. We don’t know his conversion story but it was likely either at Pentecost, or at Ephesus when Paul ministered there. It is likely he was under Paul’s instruction since his dedication to Paul as a spiritual father seems strong. Epaphrus led the church at Colossae to honor Paul and his teaching, even though they had never met Paul personally. Many of them longed and prayed for Paul to visit, as if Paul was their spiritual father, not Epaphras.

The Colossian church likely had a mix of both Gentile Christians and those of Jewish heritage. This lent itself to a different religious experience for this church than for others. Colossae itself was originally not Jewish at all. However, because of the Jews brought to Babylon by Antichus III many years before, there was a strong Jewish population by the time Paul wrote this letter.

This cultural mix, was likely the reason for some of the instruction Paul gave. He cautioned against various false teachings and practices that seemed to be blossoming. From the extremes of legalism to liberalism, it seemed Paul needed to address it all. This makes the book of Colossians very applicable to the Church today.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      As you work your way through Colossians, ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of any sin that may blind you to the truth of God’s Word. Accept His forgiveness and thank Him for it.

2.      Ask the Lord to reveal something He wants you to grow in this week. Write down the word, thought or picture He gives you.

3.      Take a few minutes to pray for the spiritual leaders of your church. Pray for the preaching and teaching pastor(s) as well as the elders and/or deacons. Pray for God’s blessing over them, for deeper understanding of His Word, and greater intimacy with Him in prayer and listening prayer. Ask the Lord to purify and protect their marriages and families, and to expand their influence and effectiveness in the Kingdom.

Foundations: The Books of Philippians, Colossians, Titus & Philemon - Day 5

READ: Philippians 4

We often think peace has to do with our circumstances. If things are going well, we have peace. If things are chaotic, we can’t have peace. Yet according to vs. 4-7 we can have peace and it has everything to do with how we are relating to God. The challenge is to rejoice in all things. ALL things. Not being anxious about our situations is also key. When we rejoice, we are putting our focus on the Lord rather than on our dilemma. In order to avoid anxiety from worry, we are told to pray. If we practice this as the Lord outlined it in this chapter, we’ll first be rejoicing, which will give us perspective, and remind us who we serve and who God Almighty is. With this reminder and refocus, going to prayer is much, much easier. When we pray with this kind of focus we can’t help but leave our worries in His more than capable hands. When we see there is nothing left for us to do but to wait on God who is good and worthy of our praise, and who has all things in His control, we will have peace.

Phil. 4:8 is a well-known verse about what to think about. This is an ideal passage for taking thoughts captive and training, and retraining, our thoughts, and therefore hearts, in purity and holiness. It also establishes our worldview in Truth and Love. When our hearts and minds are full of things pleasing to the Lord, our actions will follow suit. In this kind of solid thinking and living we will know and sense the God of peace. Our minds will not be thrown into confusion by lies, or tempted to sin with gossip, or vengeful thinking, or ideas that are contrary to God’s holy will and plan. When we are aligned with God through His Spirit we will know His peace.

Paul spends some time thanking the Philippians for their gift, and explaining how tough things had been for him for a while when no one sent him anything. He explains how he is glad they are concerned for him again. Not because he needed them to send him stuff, even though he did. To Paul their revived concern shows they are growing again and listening to the Holy Spirit. So he is thrilled! The other benefit of having gone without is Paul can now say with confidence that he can live with joy even with he doesn’t have very much or anything at all. His sights have been set higher.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Reflect on a current or recent struggle or difficult situation you have had. Were you rejoicing in the midst of it? Ask the Lord to reveal to you a current struggle you are having and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to rejoice in HIM through this. Ask Him to turn your eyes to Him and see His strength, provision, might, and love in your situation. Praise Him for it!

2.      Ask the Holy spirit to show you a lie you have been believing or a difficulty you are facing that could be turned around completely if you captured your thoughts and deliberately focused on things approved by Phil. 4:8. Ask God to give you the truth about your situation, and help you to think pure and holy thoughts about this difficulty and the people involved.

3.      The Philippians growth was evidenced by the way they cared for Paul, their spiritual leader. Ask the Lord to show you if there is someone (perhaps a spiritual leader, cell leader, or mentor) who you should care for in some way, even if it’s small. Leaders are encouraged when they see growth in those they lead. Ask God if there is another step you need to take in any other area that would show others your growth and fruit

Foundations: The Books of Philippians, Colossians, Titus & Philemon - Day 4

READ: Philippians 3

If Paul’s good works and great theological training could have gotten him to heaven, he’d have been the first one there. His record was spotless. This is something Paul says he could have boasted about, but in light of what he had in Jesus anything he would have gained through all his good credentials was the equivalent of garbage. Worse. Only the righteousness he has by faith counts for anything. He actually says he would willingly give up any reward for those ‘good credentials’ in exchange for the opportunity to suffer with Christ. So solid is Paul’s belief in heaven and in God’s rewards to those who love and serve Him till the end he would give everything up for that.

Paul’s history, as he states so bluntly in this passage, includes persecuting Christians. That had to be a hard reputation to overcome! By God’s grace though, he was overjoyed to be persecuted for Him. This is why Paul is so emphatic about forgetting what is behind. What’s behind him is a life of horrendous sin – even though at the time he thought he was doing God’s work. If Paul had let his mind dwell on these things during his time in prison he would not have had joy, or courage to keep pressing on. Instead, he thwarted every attempt of the enemy to destroy his joy by concentrating on all that God had done for him. Even more specifically, it was what God had promised him: the reward of heaven and being in God’s presence.

However, one thing Paul points out is that the attitude of forgetting what’s behind to push on to the prize is an attitude of the mature believer. This is the goal. It is not the starting point. And - it’s not easy. He encourages the believers in Philippi not to hold it against anyone if they don’t believe quite the same on this. Instead they need to trust God to reveal it when it’s time. This is such a beautiful and tender teaching Paul gives us. Like the spiritual Father he is, he is allowing each to grow at their own pace, pushing no one to grow faster than the Holy Spirit is leading them.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there are any ‘good credentials’ or ‘good behaviors’ you are unknowingly holding onto as a measuring stick for God to use instead of your righteousness that came by faith alone in Him. Ask the Lord to show you if your belief in your resurrection after death into heaven is so strong you are willing to suffer for, and with, Christ. Ask Him to fill your heart with promises and your mind with His words and pictures to encourage you when you suffer for Him with joy.

2.   Do you have sin from your past that is holding you back from pressing on toward the prize? Ask God to show you how ‘forgetting what is behind’ (purposely not thinking or dwelling on past sin we’ll not likely ever forget) will give you joy and passion to move forward. Listen to the Lord as He speaks to you about your complete forgiveness. Journal what He says so you can go back to this for encouragement.

3.   Have you ever been frustrated with another believer who just ‘doesn’t get it’? Or who seems to be growing slowly while you a growing quickly? Or do you sometimes feel like others are pushing you to grow and finding it very frustrating? Ask the Lord to speak to you about your spiritual growth. Ask Him to reveal to you if you need to leave others alone and instead pray for the Holy Spirit to lead them into deeper growth. Confess any sin of getting in the Holy Spirit’s way, if necessary. Thank the Lord that He has your spiritual growth as His focus and that He promises to bring your growth to completion. (Phil. 1:6)

Foundations: The Books of Philippians, Colossians, Titus & Philemon - Day 3

READ: Philippians 2

This chapter could be entitled ‘Serving with Joy’. Paul could easily point to himself as a good example of servanthood. But instead he pulls no punches and exhorts them to live up to the example of Christ, the ultimate Example. He is telling the Philippians they can serve with joy and love because Christ did it for them. He points them to the sacrifices Jesus made to become human, suffer, and die for them without any hesitation because of the joy set before Him and the love He had for them. He reminds them how Jesus never held his sacrifice over their heads, He didn’t rehearse the cost over and over, He didn’t become proud of His sacrifice or service. He just served in complete humility. His joy came in obedience and the reward coming from it.

Paul wanted them to grow so deep in their faith that their external behavior was affected. He encouraged them to serve and work without complaining. It may seem like such a little thing next to his prison sentence, yet Paul knew this ‘little’ thing could make huge inroads in a difficult culture. The way the Christians would live and work and treat each other would be the light in the dark world letting the crooked generation know there was another way to live. Their lights, their pure lifestyles, would act as a beacon in a dark, stormy world.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Reflect on the way you serve your family (your children or your parents or your siblings or your in-laws). Ask God to show you where you have done well in serving in difficult situations. Ask Him to show you an area or two where you could improve. Confess if necessary. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit again and cause His love to overflow so your service to others can bring both you and Him joy.

2.   Spend time reflecting on everything Jesus gave up for you. Reread vs. 5-10. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring His thoughts, words and pictures to your mind as you read these verses over several times to grasp this more deeply. Spend time on your knees (if you’re physically able) thanking Jesus for all He has done and all He gave up.

3.   Ask Jesus if you are a complainer, or if you have behaviors or attitudes that turn others away from Christ rather than drawing them to Christ. Confess if necessary. Ask Him to show you one thing you can work on in the next while to live as a light in a dark world. Thank Him for His forgiveness and grace.

Foundations: The Books of Philippians, Colossians, Titus & Philemon - Day 2

READ: Philippians 1

Throughout this chapter we see Paul’s tender love toward the people at Philippi. He counts them as partners in the gospel. Right from the beginning the Church at Philippi has remained involved with Paul. They’ve obviously continued to correspond, however, there is a deeper relationship Paul refers to here.

He has had their support while in prison as well as keeping up the spreading of the gospel while he’s been away. The partnership in imprisonment, though, is significant. Paul clearly encourages them by letting them know how their support of him in prison, their prayers and continued spreading of the gospel is having great effect on the ministry he has in prison. He counts them as part of the success. Paul does not see himself as a lone ranger. He is giving them the good news from prison so they can be encouraged and motivated to keep on keeping on.

Paul is also very honest about how difficult it is to be in prison. We could entitle this chapter ‘Joy in Suffering’. He really would rather die. Yet he communicates to his converts how effective persecution is for the furthering of the Kingdom of God. Even the Imperial Guard has noticed Paul and knows he is there because of his faith. Paul has been busy. His time in prison has been difficult, full-time ministry. He explains with his life how he wants to live so as not to be ashamed, even in the most dire situation, when most would excuse bad behavior. He would prefer to die and be with Jesus, yet his longing to see others saved becomes a solid reason to stay alive. He is completely submitted to God… whether in life or in death. We might call this a gospel of suffering as Paul explains that his joy still comes from the Lord.

He raises a difficult issue, one many struggle with today. Paul talks about preachers and evangelists who are doing it for all the wrong reasons. They have selfish and sinful motivations. Yet people are still being saved while he, the genuine article, sits in jail. They are purposely doing it to offend him while he is in prison. Paul could have been angry, even be tempted to give up all together. Instead, though, he is joyful and praising God that even though the methods are not good, people are still being saved.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Paul makes a very deliberate effort to let the believers at Philippi understand how much of a difference their prayers make, not only for his endurance and ability to stay alive, but also for the furthering of the gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind situations, or countries, or specific people you have heard are suffering or in prison for their faith. Perhaps they are not in prison, but they have been held back from gainful employment or education, etc. because of their faith. Spend some time praying for their endurance and the furthering of the gospel among those who persecute them. Consider going to www.persecution.net to find people to pray for (Voice of the Martyrs Canada).

2.   Reflect on a recent difficulty you have faced. Could you say along with Paul that you are completely submitted to God, whether you live or die there is truly benefit for you? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about how prepared you are to suffer for your faith in such a way that your suffering would be a catalyst to growth in the Kingdom.

3.   Do you have a mentality about your church or your pastor or your way of doing things that it is the only way to lead others to Christ and into growth? Confess this as sin and ask the Lord to show you how it is His work to bring people to Him. Ask Him to speak to your heart about the unity of those who truly come to Christ no matter who led them to Christ. Thank Him for the miracle of unifying people across borders, denominations, language and race through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Foundations: The Books of Philippians, Colossians, Titus & Philemon - Day 1

Foundations: The Books of Philippians, Colossians, Titus & Philemon 

17 Day Devotional

These letters to New Testament believers teach us about basics of the faith as well as practical instruction on everyday life. Sometimes with tender and gentle words of encouragement, other times with passionate, firm correction these letters become part of our handbook on living a life of faith in Christ. The goal of these letters is spiritual maturity in the lives of the readers. This is a great motivation to study and apply what was written in them.

Philippians 1:9-11 (ESV)

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

---

READ If your Bible has an introduction to the book of Philippians, read that.

INTRODUCTION

The book of Philippians is a letter written by Paul to the Church at Philippi. Although Timothy is mentioned in the introduction, the writer is Paul. Likely Timothy was his companion and so by proxy the letter was also from him. The city of Philippi was located in what is now Northern Greece. ‘The Church at Philippi’ refers to the whole body of Christ in Philippi. Paul felt a type of Father-like responsibility and love toward the Philippian Church because they were all his direct converts, or spiritual children of his. The letter reveals the heart of a man who would love to be right there with them but can’t this time.

He visited there several times. On his second missionary trip to Philippi Paul was led there in a vision by a Macedonian man. While he was there he baptized the first Christian convert: Lydia, the merchant of purple dye. Later, in his third trip, Paul exorcised a demon from a slave girl. This threw the city into an uproar and he, along with Silas, were arrested and thrown in prison. While in prison, God caused an earthquake to shake the prison so hard the shackles of the prisoners came off and the guard was about to commit suicide assuming the prisoners had escaped. Paul kept him from taking his life. This prison guard became a Christian. From these two converts the Church at Philippi began to develop into a stable and growing body of believers.

Most scholars believe Paul was under arrest in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. Epaphroditus, who was a leader in the Philippian church, was the deliverer of a care package sent by the church to help Paul. Epaphroditus got very sick while in Rome. When he was fully recovered Paul sent him back to Philippi carrying this letter.

If we were to choose one word to describe the theme of Philippians it would likely be joy. Paul, often imprisoned and persecuted for his faith, is the perfect person to write a letter on joy. If he could live in joy through the situations he’d been in, with God’s grace, anyone could! In this letter he encourages the Philippians to have joy in suffering, in service, in faith, in giving and in all circumstances.

Philippians also reveals the tender, vulnerable heart of Paul, as he speaks to the church members with kindness and encouragement. He portrays himself as a sinner who falls short, identifying with the letter-recipients. Yet he also uses his words to empower them to abundant living and raises the standard of excellence in holy living to that of Christ. He is not over-bearing or pushy. Although he is passionate, his tone in this letter is gentle, father-like, and compassionate.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Reflect on the people who had a part in your conversion or spiritual growth and maturity. Have you respected them and treated them with loving care and kindness like the Philippian church cared for Paul? Evidently, the Philippian Church also took his letter to heart, took his advice and used it to grow even stronger. Do you take the advice and spiritual exhortation of your spiritual leaders to heart? Ask the Lord to speak to you about your relationship and responsibility toward those who have led you and grown you up in the faith. Thank Him for them.

2.   As we head into a book with the theme of joy, reflect on how much joy you have in your life right now. Is it true joy based on Christ? Or is your joy based on your circumstances or feelings? Ask the Lord to show you where the source of your joy comes from and to give you a word, thought or picture of how He wants to deepen and grow your joy through the Book of Philippians.

3.   Take some time to thank the Lord for the leaders you have in your church. If you know of specific needs your church leaders have, pray for those. If not, ask the Holy Spirit to give you specific things you can pray for them. Pray they will have joy in great abundance today!

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 18

READ:  Psalm 148-150

The final three chapters in the Book of Psalms are all about praise. Each chapter recalls the mighty things of God. Each one invites all of creation to join in the worship. These are songs one could imagine an entire congregation, or even nation, singing to God for all He has done.

Psalm 148 is the invitation to praise. Every single thing that exists is invited to praise the Lord. From the stars and the angels in the heavens, to the beasts of the field and even insects on the ground, everything is invited to join in the praise. The Psalmist lists so many things, not because he is trying to be specific, but rather to make it clear nothing and nobody should be left out. The Lord is to be praised by ALL His creation!

Psalm 149 is praise in the midst of battle. “Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands”. (vs. 6) Although it is not only praise that affects success in battle, it is certainly part of it. Any warrior who comes charging with a sword in his hand and a song of praise on his lips is a warrior to fear. He himself is fearless because he knows why he fights, whom he fights, and whom he fights for. He is prepared, equipped and ready to be victorious. His mind is set on one thing: bringing glory to God in all he does.

Psalm 150 wraps up the entire Book of Psalms with a hearty instruction to praise God in song. All that has breath should praise the Lord! So many instruments are named in this psalm, again revealing to us how magnificent and excellent should be our praise. When an orchestra of this magnitude gathers it is practiced and rehearsed. The notes are prepared and the lyrics memorized. This corporate song of praise, loud in dynamic and exuberant in performance, touches the heart of God. He welcomes this praise as it reveals His glory in all the earth.

JOURNALING & PRAYER

1.      Luke 19:40 says if we don’t praise the Lord the rocks will cry out. Spend some time praising God for all He is. Try to praise Him for His character and who He is rather than only the things He has done for you.

2.      Ask the Lord to show you how praising Him in the midst of a current battle you are in (perhaps a battle against temptation, or anger, unforgiveness, a habitual sin, health issues, or any other battle) can change the way the battle plays out. Ask the Lord to give you stamina and joy in Him as you praise Him to victory. Take a few minutes to praise God for the victory He wants to give you.

3.      Take a few minutes to look back through your journal and see what God has done. Write down two or three areas of growth you have experienced. Praise Him and thank Him for the way He is leading and growing you. 

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 17

READ:  Psalm 146-147

Psalm 146 challenges us not to put our trust in princes. We may think we don’t do that. Our culture typically has a negative opinion about politics and politicians. So we might be tempted to think this is not relevant to us. However, our culture is quick to beg for income tax receipts, tax shelters, government hand-outs, free or cheap medical care, and financial help when disaster strikes. We may not love our politicians (princes) yet we live in a culture that places its trust in them. It is easier for many to trust the government to provide for their basic needs than it is to trust the Lord. We place our trust in princes as well when we look to them to protect our rights instead of to the Lord. This psalm reminds us there is no hope, no salvation, in man. Governments, politicians and entire regimes will come to an end. There is no guarantee unless our trust is in God alone who will never end and never fail us.

Psalm 147 begins with a gentle reminder: It is good to praise the Lord and to sing praise is fitting. This is such a simple truth, yet also profound in its reaches and effects. To say is it fitting means praise is continually a good and profitable thing to do. It is never out of place. When we are brokenhearted praise brings us back to a place of hope when we praise God. When we are enjoying blessing and prosperity praise gives our soul voice. When we are weary praise gives us courage to press on. When we are old it gives us hope for future generations. When we are young it gives us joy to join God’s plan. Praise is always fitting.

Much of Psalm 147 talks about the control God has over weather and other physical elements. God controls all of the climate, producing and placing clouds, and making it rain. He plants grass and trees and feeds the animals with His produce. He places the stars in the heavens and makes the sky beautiful. One would think that with all the power and creativity He displays for us day after day it would bring Him pleasure. Why would He do it if it doesn’t bring Him pleasure? We learn in this psalm He creates all this for us for one simple reason: He takes pleasure in those who fear Him. The power of strong animals, the beauty of creation, the way He cares for every little detail is all done to woo us to Himself. He displays His power so we might fear Him. He creates the details so we might be in awe of Him. He does all this so we would turn to Him, fear Him and be in a tender and loving relationship with Him. He loves us so much.

JOURNALING & PRAYER

1.      Ask the Lord if there is anything, even tiny, in which you have placed your trust in the government (princes) instead of in Him. Is the government system your ‘back-up plan’ or do you truly trust the Lord to meet your every need? Only the Lord knows the hidden spots of your heart so ask Him to reveal that to you. Ask Him to open your eyes to see the frailty of government systems and the steadfast enduring provision and protection of God.

2.      Spend some time praising God. Write down some things you can praise God for. Consider turning on some music and singing a song of praise to Him. Remember: Praise is always fitting!

3.      Reflect on God’s kindness toward you. Ask Him to reveal the things He is doing in your life right now to woo you with His kindness. Worship Him for His tenderness toward you. Ask Him to speak to you about His love for you.

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 16

READ: Psalm 144-145

The last paragraph of Psalm 144 is a prayer of blessing. It is a request to God for prosperity and abundance in every area. Specifically David asks the Lord for sons who will be like strong, grown-up plants even while they are still young. He asks for daughters who will be strong, wise and beautiful enough to be national leaders. He requests abundant food, and also profitable business ventures. He is bold and brazen in his request for blessings. Often, we are afraid to ask for blessings. We feel it is prideful or somehow we don’t deserve blessing so we don’t ask. Some have a hidden belief that blessing must be a surprise from God, an unexpected gift. We may believe that because it is impolite to ask a friend to give you gifts, it is also impolite to ask God to give us gifts. Yet David doesn’t hold back a bit! It is obvious to Him God blesses those who fear Him and whom He chooses to bless. David understands God’s immense love for him and counts on it.

Psalm 145 is a song of praise. God is revered from generation to generation. It is poignant to note the Psalmist is reminding us of the command to tell the stories of what God has done, to share with the next generation all the mighty acts and deeds of the Lord. This passing on of God’s wonders from one generation to the next is a serious undertaking and must not be taken lightly because this is the very way God can and will be glorified throughout the ages.

This chapter also speaks of God’s kindness. His kindness is beautiful, and draws all people to Himself. This is consistent with what we read in Romans 2:4, which says God kindness leads people to repentance. He is not a heavy-handed God who wills us to fall flat on our face and fail over and over before He’ll finally lower Himself to pick us up. No! Not at all! He is a God who stoops, and reaches, lifts and carries, gives and protects, listens and blesses because of His kindness. Anyone who has ever experienced the genuine kindness of another understands the draw there is to the kind person. This is the stance God takes with us, to overwhelm us with His kindness.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Take a few moments to think through what your genuine heart desires are for yourself, your family, your career, etc. Journal and pray a prayer requesting those very things as a blessing from God. Remember we are not guaranteed to receive everything we ask for, but we can be assured God will listen and give us those things He knows will be for our benefit. James 4:2 says we don’t have because we don’t ask. The Lord is giving you permission to ask!

2.      Write down things you know God has done for your parents and grandparents, or other extended family in generations past. Ask the Lord to reveal His hand at work even if they were not serving God. Ask Him to give you spiritual eyes to see and the ability to remember those things as part of His blessing toward you. Make a point to journal at least one or two things today that God has done for you. Share this with someone in your family or extended family to ensure they see God as currently active and living and participating in the lives of people.

3.      Reread Psalm 145 and while you do write down all the things this psalm points to as acts of Kindness from God. Put a star beside those acts of kindness you have personally experienced. Spend time thanking Him for His kindness and enjoying His presence.

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 15

READ: Psalms 141-143

Psalm 141:5 is a prayer to God for correction. The Psalmist has been lied to and mistreated by evildoers. He knows they have nothing good to offer him. So he asks the Lord to give him correction through righteous or godly people. He understands that correction coming from a righteous person will give him guidance to draw near to God in humility. Sin will be exposed so he can confess it. His errant ways can be realigned with the ways of God. He speaks about being hit in the head as if it was a kindness. It is not that he really wants to be hit, or that he has a weird idea of kindness. He understands the purpose of the rebuke of a godly person is for his long-term growth and prosperity. To be corrected by someone who is living in line with God’s will is better than to live separate from God in sin, along with the wicked. For this reason, he welcomes rebuke and instruction.

In Psalm 142 the Psalmist is again weak, worn out and in trouble. He says in verse 3 his spirit is fainting within him. He can hardly carry on. Yet God, he tells us, knows the way to go. God can see the enemies hiding, about to ambush him. God can see the traps set for him. He would trust in people and perhaps friends or allies, but there are none left so he must trust the Lord. It is the best thing after all, because God sees what is hidden and can direct his path safely through.

Psalm 143 is the prayer of a desperate man. He is at his wits’ end and needs to hear from God. He sits and recounts the things God has done, willing himself to remember stories of God’s power, might and salvation. He says his spirit is failing. He needs his very soul to be refreshed. This is why he longs for the voice of the Lord. He needs to hear from God Himself how much he is loved, as well as the direction he should go. He needs wisdom and relationship. This characteristic of God is confirmed in James 1:5: we can and should ask God for wisdom because He gives generously to all who ask.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Reflect on your past experiences of being corrected by godly people. Even if they “smacked you in the face” did you accept it as a gift of kindness like the Psalmist? Ask the Lord to bring to mind words of godly people who bravely spoke correction into your life. Ask Him to reveal to you from His perspective how loving and kind those words were, even if they hurt. Ask God to grow your heart to long for righteousness so much that you would eagerly ask for correction of godly people. Thank Him for those who have and ask Him to continue gently correcting you and purifying you.

2.      God knows what lies ahead. That’s why the Psalmist waited to hear from Him. What kind of decision or plans or questions about the future do you have? Ask the Lord to speak to you regarding which way to go. Journal the words, thoughts or pictures He gives you. Ask Him to grow your confidence in the truth that He sees all the traps and ambushes, mountains and valleys, and wants to direct your path safely through.

3.      Spend a few minutes recounting specific things God has done for you in the past 2-3 days. Thank Him for His direct involvement in your life. Ask Him to refresh your soul for today with words of love while you respond with words of praise and thanks.

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 14

READ: Psalms 139-140

Psalm 139 clearly explains there is nowhere we can go from God’s presence. There is no hiding place. Nothing we do can ever be hidden. Even if no other person ever learns of it, God knows the entirety of it. On one hand this is a desperately frightening truth. To know our perfect, holy, and jealous God knows everything, including every sin, is overwhelming. Even the sins I have committed involuntarily or have completely forgotten or never known about, are fully known to God. We cannot hide a thing.

On the other hand, this truth is deeply refreshing. There is no point in attempting to ‘look good’ before God. We can never look better or worse because He already sees it all. All our sin, all that has been done to us, all the things we’re ashamed of – God knows each one intricately. And He still loves us. This truth can set us free when we realize God offers forgiveness from absolutely everything. He never requires us to hide. He never is shocked with our confession. He knows.

This psalm also speaks of God’s very detailed and painstaking creation of each person. He knitted us together in our mother’s womb. Knitting is a hand art. It means the very thread of our being passed through His gigantic hands of love. Every cell, every curve and crevice was formed by the touch of His fingers. When the DNA and genetic code was placed in our bodies, no matter how imperfect it may seem today, it was done with love and for His good purpose. He not only created our bodies, but planned our days. He looked forward into the lives we would live and knew it all. He could match our days with the bodies and vice versa. He created us as a complete package: our purpose and plan perfectly matched with His Creation. We are no accident.

This is why, as we see in the final two verses of the psalm, we can confidently ask God to speak to us about what’s hidden inside. He knows. He knows which way we were created to go and live and do. He knows where we are doing that well, and where we’re not. He knows our motives and our attitudes. He knows our sin and our righteousness. Because His love for us is so great, and evidenced so clearly in our very bodies, we can be confident He would gladly, and yet gently, reveal to us those things not in line with His will so we can change it by His grace. He is truly a magnificent God, and we His wonderful creation.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Ask the Lord to reveal to your heart if there is anything you are trying to hide from Him. Do you have a closed off area of your heart?  Ask Him to give you words, thoughts, or pictures of how much He sees, especially of that hidden part even if it seems painful at first, and how much He loves you anyway. Confess those things you’ve been afraid to even think about. Admit the fears you don’t dare breathe aloud about. Bask in His love. Take time to pour out your heart to Him of those things you may not normally talk to Him about. Let Him speak to you of His overwhelming love.

2.      Thank God for how He created you. Ask Him to speak to you about the health issues, and complaints you have had about your body. Ask Him to speak truth to you about them, giving you His perspective. Thank Him for being so deliberate in how He created you with the body you have and the purpose He made you for.

3.      Ask God to reveal something about yourself that even you don’t know, or to expose sin you are unaware of. Listen carefully, let Him explain through words, thoughts and pictures. Confess sin, if that’s what He reveals. Give thanks for how intricately and thoroughly He knows you.

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 13

READ: Psalm 136-138

Psalm 137 is a story. It’s a story of pain, agony and deep loss. The people of Israel, under judgment of God, were captured over a period of time by King Nebuchadnezzar, and taking as captives into Babylon. At first it was just a few, and then a few more, and so on until all the Jews had rebelled against the Lord and all of them were taken into captivity. King Nebuchadnezzar was no sweet heart! He was known to be a cruel and wicked king. The Jews had been warned about this, but had disregarded God’s message and so ended up living God’s judgment. This psalm reveals a little story of the journey the Jews took as they were herded from their own land to Babylon – a foreign land.

According to this psalm, and other historical documents, the Babylonian guards brought the Jews over into Babylon, and as the psalm says, when they crossed the river into their land asked the Jews to sing their songs. Because the Levites always sang songs, as people entered the city of the Jews they would hear singing. So it was a poignant punishment to bring that singing into the city of Babylon. Yet we see the pain and struggle the Jews went through even deciding if they should sing. They wondered if it was sacrilegious or blasphemous to sing to the Lord as they entered their punishment. The psalm says they hung up their instruments on trees, as if to say no.

Yet, as a people, it is the singing of their songs that bring them back to their senses. They begin to use the songs to remind themselves of the Lord so they won’t forget. And as they sing they are reminded of the prophecy that not only came to them of their judgment, but also the ultimate judgment that would one day soon face Babylon. Their songs of remembrance, and history, and the glory of God became their hope. What began as a spiteful and disdainful command of an evil king, became their saving hope.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Do you sing? Many people love to sing, while others never sing. Throughout the psalms (which are actually songs) we see songs being used as tools the Lord has used to equip His people with faith, hope, courage, and joy. Ask the Lord to give you His view of your singing. Ask Him if there is a song He would like you to sing to Him right now. You can sing along with a recording or just sing a song from your heart. Bless the Lord with your song, and allow Him to bless you. Make a commitment to sing together with the people of God next Sunday in church, in order to join in the powerful throng of praise.

2.      It must have felt awful to be singing praises to God of His mighty deeds and powerful acts of rescue as you are being led in chains into captivity. Ask the Lord to show you how singing, and reciting His deeds of kindness, mercy and protection over you in the midst of your current most difficult circumstance can be the very thing He requires. Ask Him to show you why and how to always give Him glory, even when the situation seems dire.

3.      Ask the Lord to give you the names of some songs He wants you to learn to sing by heart (memorized) so that you can be encouraged in times of deep discouragement and pain. Make a point to sing those songs often! Singing is one of the ways God puts His truth deep into our hearts and minds.

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 12

READ: Psalms 132-135

Psalm 132 describes to us the history of David’s passion for building a temple for the Lord. He loves the Lord so dearly, yet realizes there is no place for Him. He promised God He wouldn’t sleep or rest until a place was found for the Lord to dwell. It was the Lord, we know from other Scripture passages, who took that passionate desire of David’s and answered it. It was not David in the end who built the temple, but it was his own son. David spent much of his life amassing resources for the building of the temple. This passionate vow to do everything in his power to give the Lord a dwelling place was not just a stream of empty words, but passionate action. David meant what he said: He would make the Lord a home in his realm.

Psalm 133 is about relationships. Very specifically, it speaks about the beauty and joy received from friendships (even with families) that are free from strife and disunity. Those of us who have experienced relationships with unity understand how deeply this truth runs. Those of us who have rarely if ever experienced relationships without discord long for exactly this. Unity. Joy. Intimacy. According to this psalm it is like a blessing of anointing, or the refreshing dew that falls on the mountains. Relationships with this kind of unity are truly a blessing from the Lord.

Psalm 135 is a history-telling of the many things God has done. The psalmists never tire of reciting the testimony of God. He has done so much for His people, it must be told and retold. Every time the story is retold the glory of God is revealed again. His might and power are praised and God is revered. These moments of celebrated history become the stepping stones toward faith for those who were not there to experience it, and give hope and courage to those who are losing faith. As with every retelling, the difference between the One True God and those made of wood and stone, clay and iron, are stark and real. Even the stories of old are reason enough to give God the glory and bless Him today.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Reflect on your lifestyle or habit of spending time with the Lord. Do you fight for that time like David fought for a temple for God? Ask the Lord to speak to you about how tenacious you are about reserving time for Him each day. Ask Him to give you a passion to see Him dwell with you, walk with you all day long, like David had. Ask Him to grow what already exists into an even more desperate passion than it is today.

2.      Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there are any relationships you are in right now that are not experiencing unity. If there is even a speck of disunity or discord, ask the Lord to speak directly to you about your part in that. Ask Him if there are any steps you need to take towards repentance or forgiveness. Make a commitment to do that as soon as possible. Pray blessing for the names God gives you. If the Lord declares you free and clear, thank Him for His powerful blessing of unified relationships.

3.      Take a few moments to write out in your journal a list of things the Lord has done in your life, even if you have done this before. Thank Him again, and again, for all He has done.

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 11

READ: Psalms 126-131

For those of us who are exhausted, overworked, and tired of the rat race, Psalm 127:1-2 is our rescue. What a joy to remember that unless God directs the work, anything we do is a waste of time and resources. Too often we get caught up in the work, forgetting God doesn’t need us to do the work, we are simply joining Him in what He is doing already. Unless of course we are off doing our own thing, outside of His plan and design. We go to bed exhausted, working ourselves to the bone, wondering if our rest will ever come. But this passage reminds us that God doesn’t want this kind of life for us. He wants to bless us with sleep and rest. This passage raises some questions for us: Is the work we’re doing given by Him or are we working in our own strength on our own project? Do we trust God enough to literally go to bed, get our rest, and sleep, believing God will be our Provider?

Psalm 127 also speaks to the blessing of children. This is very counter-cultural in a day and age when babies are aborted at alarming rates, gender selection abortions are on the rise, and children are neglected and abused at higher and higher percentages every year. Child trafficking is no longer a thing of the past, but a threat to our culture. Child sexual abuse is threatening to become a legally protected right. Our culture does not believe children are a blessing from the Lord, or a reward, or future guarantee of protection and care. Yet the Lord says they have much value. This passage does not say only healthy, or hard-working, or specific gendered, children are a blessing. ALL children are a blessing from the Lord. This includes children born to happily married couples, to the young teenager, to the couple who is making terrible life choices. Every single child is created to be a blessing. Each of us, no matter our age today, was given as a blessing to this world. What a thought!

Psalm 130 and 131 both speak about waiting for, and being with, the Lord. In Psalm 130 the Psalmist is waiting. He is longing desperately for the presence of the Lord to be revealed within Him. He wants to hear God’s voice, and feel His nearness. Like a night watchman who is waiting for morning, he wants God’s nearness so intensely. In Psalm 131 the Psalmist says he is calm and quiet with the Lord like a baby who is finally again in his mother’s arms. One can imagine the crying, struggling, temper-tantrumming toddler who is finally scooped up by his Mama and the crying and struggling ceases. There is rest. There is peace and security. It is this experience of God the Psalmist longs for, to be in God’s presence and know God’s comfort intimately.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      What is your work/rest/family life like? Ask the Lord to reveal to you if you are running around working too much, or keeping yourself too busy with things that He is not asking of you. If you are, confess this as sin, and ask for forgiveness. Ask the Lord to reveal to you Himself as Provider, and the giver of your rest. If this is not your struggle, take a few minutes to pray for someone the Lord brings to mind who is in this position right now.

2.      Ask the Lord if there is anything in the way you view children that is not in alignment with His truth that they are a blessing. Ask God to give you a passion for children that places value on them in a way that honours God, not by making them the centre of attention, but valuing their lives and contributions as God-given. Ask the Lord if there is any action you need to take to live counter-culturally in regards to caring for children as if they truly are a blessing. Journal and take action if necessary.

3.      For the next few minutes, sit quietly listening for the Lord to speak to you and envelope you in His presence. Ask Him to speak to you about His love for you, or anything else He wants. Write down what He says. Hold onto it for future encouragement.

Foundations: Psalms (Part 3) - Day 10

READ: Psalms 120-125

In Psalm 120 we find a prayer for a pure tongue. The Psalmist asks the Lord to guard him from lying and deceitfulness. Lying is condemned in the ninth commandment. Yet, among all the commandments, it is rarely brought up in conversation like murder or adultery or taking the Lord’s name in vain. We hate being lied to. It is degrading and humiliating to be caught lying. Yet purity of speech is one of the most difficult things to attain. The Psalmist includes deceitfulness in this prayer as well. It’s not just about the actual words said, but also the tone, and the very careful choice of words used and omitted that give the listener a very different impression than what was said. The kind of lying and deceit the Psalmist is talking about, extends to the whole of communication. He is asking the Lord for words, and tone, and communication ability that is pure and holy. He is aware his tongue can be used as a weapon and chooses to hand over its power to God in submission.

Psalm 121 describes God as our protector. He is our help. But how exactly does God help us? We are reminded of God’s position as Sovereign Creator. He made the heavens and the earth, therefore, there is nothing He doesn’t have power over which He can use for our defense. Wow, the Creator who made the heavens and earth as our defender? Incredible! And He’s always on duty. He never sleeps, He never takes His eyes off us. He covers us and makes us invisible to our enemies, even the sun and moon can’t see us when God is our Protector.

In Psalm 122:6 we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Several times in the Bible we are told to pray for Israel, her people, or Jerusalem. The people of Israel are God’s chosen people, even still. When we are instructed to pray for Jerusalem, we can be sure we are praying God’s will. As a matter of fact, this directive comes with a blessing, that those who pray for Jerusalem will find themselves cared for and secure. Gen 12:3 lets us know God will bless those who bless the nation of Israel and whoever curses them, He will curse. This aligns perfectly with this directive in Psalm 122. After we’ve been told to pray, the Psalmist speaks to us about what to pray for:

·         Peace within their boundaries;

·         Prosperity for those who live there;

·         Security for their government;

·         For safe and peaceful relationships; and

·         For the safety (and today the restoration) of God’s holy temple in Jerusalem.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.      Ask the Lord to speak to you about anything you have said or communicated in the last little while that was not pleasing to Him, or that was deceitful in any way. Confess your sin, then ask Him to put a guard on your lips and tongue so you will be aware of your tendency to dishonor Him before the words and tones slip out.

2.      Reflect on the image of God as your protector. How does this make you feel? Considering this total and effective protection, how does this change how you feel about enduring difficult days ahead, perhaps even persecution? Spend time thanking the Lord for His faithful protection, and ask Him to show you how to walk confidently in that truth.

3.      Spend some time praying for Israel today. Use the prayer points derived from the passage. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in additional prayer of blessing for them.