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Psalm 103; Psalm 108-110; Psalm 122; Psalm 124<\/strong><\/span> Psalm 103 is a great Psalm today! Each verse is a powerful reminder of God\u2019s character and our relationship to God. Verse 8 definitely stands out today \u2013 \u201cThe LORD is merciful and gracious. He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.\u201d<\/em> Do you believe that God is merciful and gracious?\u00a0 Have you experienced God\u2019s mercy? His grace?\u00a0 Do you believe that God is slow to get angry?\u00a0 When was the last time you experienced God\u2019s unfailing love?\u00a0 (think now\u2026 God loves you so much he\u2019s given you beautiful life-giving oxygen to fill your lungs as you read this\u2026 praise God for the very air we breath!)<\/span><\/p>\n Today in Psalm 103 verses 11 & 12 we read these verses about God \u2013 \u201cFor as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.\u201d<\/em> I think these verses are a wonderful look at what it means to be spiritually reborn and living in relationship with God. These verses are a glimpse of the true freedom that is found in relationship with God \u2013 freedom of living in God\u2019s perfect love, and freedom from our slavery to sin. Do you believe that God\u2019s love for you is as high as the heavens are above the earth? Do you believe that God has removed your sins (transgressions) from you as far as the east is from the west?\u00a0 Do you thank God often for His love for you?\u00a0 Do you thank Jesus often for saving you from the bondage of sin?<\/span><\/p>\n I love Psalm 108 verse 1 today: \u201cMy heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my soul!\u201d <\/em>\u00a0 Is your heart confident in God?\u00a0 Do you sing God\u2019s praises?\u00a0 Is your soul awake?\u00a0 Or does your soul need a wake up call?\u00a0 Where do you suppose you can find that wake up call for your soul?\u00a0 The Bible?\u00a0 Jesus?\u00a0 The Holy Spirit?\u00a0 God?\u00a0 Will you answer the call today?\u00a0 Will your soul wake up?<\/span><\/p>\n Today in Psalm 109 verse 4 in the NIV we read these words of David \u2013 \u201cI am a man of prayer.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>Wow. I like that. And I\u2019m not sure I can honestly say that about myself right now. Sure, I will roll out of bed and offer up some prayers. Yeah, I\u2019ll try to say a prayer before meals. And yes, I\u2019ll pray briefly before going to sleep. Oh yeah, maybe in church once a week too I\u2019ll offer up some prayers. But, for me to say \u201cI am a person of prayer\u201d would probably not be truthful. Ouch. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 I\u2019m not beating myself up too badly over it. But \u2013 if I really want to realize that God is holy and a Rock and if I really want to love God and other people, then I have a hunch that being a person of prayer is a critical part of the equation. I don\u2019t think that prayer is so much talking to God as it is really slowing down and listening to God. Sure, it\u2019s a conversation, but I think in our fast pace world today we would do well to really slow down in prayer and listen to God. Listen for that still small voice within our hearts leading us to God\u2019s kingdom and glory and peace. It\u2019s there. I think it takes prayer to really hear it oftentimes. How about you? Are you a person of prayer? Do you want to be a person of prayer? When you pray, do you talk more or listen more to God? Do you want to live your life as a person of prayer?<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on Psalm 109 titled \u201cA Prayer for the Punishment of the Wicked\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n Psalm 110 is a powerful Psalm!\u00a0 It is considered Messianic and some say the most prophetic of all the Psalms.\u00a0 Verses 1 & 4 are the 2 verses that are believed to be most prophetic of Jesus and both verses are referenced in the New Testament, most often verse 1.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Verse 1 \u2013<\/span> Verse 4 stands today, with very similar teachings to what we\u2019ve just been reading about this in Hebrews this past week or so! <\/span> Bible.org\u2019s commentary on Psalm 110 titled \u201cDavid\u2019s Lord\u201d is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Psalm 122 is the third in a series of Psalms of pilgrimage to Jerusalem.\u00a0 This is a joyful Psalm!\u00a0 Today in Psalm 122 verse 1 we read \u2013 \u201cI rejoiced with those who said to me, \u201cLet us go to the house of the Lord.\u201d\u201d<\/em> Have you ever had this experience? Have you ever rejoiced when someone invited you to attend church? Have you ever given this experience to others? Have you said to others in your life, \u201cLet us go to the house of the Lord!\u201d? Do you make it a regular habit to invite people to church? Does church bring joy to you? Do you think it might then also bring joy to others? Others who are waiting for you to simply invite them? Will you? Will you rejoice with those around you through the simple & graceful act of an invitation?\u00a0 Are you yourself part of a church community? Are you attending church on a regular basis? Do you believe that being in community with other Christians each week will help grow your relationship with God? If you are not part of a church community, will you seek one out this upcoming week?<\/span><\/p>\n And verse 6 is so true then \u2013 and still true now \u2013 \u201cPray for the peace of Jerusalem.\u201d <\/em>Will you join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem?<\/span><\/p>\n I read in a commentary that Psalm 124 was likely a call and response from a Levitical priest and worshipers.\u00a0 Verses 1 through 5 were likely spoken by the priest and verses 6 through 8 were the response of the people.\u00a0 Great way to read this Psalm!\u00a0 Even though this Psalm title says it is a \u201cPsalm of David\u201d, some commentaries believe this Psalm is post-exile from Babylon based on verse 8: \u201cWe escaped like a bird from a hunter\u2019s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Though, I could see that verse apply to Davidic times too. Verse 8 is a joyful response that hopefully each one of us can sing confidently: \u201cOur help is from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Amen and Amen!<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings remind me of the Colton Dixon song \u201cBuild a Boat:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
~ Click here to read today\u2019s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~<\/span><\/em>
~ Listen to today\u2019s Scripture with <\/em>The ESV Bible<\/em><\/span> ~<\/p>\n
\u201cThe LORD said to my Lord,
\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSit in honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies,
\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 making them a footstool under your feet.\u201d\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cThe LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow:
\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u201cYou are a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek.\u201d\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n