Read: Psalm 119
Today’s Passage: Psalm 119:97-99
Psalm 119 is not only the longest chapter in the Bible; it’s also filled with deep truths that help us better understand God’s heart. It continually emphasizes important themes such as grace, mercy, love, holiness, and forgiveness. Each message builds on the previous one, making sure the lessons God wants to teach us stick clearly in our minds.
Continue reading “Guided by God’s Word”
Read: Psalm 108-118
Today’s Passage: Psalm 118:22-24.
In today’s reading from Psalm 118:22-24, we encounter a powerful image: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Continue reading “The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone”
Read: Psalm 106–107
Today’s passage: Psalm 106:39–41 (ESV)
“Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the whore in their deeds. Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage; he gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them.”
Continue reading “When Sin Rules Over Us”
Read: Psalm 101-105.
Today’s passage: Psalm 105:8-10.
The covenant God made with Abraham is not just a promise—it is an agreement that has shaped history. God’s promises cannot be broken. He does not lie, and there is no deception in anything He says. When He speaks, His word is dependable, and His promises will come true exactly as He said they would. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that “The Lord is not slow to keep His promise, as some might think. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to be lost, but for all to come to repentance.” Even when it feels like God’s promises will never happen, they are still true, and in His perfect timing, they will be fulfilled.
Continue reading “God’s Unfailing Promise.”
I read a story some time ago about a young girl who, in the excitement of the arcade, misunderstood her dad’s instructions. She had been given a twenty-dollar bill and instructed to get change in the amount of one ten and two fives. She mistakenly took the change and used it for quarters.
Continue reading “Making It Clear”
Read: Psalm 88-91
Today’s Passage: Psalm 89:6-8
Alright, let’s dive into this passage from Psalm 89. The writer here is really doing something profound. He’s praising God, but he’s doing it in a way that makes you stop and think. He’s not just listing off God’s attributes; he’s drawing us into a conversation, and that’s a powerful way to get us engaged. He’s asking questions, and they aren’t just any questions; they’re rhetorical.
Continue reading “The Incomparable God”
Read: Psalm 81-87.
In Psalm 85:2-4, we see an important moment when Israel starts returning to God. Earlier, the psalmist asked God to help Israel find their way back. It seems God answered these prayers because He started blessing Israel again. The psalms we’re looking at today are full of praise and thanks for God’s kindness and the good things He is doing.
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Psalms 78-80
As I read through Psalms 78 to 80 this week, I was reminded of how quickly we forget God’s goodness. In times of trouble, the people of Israel cried out to be saved and restored. They made promises to stay faithful from that point forward. But those promises faded as soon as life became easier. How often have we done the same? We cry out to God in desperation, but as soon as things settle down, we drift. Psalm 78:34-42 and 80:4 reveal this pattern. And if we’re honest, it’s still true in the church today. We’re quick to ask for God’s help but slow to remain faithful when life feels comfortable.
Continue reading “Turning Back to God”
Psalm 72-77.
Psalm 72 through Psalm 77 teach important lessons for anyone looking for comfort, especially when going through tough situations. In Psalm 72:20, David prays his final prayer, asking for good leadership and care of God’s people. David’s example reminds us that true spiritual leadership comes from humble prayer and sincere care for others, an example we can follow in our own roles and responsibilities. Even when situations feel overwhelming, God’s guidance is always present.
Continue reading “Anchored by Faith”
Psalm 60-66.
Life can feel like a wilderness sometimes, can’t it? Even though we may not be wandering literal deserts, we all experience seasons when we feel far from God and far from comfort. In Psalm 63, David knew that feeling well. He was separated from the hustle and bustle of the king’s courts and from the security of home, yet his heart still longed for the Lord. He didn’t waste time dwelling on how lonely or thirsty he felt; instead, he turned his gaze upward and prayed.
Continue reading “Seeking God in the Wilderness.”
Psalm 52–59, with a focus on Psalm 57:4, highlights a time in David’s life when he was surrounded by trouble. Sometimes we too face actual hardships, maybe at work, in the home, or even unexpected crises we never saw coming. David’s prayerful words remind us that it’s normal to feel frightened or stressed when circumstances seem overwhelming. But just like him, we can hold onto hope because God is bigger than whatever we face. Even in dangerous situations, David found the strength to praise God rather than dwell on his fear.
Continue reading “Standing Firm in Hard Times”
Read: Psalms 40-45
Today’s Passage: Psalm 40:2-3.
Many today feel that Psalms 42 and 43 are meant to be read as one cohesive unit because they share themes of longing for God, trust in His deliverance, and confidence in His rewards for godly living. These words should reflect the praise within the hearts of every believer. It could be the song on the lips of all who know Jesus Christ. These words sound like the heart-felt testimony of someone who was lost in sin and through faith saved by the grace of God.
Continue reading “Living Out God’s Deliverance.”
Read: Psalm 36-39.
Today’s Passage: Psalm 37:1-3.
The contrast between man’s wickedness and God’s perfections is clear. Lovingkindness, as seen in Psalm 36:7, parallels the concept of grace in the New Testament. Psalm 36:7 states, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” These passages also emphasize the contrast between the lifestyle of the wicked and deceitful versus the righteous and forgiven.
Continue reading “Trusting in God’s Eternal Promises”
As we step into a new year, it is natural to reflect on where we have been and where we are going. For some, the past year may have been filled with blessings and joy. For others, it might have been marked by challenges and hardships. Whatever the case, we can all agree that each year brings its share of uncertainties. That is why we need faith and courage as we enter 2025.
Continue reading “Stepping into 2025 with Faith and Courage.”
Read: Psalm 23–30
Today’s passage: Psalm 27:1
David knew what he was talking about. There were many times in David’s life that he had reasons to be afraid. He could have been afraid of Goliath like the rest of the army of Israel. Instead, he trusted in the Lord, declaring, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
Continue reading “Fear vs. Faith”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 