PRUMC Devotions

Advent Day 2

2009-11-30T06:12:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

This piece of scripture is rich with lessons for all of us. Today, I want us to focus on verse 7.

A few years ago I was on a mission trip to Nicaragua and had the experience of a life time. Our team was set to visit a land fill and provide a meal and basic supplies for the residents of this place. Yes, I said residents and I mean people! We were told there is a group of people that survive by sifting through the trash and scavenging whatever they can find to sell. The drive up the road to the dump was filled with smoke, flies and a sickening smell. All around us there was burning trash, which made the heat incredibly intense as we headed up to the top of hill.

When we reached the top, I jumped down out of the truck and tried to take it all in. I stood there in sadness as I saw the last of the women and children making the walk up the road. They were dirty from head to toe and I could only imagine their struggle for survival in such a difficult place. I found myself looking up at that sky and asking God “Why?”

That is when I heard something that would change me in a very profound way. It was singing! I followed the voices just beyond our trucks to find the residents of the dump engaged in worship. Worship! In the midst of the smoke, smells, and flies they were praising Jesus. I was humbled. They had almost nothing physically, but lacked nothing spiritually. I was there to provide for them, when in reality they gave much more to me.

In this time of Advent, I often find my mind and heart cluttered with the desire for physical gifts. I am consumed with the busyness of the season. I have everything I need physically, but I often overlook what I have been given spiritually. Each day I want to be filled with the understanding that I do not lack any spiritual gift. I need to change my thinking as I eagerly wait for Jesus Christ to be revealed!

Jon Jones

Psalm 37:21-40

2009-11-19T05:13:00.002-05:00

21 The wicked borrow, and do not pay back,
but the righteous are generous and keep giving;
22 for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land,
but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

23 Our steps are made firm by the Lord,
when he delights in our way;
24 though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong,
for the Lord holds us by the hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
26 They are ever giving liberally and lending,
and their children become a blessing.

27 Depart from evil, and do good;
so you shall abide for ever.
28 For the Lord loves justice;
he will not forsake his faithful ones.

The righteous shall be kept safe for ever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
and live in it for ever.

30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak justice.
31 The law of their God is in their hearts;
their steps do not slip.

32 The wicked watch for the righteous,
and seek to kill them.
33 The Lord will not abandon them to their power,
or let them be condemned when they are brought to trial.

34 Wait for the Lord, and keep to his way,
and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
you will look on the destruction of the wicked.

35 I have seen the wicked oppressing,
and towering like a cedar of Lebanon.
36 Again I passed by, and they were no more;
though I sought them, they could not be found.

37 Mark the blameless, and behold the upright,
for there is posterity for the peaceable.
38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
the posterity of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their refuge in the time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and rescues them;
he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

One gives, one hoards. One keeps giving, one stores up. One receives and redistributes, one receives and keeps for himself. The wicked are those who do not pay back. They have the mentality that there can never be and there never will be enough. All the while, the righteous know that what they receive is more than enough, because it first belongs to God.

What if we too had the vision to see our belongings not as our own, but from God? It is something that we often say, but do we really live like it? I find myself guilty of this many times. Most recently, it comes in the form of doing yard work.

We have five large leaf producing trees in our yard and we spend about 3-4 hours a weekend trying to keep up with the fall. When we are done, I stand back and admire the work of our hands. Leslie and I take pride in what we accomplish. Then another wind or rain comes along to put aside our plans.

We are not the ones who are in control of the seasons. God is. It is a joy to be outside working, to have that ability and presence. And it is because God watches over all that we do; even when we are rescued from the wicked.

Pray Psalm 37:21-40.

Psalm 37:1-20

2009-11-18T05:13:00.002-05:00

1 Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
2 for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.
8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.
11 But the meek shall inherit the land,
and delight in abundant prosperity.
12 The wicked plot against the righteous,
and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that their day is coming.
14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
to bring down the poor and needy,
to kill those who walk uprightly;
15 their sword shall enter their own heart,
and their bows shall be broken.
16 Better is a little that the righteous person has
than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous.
18 The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
and their heritage will abide for ever;
19 they are not put to shame in evil times,
in the days of famine they have abundance.
20 But the wicked perish,
and the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.

There is one word that comes to mind when I read the first part of this psalm: pastoral. The word is often used to describe a country side setting. Such as, "This valley with the flowing meadow and mellow brook is very pastoral." The other use of the word is when one describes the activity of a pastor. "His kind spirit and advice are both very pastoral."

"Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

The imagery that connects the hearer to the land, combined with the simple advice of not to worry, to me, is very pastoral. I know that everyone's experience may not be like mine. However, the good news of the psalm is found in the instruction to take delight in the Lord. This reminds us that God's hand is upon all people. Thanks be to God.

Pray Psalm 37:1-20.

Psalm 36

2009-11-17T05:16:00.002-05:00

1 Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in their hearts;
there is no fear of God
before their eyes.
2 For they flatter themselves in their own eyes
that their iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3 The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit;
they have ceased to act wisely and do good.
4 They plot mischief while on their beds;
they are set on a way that is not good;
they do not reject evil.
5Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your judgements are like the great deep;
you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
10 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your salvation to the upright of heart!
11 Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me,
or the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the evildoers lie prostrate;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.

"The devil made me do it." An unlikely excuse to hear these days. It seems that is an option that many people hide behind these days. We don't want to take responsibility for our actions, especially when they are our misdeeds. What keeps someone honest?

The fear of God is what points out the difference between what is good and what is evil. Without the fear of God, there is no scale of measurement which we know ourselves. The fear of God is not like fear of the dark. Instead, it is an acknowledgment that God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. It means that we cannot define God, but God can define us. That is what it means to have the fear of the Lord.

Pray Psalm 36.

Psalm 35

2009-11-16T06:56:00.002-05:00

1 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me!
2 Take hold of shield and buckler,
and rise up to help me!
3 Draw the spear and javelin
against my pursuers;
say to my soul,
‘I am your salvation.’
4 Let them be put to shame and dishonour
who seek after my life.
Let them be turned back and confounded
who devise evil against me.
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the Lord driving them on.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.
7 For without cause they hid their net for me;
without cause they dug a pit for my life.
8 Let ruin come on them unawares.
And let the net that they hid ensnare them;
let them fall in it—to their ruin.
9 Then my soul shall rejoice in the Lord,
exulting in his deliverance.
10 All my bones shall say,
‘O Lord, who is like you?
You deliver the weak
from those too strong for them,
the weak and needy from those who despoil them.’
11 Malicious witnesses rise up;
they ask me about things I do not know.
12 They repay me evil for good;
my soul is forlorn.
13 But as for me, when they were sick,
I wore sackcloth;
I afflicted myself with fasting.
I prayed with head bowed on my bosom,
14 as though I grieved for a friend or a brother;
I went about as one who laments for a mother,
bowed down and in mourning.
15 But at my stumbling they gathered in glee,
they gathered together against me;
ruffians whom I did not know
tore at me without ceasing;
16 they impiously mocked more and more,
gnashing at me with their teeth.
17 How long, O Lord, will you look on?
Rescue me from their ravages,
my life from the lions!
18 Then I will thank you in the great congregation;
in the mighty throng I will praise you.
19 Do not let my treacherous enemies rejoice over me,
or those who hate me without cause wink the eye.
20 For they do not speak peace,
but they conceive deceitful words
against those who are quiet in the land.
21 They open wide their mouths against me;
they say, ‘Aha, Aha,
our eyes have seen it.’
22 You have seen, O Lord; do not be silent!
O Lord, do not be far from me!
23 Wake up! Bestir yourself for my defence,
for my cause, my God and my Lord!
24 Vindicate me, O Lord, my God,
according to your righteousness,
and do not let them rejoice over me.
25 Do not let them say to themselves,
‘Aha, we have our heart’s desire.’
Do not let them say, ‘We have swallowed you up.’
26 Let all those who rejoice at my calamity
be put to shame and confusion;
let those who exalt themselves against me
be clothed with shame and dishonor.
27 Let those who desire my vindication
shout for joy and be glad,
and say evermore,
‘Great is the Lord,
who delights in the welfare of his servant.’
28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness
and of your praise all day long.

It seems that there are three kinds of people that the psalmist is asking help from. There are people who plan evil in public, people who plan evil in secret, and those who are malicious witnesses. All in all, it just seems that people are deceitful.

I have recently come to the conclusion that it is hard to be honest all the time (big shocker, right?). We are all full of deceit. Perhaps we withhold the truth when we are confronted and know that we will loose face. Perhaps we lie intentionally to get out of a commitment. Maybe we are lying to ourselves about our own inflated self worth.

Instead of condemning those who are deceitful (including ourselves), what if we did the hard task of asking for God's justice to intervene? It seems like a hard task to accomplish, especially when we put ourselves on the line. If we ask for God's justice to rule supreme, we must understand that we have a part in that judgment as well. In our prayers, as we are asking for vindication, may we also pray that God would continue to give us the strength to live a holy and blameless life.

Pray Psalm 35.

Psalm 34

2009-11-13T05:57:00.002-05:00

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Look to him, and be radiant;
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,
and was saved from every trouble.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
9 O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,
for those who fear him have no want.
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Which of you desires life,
and covets many days to enjoy good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against evildoers,
to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears,
and rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord rescues them from them all.
20 He keeps all their bones;
not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil brings death to the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

How do we engage the senses when we worship God? In the sanctuary at PRUMC, we see the brilliant light from the stained glass window. We hear the music of the choir, organ and other instruments. We can touch one another as we shake hands and hug at the passing of the peace. Perhaps we get close enough to the flowers to smell their fragrance. We taste when we partake of Holy Communion.

God calls us to worship using all our senses. Yet it is not merely about worship. Perhaps we are called to serve with all the senses. There are people who are lonely, maybe they need a friendly handshake and someone simply to acknowledge their presence. Some people need to share something or get something off of their chest; maybe we should spend more time listening than talking. Some people are hungry; maybe we offer a stranger food.

Whether we are worshipping God in a beautiful sanctuary or talking with a co-worker, we are called to be intentional about being God's servants. We should not simply use our minds and our mouths, but we should strive to do good. This involves more than just willing something to happen. Let us make all of our selves available to serve God and take refuge in the LORD.

Pray Psalm 34.

Psalm 33

2009-11-12T07:46:00.002-05:00

1 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.
Praise befits the upright.
2 Praise the Lord with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings.
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4 For the word of the Lord is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and all their host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle;
he put the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands for ever,
the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
13 The Lord looks down from heaven;
he sees all humankind.
14 From where he sits enthroned he watches
all the inhabitants of the earth—
15 he who fashions the hearts of them all,
and observes all their deeds.
16 A king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The war horse is a vain hope for victory,
and by its great might it cannot save.
18 Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 to deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and shield.
21 Our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

Recently a friend shared with me the Lewis Grizzard essay, "Be Sweet." In that essay, it contains basic common sense pleasantries, but does so in a way that reminds me to give my best, even when I don't feel like it. I like Lewis Grizzard, and this psalm reminds me his words. At least the way that it's written.

When God creates, we stand in awe. We have no choice but to be grateful. While Grizzard reminds us that it is simple to be sweet and it will make the world a better place, it is about us. When we read the psalms, it is about our relationship with God and our neighbors. In both short reads (Be Sweet and Psalm 33), there is hope. But only one offers hope in Christ.

Where do you see the secular world intersect with the religious? I think most of the time they are in opposition. Occasionally, however, you will see hints of God's presence in the secular. The trick is to let the Holy Spirit be the guide. So "Sing to the Lord a new song; play skillfully." Give God your best. Remember to be sweet.

Pray Psalm 33.

Psalm 32

2009-11-11T06:36:00.002-05:00

1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Selah
6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Remember what Selah means? It is a break in the movement. It is a time of rest. On a musical sense, you will remember, that it is like a rest. When we first encountered this word, we talked about its importance as a way of life. Here it reminds us and is used in both instances.

The breaks in the psalm divide it into four parts. The first part deals with sin. That is the act of sinning in the life of the psalmist. The second part it saying what made the difference. That is the act of confession. The third part is a reminder of God's faithfulness. That is the act of forgiving and receiving grace. The fourth part is the congregation's call to repent as well. That is the act of responding.

In which act do you find yourself today? Are you stuck in sinning? Perhaps you are in need of confession. Maybe you have received forgiveness. Perhaps it is your time to call others to a similar action. Wherever you find yourself, there is always room for the love and grace of God.

Pray Psalm 32.

Psalm 31, part two

2009-11-10T06:02:00.002-05:00

14But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, ‘You are my God.’
15My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
16Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.
17Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord,
for I call on you;
let the wicked be put to shame;
let them go dumbfounded to Sheol.
18Let the lying lips be stilled
that speak insolently against the righteous
with pride and contempt.

19O how abundant is your goodness
that you have laid up for those who fear you,
and accomplished for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of everyone!
20In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from human plots;
you hold them safe under your shelter
from contentious tongues.

21Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was beset as a city under siege.
22I had said in my alarm,
‘I am driven far from your sight.’
But you heard my supplications
when I cried out to you for help.

23Love the Lord, all you his saints.
The Lord preserves the faithful,
but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily.
24Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord.

In the Church of God in Christ, they greet one another not by name, but by calling everyone saints. All members of the body of Christ have the same identity. That denomination chooses to use the language of the faith that affirms that. In what ways do we refrain from seeing the Child of God that is our neighbor? How many more times do we rather look at another person as "other."

We are all linked through Christ's love for us all. However, looking at the list of sins and transgressions in this psalm, we have that in common too. I tend to run on a short fuse and I want to see the world the way I want to see it. I don't have much time for people who differ in my opinions. As Paul says, "What a wretched man I am." Yet there is hope for us all yet.

One thing that is unique to this psalm is the fact that the words repeat. "Refuge" appears in verse 1 and 19. "Shame" in verse 1 and 17. "Save me" in verse 2 and 16. "Hand" in verses 5, 8, and 15. "Steadfast love" in verses 7, 16, 21. As you pray this psalm, notice the times in which the psalm is used in one sense as a prayer, and see if the prayer has been accomplished. Ask for, and receive God's gracious forgiveness and presence in your life.

Pray Psalm 31, in its entirety, found here.

Psalm 31, part one

2009-11-09T05:51:00.001-05:00

1In you, O LORD, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
2Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.

3You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
4take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
5Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

6You hate; those who pay regard to worthless idols,
but I trust in the LORD.
7I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love,
because you have seen my affliction;
you have taken heed of my adversities,
8and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
you have set my feet in a broad place.

9Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eye wastes away from grief,
my soul and body also.
10For my life is spent with sorrow,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery,
and my bones waste away.

11I am the scorn of all my adversaries,
a horror; to my neighbors,
an object of dread to my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street flee from me.
12I have passed out of mind like one who is dead;
I have become like a broken vessel.
13For I hear the whispering of many—
terror all around!—
as they scheme together against me,
as they plot to take my life.

How many of us have ever been up close, in the wild, to an animal like a lion? We have seen them in the zoo, we have read about them in books, perhaps we have seen documentaries about these animals. There are several other things that you could place in the spot of “lions.” We know something about things we have never experienced first hand.

The psalmist knows what he is up against, but he also know God’s faithful. He may not be in the throws of experiencing God’s refuge and strength. However, he know what it is like through past experiences. He knows what it is like to be assailed by enemies. He knows that God has been faithful to him and to his ancestors. That faithfulness is what he prays for.

Most of the time, when we ask God for something, we don’t know what it will look like. But we do know that God has been faithful before and will be faithful again. That is what leads us into prayer.

Do you remember Jesus’ last words on the cross in Luke? Read verse five of this Psalm again.

“Into your hand I commit my spirit.”

Christ faced the ultimate unknown for all of us…death. Yet he knew of God’s faithfulness better than anyone else. What will be our prayer when we face uncertainty? Despair, or placing our trust in God?

Pray Psalm 31, verses 1-13.

Psalm 30

2009-11-05T06:38:00.002-05:00

{For those who receive this via Feedblitz email, I believe today is the last day. I will continue to post the devotions on the church website, found here, or on this website. If you are used to getting something in the email form, why not try this. Copy the website address and paste it into the subject line of an email. That way, when you click on it, it will automatically direct you to one of the sites. Thank you for taking the time out to pray, read the scriptures, and get involved with God. Let me know if you have any questions. God's peace.}

1I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up,
and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
2O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
4Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5For his anger is but for a moment;
his favour is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
6As for me, I said in my prosperity,
‘I shall never be moved.’
7By your favour, O Lord,
you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
8To you, O Lord, I cried,
and to the Lord I made supplication:
9‘What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
O Lord, be my helper!’
11You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
12so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you for ever.

For those of you who check this regularly, you may have noticed that I have not posted in a while. I apologize for that. I was talking with Jon Jones and he was saying that if the clergy expect the laity to be involved in scripture everyday, then we must model it. He speaks in a helpful way, much like what I think is meant when someone says, "Speak honesty in love." I think what has been holding me back is the desire to say something important each time. I thought to myself, "What if scripture doesn't speak to me today?"

How silly is that fear to think that God does not have something to say. It will not always be something great and marvelous that solves all our problems, but it will be God's faithful message passed down through people who love God. Then I read verse six of this Psalm: "As for me, I said in my prosperity, 'I shall never be moved.'" But the psalmist goes on, "But [God] hid [God's] face; I was dismayed."

That is honesty. We all feel that God hides his face, that we will be left alone, or that maybe this followers of Christ thing won't pan out. Yet even in the midst of this psalm we read "You turned my mourning into dancing...and clothed me with joy." Perspective always helps in any situation when we find ourselves down and out. Think of the times when you feel that you were "brought out of Sheol." What difference has God made before? What difference will trusting in God now make?

Pray Psalm 30.

Psalm 28

2009-10-30T05:49:00.001-04:00

¹To you, O Lord, I call;
   my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me,
   I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
²Hear the voice of my supplication,
   as I cry to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
   towards your most holy sanctuary.

³Do not drag me away with the wicked,
   with those who are workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbours,
   while mischief is in their hearts.
⁴Repay them according to their work,
   and according to the evil of their deeds;
repay them according to the work of their hands;
   render them their due reward.
⁵Because they do not regard the works of the Lord,
   or the work of his hands,
he will break them down and build them up no more.

⁶Blessed be the Lord,
   for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.
⁷The Lord is my strength and my shield;
   in him my heart trusts;
so I am helped, and my heart exults,
   and with my song I give thanks to him.

⁸The Lord is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
⁹O save your people, and bless your heritage;
be their shepherd, and carry them for ever.

How do we prove God's faithfulness? It is something that we have been reading about and praying about in the psalms thus far. I have come to this conclusion from reading: God is faithful. The question remains, "How do we prove it?"

I think the proof is in the reading. This is a psalm of David. A person who cried to God in despair, who asked for help, and using only the grace and strength of God was able to defeat the giant. We prove it because there are people who have seen the good and bad, who struggle with sin and sadness, who have dealt with death and loss, and yet they choose to bless their God. I think that is what is meant when we sing, "Faith of our Fathers." It means remembering the faithfulness of those women and men who have lived lives of faith before us. Because of their witness, we are able to embrace the love of God.

Pray Psalm 28.

Psalm 27

2009-10-29T11:08:00.000-04:00

¹The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

²When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
they shall stumble and fall.

³Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.

⁴One thing I asked of the Lord,
   that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord
   all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
   and to inquire in his temple.

⁵For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.

⁶Now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

⁷Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,
   be gracious to me and answer me!
⁸'Come,' my heart says, 'seek his face!'
   Your face, Lord, do I seek.
⁹   Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,
   you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
   O God of my salvation!
¹⁰If my father and mother forsake me,
   the Lord will take me up.

¹¹Teach me your way, O Lord,
   and lead me on a level path
   because of my enemies.
¹²Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
   for false witnesses have risen against me,
   and they are breathing out violence.

¹³I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
   in the land of the living.
¹⁴Wait for the Lord;
   be strong, and let your heart take courage;
   wait for the Lord!

Honestly, I forget that these were read and have been read through the centuries, if not millenniums, in places of worship. What then, does that say about the God we take comfort in? What does it say about the God in whom we trust? What does it say that we can expect as we wait for the Lord?

"If my father and my mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up." That could work for our children, our extended family. It sounds good sung in an anthem, but it it is harder to live out in the everyday chorus of life.

There is much to fear. Every night, on the news there are stories to incite fear. We read in the paper stories that paralyze us and make us wonder how can good people get by in this world. Where is our hope. It is at those times our prayer is that of the psalmist: "Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

Pray Psalm 27.

Psalm 26

2009-10-28T05:55:00.001-04:00

Psalm 26

Posted by: ThomasMartin on Oct 28, 2009

Tagged in: daily devotional

Psalm 26
¹Vindicate me, O Lord,
   for I have walked in my integrity,
   and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
²Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
   test my heart and mind.
³For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
   and I walk in faithfulness to you.
⁴I do not sit with the worthless,
   nor do I consort with hypocrites;
⁵I hate the company of evildoers,
   and will not sit with the wicked.
⁶I wash my hands in innocence,
   and go around your altar, O Lord,
⁷singing aloud a song of thanksgiving,
   and telling all your wondrous deeds.
⁸O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell,
   and the place where your glory abides.
⁹Do not sweep me away with sinners,
   nor my life with the bloodthirsty,
¹⁰those in whose hands are evil devices,
   and whose right hands are full of bribes.
¹¹But as for me, I walk in my integrity;
   redeem me, and be gracious to me.
¹²My foot stands on level ground;
   in the great congregation I will bless the Lord.
For some reason, I have been thinking about attitudes lately. Let me be clear, I don't think that having a good attitude is the solution to solving all of your problems. If it was, we wouldn't need God's grace. However, the phrase, "You need an attitude adjustment" learned in my childhood has been forefront in my mind as of late.
It takes something outside of ourselves to change. For a child, it may be skinning a knee and learning to be more careful on a bike. For a student, it may be receiving a bad grade on a test where we though we knew all the answers. For people in a relationship, the change might come from a misspoken word out of anger brought upon by tension from outside of the relationship. The question then becomes, on what will you stand?
When we submit to God, we stand upon God's promises. Fortunately and unfortunately, we submit ourselves for God's judgment. When we make claims that we have lived righteous lives, we better be ready to back up those claims. Yet here is the good news. David, who was a low life adulterer was called a man after God's own heart. Why? Because he sought forgiveness. For all of his short-comings, he continually pursued the Lord after he was convicted.
We will stumble. We will fall. And we choose to get back up. When we do, where and upon what will you stand?
Pray Psalm 26.

Psalm 25

2009-10-27T06:07:00.001-04:00

Psalm 25

¹To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
²O my God, in you I trust;
   do not let me be put to shame;
   do not let my enemies exult over me.
³Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
   let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

⁴Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
   teach me your paths.
⁵Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
   for you are the God of my salvation;
   for you I wait all day long.

⁶Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
   for they have been from of old.
⁷Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
   according to your steadfast love remember me,
   for your goodness' sake, O Lord!

⁸Good and upright is the Lord;
   therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
⁹He leads the humble in what is right,
   and teaches the humble his way.
¹⁰All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
   for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

¹¹For your name's sake, O Lord,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.
¹²Who are they that fear the Lord?
He will teach them the way that they should choose.

¹³They will abide in prosperity,
   and their children shall possess the land.
¹⁴The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
   and he makes his covenant known to them.
¹⁵My eyes are ever towards the Lord,
   for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

¹⁶Turn to me and be gracious to me,
   for I am lonely and afflicted.
¹⁷Relieve the troubles of my heart,
   and bring me out of my distress.
¹⁸Consider my affliction and my trouble,
   and forgive all my sins.

¹⁹Consider how many are my foes,
   and with what violent hatred they hate me.
²⁰O guard my life, and deliver me;
   do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
²¹May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
   for I wait for you.

²²Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all its troubles.

I was listening to talks last week on mission statements, motto's, and branding. The point was to make the most impact in as few words as possible; usually in a clever way. I have been considering what the theme of the Psalms would be. I don't think it is necessary to take such a complex set of verses and emotions and try to reduce them to a "bumper sticker" slogan--easily digested and memorable. However, the first verse struck me as consistent with emotions that we have come across. "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."

There is much to take in when reading the Psalms. However, for all the joy, for all the pain, for all the loss, for all the gain, that phrase, "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul" speaks to us all.

The danger of living in today's world is thinking that we are possibly our own saviors and healers. It is not until we are surrounded by our foes that we realize that we cannot do anything a part from God. The lie of the world tells us that we are in control. How much easier, then, to acknowledge that the Lord of hosts is in control of our lives. When faced with uncertainty and pain, these words of the Psalmist be our prayer, "Make me to know your ways, O Lord."

Pray Psalm 25.

Psalm 24

2009-10-26T10:47:00.002-04:00

(Please note, those of you who receive this devotion in email form, this will be the last week for the emails. I will continue to post here and on the church's website, www.prumc.org. You can find the devotions there and here. Thank you for all the feedback. Let me know of any questions (Thomas' email). Blessings.)

Psalm 24

1The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
2for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.

3Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
5They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Selah

7Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
8Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
9Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
10Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
Selah

What is the attitude you bring to worship? The first things have a lot to say about how and who we worship. This psalm gives an example. The first thing it does is to profess faith in God, to who all the world belongs. Think about our own worship processions. We begin with a psalm from the choir, usually, after we have marked the beginning of worship with silence.

One of the first things we do, after invoking the Holy Spirit is to affirm our faith together. This brings the community together over a shared event. Notice this, however: For all the rituals of our present day and time, and for all the rituals of the ancient Israelites, it is only those who have clean hands and pure hearts that ascend to God's holy place.

Rituals, formulas, and routine are important, for they shape us. However, if we do things merely out of a sense of duty, rather than seeing these moments as what they are--opportunities to purify ourselves and draw close to God--then we miss the point. The point of worship is to glorify the God of all creation. We must be willing to submit our selfish pride and ambition to the King of Glory. So again, I ask, what is the attitude you bring to worship?

Pray Psalm 24.

Psalm 23

2009-10-22T04:57:00.001-04:00

Psalm 23

¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

This psalm gives me chills. Especially when read in the King James Language. It reminds me of learning it as a 2nd grader, hearing other young children learn it, and reciting is at loved ones funerals. It is one of those pieces of literature that stands alone in meaning, understanding, and evoking emotion. At no other place in the psalms is God called a shepherd or referenced in such a tender, intimate way. Looking over the imagery of the previous Psalm we have read and prayed, this one is markedly different.

In structure, it is simple, but it begins and ends with the LORD. I like patterns, and there is nothing more fitting a pattern than to begin and end with God. The psalm which speaks of intimacy with God, also speaks of abundance. The only two characters in this psalm are the sheep and the shepherd. That does not mean that God does not care about the flock. But when we walk the the Lord, there is a personal touch to what God provides. This Psalm reminds me of death, but no other Psalm could be more about life lived with the Good Shepherd. As you pray this Psalm, give thanks for the relationship that God can have and wants to have with each one of us.

Pray Psalm 23.

Psalm 22 (part 2)

2009-10-21T04:59:00.001-04:00

Psalm 22 (part 2)
¹⁹But you, O Lord, do not be far away!
   O my help, come quickly to my aid!
²⁰Deliver my soul from the sword,
   my life from the power of the dog!
²¹   Save me from the mouth of the lion!

From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.
²²I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;
   in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
²³You who fear the Lord, praise him!
   All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;
   stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
²⁴For he did not despise or abhor
   the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,
   but heard when I cried to him.

²⁵From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
   my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
²⁶The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
   those who seek him shall praise the Lord.
   May your hearts live for ever!

²⁷All the ends of the earth shall remember
   and turn to the Lord;
and all the families of the nations
   shall worship before him.
²⁸For dominion belongs to the Lord,
   and he rules over the nations.

²⁹To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down;
   before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
   and I shall live for him.
³⁰Posterity will serve him;
   future generations will be told about the Lord,
³¹and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,
   saying that he has done it.

We move from the desperation of the first part of the psalm to redemption. That sounds a lot like our stories. One moment we may find ourselves on the side of abandonment. The next day could bring untold blessings. There is something within the heart of the psalmist, the worshiper, the follower, the author, the reader, that recognizes the humanity in the psalms.

What can we do in our lives to have that same heart? The same heart that at one minute feels far from God, and the next giving praises and thanks? In our world we like continuity. We like a linear time-line. We are adverse to change. However, the psalms are like mini-wavelengths of life. Sometimes we are up, sometimes we are down. To have a worshipful and grateful heart is to know that in the peaks, the troughs, and the valleys--God is present. "For dominion belongs to the Lord." Thanks be to God.

Pray Psalm 22 (click here for the full psalm).

Psalm 22 (part 1)

2009-10-20T05:54:00.000-04:00

Psalm 22
¹My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
   Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
²O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
   and by night, but find no rest.
³Yet you are holy,
   enthroned on the praises of Israel.
⁴In you our ancestors trusted;
   they trusted, and you delivered them.
⁵To you they cried, and were saved;
   in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.
⁶But I am a worm, and not human;
   scorned by others, and despised by the people.
⁷All who see me mock at me;
   they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;
⁸'Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—
   let him rescue the one in whom he delights!'
⁹Yet it was you who took me from the womb;
   you kept me safe on my mother's breast.
¹⁰On you I was cast from my birth,
   and since my mother bore me you have been my God.
¹¹Do not be far from me,
   for trouble is near
   and there is no one to help.

¹²Many bulls encircle me,
   strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
¹³they open wide their mouths at me,
   like a ravening and roaring lion.
¹⁴I am poured out like water,
   and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
   it is melted within my breast;
¹⁵my mouth is dried up like a potsherd,
   and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
   you lay me in the dust of death.
¹⁶For dogs are all around me;
   a company of evildoers encircles me.
My hands and feet have shriveled;
¹⁷I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me;
¹⁸they divide my clothes among themselves,
   and for my clothing they cast lots.

This is easily one of the more recognizable psalms in our Christian tradition. We remember it from Jesus' words on the cross. It leaves a haunting image that I think too many of us are familiar with. We feel that God does not answer us. It seems particularly haunting when we picture Christ on the cross echoing these words.

It seems like a desperate place to be. The good news, however, is that this is not the end of the psalm, or even how the story ends. For while we remember Christ on the cross, we also remember that he did not stay there. He was crucified, but he arose.

Tomorrow we will look at the second part of the psalm. However, as you pray this psalm today, if you are not in a place where you feel far from God, give thanks and pray for someone who may be. If you are in a place where these words strike close to home, know that people are praying for you.

Pray the above portion of Psalm 22.

Psalm 21

2009-10-19T10:37:00.001-04:00

Psalm 21
1In your strength the king rejoices, O Lord,
and in your help how greatly he exults!
2You have given him his heart’s desire,
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah
3For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold on his head.
4He asked you for life; you gave it to him—
length of days for ever and ever.
5His glory is great through your help;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6You bestow on him blessings for ever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

8Your hand will find out all your enemies;
your right hand will find out those who hate you.
9You will make them like a fiery furnace
when you appear.
The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,
and fire will consume them.
10You will destroy their offspring from the earth,
and their children from among humankind.
11If they plan evil against you,
if they devise mischief, they will not succeed.
12For you will put them to flight;
you will aim at their faces with your bows.

13Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!
We will sing and praise your power.

It is hard to remember grammar. It does not always resonate in the same way. When we pray, it is not so much what we say, but how we ask. However, the Psalms are written and what we have are translations. So it matters, to a degree, how the faithful understand and interpret their relationship with God.

The verbs in this psalm is in the imperative tense. An indication of what will happen, but a certainty to the coming victory. The form of the prayers is hopeful and certain. There can be grace found in this promise of hopeful deliverance.

Scholars will say that this Psalm was meant for the community. It is addressed, of course, to God. But it also a prayer for the leadership (the king) and the way in which the people respond to that leadership. It serves as a reminder that in our prayer life, we are called to pray for our leaders and ourselves. In all things, we remember that God is the one who ultimately holds the supreme power.

Pray Psalm 21.

Psalm 20

2009-10-15T07:50:00.001-04:00

Psalm 20
1The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
3May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices.
Selah

4May he grant you your heart’s desire,
and fulfill all your plans.
5May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

6Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
7Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.
8They will collapse and fall,
but we shall rise and stand upright.

9Give victory to the king, O Lord;
answer us when we call.

Do you know what God sounds like? Confession: I don't. I have never heard the audible voice of the Lord. However, I know what I sound like. And I know that I am not God. What does that have to do with victory.

I think its important to know what victory looks like. God's victory does not look like our idea of victory. When the Lord responds, God does so from God's kingdom, not ours. While we may put our hope and trust in the power of out chariots and horses, the true victory comes when we take pride in what God has done, is doing, and will do for us.

Pray Psalm 20.

Psalm 19

2009-10-13T07:55:00.000-04:00

Psalm 19
1The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
4yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hidden from its heat.
7The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
13Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

The servant of the Lord. It is a hard concept to grasp. You may have heard preachers say the final verse from Psalm 19 before they preach. I have heard Charles Gardner say it on the occasions in which he preaches. People who do this are not only asking for God's presence, but reminding themselves of the service to which they have been called in Christ.

The whole psalm is a song or prayer of someone who wants to do God's will. It is a lasting prayer. It is a lasting psalm. It has mystery in it. There is paradox: "There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the winds of the earth, and their words to the end of the world."

How can this be possible? I am reminded of the words from the American artists, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel--"People talking without speaking. People hearing without listening." The beauty of the poetry of both "The Sound of Silence" and the psalm express one truth: God communicates to us in many different ways. The heavens telling of the glory of God with the only thing they know how to. They speak the only language that God has given them. As God's servants, how will we tell of the works of God's hands not only with our actions, but with our silence?

Pray Psalm 19.

Psalm 18 (verses 43-50)

2009-10-12T16:12:00.002-04:00

Psalm 18 (verses 43-50)
43 You delivered me from strife with the peoples;
you made me head of the nations;
people whom I had not known served me.
44 As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me;
foreigners came cringing to me.
45 Foreigners lost heart,
and came trembling out of their strongholds.
46 The Lord lives! Blessed be my rock,
and exalted be the God of my salvation,
47 the God who gave me vengeance
and subdued peoples under me;
48 who delivered me from my enemies;
indeed, you exalted me above my adversaries;
you delivered me from the violent.
49 For this I will extol you, O Lord, among the nations,
and sing praises to your name.
50 Great triumphs he gives to his king,
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his descendants for ever.

Redemption. Today we close psalm 18. From trusting in God, to being pursued by enemies. From running from adversities, to finding hope in God. This is one of the first epic psalms that we will encounter. We find, time and time again, that there is hope in the Lord and salvation to the descendants of David--even Christ the King.

What never changes throughout the psalms in the person being addressed. These are words spoken by people to God. We, as listeners are meant to hear. Sometimes, we are even commanded, but nothing in the psalms happens outside of the love of God. That is good news.

As we find ourselves in the midst of another rainy day, there are those who will be calling upon God for relief. There will be those angry at God and wanting vengeance. In all things, prayers both public and private, we acknowledge God's presence in our lives. Take the time to pray the full Psalm 18. You may link to it here.

Psalm 18 (verses 31-42)

2009-10-09T07:56:00.001-04:00

Psalm 18 (verses 31-42)
³¹For who is God except the Lord?
   And who is a rock besides our God?— ³²the God who girded me with strength,
   and made my way safe. ³³He made my feet like the feet of a deer,
   and set me secure on the heights. ³⁴He trains my hands for war,
   so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. ³⁵You have given me the shield of your salvation,
   and your right hand has supported me;
   your help has made me great. ³⁶You gave me a wide place for my steps under me,
   and my feet did not slip. ³⁷I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
   and did not turn back until they were consumed. ³⁸I struck them down, so that they were not able to rise;
   they fell under my feet. ³⁹For you girded me with strength for the battle;
   you made my assailants sink under me. ⁴⁰You made my enemies turn their backs to me,
   and those who hated me I destroyed. ⁴¹They cried for help, but there was no one to save them;
   they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them. ⁴²I beat them fine, like dust before the wind;
   I cast them out like the mire of the streets.

Often times, we hear these words: Proceed with caution. These usually accompany a warning, disclaimer, or other way of distancing ourselves from the effects of the action. However, we are called on to celebrate. This is definitely a Psalm of celebration. And with good reason. This psalm affirms the relationship between God and God's people. It celebrates God's deliverance.

Too often, we don't focus enough on the little victories in our lives. There are parts of the world where people are literally grateful for waking up in the morning. We don't always have to have a large victory, we just have to remember the source of our strength and the source of our joy. Even though the imagery of this psalm is militaristic, it is a reason to celebrate. As you pray this portion of Psalm 18, think of your own small "victories" not over people, but over sin. Pray that God would continue to bless our struggles.

Pray Psalm 18:31-42.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 18 (verses 16-30)

2009-10-08T05:27:00.000-04:00

¹⁶He reached down from on high, he took me;
   he drew me out of mighty waters.
¹⁷He delivered me from my strong enemy,
   and from those who hated me;
   for they were too mighty for me.
¹⁸They confronted me in the day of my calamity;
   but the Lord was my support.
¹⁹He brought me out into a broad place;
   he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

²⁰The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;
   according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me.
²¹For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
   and have not wickedly departed from my God.
²²For all his ordinances were before me,
   and his statutes I did not put away from me.
²³I was blameless before him,
   and I kept myself from guilt.
²⁴Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,
   according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

²⁵With the loyal you show yourself loyal;
   with the blameless you show yourself blameless;
²⁶with the pure you show yourself pure;
   and with the crooked you show yourself perverse.
²⁷For you deliver a humble people,
   but the haughty eyes you bring down.
²⁸It is you who light my lamp;
   the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.
²⁹By you I can crush a troop,
   and by my God I can leap over a wall.
³⁰This God—his way is perfect;
   the promise of the Lord proves true;
   he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

When we draw close to God, God draws close to us. The more we know about God, the more we know about God's nature. Similar things are drawn to each other. These words come to mind after reflecting on this portion of Psalm 18. To those who follow God, God shows himself true and pure. Those who don't get to see another part of God.

It seems that those who draw close to God get a sense of the God they serve. This is a good thing. But to get a sense of the God that the evil do not serve must be terrifying. Yet it always comes back to God be a refuge and a strength. God is a source of comfort in times of trial. Instead of trying to find out what that means, it is better to practice turning to God. As a test, try to set to memory verse 30 of Psalm 18:

This God—his way is perfect;
   the promise of the Lord proves true;
   he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

Pray Psalm 18:30 and let God be your refuge.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 18 (verses 1-15)

2009-10-07T05:52:00.000-04:00

1I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
my God, my rock in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
so I shall be saved from my enemies.

4The cords of death encompassed me;
the torrents of perdition assailed me;
5the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
6In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears.
7Then the earth reeled and rocked;
the foundations also of the mountains trembled
and quaked, because he was angry.
8Smoke went up from his nostrils,
and devouring fire from his mouth;
glowing coals flamed forth from him.
9He bowed the heavens, and came down;
thick darkness was under his feet.
10He rode on a cherub, and flew;
he came swiftly upon the wings of the wind.
11He made darkness his covering around him,
his canopy thick clouds dark with water.
12Out of the brightness before him
there broke through his clouds
hailstones and coals of fire.
13The Lord also thundered in the heavens,
and the Most High uttered his voice.
14And he sent out his arrows, and scattered them;
he flashed forth lightnings, and routed them.
15Then the channels of the sea were seen,
and the foundations of the world were laid bare
at your rebuke, O Lord,
at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

What a mighty God we serve. The powerful imagery here is something overlooked. Perhaps we don't dwell on how God is described because God seems so human in this description. I don't think the point, however, is to figure out exactly what God is like.

For most people in the Western world, we like to think in terms of direct. What does God look like? What does god do? In the Eastern world view, the place where scripture was written, the questions are more about how things work. For instance, in verse 8, where it describes smoke, fire, and coals coming from God's mouth, it is intended to show the rage and fry of God. It is not saying that literally these things come from God.

Yet the point of the psalms is not to talk about the Western vs. Eastern mindset. Instead, we focus on this psalm as a psalm of praise. And this praise psalm comes in many parts. There are familiar words in this psalm for people who remember camp or vacation Bible school songs. So as we pray Psalm 18 over the next few days, remember that God's presence is always with us. What a mighty God we serve.

Pray Psalm 18.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 17

2009-10-06T05:28:00.001-04:00

Psalm 17
¹Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
²From you let my vindication come;
let your eyes see the right.

³If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,
   if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;
   my mouth does not transgress.
⁴As for what others do, by the word of your lips
   I have avoided the ways of the violent.
⁵My steps have held fast to your paths;
   my feet have not slipped.
⁶I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
   incline your ear to me, hear my words.
⁷Wondrously show your steadfast love,
   O savior of those who seek refuge
   from their adversaries at your right hand.
⁸Guard me as the apple of the eye;
   hide me in the shadow of your wings,
⁹from the wicked who despoil me,
   my deadly enemies who surround me.
¹⁰They close their hearts to pity;
   with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
¹¹They track me down; now they surround me;
   they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.
¹²They are like a lion eager to tear,
   like a young lion lurking in ambush.
¹³Rise up, O Lord, confront them, overthrow them!
   By your sword deliver my life from the wicked,
¹⁴from mortals—by your hand, O Lord—
   from mortals whose portion in life is in this world.
May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them;
   may their children have more than enough;
   may they leave something over to their little ones.
¹⁵As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
   when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

It's all about perspective. What scares you? What frightens you? I am drawn to the image of the lion as the enemy. I grew up reading the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The main hero with Christ-like imagery is a lion, Aslan. I also really like the movie, The Lion King. It was one of my favorite Disney movies when I was young. Yet in this psalm, the lion is the enemy. It's all about perspective.

We must remember the context. David, the supposed author of the psalm was a shepherd. He was given charge over the sheep and nothing would have been more terrifying than a lion attacking his family's flock. It's all about perspective.

As the psalmist is asking for God's help, he is acknowledging that he has no wickedness within him. How often we pray for deliverance, but do not bear ourselves before God almighty. When you pray this psalm, remember the perspective. God is the one who searches and we must make ourselves available to the searching of the spirit. Do that as you pray the psalm.

Pray Psalm 17.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 16

2009-10-05T09:41:00.000-04:00

Psalm 16
1Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.’

3As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
4Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
10For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
11You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You shall also love your neighbor as yourself. This is the greatest commandment given to us by Jesus. Here, we see the connection between the ministry of Christ and the use of the psalms in the language of the people of Israel.

Consider verse 9, "Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure." There is a holistic sense to the peace that Christ offers. That is why we offer all of ourselves to God. That is why we call it the peace that passes understanding because when the Holy Spirit brings us peace, it is beyond what our minds can alone comprehend.

The theme of refuge happens over and over again in the first part of the book of Psalms. It takes on different meanings at different times. When oppressed, it is a safe place. When happy, is is a place of celebration. When going through trials, it is a stronghold. God is our refuge. Which means in all things, God is our source.

Pray Psalm 16.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 15

2009-10-02T05:35:00.001-04:00

Psalm 15
¹O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?

²Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
   and speak the truth from their heart;
³who do not slander with their tongue,
   and do no evil to their friends,
   nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
⁴in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
   but who honor those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
⁵who do not lend money at interest,
   and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved.

What are your life standards? What rules do you try to live by? In answer to these questions, we get ten answers on how to live a life worthy of abiding in God's presence.

Three positive actions (walk blamelessly, do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart) are followed by three negative conditions (do not slander, do no evil, and take no reproach against neighbors). Following this, there are two additional positive characteristics (honor those who fear the Lord, stand by their oath even to their hurt) and two negative ones (do not lend money at interest and do no take bribes against the innocent).

More than formulas. More than guidelines. More than things we can and cannot do. These are rules that help us enter more closely into a relationship with God. These are not suggestions that if kept will make life easier. In fact, the keeping of the ten do's and do not's will probably make life more difficult as we try to live as God's covenant people in this world.

Yet, for those who keep these commandments and who live by God's laws shall never be moved.

Pray Psalm 15.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 14

2009-10-01T06:05:00.001-04:00

Psalm 14
1Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
there is no one who does good.

2The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind
to see if there are any who are wise,
who seek after God.
3They have all gone astray, they are all alike perverse;
there is no one who does good,
no, not one.
4Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call upon the Lord?
5There they shall be in great terror,
for God is with the company of the righteous.
6You would confound the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is their refuge.
7O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion!
When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.

It is very easy to define ourselves by talking about our enemies. My favorite example of doing this goes something like this, "I can't believe that person. At least I would never do that." Usually when we say things like this, publicly or privately, we are basing our dislike on very small things. What if we actually named, called out, the things that other people did wrong instead of hiding behind our best wishes?

This is exactly what the psalmist does in Psalm 14. On his mind, evil people do two things wrong: 1) Say there is no God and 2) do abominable deeds. It's not that they are annoying or they get on people's nerves, but they use other people. They mistreat other people. They eat up, consume, destroy God's people as they eat bread.

In a sense, when we pray the psalm, we resonate with what the psalmist is saying. On the other hand, we need to safe-guard ourselves from the behaviors and actions of those who do evil in the Lord's sight. In other words, we are praying not only to identify with the psalmist, but to make sure that our actions and behaviors reflect a God-centered life.

Pray Psalm 14.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 13

2009-09-30T07:56:00.000-04:00

Psalm 13
¹How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
²How long must I bear pain in my soul,
and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

³Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
⁴and my enemy will say, 'I have prevailed';
my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.

⁵But I trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
⁶I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.

In school, I remember learning about tenses for verbs. The three basic tenses are past, present, and future. Past tense indicates things that happened are and completed. Present tense is something that is going on as you speak. Future tense is something that is going to happen. I know that there are subcategories from there, but those are the big three.

The idea of time always intrigues me. How do we remember? How do we celebrate? How do we talk about things that happened in the past and how will we talk about things that have not happened yet? Psalm 13 asks the question "How long?" four times. The psalm at that point is in the present tense. The psalmist feels distant from God. He worries about his foes, and what they will do and say if God does not rescue him.

Amidst the worries and troubles, however, the psalm says that he has trusted in the Lord's steadfast love. Because of that past action, it open him up towards the future promise of a relationship with God.

You may feel distant from God and God's plan for your life. You may be asking God, "How long until you reveal yourself?" "How long must I suffer?" "How long until things get better?" It may not seem like it, but God has worked a way before. Why wouldn't God make a way now or in the future? If you know someone who is struggling to be closer to God, remind them that they have trusted in God's steadfast love. It does not always mean that things will work they way we want them to, but they will work, "because the Lord has dealt bountifully with me."

Pray Psalm 13.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 12

2009-09-29T07:42:00.001-04:00

Psalm 12

¹Help, O Lord, for there is no longer anyone who is godly;
   the faithful have disappeared from humankind.
²They utter lies to each other;
   with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.
³May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
   the tongue that makes great boasts,
⁴those who say, 'With our tongues we will prevail;
   our lips are our own—who is our master?'
⁵'Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan,
   I will now rise up,' says the Lord;
   'I will place them in the safety for which they long.'
⁶The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
   silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
   purified seven times.
⁷You, O Lord, will protect us;
   you will guard us from this generation for ever.
⁸On every side the wicked prowl,
   as vileness is exalted among humankind.

Is it okay to admit defeat? Do we, as a culture have a hard time knowing when to let go? I think the answer is yes. For when we admit defeat, or acknowledge that the cards are stacked against us, we realize that we are powerless. Let's face it, that's not a great feeling. No one wants to think that his/her own power is taken out of the equation. It's a defeated feeling and one that we are not quick to give power to.

However, when those times come, where do we place our trust? The phrase, "She speaks with a silver tongue" means that the talk is sweet, convincing, and charming. Perhaps, however, it is simply flattery as in the Psalm. To speak in that manner, as the psalm says, is to speak with a double heart. Yet even the silver tongues will be refined.

Pay attention to verse 6. "The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." The idea of purifying is one that we will focus on again in more depth in other psalms, but know this for now: when purifying something such as metal, it undergoes such a drastic change that the very substance and molecular compounds are rearranged into something almost unrecognizable from what it was originally. It may take time, and the change may be painful, but God will purify us all, even the one with the silver tongue. As you pray this Psalm, ask God what you need to be purified from.

Pray Psalm 12.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 11

2009-09-28T07:29:00.001-04:00

Psalm 11
1In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to me,
‘Flee like a bird to the mountains;
2for look, the wicked bend the bow,
they have fitted their arrow to the string,
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.
3If the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?’

4The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord’s throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind.
5The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,
and his soul hates the lover of violence.
6On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and sulfur;
a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7For the Lord is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.

What does it mean to stand firm? What is there to stand firm against? The psalmist is being attacked, both by enemies and by over information. Information, advice, "wisdom," all serve a purpose, but what happens when we crash, like our computers, from information overload?

There is no sure fire recipe or quick fix to stand firm. Only trust in the Lord. But that is not a quick fix. I believe it is the only fix, but it may not always produce the instant results we search for. As we continue with the psalms, we will see that this theme of refuge in God is recurring. Do not despair because it is never ending, but rejoice because we can turn to God in all circumstances.

When we feel overwhelmed, we retreat. We refresh. We re-create. These are important things. I am blessed to have an amazing wife who understands the need for retreat. I am blessed to serve Christ with an amazing staff at church. And I am blessed to have a group of friends who I am in a covenant relationship with. This week, we will meet to retreat, to refresh, and to re-create. We will take time to eat, to play, but most importantly to pray. I tell you this not to boast or brag, but simply to say this: The Lord is my refuge.

Pray Psalm 11.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 10 (part two, verses 10-18)

2009-09-25T06:34:00.000-04:00

Psalm 10 (part 2, verses 10-18)
¹⁰They stoop, they crouch,
and the helpless fall by their might.
¹¹They think in their heart, 'God has forgotten,
he has hidden his face, he will never see it.'

¹²Rise up, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;
do not forget the oppressed.
¹³Why do the wicked renounce God,
and say in their hearts, 'You will not call us to account'?

¹⁴But you do see! Indeed you note trouble and grief,
that you may take it into your hands;
the helpless commit themselves to you;
you have been the helper of the orphan.

¹⁵Break the arm of the wicked and evildoers;
seek out their wickedness until you find none.
¹⁶The Lord is king for ever and ever;
the nations shall perish from his land.

¹⁷O Lord, you will hear the desire of the meek;
   you will strengthen their heart, you will incline your ear
¹⁸to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed,
   so that those from earth may strike terror no more.

I usually don't like to oversimplify, but I think there may be three kinds of people in the world. Those who know God is watching, those who hope God is watching, those who hope God isn't watching. If you read closely, you can see all three of those voices present in this one psalm.

The tone of lament that begins in verse 1, is echoed throughout most of the psalm: "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?" The psalmist is hoping that God is watching. Watching not merely over him as he writes, but also over the evil of the world. The psalmist speaks of the evil people in the world, who the psalmist says, "They think in their heart, 'God is forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will ever see it.' " They are the ones who hope that God is not watching.

Then the psalmist comes to a resolution: God is watching, both "trouble and grief." God does watch and God does answer prayer. What does this teach us? It teaches us that it is okay to hope that God is watching. It is not an unfaithful prayer to say, "God, where are you?". There are also times when we hope that God is not watching. These are the times in which our sin manifests itself. In all things, when we take the time, we realize that God is watching. Thanks be to God.

Pray Psalm 10 in its entirety.
Psalm 10

¹Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?
   Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
²In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor—
   let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.
³For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart,
   those greedy for gain curse and renounce the Lord.
⁴In the pride of their countenance the wicked say, 'God will not seek it out';
   all their thoughts are, 'There is no God.'
⁵Their ways prosper at all times;
   your judgements are on high, out of their sight;
   as for their foes, they scoff at them.
⁶They think in their heart, 'We shall not be moved;
   throughout all generations we shall not meet adversity.'
⁷Their mouths are filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;
   under their tongues are mischief and iniquity.
⁸They sit in ambush in the villages;
   in hiding-places they murder the innocent.
Their eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;
⁹   they lurk in secret like a lion in its covert;
they lurk that they may seize the poor;
   they seize the poor and drag them off in their net.
¹⁰They stoop, they crouch,
   and the helpless fall by their might.
¹¹They think in their heart, 'God has forgotten,
   he has hidden his face, he will never see it.'
¹²Rise up, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;
   do not forget the oppressed.
¹³Why do the wicked renounce God,
   and say in their hearts, 'You will not call us to account'?
¹⁴But you do see! Indeed you note trouble and grief,
   that you may take it into your hands;
the helpless commit themselves to you;
   you have been the helper of the orphan.
¹⁵Break the arm of the wicked and evildoers;
   seek out their wickedness until you find none.
¹⁶The Lord is king for ever and ever;
   the nations shall perish from his land.

Psalm 10 (part one, verses 1-9)

2009-09-24T05:40:00.000-04:00

Psalm 10 (part 1, verses 1-9)
1Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor—
let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.

3For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart,
those greedy for gain curse and renounce the Lord.
4In the pride of their countenance the wicked say, ‘God will not seek it out’;
all their thoughts are, ‘There is no God.’
5Their ways prosper at all times;
your judgments are on high, out of their sight;
as for their foes, they scoff at them.
6They think in their heart, ‘We shall not be moved;
throughout all generations we shall not meet adversity.’
7Their mouths are filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;
under their tongues are mischief and iniquity.
8They sit in ambush in the villages;
in hiding-places they murder the innocent.

Their eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;
9 they lurk in secret like a lion in its covert;
they lurk that they may seize the poor;
they seize the poor and drag them off in their net.

Where is the certainty that God is listening? Where is the certainty that God is with us? Psalm 10 begins with a pretty accurate description of the world for many people: Those who are prosperous have done so without God. While this is highly debatable, it does have a hinge of truth to it. We look at some of the wealth that has been accumulated and it seems that it is done despicably. When people are cheated out of savings, when those who already may find themselves voiceless and helpless are further oppressed, when hard working families are swindled by con-artists, we wonder why? The psalmist says it plainly: "All their thoughts are, 'There is no God.' (verse 4)"

Yet as people of faith, we know that those who have cursing and deceit in their mouths do not have the last word. For God's judgments, even though they may seem far away, will not remain hidden for ever.

There is a temptation to read psalms like this one and say that we are not like the evil people in this psalm. If we are honest, however, there is a portion of ourselves in the evil mentioned in this psalm. We may not always feel like the persecuted, does that mean that we are the wicked? I am not saying that we are, but if call ourselves Christians, we should be working towards bettering our relationship with God. When you read the Psalm again, do it twice. Once as the voice of the persecuted. The second time, imagine that you are the wicked. Thank God for God's blessing and ask God for forgiveness for the things done wrong.

Pray Psalm 10:1-9.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 9 (part 2, verse 11-20)

2009-09-23T06:12:00.001-04:00

Psalm 9 (part 2, verses 11-20)
11Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion.
Declare his deeds among the peoples.
12For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

13Be gracious to me, O Lord.
See what I suffer from those who hate me;
you are the one who lifts me up from the gates of death,
14so that I may recount all your praises,
and, in the gates of daughter Zion,
rejoice in your deliverance.
15The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;
in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught.
16The Lord has made himself known, he has executed judgement;
the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.
Higgaion. Selah
17The wicked shall depart to Sheol,
all the nations that forget God.
18For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor perish for ever.
19Rise up, O Lord! Do not let mortals prevail;
let the nations be judged before you.
20Put them in fear, O Lord;
let the nations know that they are only human.
Selah

The theme from yesterday continues into today, and will be a part of our reading and prayer tomorrow. There is praise in the voice of the psalmist, but also anxiety. The tone continues from yesterday: the enemies have received what they deserved. But does this make the psalmist happy? Will seeing our enemies crushed really make us happy?

Those are some of the hard questions which the psalms ask. The psalms are real prayers. Moreover, they are meant to be read and shared by the whole community. In that context, praying takes on a new mandate. It is this: DO IT. You may not be feeling like your prayers are reaching God, or you may not want to side with those who wish violence and hurt upon others. Yet the prayers of the psalms are true. We all have enemies. And deep down, we want to see our enemies fail. The hardest thing to do is trust that God is sovereign; God is Lord.

Prayer helps shape that. It begins with the acknowledgment that God is in control and we are not. The psalms are the prayers of the church. So whether you feel that praying is important, or praying is not, we are called to do it. And we are called to pray together. Remember to take time to pray, to reflect, and to be in community with others. "The Lord has [and will] make himself known (verse 16)."

Pray entire Psalm 9.
1I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3When my enemies turned back,
they stumbled and perished before you.
4For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgement.
5You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;
their cities you have rooted out;
the very memory of them has perished.
7But the Lord sits enthroned for ever,
he has established his throne for judgement.
8He judges the world with righteousness;
he judges the peoples with equity.
9The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
11Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion.
Declare his deeds among the peoples.
12For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
13Be gracious to me, O Lord.
See what I suffer from those who hate me;
you are the one who lifts me up from the gates of death,
14so that I may recount all your praises,
and, in the gates of daughter Zion,
rejoice in your deliverance.
15The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;
in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught.
16The Lord has made himself known, he has executed judgement;
the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.
Higgaion. Selah
17The wicked shall depart to Sheol,
all the nations that forget God.
18For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor perish for ever.
19Rise up, O Lord! Do not let mortals prevail;
let the nations be judged before you.
20Put them in fear, O Lord;
let the nations know that they are only human.
Selah

Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 9 (part 1, verses 1-10)

2009-09-22T05:13:00.001-04:00

Psalm 9 (verses 1-10)

¹I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
²I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

³When my enemies turned back,
   they stumbled and perished before you.
⁴For you have maintained my just cause;
   you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment.
⁵You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked;
   you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
⁶The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;
   their cities you have rooted out;
   the very memory of them has perished.
⁷But the Lord sits enthroned for ever,
   he has established his throne for judgement.
⁸He judges the world with righteousness;
   he judges the peoples with equity.
⁹The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
   a stronghold in times of trouble.
¹⁰And those who know your name put their trust in you,
   for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Some Psalms are longer than others. That is a given. Some Psalms fit into certain genres together. For instance the Psalms of Ascents (120-134) speak to a general theme of approaching the splendor of God. They were most likely originally used by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem from other lands. Psalms 9 and 10 work together to share this common theme:

We are not self-sufficient.

In the earlier Psalms, the psalmist would pray for those enemies, that destruction would come upon them. That they would get what they deserve; their "come-up-ins." Here, the Psalmist gets what he wants, what he prayed for. Who knows how much time went by between the actual events? Who knows exactly what the enemies got as their punishment? Scholars have ideas, but we have no way of knowing for sure. The thing to notice is this: God is the one who exacts judgment. Justice is never something that we put into our own hands. Ironically, I have jury duty tomorrow. The point of these few verses is not to confuse. In fact, it is to make known the reality that in God's hands and God's time, we all will receive what we deserve. For we are not self-sufficient.

Prayer:
Psalm 9 (verses 1-10)

Psalm 8

2009-09-21T06:15:00.000-04:00

Psalm 8
1O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.

3When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
4what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?

5Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
7all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Do you ever wonder what our place in creation is? Where do we fit in the natural order? We are only mortals, made a little lower than God. Not too shabby, if you ask me. Not only do we get a place in glory, but we have dominion over God's works. It's like owning an original Picasso, given to you by the artist himself. Passed down from generation to generation. Or a Stradivarius. An instrument so perfect, so precise, that it's value far exceeds anything that we could imagine. And we are made stewards, caretakers, masters even over all this work. What an honor. What a responsibility.

Yet, even with the charge we have been given in the work of God's hands, this is not to make us bigger, better, or more important than we are. As I pray this Psalm, I find comfort not in the special role we play in creation, but in the fact that out of the mouths of babes and infants, God will silence the enemy and avenger. It is not the great works of an older, wiser generation. It is through the mystery of creation of human life that we find ourselves awed and inspired by God. Let us take comfort in our role as stewards of God's creation. However, let us never forget that even though God will choose to work through us, it is in the lowly places where God shows up.

Pray Psalm 8 with grateful humility.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 7

2009-09-20T05:25:00.001-04:00

Psalm 7
1O Lord my God, in you I take refuge;
save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,
2or like a lion they will tear me apart;
they will drag me away, with no one to rescue.

3O Lord my God, if I have done this,
if there is wrong in my hands,
4if I have repaid my ally with harm
or plundered my foe without cause,
5then let the enemy pursue and overtake me,
trample my life to the ground,
and lay my soul in the dust.
Selah

6Rise up, O Lord, in your anger;
lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies;
awake, O my God; you have appointed a judgement.
7Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered around you,
and over it take your seat on high.
8The Lord judges the peoples;
judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness
and according to the integrity that is in me.

9O let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous,
you who test the minds and hearts,
O righteous God.
10God is my shield,
who saves the upright in heart.
11God is a righteous judge,
and a God who has indignation every day.

12If one does not repent, God will whet his sword;
he has bent and strung his bow;
13he has prepared his deadly weapons,
making his arrows fiery shafts.
14See how they conceive evil,
and are pregnant with mischief,
and bring forth lies.
15They make a pit, digging it out,
and fall into the hole that they have made.
16Their mischief returns upon their own heads,
and on their own heads their violence descends.

17I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,
and sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

In what do we take refuge? What does that even mean? In the first Psalms, we prayed that we would find refuge and strength in God. These emotions, prompted by joy, happiness, and blessedness are a far cry from the Psalmist today. The refuge sought is more align with the refuge that comes when you rest from fleeing enemies. This psalm is a prayer to seek refuge in God not because things are going well, but because things are not.

The vivid imagery that the psalmist uses--enemies as a lion, pregnant with mischief--are hope that the refuge provided in God will not merely be safety, but a "what comes around goes around" scenario. How odd that we would pray that our enemies "get what's coming to them." Yet, we do not understand God's ways. While we think, pray, and hope that our enemies get what they deserve, the psalmist acknowledges that God alone is the great judge. In other words, whatever we want to happen, we do not get the last word. For God is righteous. We are unrighteous.

We do not know what sins the psalmist has committed that (verse 3), but we see the need for repentance. Let us too pray these hard words of the Psalm. Let us also make our confession before God and lay down our pride in order to be judged by the just one, the righteous one, the Almighty.

Pray Psalm 7.

Psalm 6

2009-09-19T06:04:00.000-04:00

Psalm 6
1O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your wrath.
2Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
3My soul also is struck with terror,
while you, O Lord—how long?

4Turn, O Lord, save my life;
deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
5For in death there is no remembrance of you;
in Sheol who can give you praise?

6I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
7My eyes waste away because of grief;
they grow weak because of all my foes.

8Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
9The Lord has heard my supplication;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
10All my enemies shall be ashamed and struck with terror;
they shall turn back, and in a moment be put to shame.

There's something to be said about knowing one's place. It helps the natural order progress. Yet, there are times when that order needs amending. There are times when we find ourselves at a distance from where we would like to be.

The psalm this morning reminds us that there are those times when the order which normally surrounds our life is in chaos. We mourn. We weep. We yearn for some sense of peace. We even flood our bed with our own tears. Grief, sorrow, and loss are a part of this life.

So what is our response when things get out of order? Do we merely mourn the loss? Yes. We mourn. We weep. It is not always how we want to live life, but it is a part of being human. The proper question is not "Do we weep?" The right question to ask is "How do we weep?" Our hope, as found in this psalm, is knowing that in all things, even our saddest times, we can turn to God with our supplication and lament. For it is not our own works that make us better, but God's blessed assurance with us. As you pray this Psalm, you may not be one in sadness. Think of those who may be and offer this prayer on their behalf.

Pray Psalm 6.

Psalm 5

2009-09-18T06:46:00.001-04:00

Psalm 5

Posted by: ThomasMartin on Sep 18, 2009

Tagged in: daily devotional

Psalm 5
¹Give ear to my words, O Lord;
   give heed to my sighing.
²Listen to the sound of my cry,
   my King and my God,
   for to you I pray.
³O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
   in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.

⁴For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
   evil will not sojourn with you.
⁵The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
   you hate all evildoers.
⁶You destroy those who speak lies;
   the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.

⁷But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
   will enter your house,
I will bow down towards your holy temple
   in awe of you.
⁸Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
   because of my enemies;
   make your way straight before me.

⁹For there is no truth in their mouths;
   their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves;
   they flatter with their tongues.
¹⁰Make them bear their guilt, O God;
   let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out,
   for they have rebelled against you.

¹¹But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
   let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
   so that those who love your name may exult in you.
¹²For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
   you cover them with favor as with a shield.

How do you pray for your enemies? Is the overall theme communication with God, freedom from persecution, or destruction? I'm afraid that we want to see our enemies humiliated. We want to be the agent of that humiliation. Here the Psalmist offers another way.

It is not himself that the writer is trying to please, but God. It is not the work or schemes or sarcastic whips that the author relies upon but the faithfulness of God who blesses the righteous. Instead of being a psalm of complaint, it is almost a psalm of resignation. Yet it is not the kind of resignation that we deem, "throwing in the towel." It is turning over the problem to God. Putting the anxiety and worry in the hands of God.

As you pray this psalm, take time not to focus on the relationship with whoever or whatever your enemy is. Instead, focus on your relationship with the God who will hear our voice when we call. That is the more important relationship of the two.
Prayer--Psalm 5.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 4

2009-09-17T05:21:00.001-04:00

Psalm 4
¹Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

²How long, you people, shall my honour suffer shame?
   How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
          Selah
³But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
   the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴When you are disturbed,^* do not sin;
   ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
          Selah
⁵Offer right sacrifices,
   and put your trust in the Lord.

⁶There are many who say, 'O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!' ⁷You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.

⁸I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

If you look at the way this Psalm is bracketed, it is a helpful tool for prayer. The first verse is made up of words to God. Verses 2-5 are directed to the people. Verses 6-8 conclude directed towards God. Think about this for a second.
In our prayer life, how many times do we ask God to intercede for others? Or pray for others? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us that in all things, we are to give thanks to God, for it is God's will. How much easier to do that when the first thing and the last thing we do is give thanks to God.

As the Psalmist prays, notice how it starts with a supplication, "Answer me when I call..." Yet he remembers why he is asking God: "You gave me room when I was in distress." At what point do you find yourself in distress? How many times has God answered your call before? It may have taken a long time, but chances are that God answered and gave you room when you were in distress. Will God not answer once again?

As the Psalm closes, the Psalmist states this fact: "I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety." If you are reading this during the day, pray this Psalm now. But as a challenge, take your Bible, and say this prayer before you lie down this evening. For it is the Lord who makes us lie down in safety.
Pray Psalm 4 (and then pray it at night).

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 3

2009-09-16T06:05:00.001-04:00

Psalm 3
¹O Lord, how many are my foes!
   Many are rising against me; ²many are saying to me,
   'There is no help for you in God.'
          Selah

³But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
   my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. ⁴I cry aloud to the Lord,
   and he answers me from his holy hill.
          Selah

⁵I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. ⁶I am not afraid of tens of thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

⁷Rise up, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸Deliverance belongs to the Lord;
may your blessing be on your people!
Selah

Selah is one of those words that we encounter time and time again and we forget and forget and forget what it means. At least, I do. I had to look it up. On the surface, it seems to have no immediate impact on our reading or understanding, for most sources say that it is merely a musical notation. After all, Psalms literally means "songs." In fact, there is no one word which we can translate. Instead, the meaning is not merely notational for music, but "stop and listen." In fact, those three words are not enough to take in the full effect of this word. The most concise definition that we have is, "Let those with eyes see and with ears hear."
What can seem like nothing more than a stop, a pause, or a notation is really God trying to tell us something. Stop. Listen. Use your heart, your soul, your mind, your strength and really understand what your prayers mean. Take your time. Slow down.
In our fast paced society, that can be hard to do. But as you encounter the Psalms, take time for the Selah to become a part of your reading, your praying, and your listening for the voice of God.
Pray the psalm with the Selah.
¹O Lord, how many are my foes!
   Many are rising against me; ²many are saying to me,
   'There is no help for you in God.'
          Selah

³But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
   my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. ⁴I cry aloud to the Lord,
   and he answers me from his holy hill.
          Selah

⁵I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. ⁶I am not afraid of tens of thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

⁷Rise up, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸Deliverance belongs to the Lord;
may your blessing be on your people!
Selah

Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 2

2009-09-15T06:04:00.001-04:00

Psalm 2
¹Why do the nations conspire,
   and the peoples plot in vain? ²The kings of the earth set themselves,
   and the rulers take counsel together,
   against the Lord and his anointed, saying, ³'Let us burst their bonds asunder,
   and cast their cords from us.'

⁴He who sits in the heavens laughs;
   the Lord has them in derision. ⁵Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
   and terrify them in his fury, saying, ⁶'I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.'⁷I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, 'You are my son;
   today I have begotten you. ⁸Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
   and the ends of the earth your possession. ⁹You shall break them with a rod of iron,
   and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.' ¹⁰Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
   be warned, O rulers of the earth. ¹¹Serve the Lord with fear,
   with trembling ¹²kiss his feet,
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
   for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.

Who are the Lord's anointed? In a world where people claim to be the voice of God, it is hard to pick out the "real thing" from those who are merely impostors. Moreover, given the danger in hierarchical structures and the dangers with people claiming authority over others, it is hard to imagine a true "king" in the sense of an authority. We all want our own free choice and having a king erodes that.

Yet I think the answer lies not in the problem of freedom or translations. This psalm makes us think and causes us to act because we are the Lord's anointed. I don't think the hierarchy is difficult concept to understand. In fact, I think it is helpful to look at all Christians as Princes and Princesses.

Growing up, in nursery rhymes, the prince and the princess where people who were royalty from birth, and yet royalty in training. Think of this metaphor for our lives as Christians. In our baptism, even from our birth, we are God's beloved and chosen. However, we also know that we have a long way to go. Submission to the rules of the land, as it were, are not meant to restrict us but to live into everything that God has us to be. In fact, to rise into the role of king, we must know the law. Our hearts and minds should ascent to the ways of God. There is more potential when God calls us up from where we are.

Yes, this Psalm was presumably written by a king. But it is a remembering of God's gracious works in that king's life. As you pray this psalm this day, may you find ways in which God calls you in your life to love and serve God almighty.

Prayer: Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against theLord and his anointed, saying, 'Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 'I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.' I will tell of the decree of theLord: He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.' Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him. Amen.
G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 1

2009-09-14T05:45:00.003-04:00

Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

There is something to be said about a prayer life. And if I am being honest, one of my weakest parts of my life is my prayer life. Sometimes, I just don't know how to talk to God. So as a spiritual practice and a daily discipline, I will be praying and reflecting on a Psalm a day. There will be a break at Advent and Christmas, but with 150 Psalms, some being much longer than others, there will be plenty of time to take it slow. I hope you will join me in this endeavor and in prayer over the next several days.

All psalms are prayers in a sense, for they are speaking to God. Psalm 1 makes everything seem so easy. In verse 5, when the wicked stand in judgment, it is not merely metaphorically speaking. For when ancient Israelites or surrounding cultures took part in trials, the defendants would stand the whole time. The assembly of the righteous was not metaphorically, but literally the community of faith.

Living a life of God is not meant to be (and cannot be) lived in a life of isolation. Those who are blessed (other translations say, "Happy are those who...) are living as best they can within community. Love of God, love of neighbor. May we too choose to see those around us as our community, to delight in God's law, and to become fruitful and blessed.

Prayer: 1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Wisdom

2009-09-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

James 3:13-18
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

At the time of the writing of James, revolution was the talk of the town. Religious zealots wanted to overthrow Roman rule, while Roman advocates were plotting the destruction of the Jewish temple. All the while you had a new movement, The Way as Acts calls it. It's a matter of time before worlds collide. James is offering a peaceable alternative to the tension at the time.

You know what tension is. Tension is when you walk into a room where there has been or is going to be conflict. "You can cut the tension with a knife." Sometimes we find ourselves on one side or another when it comes to that tension. So how do we live? From where do we take advice?

When describing what love looks like, we often start by saying what it is not. When trying to describe wisdom, we can say that it is not bitter jealousy. It does not have selfish ambition in its heart. It does not lead others to boast or be false in the truth. Un-Godly wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. It is one thing to know what wisdom is not. I think we can all agree on that. But James offers depth to what wisdom is. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Wisdom, in short, is a gift. It was given to King Solomon when he sought out God above. He lost that wisdom when he turned from its source. Jesus was called the great teacher because he possessed much wisdom. But it was not merely his intellect, but his lifestyle that showed wisdom. For wisdom is not something one can gain by reading a bunch of books, quoting a lot of theologians, or offering criticism to anyone who might not agree with us. Wisdom is a way of life that bears witness to Jesus Christ. True wisdom is not brazenly book smart, but a way of life full of compassion.

Prayer: God, make me wise in mind, body and soul. Help me to be peaceable and not arrogant in using the wisdom that you have given me. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Taming the Tongue

2009-09-02T06:34:00.000-04:00

James 3:1-12

3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Why do we worry what others think of us? What do we worry what they say behind our backs? My guess is that we worry so much about what others say and think of us because we know our own deeds behind closed doors. We know our dark secrets and sins, and we are afraid that others do the same. What if we focused on building people up instead of tearing them down? My guess is that we would be less paranoid and worried with our own fears if we instead lived differently.

James offers instructions for us and reminders from the natural world to emphasize the importance of taming the tongue. You know, perhaps for Christians, we should remember the wise wisdom passed down through the ages, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." If we lived in a way that built people up, perhaps we would see that others are building us up. Rather than thinking that others are talking behind our back, because we are doing the same thing, we can live a life that reflects a better way of living.

Taming the tongue does not end with us not talking about others, it begins with looking at the positive of life. It helps us to focus on the positive in life. We want to surround ourselves with positive thinking people. Other people will want to be around us. Not only the way we look at the world, but the way we live in the world reflects the life we live in secret. Taming the tongue is so much more than what we say. It is how we live.

Prayer: God, as I try to be better, let em receive the grace you give to follow you. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Safety

2009-09-01T05:53:00.000-04:00

I Kings 9:1-9
As soon as Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord and the king's house and all that Solomon desired to build, 2 the Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 And the Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 4 And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, 5 then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ 6 But if you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 8 And this house will become a heap of ruins. Everyone passing by it will be astonished and will hiss, and they will say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ 9 Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the Lord has brought all this disaster on them.’”

Have you ever wondered if God was conditional? We always hear about God's unconditional love and God's unending grace. But then we read "if-then" statements like the one in 1 Kings. The problem is that if we focus on just this one story and forget everything else, then we think we understand God. If we just look at this story, we miss the big picture.

Just looking at this story, it's not that far removed from our imagination that God would punish people for their sins. In fact, God does punish for sins. But not in the way that we think. Pastors, theologians, and Christians who have public voices often mistake the wrath of God for something else. There were plenty of people who thought that 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural disasters were the wrath of God. That misses the origin of the story and it misses what God has done and will do for his people. When we think that God is punishing people for their transgressions, we forget that God chose Israel from the beginning. From the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, God creates man and woman and chooses them.

We make the mistake thinking that God punishes with annihilation or death. But in a weird sense, God does punish. But not how we reason. Think about a dog on a leash on a busy road. If the dog gets off the leash, then something bad could happen. The dog probably feels that the leash is restrictive, yet he probably doesn't know that it keeps them safe. God has set up boundaries for us. We think that God's rules are restrictive, yet we find freedom and safety in God's statutes and rules. It is not so much a reward for good behavior, but as the Psalmist says, learning to love the ordinances of God. Our hope is not found in our judgment--the judgment we receive or pass on others--but in the embrace of God. We are not dogs on a leash, but we are loved and cared for by God. May we see God's love and fulfilled promises in the world today.

Prayer: God, teach me to love your laws and find freedom in your care for us all. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Way of Life

2009-08-31T06:39:00.001-04:00

James 2:1-13

2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

I learned more about how to talk to others in an assertive yet loving way by sitting and listening in the back seat of a carpool driving to divinity school than I did in any class I took. When we refrain from talking, we allow ourselves to be merciful. We can take things in better. We can hear both sides of the argument. We don't allow ourselves to be wrapped up in the semantics of the talking. Sitting back and listening, made me a better listener and often helped me gain insights into the material we were reading discussing. It brought the conversation from the black and white of the page to the gray area in which we all live. By reserving judgment, I learned by listening. For three years, that became a way of life.

When it comes to interacting with those who Jesus calls the poor, we should reserve judgments as well. Yet we want desperately to find safety and comfort in the places familiar to us. We seek the comfort of wealth, of stuff, or the hope for more wealth and more stuff. The author of James calls us out. We think that the poor are the ones who are doing us harm, when it is actually the rich who oppress, who blaspheme, who make a mockery of the world that God has created.

Yet, this is not a diatribe against the wealthy or the poor. It is a stern reminder that mercy, not judgment is a way of life. We are not called to live as the world lives, to distinguish ourselves between the have's and the have not's. We are called to live according to the law and to show mercy. We are all sinners in need of daily renewal. We are all sinners in need of grace. We are all sinners in need of mercy, rather than judgment. How can we live lives full of mercy? Only by the continued grace of God. It is our way of, and our way to, life.

Prayer: God, throughout this week, help me to live mercifully to those around me, rich or poor, sinners or saints, that I may live a life of mercy. Help me to refrain from judging others. Let me live a life of mercy that reflects your love for all your children. In the merciful name of Christ, AMEN.

G. Thomas Martin

Hope for Today

2009-08-28T07:51:00.000-04:00

Mark 14:27-31
27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

Do you remember how the story ends? It ends with denial. More emphatically in Mark, we get no telling of the resurrection. Kind of paints a bleak picture. As I write this, it is 4:30 in the afternoon. It is bleak and dark, with a threat of rain.

We can focus on the negative, get caught up in our own misery, or hope for the resurrection. We can read about the promises we make to Christ, like the disciples. Then we can either focus on our past failures and knowing that we will probably get it wrong again, or choose to look at Christ for the forgiveness that only he can give. Jesus calls it like he sees it, like it really is. Yet Christ still loves us and cares for us.

There are times when we focus on what is wrong, what has been wrong, or what is going to be wrong. As Christians, we celebrate the fact that our faith is not based upon our successes or failures, but Christ's love for us. As God continues to carry us through another work-week, or to the beginning of a restful weekend, let us give thanks for the joy that comes in the morning, even though the sorrow may last for the night.

Prayer: God of love and forgiveness, mend my attitude. Let me see the hope that though the darkness comes, the sun also rises. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Wise Counsel

2009-08-27T07:01:00.001-04:00

1 King 3:16-28

16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman's son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king.

23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.

On the surface, this story seems to be about King Solomon's wisdom. It is a story to persuade the hearers and readers that Solomon was a wise king, ready to deal justly. However, I think it also tells us something about how we can live our own lives.

When you get in a dispute with another person, with yourself, with multiple people, where do you go? When you get overwhelmed with anxiety or fear, or overcome with joy and thanksgiving, who do you tell? If we look for a moment not at King Solomon, but at the women, we learn a valuable lesson: sometimes things are beyond our control. Decisions, choices, dealing with conflict; we don't have to go through this alone.

The women in the story were dealing with a serious matter, life and death of a child. There are many who have to deal with that trauma. There are others who have not experienced that kind of loss. However, we bring all that we are before the living God, who is our counsel. If you are going through something, good or bad, share it with someone. Go to God in prayer, not only with your grievance but also with an attitude of listening. If the women had been too upset to hear the king, they would not have had resolution. When talking to God, be ready to listen.

Prayer: God, give me the courage to come to you in my time of need. Give me ears to hear, eyes to see, and a spirit to discern your will in the times of joy and the times of fear. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Serving

2009-08-26T06:25:00.001-04:00

Mark 14:1-11

14:1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Have you ever looked at one of those pictures where you're asked whether you see a vase or two people profiles? Or one of those Rorschach pictures with the ambiguous ink-blots? The idea being that your innermost secrets and desires are revealed. Sometimes, scripture is like that. We read a particular passage and depending on where we are in our journey of life--joy, sadness, anxiety, suspense--we read into the Bible. I think the scripture from Mark is one of those passages.

There are several places to "get lost" in the scripture. That is to say, It starts out with showing the cunning spirits of the leaders. They did not want to arrest Jesus because they knew he was powerful and they were afraid of the people. Perhaps you read the woman's self-less act and acknowledge the generosity of this woman. Maybe you get caught up on the fact that Jesus says, "There will always be the poor," and this puzzles you. Or maybe Judas stands out as a villain, a hero, or someone who was misguided. Wherever your attention gets caught, this scripture speaks to the person of Jesus Christ.

Jesus speaks in curious language, yet is always deserving of our praise. Jesus must die, but we still serve him. Jesus calls us to minister to the the poor, but sometimes it is necessary to orient ourselves in the relationship. And in all things, the story is about Christ, not about us. When we think we know what is right, Jesus is there to correct us and show us the way. When we try to make Jesus into what we want him to be, Jesus reminds us that the stories will be told of those who serve Christ yesterday, today and forever.

Prayer: Jesus, help us to seek you out, to listen to your voice, and to serve you in all the ways we can both now and always. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

In all things

2009-08-25T05:54:00.001-04:00

Psalm 5

5:1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil may not dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.

9 For there is no truth in their mouth;
their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
they flatter with their tongue.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Walter Brueggemann, professor of Old Testament at Columbia Seminary, says that there are three basic kinds of Psalms in scripture. Psalms of orientation that remind us of our place in the relationship with God. Psalms of disorientation that speak to the fears, failures and hurts that we experience in life. And Psalms of reorientation that start off lamenting, but result in giving thanks to God.

What an amazing thing to consider the places where we all meet the experience of the Psalms. There are times when we feel good, when we want to sing praises to God for all that God has done for us. Other times, we feel like cursing the creator of the universe. And then, when we become transparent before God, we find ourselves being made right with God. From our pain comes joy. Though the sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.

The Psalmist in Psalm 5 finds himself in a place of despair. He is under attack from physical enemies and he cries out to God. It sounds familiar, as if this isn't the first time this has happened and it won't be the last. Yet the Psalmist finds himself praying to God in the morning, preparing a sacrifice and a watchful attitude of prayer before the Lord. For the Psalmist, this isn't the first time he has prayed this prayer and it won't be the last. He knows that through the ebb and flow of life, we come to God in various places. God meets us where we are. May we too, have the assurance and confidence that in all things--the day to day routine, the waking and the sleeping, even when enemies are all around us--that God is our refuge and strength.

Prayer: God, as we go through this day, help us come to you with our joys and our sorrows, and hopes and our hurts. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear your presence with those who seek your righteousness. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Living Witnesses

2009-08-24T07:17:00.000-04:00

Acts 26:12-23

12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

Growing up in the church and youth group, we would often spend time giving our testimonies at various church events. To most, a testimony is something that you give in defense of yourself. Much like what Paul is doing in this scene in Acts. He is giving his defense to King Agrippa. He is simply saying what happened. However, he does not end up pleading his case, but instead offering to those listening the Truth. "That Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."

Most of us will not be able to live lives of Paul or witness or testify in the way that Paul does. Paul uses his words and his actions, and ends up dying at the hands of the emperor's guards. So where does that leave us? Our living does not have to be dramatic, but it has to be authentic. It has to be genuine to who God has called us to be. Paul's words from Galatians 5:22 remind us what fruit we bear when we live lives full of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We don't have to speak before rulers or crowds, write treatises or letters of great inspiration as Paul did, but there is a way that we are supposed to live. In your living this day and this week, will you simply tell of your life in God, or will you live a life full of the fruits of the Spirit?

Prayer: God, help me to live as a witness. May my testimony be one lived and spoken. May my life be filled with power of the Holt Spirit, bearing much fruit. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Big Faith, little change

2009-08-21T07:46:00.001-04:00

Mark 12:41-44

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Big faith, little change. That is not to say that big faith can't come with big change. In fact, most of the time it does. But we're talking about two different kinds of change here. One is the little bit of money that the widow put in the offering; merely coins. The other is a kind of change is the kind that drastically alters your life; like seeing a poor widow put all that she has into the offering for others. Both require faith.

This faith may not always be something that we think about or are aware of, but when you see something like Mark is describing, that is faith. For it takes the faith of the woman to speak to the faith, however small it may be, of the people watching. You've heard the expression, takes one to know one. Well, it takes one person's faith to recognize the faithfulness of other.

Through our faith we may not always have understanding, but as Anselm (an early church Father who argued that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine) says, we have faith that seeks understanding. As we are all on a journey, we must open ourselves up to Jesus' teachings. When Christ speaks to those who merely watch on the sidelines, we must ask ourselves, do we have the change of the widow? Are we willing to give what we have to God? How much faith do we really need to know? As we grow in faith, we grow in God's graces. Our little change takes big faith.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, move in me and help me make the changes in my life that will grow my faith in you. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Commands

2009-08-20T05:13:00.001-04:00

Mark 12:28-34
28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

It's not very often that we give the religious leaders a good reputation in the gospels. We always want to point to their doubt, their disbelief, or the inability to follow Christ. I think we do this to remind ourselves of Christ's invitation to follow. If we can simply demonize our opponents and strip them of their humanity, then it makes it easier not to love them. At least, not to love them as much as we love ourselves.

There is a humility required to admit when one is wrong, but also to recognize good teaching when one hears it. The scribe knows good teaching from the Good Shepherd when he hears it. Then, he adds something to his praise of Jesus' answer, "to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." This scribe has put together the instructions given to God's chosen people, Israel, with the fulfillment of Christ's proclamation. And yet, this was not the highest achievement that he could reach.

In Mark's gospel, we do not see Jesus praising this scribe. Jesus simply tells him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." In other words, "You still have work to do." Chances are you are reading this out of choice. A choice to know God's will and to do good. But take comfort in Jesus' words to the scribe. There is always more to do, but to those who are on the path of discipleship, we are never far from the kingdom of God.

Prayer: God, surround me with your steadfast love as we move ever closer to your kingdom with your grace. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Tough Sayings

2009-08-19T06:36:00.001-04:00

Mark 12:13-17
13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.

Do you ever wish you could ask Jesus, "Why?" Why did you have to explain it like that? Why couldn't you make things easier? Could we have multiple choice? Unfortunately, Jesus gives no formula for a fair tax. He simply tells his questioners opponents, and trapsters to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's.

That is not enough explanation. That isn't even possible in our current state. We base everything on money. Dollars and cents do the talking. Jesus, how can we have any power or say when we give all of our wealth to the government? Shouldn't we be giving to the church as well?

I know the politically charged climate which we exist in as Americans, but Jesus isn't making the issue about money or government. The Pharisees are. Jesus is calling them out on their vision for the world. For while they want to create discord and reduce Jesus to saying something that gets him and his followers in trouble, Jesus calls them on their arrogance and says simply, "It's not about the money, the taxes, or the wealth. It is about the relationship that you have with God and with neighbor."

In our world full of tension and turmoil, the Christian is one who looks past the green and silver, past the presidents and leaders, past the money that jingles and the money that folds. The Christian is one who sees people and their need and goes to serve God where God leads. That is what it means to give to God the things that are God's. We are the God's creation, let us give ourselves over to God.

Prayer: Take my will and God, and use it for thy good in this world, so that we may not simply transform, but be transformed. Through the grace of your son Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Glass Half Full

2009-08-18T06:52:00.002-04:00

Psalm 124

1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—
let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone
the raging waters.

6 Blessed be the Lord,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

How often do you stop to give thanks? What is your perspective on life? Is your attitude based upon what you have to do and what you cannot do? Or do you have the optimist's attitude which says, "All things are possible with God."

I remember in second grade, Mrs. Hankins (the greatest 2nd grade teacher in the world) one day showed us a glass of water that wasn't empty, but it wasn't full either. This is when I was introduced to the concept of the glass being half empty or half full. Pessimism or optimism; the choice is ours to make. How we approach everythin in life depends on whether we see our limitations as restrictive or an opportunity to grow with God's grace.

The Psalmist of 124 is definitely an optimist, a glass half full person. The Psalmist has gone through trials, temptations, anger of the people, snares, hatred like rushing waters. He has every reason to complain about everything. To whine and moan and do nothing about it. Instead, he begins with an acknowledgment: "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side."

Today, will you be grateful for what God is doing and has done, or will you continue to think about what cannot be done? Will your attitude be one of frustration, or will you take your fears and anxieties to God? The hope that we all have, and the thing which we can cling to, is that it is the Lord who has been, is, and will be on our side.

Prayer: God, forgive the times when I complain without giving thanks. Give me the hope to know that you are on my side. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Perseverance

2009-08-13T06:54:00.000-04:00

Acts 21:27-36
27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”

Paul Harvey's famous tagline, "And now you know the rest of the story" came after what seemed to be a little anecdote about a person, place or thing. He would start out his narratives talking about some little boy, a teenage girl, or an ordinary housewife. But usually that boy, girl, or mother would turn out to be Walt Disney, Helen Keller, or Susan B. Anthony. There was always more to the story then what was origionally presented.

Paul the Apostle is the main character of Acts. We often find Paul being accused of stiring things up; of getting people riled up. Usually, it ends with people trying to kill him. At the very least, Paul is brought before councils and sometimes beaten. But do we know the rest of the story?

Paul had witnessed something unique in the synagugues that he visited. He noticed that the non-Jews who worshipped in the synagogue were getting inspired and filled with the Holy Spirit. It wasn't so much that Paul was doing something new, God was. Paul knew that God was at work and made himself available to God's service. What happened next was life changing for Paul and world changing for those who would seek to follow what the book of Acts calls, "The Way."

The question that we need reminding of is this, "What brought us to this place where we are serving God?" We may not know what is to come, but we know "twas grace that brought us safe thus far, and grace will lead us home." Whatever trials, temptations, frustrations, or angry mobs (real or metaphorical) await us, we go because God has called us to follow.

Prayer: God, when times get tough, help me to remember your amazing grace that keeps me going in the bad times and the good. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Humility

2009-08-12T07:15:00.001-04:00

Mark 10:17-31

17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

There are several life lessons that we must learn, several of which involve being humbled or humility. Conventional wisdom says these are lessons learned the hard way. If you take the time, there are several things which you have learned the hard way. All of which, I would guess, involve some sort of personal or public humiliation (same root word as humility). So how do we avoid learning things the hard way?

One way is to not take risks. Don't stick your neck out and you won't get hurt. Another option is always put on the "ashes and sack-cloth" of mourning, making people believe that you are destitute, when really you are not. Yet another option is false humility: "Really, saving three children and two family dogs from the fiery building was no big deal. I do it all the time."

I don't think these are the proper perspectives to bring to the idea of Biblical humility. Christ calls us not to be masters, but servants of one another. Humility is not something which we attain, it is a state of being. In the scripture this morning, Christ says that it is not about you, your things, your wealth, or saving yourself. Instead, the life that is built for eternity is one that is lived in service to others.

Prayer: God, help me to lay down my pride and selfish ambition, for the sake of your kingdom and my salvation. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

How Great is our God

2009-08-11T07:00:00.002-04:00

Psalm 97:1-12

97:1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!

Psalms are interesting. When reading them for devotion, they sometimes read like an order or command: "O you who love the Lord hate evil!" Others times, that same sentence could be a statement of fact: "O you who love the Lord hate evil!"

Whether we come to the Psalms with our questions, our concerns, or looking for authority, in almost all cases the goodness and glory of the Lord is affirmed. If nothing else, the Psalms help ascribe God's majesty and our humility in approaching God's throne. All of creation--earth, coastlands, lightning, mountains--cannot endure the greatness and splendor of God. In our modern minds we read the Psalms with an attitude that mountains do not melt. Fire does not burn up God's adversaries for us like it did for Moses and the Israelites.

Yet all this talk about God's majesty once again serves to remind us of God's sovereign nature. Sometimes, it takes the hyperboles and exaggeration to remind us just how big God is. Today, take time to reflect on the depths of God. Try to find a moment today to pray to God and write your own comparison of just how big the God we serve is.

Prayer: God, thank you for your greatness. Help me to love you and hate what is evil in your sight. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Salt

2009-08-10T06:28:00.002-04:00

Mark 9:42-50

42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Long before artificial preservatives or additives, salt was used to preserve meats, fish, and other food. There is something about the saltiness of sweat which lets you know that your work has been good and fulfilling. Salt matters in an important way.

Jesus call us to have salt within ourselves. In such an obvious metaphor, we know that we cannot be salty. But like our sweat produces a salty flavor, we know that we can have salt within us. For sweat is a product of our work and when we work for God's kingdom, it is a different kind of sweat entirely. There is a distinct saltiness to serving others and serving God's kingdom here on earth. It is a work that take time to develop. However, we we work for God's kingdom, we find that we have salt within us.

When you do for others, you are working. You may not always sweat, but you will find that if your work is pure, your salt is pure. There are things that do occur naturally in our lives. May our work produce a saltiness worthy of our Almighty God.

Prayer: God of the earth, give us strength to do your work that we might not only produce fruits of your labor, but be the salt of the earth. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

What is your response?

2009-08-07T06:38:00.000-04:00

2 Samuel 12:1-14
12:1 And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”

7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. 9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’” 13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.”

How do you take bad news? How do you take rebuke? How do you respond to chastisement?

There are certain times when we learn life lessons, but we have to learn the hard way. My greatest life lesson came when I was working at Sweet Mama's on St. Simons Island, GA in high school. This was a part time job and most days in the beginning I would give part time effort. One day, as I was sweeping up the front, half-heartedly, one of hte regular customers came in. He saw my efforts and very bluntly said, "If you're going to do something half-way, don't do it at all." As a 16 year old, I was very impressionable and appreciated what he said...much later. But at the time, it didn't quite sink in.

David is being rebuked by Nathan and rightly so. David exacts his own punishment before he realizes that he is at fault for killing Uriah and sleeping with Behtsheba. All he can do in the face of such behavior is confess. "I have sinned against the Lord." So how do you respond when someone lets you know that you could be doing better? What is your reaction when someone demands better of you?

As Christians, we should always be striving for good and the better way in this life because we believe that the next life will be even better. Today, confess to God what is holding you back from giving him your all. If you're going to do something half-way, don't do it at all.

Prayer: God, thank you for your grace in our lives which continually allows us to be better followers of you. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

The Transfiguration

2009-08-06T04:11:00.000-04:00

Mark 9:2-13

2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 12 And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

The Transfiguration of the Lord can sound embarrassingly magical. Jesus goes up onto a mountain and his clothes become dazzlingly white. Prophets appear and talk to him. And then it is all over and Jesus tells his disciples to say nothing.

We should hold on to the absurdity of the incident. There is simply no reason for all this to have happened. In particular, there is no reason to put it into a gospel – the evangelist makes no capital out of it, it is simply there.

And this is the strength of the Transfiguration as an historical incident. There is no reason for anyone to have invented it. It is not central to the Christian case. It is not used to win arguments. There is only one reason to put it into the Gospel, and that is because it happened. It is one of those cases of the evangelists writing things down without knowing why they were important, and their very puzzlement is what makes the story so convincing.

Why, then, did it happen? Surely so that we could see and understand that Jesus is at once one of the prophets and the one that was prophesied by them; and that he is God, and lives for all eternity in a blaze of dazzling and unapproachable light.

The true miracle of the Transfiguration is not the shining face or the white garments, but the fact that for the rest of the time Jesus hid his glory so well.

Prayer:

O God, at your only-begotten Son’s glorious transfiguration you confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the prophets of old, and you miraculously prefigured what would happen when your adopted children were brought to perfection.

Grant to us, your servants

that we may hear the voice of your beloved Son

and so desire to become co-heirs with him.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

Amen.

--From "Universalis" http://www.universalis.com

Carry your cross

2009-08-05T05:12:00.000-04:00

Mark 8:34-9:1

34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

9:1 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

Jesus says some hard things, at least, they seem hard to hear on the surface. When we hear Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me" we know what Jesus will do for us. We have images of the already violent, brutal, and untimely death of Christ. Christ bids us come, follow, die. Not easy sayings at all. It gets even more harrowing when we see that Jesus has already assigned to each of us a cross to carry; a burden to bear.

In the times of crucifixion, the part of the cross that people carried was cross beam, often through the crowd of people. It just gets harder, not only do we have our own cross to carry, we have to do so in the face of scorn and ridicule. "Great" he says sarcastically.

But that's not the end of the story. For as Christ calls us to take up our own cross, he too knew he would have to take up his own cross. Not only that, we know that the gruesome end is not there. It is only the gateway to eternal life. Jesus is not speaking merely in the terms of this world, but he is speaking of gaining eternal life, all for carrying a cross that resembles, but in no way is equal to the one he has to bear. It is God's kingdom, not ours, that comes in power. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: God of the easy burden and the light yoke, give me the strength to do your will and walk in your way. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

The Apprentice

2009-08-04T06:09:00.000-04:00

Acts 18:24-28
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

How open are you to teaching, to rebuke, to correction? How willing are you to listen when someone else comes along to offer a better way?

You know the old jokes and sayings about women who ask for directions and men who will stay lost? Well, yesterday, while in a gas station, a man came in and asked for directions while the wife stayed in the car. It breaks the mold a little bit. But in our Christian walk, we should not be afraid to ask for directions, to ask for help, or ashamed that we don't know the way. Like Apollos, we too, can have an effective ministry while striving to learn more about ourselves and the God we serve. We don't have to do great works of convincing or arguing like Apollos, but we should be open to receive criticism when someone says, "You can do better."

Today, think of someone you can go to for directions, for guidance, or for hope. And if you are not ready to go to that person, say a prayer for them and for you, that the Holy Spirit will guide you into that person's path.

Prayer: God, help me to have the mind of an apprentice who learns from those willing to teach, that I may better know your will and walk in your way. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Restoration

2009-08-03T07:27:00.000-04:00

Psalm 80
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up your might
and come to save us!

3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!

4 O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6 You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!

8 You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
9 You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
10 The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches.
11 It sent out its branches to the sea
and its shoots to the River.
12 Why then have you broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
13 The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.

14 Turn again, O God of hosts!
Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
15 the stock that your right hand planted,
and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.
16 They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down;
may they perish at the rebuke of your face!
17 But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!
18 Then we shall not turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call upon your name!

19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

In restoration, you must honor the integrity of the original work. This is true for furniture, for cars, for antiques, and especially for people. In order to restore anything, you must understand it's original nature. You cannot replace a rocking chair with model balsa wood. You have to have some idea of what the original maker had in mind.

We know when it is time to restore our souls because something isn't working right. Perhaps things aren't going our way. And it doesn't always involve a major overhaul to fix things. I submit that it takes us, as the creation, getting to know what our Creator had in mind. It is not something that is always clear or that comes to us overnight, but the restoration is not up to us. When the face of God shines, there is room for correction, for newness, for restoration. For to know our own virtues and integrity, is to catch a glimpse of what our God designed us for. Today, maybe it is time to take a look at where we need restoration.

Prayer: Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer, create in us clean hearts, and restore within us right spirits. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

What stands out

2009-07-23T05:10:00.000-04:00

Psalm 50

50:1 The Mighty One, God the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines forth.

3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
before him is a devouring fire,
around him a mighty tempest.
4 He calls to the heavens above
and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness,
for God himself is judge! Selah

7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house
or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.

12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and its fullness are mine.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

16 But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to recite my statutes
or take my covenant on your lips?
17 For you hate discipline,
and you cast my words behind you.
18 If you see a thief, you are pleased with him,
and you keep company with adulterers.

19 “You give your mouth free rein for evil,
and your tongue frames deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your brother;
you slander your own mother's son.
21 These things you have done, and I have been silent;
you thought that I was one like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

22 “Mark this, then, you who forget God,
lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!”

The Psalms contain a vast array of human emotion and experience. They speak truth in times of need, offer peace to those with busy lifestyles, and lament with those in pain and in need of saving. As a pastor, the Psalms intimidate me because they say and convey emotions better than I ever could. But one of the best sermons that I have ever heard was from this Psalm. And the preacher, Dr. Ellen Davis, came back to verse 21, "though you thought I was one like yourself."

This verse contains words for the repentant, and offers rebuke for the wicked. Take time to read the Psalm again and ask yourself, when have you seen the Lord as
"The Mighty One, God the Lord,
[who] speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting."

and when have you thought that God was like yourself?

Prayer: God of forgiveness, help me to know your power. Forgive us for the times when we thought you were like ourselves. Help us to see your love for us, through your son Jesus Christ. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Storms

2009-07-22T06:17:00.000-04:00

Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

In the face of power or prestige, fame or fortune, I tend to clam up. I measure myself as unworthy compared to the person I am standing next to. I think that is a very natural human tendency to find oneself constantly measuring up against others. Now imagine you are one of the first disciples that Jesus called and you are constantly measuring yourself up against perfection. It seems very hopeless from our perspective.

I have been "hooked" on a phrase for a while, "The fish doesn't know the water he swims in" (pardon the pun). What that means is that the disciples probably didn't always get that Jesus was that measure of perfection. They didn't always understand that next to them, teaching them, loving them, was the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. But there are glimpses when Jesus does something to prove his majesty to the unbelieving followers.

In Mark's lesson, Jesus gives peace. But notice who is told to be at peace, it is not the disciples, but their surroundings. It is one thing for us as Christians, witnessing and ministering to one another, to offer words of peace to each other. There is only one, however, who can calm the storm, rebuke the winds, command peace and make his followers feel fear. This is the kind of God we serve: a God who has the power to speak peace to the wind, waves, and storm, but offers us peace through his life. The disciples are probably more faithful than we give them credit for. For they did not run away when fear overwhelmed them. Instead, they chose to follow the one who can tell the winds and the waters to "Be Still". Our God is the God who does that not only because he is powerful and loves us, but because he created the world.

Prayer: God of the storm and the peace, as we compare ourselves to your perfect Son, let us not be discouraged from our tasks, but in everything, let us draw closer to your truth. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

A Riddle

2009-07-21T05:25:00.000-04:00

Mark 4:21-34
21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” 26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

What do a basket, a seed growing, and a dormant mustard seed have in common? I'm not quite sure myself. I do not know if there is a punchline there somewhere. But if I had to answer abstractly, it would have something to do with Jesus. Sounds like a good answer, right? Well, read the scripture again.

There are some tricky sayings of Jesus in this passage. Verse 25: "For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." That doesn't quite seem to fit my picture of Jesus; everyone is blessed and receives. Jesus, however, does not work in easy sayings. "When the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." That picture for me is one reminiscent of the grim reaper than the harvest season.

"With what can we compare the kingdom of God?" A mustard seed of course. Come on Jesus, make some sense to me, something that I can understand. Remember in school what it was like to be in on a secret? Imagine being in on the greatest inner secret, Jesus' revealed mystery. Well, I think the answer is easy, but one that we are not ready to hear. The one who has abundant life, will be given more. The time when we start to grow, bloom into what Christ has for us as real disciples, we will receive God's blessings, but we will be cut from what we once looked like. When the dormant mustard seed dies, only then is it able to grow. The reality is that we are all a part of God's inner circle, because Christ himself had everything taken from him, was crucified, died, but then came back to life. That is the Easter message we celebrate and the hope that sustains us in our times of doubt and fear.

Prayer: God, help us to die to ourselves so that we may live for you. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Listen

2009-07-19T22:36:00.002-04:00

Mark 4:1-9

4:1 Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. 2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” 9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

The old familiar Christmas carol, "Do you hear what I hear?" calls to mind the Christmas story: people clamoring, angels singing, animals in the manger bellowing, shepherds sleeping and waking. It goes on to say "Do you see what I see?" and finally ends with the mandate, "Listen to what I say!"

Jesus begins with "Listen!" Yet he is not merely recounting events or concepts, he is inviting the disciples (and us) to figure out the mystery or the parable. As Jesus unfolds the parable of the seed and the sower, we know he is speaking in analogy and metaphor. Who is the sower? What is the seed? Is the seed our faith? Is it our actions? Are we the seed? Does Jesus sow randomly and abundantly? "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

The questions of where do we fit in the parable does not matter. Trying to figure out what the seed is is futile, if we do not heed Jesus' invitation to us to listen. For us, maybe we don't need to worry about what questions to ask. We need to listen. Listening to God is very difficult for it often requires our time away from distractions of tv, music, internet, radio, and other creature comforts. Listening takes importance for us when we are to follow Christ's way. Listening to God does not always make things easier or immediately more clear. But it is the way for us to draw closer to God and discover our God given potential.

Prayer: God of the sower and the seed, help us to hear your voice when it calls to us that we may respond in service with out lives. AMEN.

G. Thomas Martin

2009-07-08T06:22:00.002-04:00

Luke 24:28-35

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Watching TV, I see more and more commercials with cookouts, family gatherings, family game nights, friends laughing, or people helping each other out. Perhaps I'm just tuned into the right channels, but I think this says something about the way in which we want to perceive ourselves. We want to be in the company of others, of friends, of neighbors, and of family.

Consider the men on the road to Emmaus. They were in a miserable place. Hopes were dashed. Fears were realized. They contemplated the worst. Yet there was hope.

The family gatherings, the fellowship of friends, the hope of a new day that these commercials portray entice us to a way of life. They remind us that it is good to be together. The men on the road to Emmaus did not know who walked with them, until they were quiet and let the other person, walking alongside them as a stranger teach them. Their eyes were fully revealed in the breaking of the bread, much like Jesus did on the night in which he gave himself up for us.

Perhaps I should turn off the TV for a little while. Maybe I should take a Sabbath from the computer. Maybe we should seek out the company of others. Today, we rejoice for the memories of friends, family, and pray for those who are searching for that sense of belonging.

Prayer: God of all, help us to take the time to fellowship with friends and family, strangers and neighbors that we might walk with those searching along their own Emmaus road. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Order

2009-07-07T06:37:00.002-04:00

Luke 23:56

56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

One of the first things I remember learning in school is learning patterns. I remember it because I struggled with the concept for a long time. Yellow circle, green square, red triangle. Yellow circle, green square, red triangle. Yellow circle, green square, ________. To a five year old, you want the freedom to put in a blue octagon, but the order is red triangle.

We at times have the mindset of that five year old. We want to go and enjoy the finer things of life. We worry that life might pass us by if we don't live completely spontaneously. We go and try to fill that sequence with something other than what God intended.

The women who first went to tend to Jesus' body knew that they needed order. They needed to obey a higher calling than their instinct. Think of it. They had just lost the one that they loved. The one who loved them. They lost Jesus to a violent and unjust death. Yet instead of rushing to the tomb, they waited. They prepared. They prepared spices and ointments. And instead of running to fill in the sequence of the week with their own ambitions, they observed the fourth commandment (of the Ten): "On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment."

Because they waited for the Sabbath, instead of finding a decaying body, they came upon the resurrected Lord. We want things to happen in our own time. We want to put our own order to our lives. We want to be in control. However, the Resurrection teaches us that there is beauty in the order of life.

Prayer: God of chaos and order, help us to live according to the rhythm and order that you have for given us. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Like a Tree

2009-07-06T06:50:00.002-04:00

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

This weekend was my first experience watching the Peachtree Road Race live. Last year, I watched the broadcast of the race on the tv. But as is the case with live performances of art, music, or plays, you miss something being when you're not there.

Saturday, as Leslie and I watched, we didn't move for three hours as people upon people upon people came running past the church. We were "planted by streams of people" to borrow the language from the Psalmist.

However, our joy is not found in watching, in being there for live performances, or even staying in one place. To be like a tree planted by the water is not an excuse to not be active. It is not a metaphor for us. Instead, it is a matephor for our faith. It is how we remain in God's teachings and law. For the psals starts not "Blessed are those who never waver" but "Blessed is the one...who meditates on the Lord's law day and night."

We are to be active in the world, but always meditating on the laws of the Lord, day and night.

Prayer: God, teach us to be blessed, content, and happy when we meditate on your law. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Acts 5:27-42

2009-06-23T09:40:00.001-04:00

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

It was only a few verses before this passage that the Apostle’s were imprisoned for proclaiming the Gospel. Freed from jail by an angel of the Lord, what is the first thing they do? Instead of laying low and trying to blend in, they marched themselves over to the temple and continued with their ministry. As a result, the apostles found themselves right back where they began—in trouble with the authorities and on trial before a council. After announcing their intent to continue their proclamation of the Good News, the situation appeared dire; that is, until a certain Pharisee arose and delivered a testimony that potentially saved the apostle’s lives.

The Pharisee, whose name was Gamaliel, urged his colleagues to not act in a rash manner. Gamaliel asserted that if the apostle’s message came from a source other than God then they had no need to worry—the movement would fizzle out like others had before. However, if their message was from God then all the resistance in the world would be futile in stopping its spread. Gamaliel’s advice has definite relevance for those of us seeking to live a faithful life today. Rather than rushing towards judgment in regards to perspectives that differ from our own, we should try to have the patience and humility to hear those voices. Indeed, these perspectives might actually move us towards a deeper understanding of God and help in our own proclamation and understanding of Jesus as Messiah.

Prayer: God, help us to become faithful witnesses to your truth. May we also be humble enough to acknowledge the new places in which your Spirit might be at work in the world.

Blessed Assurance

2009-06-22T11:00:00.002-04:00

Luke 21:29-36

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Much ink has been spilt over texts such as these. Jesus’ words in regards to his own return have given many a green light to try and figure out the exact day, hour, and minute in which Jesus will appear. However, such excursions seem to be a bit off the mark in regards to the broader message Jesus is seeking to convey. The point is not so much when Jesus will return; rather, it is that he will. As a result, we can rest with the assurance that history is moving forward with a purpose—earth is not destined to an eternity with no direction.

Thus, we can share in Jesus’ exhortation to watch and pray. Further, we can live with the knowledge that one day the Kingdom of God will be fully manifest on earth. And so we are presented with a unique opportunity. If Jesus’ words in verse 32 are true, then God’s kingdom is, in some way, already present on earth. With this notion in mind, we can catch glimpses of the kingdom during this life. We do this while anticipating the day when, as the apostle Paul writes, God will be all in all.

Prayer: God of history and eternity, may we always look for glimpses of your Kingdom, and live with the assurance of your return and eternal reign of peace.

2009-06-19T10:01:00.001-04:00

Acts 2:37-47

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Is it coincidence that Luke links his description of the first Christian converts with a portrayal of life in the early Church? We are told that upon hearing Peter preach, three thousand people were added to the church; further, these converts devoted themselves to learning, fellowship, and prayer. The result of the apostles’ and convert’s devotion was a church in which the needs of all were met. Free from worry about material possessions, members of the church were able to provide for the needs of the poor and downtrodden. We should probably not be surprised when we learn that “awe fell upon everyone” and that “day by day the Lord added to their number”.

Indeed, the order of the story seems like more than mere happenstance. Luke appears to be correlating conversion to Christ with the good works done by believers upon conversion. A subtle aspect of Luke’s description might be the notion that a relationship with Christ is more than a spiritual experience. If our lives have been touched by the saving power of God, then the effects should be felt both inside and outside the church. The Christian life cannot be led in seclusion; the world should experience the fruits of our relationship with Christ.

Prayer: God, help us to cultivate the fruits of your Spirit that rest in each of us, so that we might show your love to all.

Scott Grantland,
Duke Divinity School Intern

God's Economy

2009-06-18T09:29:00.002-04:00

Luke 21:1-4
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

We live in a world of scarcity. For some there is never enough. People just trying to get by. Some of us find ourselves in that same predicament. But we live in a world that tells us there is never enough.

We have water shortages and restricted watering days, yet bottled water is still sold on the counters and shelves of grocery stores and gas stations. There is a global food crisis, yet we can always find inexpensive, convenient food. Last summer, for a brief time, the city was at a gas shortage with lines of angry, frustrated people waiting simply to put fuel into their cars. We live in a world of scarcity.

Is this our economy or God's economy? As Christians, do we put our hope in the market or in the marked hands of Jesus Christ? Grace is free and abundant. God has given us resources to live and love and serve. The challenge is to see that God has given us more than enough. The world says that there is never enough. As Christians, we believe that the God who made the world has given us more than we could ever give in return. This is why the woman who gave it all, works on God's economy and not ours.

Prayer: God of abundance, help me to give with the widow who gave not just some, but all. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Common Ground

2009-06-17T07:59:00.001-04:00

Luke 20:19-26
19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” 25 He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

The scenario with which the Sadducees presented Jesus seems to have little bearing for our time. When we think of how life will be once we are resurrected, the implications of a Jewish marital regulation are probably not on our radar. However, this was an important point for the Sadducees—they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, and the question that they raised was part of the reason the rejected the doctrine.

While the scenario itself might not be on our minds, we should take note of Jesus’ response to the dilemma posed by the Sadducees. Jesus, rather than resorting to a complicated theological response as to why resurrection was a legitimate reality, instead met the Sadducees on their own ground. This particular group of leaders only endorsed the authority of Torah (the first five books of the Bible), and in it they saw no evidence for resurrection. Citing Torah, Jesus places the question back on their shoulders: If God is the God of the living, then why would Moses speak of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob if they were not alive? With this notion of meeting people on their own ground in mind, scholar William Barclay notes, “We will be far better teachers of Christianity and far better witnesses for Christ when we learn to do the same.”

Scott Grantland
Duke Divinity School Intern

Samuel

2009-06-16T09:35:00.001-04:00

1 Samuel 1:21-28
21 The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever.” 23 Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”

This text is the first of several stories which describe an important turning point in Israel’s history. The Judges who had ruled so far loose power and the kingship begins to take hold of the political process. It is a time of moral, religious, and political crisis. The Ark of the Covenant, the central object of religious devotion, is kept in the sanctuary at Shiloh. The resident priest, Eli, is unable to keep his sons from corrupting the religious practices and using for their own gain a portion of the offerings the people bring to God. The Philistines make a successful war against Israel and seize the Ark as spoils of war. The future is uncertain. Yet the writer of the Samuel book indicates again and again that the monarchy, exemplary in David, God’s Anointed One, will be the solution to the present crisis.

There must be new and faithful leadership. Samuel is the one whom God chooses to bring Israel back to its true religion and prepare it for the king. The divine transformation begins with a childless woman, Hannah, the favorite wife of Elkazar. Yearly they go to Shiloh to sacrifice, and at one time Hannah vows that if God grants her a male child, he will be consecrated for a lifetime of divine service. The miracle happens, she conceives and bears a son whom she names Samuel. After the child is weaned, his mother brings him to Eli in Shiloh to learn the Lord’s ministry. In the next chapter Hannah sings the Song of Hannah which is reflected in Mary’ Song, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).

How often do we experience a crisis in our lives with an uncertain, unacceptable future? All kinds of forces, persons, conditions seem to be against us. In many areas of our lives we see no rhyme or reason. No help in sight. However, from our lesson we become aware that God is not absent, but in unknown ways prepares for us an unexpected solution to conflict. While we don’t feel well in our distress, we should know that God is well disposed toward us and will eventually come through for us. God’s grace and mercy are stronger than any adversity.

Prayer: Forgive me, merciful God, when I see no goal for my life. The time of your silence is actually the time when you prepare what is good for me.

Manfred Hoffmann

Waiting for Power

2009-06-15T07:15:00.004-04:00

Acts 1:1-5

1:1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

At the end of Luke's Gospel Jesus did in fact not send his disciples out on a Great Commission as in Matthew. The Disciples did not flee for terror and amazement had seized them as in Mark. The Disciples did not eat breakfast at the shorline as they did in John. Jesus simply tells his Disciples to stay in the city in Luke's Gospel.

How does that add up? We are used to Jesus being very active. Jesus is always on the move. Jesus is always speaking to someone, healing someone, or performing some miracle. After all, this is the King of Kings.

Unless Jesus is trying to teach his followers something. This Jesus who performs miracles and is active, is the same one who takes times to go up to the mountain to pray. This is the same Jesus that spends 40 days in the wilderness. This is the same Jesus who teaches us to pray. If Jesus says we should stay in the city, Jesus must have plans for his followers.

We know that the Disciples wait because the Holy Spirit will descend. But the Disciples had no way of nowing this. This teaches us that God makes promises that God will keep. However, we have no way of knowing what they will look like. While we wait, we wait not simply to be blessed or granted wishes, but we wait for the power of the Holy Spirit that will carry us and sustain our message out into the world. In the busy-ness of today, how can we wait for God's power?

Prayer: Powerful and promising God, give us patience to wait on you so that when you lead, we will follow. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Boast or Brag

2009-06-11T06:35:00.000-04:00

2 Corinthians 12:1-10
12:1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6 Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

There are certain phrases we use that if used correctly, absolve us from responsibility. For instance, “I’m not one to brag, but I do make a mean chili.” “She just doesn’t have a chance; bless her heart.” By saying these things we can get away with all the gossip, arrogance, and pride in the world. By putting on heirs of false humility, we can pretend to be disinterested, disengaged, or apathetic to the cause at hand. However, this false modesty is not the way of the cross or of the Christ we follow.

Paul illustrates this for us by not starting out with humility, but with a claim to more pride, more pleasure, and more boasting. But Paul’s boasting is not in the flesh of himself, of another, or of anyone else. Paul boasts because he is weak.

“Oh how happy I am that I am a loser.”

In God’s economy, the losers win. The downtrodden, the despaired, and the depressed are the ones who receive the call. It is not the individual that brings salvation. It is not your work and my work, or even our work combined. But the Lord said to Paul, and the Lord says to us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
We are weak. We are weary. We are losers. Thanks be to God!!! How will you boast in your weakness today?

Prayer: God of the weak and the strong, make us strong in our weakness so we may boast in you and you alone. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Jesus and Zacchaeus

2009-06-09T07:39:00.001-04:00

Luke 19:1-10
He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

The words of this narrative bring to our minds the colorful pictures in children’s Sunday School books of a short man in a tree, with Jesus in his inevitable white robe looking up to call him down.

We tend to relegate the story to children, perhaps because we think they can relate to a short person. Or to someone who climbs trees. And, of course, to someone who is sought and found by Jesus.

For the adult, however, there is even more to gain from reading or rereading this text. Jesus’ invitation to Zacchaeus is for us: “Zacchaeus, hurry up and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”

How are we eligible for this invitation from Jesus? How are we like Zacchaeus? Well, at times we are certainly up a tree in our lives, searching for answers, maybe even knowing as wisely as Zacchaeus knew that they can be found if we can just catch a glimpse of Jesus. Certainly we too are sinners, as the Pharisees said Zacchaeus was.

Yet Zacchaeus was also a believer, a very wealthy believer, a “son of Abraham” who because of his success as a taxpayer was ostracized by Jewish leaders who disapproved of this vocation. He is (verse 6), happy to welcome Jesus into his house. Hospitality is all that Jesus asks of him, yet Zacchaeus offers more, saying, “The half of my goods I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone, I will pay back four times as much” (verse 9).

If we welcome Christ into our household questions which have been bothering us can be answered, just as the question of how to handle his wealth must have been bothering Zacchaeus. The bottom line of the story is the lesson about who Christ is: “the one who has come to seek out and to save the lost.” That includes both us and, as Zacchaeus realized, the poor who need a fair portion of our wealth.
The blessing of Christ comes to each of us when we respond.

Prayer: O Lord of the small and poor, we pray for our own salvation as you guide us to do your will in this world. Amen.

Betsy Lunz

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

2009-06-05T05:54:00.001-04:00

Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Appearances can be deceiving. Indeed, Luke’s Gospel is notorious for taking established social norms and expectations and turning them upside down. One would expect that the prayers of the righteous Pharisee would catch the ear of God. But the hated tax collector? Surely not. Tax collectors held an especially disliked status in society—many of them had turned their backs to their heritage and planted themselves squarely in the pocket of Rome. Thus, we can imagine the surprise the first hearers of this parable experienced when they learned that it was the humble tax collector who “went down to his house justified”, while the proud Pharisee received no such affirmation from Jesus.

Perhaps the most glaring difference between these two men is the focus of their prayers. The Pharisee is presented as thinking his justification rests in all the righteous deeds in which he had engaged. On the other hand, the tax collector places his hope for justification at the feet of God’s mercy. The parable serves as a not-so-subtle reminder that we are powerless to justify ourselves. However, we serve a God whose mercies are infinite; a God who desires to pour out mercy upon all creation. Therefore, we can take comfort in the prayer of the tax collector. A humble plea for justification never goes unheard by an all-loving God.

Prayer: God of infinite love and mercy, may we find peace in the fact that you are always faithful. Teach us to rest in your mercy, and live with the confidence that we are your beloved children. Amen.

Scott Grantland,
Duke Divinity Intern

Ten were Healed

2009-06-02T05:59:00.001-04:00

Luke 17:1-10
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Ten were healed, yet only one showed gratitude. And in an even more dramatic twist, the transformed leper that did return to Jesus and express thanks was a Samaritan. Those who originally heard this account probably would have expected the nine non-Samaritans to return and worship Jesus, due to the low societal status Samaritans occupied during this period of time. However, at this stage in Luke’s Gospel, the reader should not be surprised. Surely we remember that it was the Good Samaritan who provided care for the man who had been robbed, while others passed by along the side of the road. Luke seems to provide his audience with an historical application of the parable given by Jesus only chapters before. And what is that lesson? This particular narrative appears to be telling us that it is not about who one is; rather, it is about how one responds to an encounter with Jesus.

Thus, we too are presented with a decision. Will we be like the nine who failed to give proper praise to the One who cleansed them, and changed their lives? Or, will we follow the model of the Samaritan, and become aware that an encounter with Jesus should elicit within us a desire to praise the living God. May we all begin to realize that it is through Jesus that we are transformed and made new.

Prayer: God of restoration, who takes we who were once outcasts and gives us a home, instill in us a desire to praise you with all that we have. Amen.

Scott Grantland,
Duke Divinity School Summer Intern

Temptation and Sin

2009-06-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Luke 17:1-4

And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Jesus, who often speaks in parables of sons and sheep, coins and debt, lays out a fairly plain account of temptation, sin and forgiveness in Luke 17th chapter. I think it has to do with Jesus' nature as a story teller. Think about this: these directions come after all the parables. Jesus has told stories to get people to understand, to connect them to his teachings. And if by some chance they still don't get it, he comes right out and says, "Don't tempt your sister or brother."

In his explicit instructions, he tells the hearers that they would be better off dead than causing "little ones" to sin. Not very comforting words. Have you ever seen a millstone used to grind grain? It is a huge stone wheel, about the size of a motorcycle, but at least twice the weight. The sheer improbability of lifting this thing, fastening to your neck, and sending you hurling into sea baffles the mind. It takes two, sometimes three donkeys to get the millstone grinding grain. Is Jesus that serious? Are we to protect our brothers and sisters from temptation?

Not only that, we are to forgive. For times when it is hard to forgive, think of Jesus' forgiveness in our lives. For times when it is hard to love, think of God's love for us. For times when it is hard to avoid temptation, think of Jesus guided by the Holy Spirit in the wilderness. God has done so much for us, isn't it time to love our neighbors, flee temptation, and be free from sin?

Prayer: As Jesus speaks to us, help us to listen, to understand, and seek understanding for our lives as your disciples. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Frantic Quiet

2009-05-21T07:21:00.003-04:00

Ezekiel 1:24-28

24 And when they went, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army. When they stood still, they let down their wings. 25 And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads. When they stood still, they let down their wings.

26 And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. 27 And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. 28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

There's really no way to avoid the crazy things that Ezekiel witnesses. In the first verses of his narrative, the prophet sees figures resembling humans, but with calves feet. They had human likenesses, but some had the faces of lions. Some the faces of oxes. Some the faces of eagles. Crazy stuff.

We lose the meaning of Ezekiel the prophet, the messenger of God, if we try to interpret too much into what he saw. We lose the meaning of Ezekiel when we try to make sense of what he saw. Ezekiel himself learns a valuable lesson when he stops looking to himself for answers and begins to trust God.

Notice verse 25: "When they stood still, they let down their wings." Only once the commotion stopped, did the glory of the Lord appear. This theme will repeat in Ezekiel. Once the fanfare and celebration has passed, the Lord will be there. Once the flurry of excitement passes, then the Lord will work. This is not to say that God cannot be present in the excitement of the moment, but God's presence is most fully felt in the stillness.

In our busy world, we are surrounded by excitement and stimulation. As this week frantically draws to a close, find time to be still. Be intentional about finding those quiet places. Avoid the commotion and excitement for a little while and let God speak to you.

Prayer: God of the storm and God of the calm, make your presence known to us now and always, that we might find you in the excitement, but let us hear you in the stillness. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Psalm 78:1-39

2009-05-19T06:57:00.001-04:00

The psalmist is a teacher who implores the people to listen to him. He will give an account of God’s dealing with his chosen people, both in anger and approval. This story of Israel’s past must be told to all generations. Nothing, especially the dark side of this history, must be withheld from the children. A censored report of God’s actions is impossible. The children have to learn the account of God’s punishment and blessing—the dark sayings from the old and the glorious deed, might, and wonders that God has done.

This is an extraordinary form of tradition. It is handed down from generation to generation by means of teaching. Children and adults are to be reminded of God’s presence with his people. The people’s history with God is their fate; their tradition gives them identity. What happened to Israel is the past is like a pointer to the future. Obedience to God’s testimony gives them identity. What happened to Israel in the past is like a pointer to the future. Obedience to God’s testimony and law will give rise to hope in God, remember of the works of God, and the will to keep God’s commandments.

An especially unpleasant example of disobedience against God are the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. The Old Testament describes the Edomites as a kindred nation, always ready to engage in fraternal strife. They forgot God’s work, the wonders in the land of Egypt, Israel’s passing through the waters of the sea, the leading cloud at day and the blazing fire at night, the water from the rock, the rebellion in the wilderness, manna and meat to eat. They, now including Israel at large, still sinned, so God shortened their life until they earnestly repented, but their confession was one of the lips, not of the heart. Even so, God was compassionate because they were but flesh, like a passing wind that does not come again.

The main stations of God’s help are a staple bedrock of Israel’s profession: liberation from Egypt, passing through the sea, God’s wonderful deeds in the wilderness, and God’s leading them into the promised land. Nowadays, the church, the people of God, congregations, and individuals have, often unnoticed, a tradition that shapes their identity. Are you aware of the history of God’s presence in your own life? Is your life marked by the tradition of the Christian faith?

Prayer: God of help and protection, let me see the works of your hand in my life; make me an active member of the church, living according to your will, and teaching the story of salvation to old and young. Amen.

Manfred Hoffmann

Judgment

2009-05-14T07:04:00.003-04:00

Romans 14:1-12
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. ²Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. ³Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. ⁴Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

5 Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. ⁶Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.

7 We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. ⁸If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. ⁹For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
¹¹For it is written,
‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God.’
¹²So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

Brothers and sisters fight. It is human nature. Psychologists and family therapists right books about it trying to explain this natural tendency. First child, middle child, baby of the family all describe people's places in the family. And in one way or another, judgment is passed simply by naming roles. There is so much that is lurking in the undercurrent of our minds, that it can be hard to refrain from judging someone or writing someone off. We do this when we ask people what they do, where they went to school, or who they voted for on American Idol.

If brothers and sisters raised in the same house, with the same parents fight, what hope is there for those of us who consider ourselves a part of the family of God? The answer, I think, is easier than we suppose. We may not be linked to one another by blood lines, but we are bound to each other by the blood of Christ. We are first heirs of the kingdom, yet we are adopted and loved like everyone else. If we are to take Paul's mandate to refrain from judging seriously, then we need to recognize that we all share equally with God and each other.

Prayer: God, it is difficult to see that we are all your children. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that love and serve you as our parent. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Family of God

2009-05-13T06:27:00.000-04:00

Luke 8:19-21
19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

I don’t think Jesus was anti-family. On the contrary, I think Jesus took family so seriously that he wanted to shake up the very perception of what people thought family was.
In one of the churches I attended growing up, we had a time of passing the peace during the worship service—something that is very manageable in a worshipping congregation of 125. During that time, people would fellowship across the aisles, across the pews, and all across the church. Family and friends would embrace and share a handshake and a greeting. It lasted about three minutes, which, when you think about it during worship, is a large chunk of time. I distinctly remember the song that was playing in the background, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.” The chorus goes like this:

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God

In today’s scripture, notice Jesus’ response again, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” It does not exclude Christ’s own flesh and blood, but instead incorporates us all into the fellowship divine. Too often we forget that the “crowd” that may be keeping us from Jesus may be the very people who we call our brothers and sisters. Are we glad to be a part of the family of God? Are we living as joint heirs with Jesus or do we come to the family gatherings seeking our own personal “face-time” with the Lord?

Prayer: God, you love us like a parent. Help us to live like those who share in the work with our “family” instead of striving for our own personal glory. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin

Soil and the Seed

2009-05-12T06:12:00.001-04:00

Luke 8:1-15
Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, ²as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, ³and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

4 When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: ⁵‘A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. ⁶Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. ⁷Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. ⁸Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.’ As he said this, he called out, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’

9 Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. ¹⁰He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that
“looking they may not perceive,
and listening they may not understand.”

11 ‘Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. ¹²The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. ¹³The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. ¹⁴As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. ¹⁵But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.

“The twelve were with him, as well as some women…Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out….”

Then a crowd gathers, and Jesus tells them the parable of the sower, the seed, and the soil, in which “the seed is the word of God….”

Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus who planted that seed of the gospel, from which the church grew. Yet the church has not fully recognized its foremother.

The 7th chapter of Luke tells of an unnamed woman from the street, “who was a sinner,” who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and poured fragrant ointment from an alabaster jar on them. By the middle ages, confused artistic renderings showed Mary Magdalene carrying an alabaster jar, dressed seductively as a prostitute. Sermons, from then until now, repeated this prejudice. Yet Luke, who was trying to tell the whole gospel story, wrote about 2 different women. Mary Magdalene’s cure by Jesus was of 7 demons, none identified with sexual misconduct. Healed, she went on to become one of the women who found the empty tomb, where she was given the task of proclaiming to unbelievers: He is risen (Luke 24:5-11; John 20:17-18).

Just as 20th century theology was reclaiming the real Mary Magdalene as saint and preacher, The DaVinci Code ruined her reputation again, confusing the seed of the gospel with biological seed, and the resurrection story with early urban legend.

It is as the parable tells us: the proclamation of the gospel depends upon the soil in which the seed falls: sometimes the soil is shifty, sometimes rocky, sometimes thorny. “But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.” Just like Mary Magdalene.

Prayer: God, whose word created the world, help me to read the gospel honestly, with a heart prepared to bear fruit with patient endurance. Amen.

Betsy Lunz