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Central Haywood Church of Christ

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Turning Back to God

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.

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Anchored by Faith

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.

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Standing Firm in Hard Times

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.

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Finding Rest in God’s Forgiveness

In Psalm 46–51, we see a powerful picture of God’s steadfast love and willingness to forgive. These chapters remind us that God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) and that we can call upon Him in times of trouble, just as David did in his prayers. When we pause to be still (Psalm 46:10), we discover that true rest comes from trusting God, acknowledging our sins, and receiving His forgiveness. David’s own cries for mercy (Psalm 51) assure us that no matter our past, we can approach God with humility and sincere repentance.

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Living Out God’s Deliverance.

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.

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Trusting in God’s Eternal Promises

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.

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No Reason to be Ashamed.

Read: Psalm 31-35.

Today’s Passage: Psalm 31:17.

Psalm 31:17 reminds us that we have no reason to be ashamed: “O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol.”

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Grace, Assurance, and Obedience.

Recently, we’ve been looking at what the Bible says about God’s grace and salvation. We’ve considered how grace gives us assurance of our salvation. In today’s lesson, we’re going to consider receiving God’s grace in vain. In essence, we will deal with what the Bible says about giving up our salvation. This is not a comprehensive list of every passage that deals with this topic, but these will give you a great starting place. As you study and reflect on this topic add your own verses to the list.

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When God speaks.

Read: Job 38–40

Today’s passage: Job 38:4-5.

In these chapters, we see a profound shift in the narrative of Job. After the long discourse between Job and his friends, where they accuse him of hidden sin and suggest that his suffering is due to God’s judgment, God Himself finally speaks. The Lord’s response is both humbling and enlightening, not just for Job but for all readers of this ancient text.

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Lessons from the Tornado

Last weekend (May 2024) was a devastating one weather wise for our area. Several tornados were reported. One meteorologist indicated the National Weather Service had issued 97 tornado warnings recently. That number is significant; but there are some things that were seen from these tornados that should benefit us.

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Halfway Through the Year

Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year? It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating New Years Eve and now, here we are, six months later. As we move into the second half of our year, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and look ahead to where we’re going.

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Using Your Time for Jesus

Last week we considered, “Making Time for Jesus.” In our modern hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important to us and our faith. Yet, the question remains, how do I use what little time I have for Jesus? While the answer can vary for us, depending on our time and talents, I believe the words of John 15:1-8 provide great insights into this question.

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Finding Time for Jesus.

With such busy lives, it’s easy for Christians to feel overwhelmed by the constant demands on our time. Things like work, family, friends, and other responsibilities and requirements fill us to the breaking point. Yet, amid the chaos, we need to be reminded of the truth of Matthew 6:33.

In this verse, Jesus challenges us to prioritize our relationship to Him and the Church. I am convinced you know and desire to do it but when are we supposed to find the time to do it. Let me share with you some practical steps that help me start and fill each day with Jesus.

Start your day with prayer.

Those first moments of your day set the tone for the entire day. By beginning with a focus and dependence on Jesus you have set your heart and mind on His purposes. It doesn’t have to be a huge 30-minute prayer session. It can be a short prayer of thanks and seeking His guidance and that will make the day better (Psalm 5:3).

Fill your day with the Lord.

In the book “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence he spoke about filling the things you must do with a focus on the Lord. Take what you are already doing and put Him in it. Think about a passage of Scripture, pray, and whatever you are doing do it for the Lord (Psalm 16:11).

Make time for worship.

Worship doesn’t have to be confined to Sunday mornings. It can happen anytime and anywhere you are glorifying Him. It could be while you’re doing laundry or washing dishes or whatever it is you’re doing. Every second is a time for worship (Psalm 100:2).

Seek fellowship with your church family.

Staying connected with your church family can enhance, inspire, and provide support and accountability for your spiritual journey. It could be a small group, a bible study group, church attendance, or simply fun times surrounded by fellow Christians. Never forget the words of Hebrews 10:25. The Lord and His church want the best for you.

End your day with Jesus.

At the end of your day, spend just a few moments to reflect and give thanks to Him. Think about what went great, when you felt His presence, and areas that you need His help. It will deepen your relationship with Him and help you release the day to Him (Psalm 4:8).

Making time for Jesus doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply include Him in your day and you will enjoy a deeper faith and more meaningful faith that fills you with hope and love.

What the Bible Really Says to Mothers

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers reading this today and those who have acted like a mother to siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, etc. I want to talk to you about something most women struggle with even those who mother was not in their life. It a myth that many mothers and women believe about themselves.

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How Have Overcommitted Lifestyles Hindered the Church? (Part 2)

By Brian Mitchell

We need to see our overcrowded lives, as not merely a problem which needs to be overcome, but a problem that has created other problems which are far more serious. This is a problem which hinders the cause of Christ because it keeps us distracted from the fact that our real purpose in life is not being fulfilled. Do we have any doubt where the problem of being overcommitted comes from? It comes from the devil, and when we fill our lives with so many inconsequential activities, we are literally playing into his hands to neutralize our effectiveness in this world.

Continue reading “How Have Overcommitted Lifestyles Hindered the Church? (Part 2)” →

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