An Unexpected Re-birth

Fifteen years ago today, I was "born again!"

On March 15, 1995 a friend from Midway Baptist Church in Trussville, AL invited me to go with her and some friends to a presentation of Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Center Point, AL. My life would never be the same.

For the first time in my life I saw and understood what Jesus had done for me and what I needed to do to be saved - believe. That night I was born again.

I had grown up around other Christians and I knew much about the Bible and church, but I failed to see how God intended for it to make a difference in my life. I had failed to trust Christ with being the LORD of my life. I was "the boss" of my life and I intended to remain in control.

However, by God's sovereign grace, my eyes were opened to the truth that I was separated from God because of my choices, my immorality, my sin, and that I was incapable of saving myself. The payment for my sin was death and eternal separation from God. I could not earn my forgiveness, and I could never be free from the power of sin without Jesus Christ setting me free.

Now I praise God with all that I am because on that very night I understood that Jesus had already paid for my sin!

My part was simply to believe that Jesus had taken my punishment, and receive His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. WOW!

I did just that. And, I distinctly remember saying something like, "Lord, please forgive me of my sin. I give You my heart and my life - everything I am - it's Yours. I surrender to You."

My response to the experience of being "Born Again" was and is total gratitude. In looking back at it, I know I was completely helpless and hopeless on my own. Even the faith to believe was a gift.

I didn't cause my second birth. He did. He pursued me and had been for the first half of my life - 15 years. Once I reached the age I could understand, I rejected him over and over. Yet, he was merciful and never gave up on me.

Thank you, Father, for Your amazing love!

Thank you, Jesus, for making a way by Your own blood.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for Your relentless pursuit of my sinful soul.

Thank you, dad and mom, for taking me to church and doing your best to teach me as a child.

Thank you, friend (wherever you are), for inviting me that night.

And, thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, for helping me in a thousand ways grow to be more like Christ.

The first 15 years knowing Christ have changed everything about me. After today, I'll have walked with Jesus longer that I walked without Him and I can't wait to experience what's next!

Those of you who are reading this: Jesus loves you and wants to save you too. Jesus has a great plan for your life. You can be born again just like I was fifteen years ago. God could very well be using this letter to open your eyes to these same truths. Only you can know. Either way, I'm praying for you!

Please let me know if there is a more specific prayer I can pray for you bj@bjprice.org.

In Christ Alone!

To Be A Man Of Prayer (Psalm 109)

Reading even the first few verses of Psalm 109 is terribly troubling for me for I know that my first response to persecution is not always prayer.

1 O God, whom I praise,
do not remain silent,

2 for wicked and deceitful men
have opened their mouths against me;
they have spoken against me with lying tongues.

3 With words of hatred they surround me;
they attack me without cause.

4 In return for my friendship they accuse me,
but I am a man of prayer.

Psalm 109:1-4

I was recently reminded through the testimony of Don Piper of the power of prayer even in our generation. Prayer is our lifeline to our amazing supernatural (yet knowable) Heavenly Father.

For those that know Don's story you'll recall the significance of the hymn "What A Friend We Have in Jesus". Well, this hymn has particular significance in my own life in recent days as well.

I had the privilege of leading worship for a large group of missionaries who serve in many countries that are hostile to the gospel. For some reason (a God thing I'm sure) I felt led to teach our worship band a modern version of "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" in preparation for the conference. In terms of style, this song was actually a bit of an odd fit for our group, but as we were there singing it in worship the words flooded over me in a tidal wave of emotion.

Verse 1
What a Friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer

Verse 2
Have we trials and temptations
Is there trouble anywhere
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Verse 3
Are we weak and heavy laden
Cumbered with a load of care
Precious Savior still our Refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Do thy friends despise forsake thee
Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He'll take and shield thee
Thou wilt find a solace there

Perhaps the emotions were caused by the context in which we were worshiping, but I know that God desires us to live in active dependence on Him through prayer. O that I would always pray with such earnestness.

Today, as an act of worship, trust your every moment to the Lord's capable hands by calling to Him first in prayer.

Do thy friends despise forsake thee
Take it to the Lord in prayer

A Dad for the Third Time

I praise you because I am fearfully
and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
-Psalm 139:14


What I've Learned Becoming a Dad for the Third Time...

• God does miracles everyday!
• There where six people in the room...and then...while the door was still closed...there were seven living breathing souls in the room! WOW!
  
• God's works are wonderful!!
• I have an amazing wife!
• I have married as amazing woman!
• Did I mention how awesome my wife is? Seriously, I am SO proud of her.
  
• I've been there for the birth of my other two sons, but something was extra special about Elaine and David Andrew on Thursday.
• I've heard it said that we should call our moms on our birthday. I have definitely seen why!
• I have been given a huge blessing that I did not deserve.
• I have been given a monstrous responsibility to which I embrace fully.
• DO you realize that God used my wife and I to create and bring into the world a living breathing soul that will never cease to exist. He will live forever.
  
• There is nothing I want more than to see my sons living for the glory of God.
• That which we have prayed for has been answered, and we are so grateful.
• There has been much rejoicing over the birth of our son. We praise God for Him!
  
• I have never felt more cared for by friends and family.
• God is so good!!

Thank you for your love and prayers for our family. I believe God has great things in store for each of His children, and I can't wait to discover it together!

Today, as an act of worship, join me in a celebration of thanksgiving. We have been asking for prayers for Elaine and David Andrew for many long months. You have prayed; we have prayed. God has heard and responded. Now, we worship with thanksgiving!!!!!!!!

I have found David...a man after my own heart;
he will do everything I want him to do.
-Acts 13:22

You are My Strength (Psalm 108)

This morning I was up reading Psalm 108 again. I was encouraged by it last week and it led me to a song on Sunday morning in the Annex called "You Are My Strength" by Reuben Morgan. (Which, by the way, Sunday was pretty incredible. God is doing some amazing things these days, and Don Piper - wow what a story!! Thanks, Don, for sharing your ministry with us last Sunday.)

Psalm 108 is a powerful statement for personal worship. Today it is showing me that it's one thing to offer instruction to someone on how to worship, and it is another thing all together to motivate them to actually worship.

While I was talking to a potential guitar instructor for our Conservatory ministry yesterday a very similar thought and illustration began to emerge. I asked him how he dealt with students who don't seem to be practicing between lessons. He responded by saying he would have a heart to heart conversation with the student (and possibly the parent) about what the student was trying to accomplish and try to reveal and path to that end. Furthermore, he explained that when students don't practice it is usually NOT a sign that they don't know HOW to practice, but it shows the underlying issue that they are not MOTIVATED TO practice.

Now, when you read the opening verses of Psalm 108, ask yourself, "Am I that motivated to worship the LORD today?"

1 My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.

2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.

4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 108:1-5

Today, as an act of worship, focus your thoughts on the AMAZING LOVE of the LORD, and worship Him with genuine thanksgiving and praise. Let His GRACE and PEACE motivate you to bring honest heart offerings to the LORD!

His Love Endures Forever (Psalm 107)

This morning I went back and read Psalm 107 during my quiet time with the LORD. It was refreshing to hear the Psalmist remind the worshiper to remember the great love of the LORD.

Sometimes the circumstances I find myself in feel much more painful and difficult than my youthful understand of God's true love. It's far to easy to have a false notion that I am only being loved by God when things are going right in my life. That is completely wrong - though it may feel right.

True love is not bound to our feelings. Just because we don't feel loved or just because others don't feel like we love them does not mean that we are not loved or are not loving.

It is in those moments when I need to open God's WORD and remember that God has displayed his perfect love of us for all eternity through the death of His son Jesus - on a horrible and wonderful cross. His love truly endures forever.

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,

9 for he...

15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,

16 for he...

31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.

43 Whoever is wise, let him heed these things
and consider the great love of the LORD.

Psalm 107 (excerpts)

Today, as an act of worship, read the excerpts of Psalm 107 again and fill in the blanks with what God has done in your life remembering the great love of the LORD in all things!! There is a purpose for all thing. God is sovereign over all things!!!

Breathing the Breath - The Conclusion of the Psalter

I was recently singing "Breathing the Breath", by Matt Redman, at the top of my lungs while cutting grass. It was nearing the end of a day of working in the yard and I was overflowing with praise and worship. I had been listening to music and sermons on my ipod for several hours and, WOW, all of a sudden it just flooded over me - "We are breathing the breath that You gave us to Breathe, we are breathing..." - of course, I was out of breath at the time, but it was still an amazing time of worship.



We are called to worship God for who He is in His sanctuary, what he has revealed in His mighty heavens, what He has done through His acts of power, and simply because of His surpassing greatness. I can't help but emphasize the personal pronouns referring to the LORD in the opening two verses of Psalm 150. Try it. Every time you say "his" add a little pause and consider exactly what you are saying.

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 150

The conclusion of the entire psalter is quite fitting; "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD." It is important to point out that this Psalm is strictly emphasizing those with breath in their lungs - as opposed to other living but non-breathing organisms.

Today, as an act of worship, let nothing hinder your praise. Come before the Lord with genuine expressions of gratitude remembering that even the breath in our lungs - with which we can choose to praise God or not - is in fact a gift from God.

Sing A New Song (Psalm 149)

Learning new songs can be quite a challenge for some people. Although I am a professional musician, I still enjoy listening to a new song before trying to sing or play it.

Psalm 149 opens with the words, "Praise the Lord. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints." While it is always important to remember what God has done in our past, it is vitally important that we sing new songs of praise to Him. The most important thing is that a freshness in worship needs to be present in every prayer and song.

The good news is even an "old" song can become a "new" song when you make it your own by singing it your own way - bringing authentic heart offerings to the Lord through your embellishments and additional verses and refrains. Often entirely new worship songs are born this way.

Today, as an act of worship, express your praise to the Lord with a new song. Start with a song that is totally new to you and then express it to the Lord in a new way.

Here's a new song I've been encouraged by recently called "Everlasting God" by Glenn Pakiam of the Desperation Band.

Even Men Should Praise the Lord (Psalm 148)

Psalm 148 paints a beautiful picture of all creation praising the LORD - the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. Each verse awakens my mind to the deeper realities that each member of the creation was created to worship God!

• the angels
• heavenly hosts
• sun
• moon
• shinning stars
• highest heavens
• waters above the skies
• sea creatures
• ocean depths
• lightening
• hail
• snow
• clouds
• stormy winds
• mountains
  
• hills
• fruit trees
• cedars
• wild animals
• cattle
• small creatures
• flying birds
• kings
• nations
• princes
• rulers... (and even)
  
• young men
• maidens
• old men
• children

Unfortunately, these do not all exalt the Lord - at least not intentionally. A sad but true reality is that men and women (myself included) willfully dishonor the Lord and thus deny Him the praise and worship He deserves.

Our lives were meant to reflect His glory - His grace and love. But, far too often the opposite it true. We live in habitual sin - paralyzing the heart of flesh that was exchanged for our old heart of stone and leaving us utterly useless in promoting the gospel. We are dim mirrors at best; no wonder people can't seem to see Jesus in us.

Today, as an act of worship, turn to Christ to wash away your sin. Be renewed and made whole again. Show the world what Jesus has done in you! Shine for Him!

14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Here's a great video of Matt Redman singing "Shine" at Passion '07. Enjoy!

Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146 & 147)

It's good to be back. I never intended to take nearly two months off from posting here on the blog, but, in the spirit of full disclosure, I got so busy that something had to give. That's not to say that I've not spent time in God's Word each day, but I've just not taken the time to post about my journey here on the blog. I'm confident I gain more from these writings than anyone else. Writing helps me process what I'm reading much better than when I simply read it. Anyway, that being the case, it's good to be back!

This morning I've been greatly encouraged and strengthened by Psalms 146 and 147. The Psalmist reminds us of the nature of God and the blessings that come to those who put their hope in God. (146:5)

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,

8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Psalm 146:5-9

I love reading verses seven through nine very slowly and contemplating the significance of God's heart for the oppressed, hungry, prisoners, humble, righteous, and wicked.

As I did that simple exercise, these questions began to surface in my mind: "Do I uphold the cause of the oppressed? Do I give food to the hungry? Do I care about those in prison? Do I care for foreigners, orphans, and widows?"

These were terribly convicting questions for me because I know that God desires this of me, and, I know that without God's grace and strength I am hopelessly self centered. What about you?

Today, as an act of worship, let the words of scripture stir your heart. Respond to what God is teaching you by mirroring His faithful heart!

More History in Song (3 Days in Psalm 106)

Friday, May 7th, full One Year Bible readings:
1 Samuel 2:22-4:22 ~ John 5:24-47 ~ Psalm 106:1-12 ~ Proverbs 14:30-31
Saturday, May 8th, full One Year Bible readings:
1 Samuel 5:1-7:17 ~ John 6:1-21 ~ Psalm 106:13-31 ~ Proverbs 14:32-33
Sunday, May 10th, full One Year Bible readings:
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27 ~ John 6:22-42 ~ Psalm 106:32-48 ~ Proverbs 14:34-35

Psalm 106 is another Historical Psalm that chronicles not only the provision God made for the nations of Israel, but many of the sins and failures of the people. The essence of the 48 verse Psalm is captured in the opening eight verses.

¹ Praise the LORD.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

² Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?

³ Blessed are they who maintain justice,
who constantly do what is right.

⁴ Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,

⁵ that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.

⁶ We have sinned, even as our fathers did;
we have done wrong and acted wickedly.

⁷ When our fathers were in Egypt,
they gave no thought to your miracles;
they did not remember your many kindnesses,
and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.

⁸ Yet he saved them for his name's sake,
to make his mighty power known.

Psalm 106:1-8

Can you feel the emphasis and weight of verse eight? "Yet He saved them for His name's sake, to make His mighty power known." I love the fact that both verse eight and verse forty five are in the same psalm. It encourages me to think that the psalmist was able to rightly understand or at least find a balance in the understanding of the purpose of God's love and mercy.

⁸ Yet he saved them for his name's sake,
to make his mighty power known.

⁴⁵ for their sake he remembered his covenant
and out of his great love he relented.

Psalm 106:8,45

Each of these verses offer a reason for God's salvation and love. Verse eight says it is for God's sake, while verse forty five says it is for our sake. I believe they are both true, but should fall in that same order: for God's sake, and for our sake.

While it is likely true that there are far smarter people who disagree on this subject, it is my understanding and conviction that God offers salvation first and foremost for the purpose of His glory! I believe His love for us is the second reason he offers us salvation.

May I never elevate myself to the centerpiece of the purpose of salvation. It would be folly for someone to think I am someone great in place of thinking God is great.

It's like transferring value incorrectly. Humanly speaking, if someone pays $10,000 dollars for something, they generally think it is worth $10,000 dollars. But, just because Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, died on the cross for me, that does not mean I was worth it. In fact, He is the only one worth anything, and my only worth is found in Him and should be offered to Him.

As you read through this amazing psalm over the next couple of days, thank and praise God for His forgiveness and mercy. He forgives us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to display His glory AND His love!

For more on the significance of the Historical Psalms read my post from last Tuesday on Psalm 105.

Criminal Goes Free (Please Read!)

I am wondering this evening, "What is the best way to share Jesus with you?"

For starters, if you find this question sounding a little strange to your ears, please forgive me and humor me for a moment.

Jesus Christ is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He is a real person, and is alive today. He has set me free from my addiction to sin and has given me a purpose for living.

I love Him with all my heart, and I'm overflowing with thankfulness.

Seriously, I want to share what He has done for me with as many people as will give me a chance.

Do you know what I'm talking about?

Will you give me a chance?

Some people will just invite you to a church and pawn it off on the "preacher" to tell you about Jesus. But, that's not me.

I'll tell you. I'm telling you.

Jesus is the real deal. He alone has the power to rescue you from a wasted life spent chasing after the wind.

Did you know that Jesus loves you?

No, I'm dead serious! He loves you so much that He willingly was tortured to death so that our Creator God could forgive our sin.

You see, God is Holy, meaning He is perfect; and because we have each chosen to do wrong, we have distanced ourselves from our Creator.

We could never be "good enough". The stain of sin that marks our lives cannot be removed by a sinful person.

Thus, on our own, we have no chance for restoration. His holiness and justice will not allow it.

Our sinfulness has set us on a path of eternal destruction.

However, because of His amazing love for you and me, He paid the price for our sin and offers us a full pardon. We call this grace.

And, let me just say, true grace is quite scandalous! Think about it - how do you feel about a convicted criminal being set free AND the crimes being wiped totally off his record, all because an innocent man willingly paid the price - dying in his place?

So, what do you think about Jesus now?

Will you receive His pardon, or will you reject it?

I want to personally invite you to contact me if you have been challenged by what I've written. I make myself available to answer your questions to the best of my ability. (share your comment below or shoot me an email at bj@fbctrussville.org)

Thanks for giving me a chance!

I'd be honored if you would give me another chance in the future by subscribing to my blog.

I hope you have a fulfilling day.

In Christ Alone,

B.J.

PS: Please feel free to forward this post or a link to this post to any of your friends. I'd love to share with them too!

The Importance of History in Song (3 Days in Psalm 105)

Tuesday, May 5th, full One Year Bible readings:
Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22 ~ John 4:4-42 ~ Psalm 105:1-15 ~ Proverbs 14:25
Wednesday, May 6th, full One Year Bible readings:
Ruth 2:1-4:22 ~John 4:43-54 ~ Psalm 105:16-36 ~ Proverbs 14:26-27
Thursday, May 7th, full One Year Bible readings:
1Samuel 1:1-2:21 ~ John 5:1-23 ~ Psalm 105:37-45 ~ Proverbs 14:28-29

Our full One Year Bible readings have us in Psalm 105 for three days followed by three more days in Psalm 106. Both of these psalms are "historical" psalms in that they recount what God has done throughout history for the nation of Isreal - clearly God's chosen people.

Psalm 105 focuses on the promises of God through the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron.) It also recounts their significant dealings with powerful foreigners like Abimelech (Genesis 20), Potephar (Genesis 39-41), and Pharaoh (Exodus 7-14).

The opening and closing of this psalm are beautiful and help each worshiping member of the congregation remember why it is important to know what God has done for them. Learning from history can save us a world of heartache and pain.

As my wife often says (and I think she got it from Beth Moore), "Why not learn this lesson from the Book instead of going on the field trip!"

Additionally, let me add, singing their history was and is an important way to pass God truth and testimony on to future generations. Contemporary worship leaders and song writers today need to keep that in mind for the sake of our children.

¹ Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.

² Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.

³ Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

⁴ Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.

⁵ Remember the wonders he has done...

⁴² For he remembered his holy promise
given to his servant Abraham.

⁴³ He brought out his people with rejoicing,
his chosen ones with shouts of joy;

⁴⁴ he gave them the lands of the nations,
and they fell heir to what others had toiled for-

⁴⁵ that they might keep his precepts
and observe his laws.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 105:1-5, 42-45

Today, as an act of worship, remind yourself of the things that God has done for you in the past, and PRAISE HIS MIGHTY and HOLY NAME! Remember all that He has done throughout history; we are heirs of His faithfulness and His promises. Pass them on to the next generation through the things you say and way you live!

Point of View (Psalm 104)

Sunday's full One Year Bible readings:
Judges 17:1-18:31 ~ John 3:1-21 ~ Psalm 104:1-23 ~ Proverbs 14:20-21
Monday's full One Year Bible readings:
Judges 19:1-20:48 ~ John 3:22-4:3 ~ Psalm 104:24-35 ~ Proverbs 14:22-23

Our readings have camped us in Psalm 104 for the last two days. From the opening phrase to the closing proclamation, this is truly a psalm of praise. It is mostly to praise God for his mighty and awesome works, such as the glory of His creation.

Have you noticed the point of view in which songs are written? I have noticed that many worship songs have been written from the first and second person point of view and are thus to be sung directly to God. This helps facilitate a personal conversation between the worshiper and God.

However, some worship songs use primarily the third person point of view and thus, rather than encourage a conversation with God, they facilitate a conversation about God. Both songs have there place, and both can be used to bring GREAT GLORY to GOD!

Psalm 104 actually does both. (As you read it, notice how the pronouns change.)

¹ Praise the LORD, O my soul.
O LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

² He wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent

³ and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.

⁴ He makes winds his messengers, ^a]">[a]
flames of fire his servants.

⁵ He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved.

⁶ You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.

⁷ But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;

⁸ they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.

⁹ You set a boundary they cannot cross;
never again will they cover the earth.

²⁰ You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.

²¹ The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.

²² The sun rises, and they steal away;
they return and lie down in their dens.

²³ Then man goes out to his work,
to his labor until evening.

²⁴ How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

²⁵ There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.

²⁶ There the ships go to and fro,
and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

²⁷ These all look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.

²⁸ When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.

²⁹ When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.

³⁰ When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.

³¹ May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works-

³² he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

³³ I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

³⁴ May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.

³⁵ But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 104:1-9, 20-35

Today, as an act of worship, speak of Him and to Him! Proclaim His great works. He has done amazing and marvelous things. Open your eyes to the majesty of His creation. Join with the psalmist and PRAISE HIM!

East to West - Casting Crowns (Psalm 103)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Judges 15:1-16:31 ~ John 2:1-25 ~ Psalm 103:1-22 ~ Proverbs 14:17-19

Psalm 103 has, perhaps, the clearest explanation, in the Psalms, for why we should worship God with overflowing gratitude. He models for us something we would never do on our own - give grace - unearned unconditional love.

¹⁰ He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

¹² as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:10-14

A couple of years ago Casting Crowns released a song called East to West which captures the essence of these verses in Psalm 103. I hope you will take five minutes and allow this song to minister to You. Then, offer it back to the LORD!

Today, as an act of worship, bring a heart of true thankfulness before the LORD and praise Him.

For A Future Generation (Psalm 102)

Today's full One Year Bible reading:
Judges 13:1-14:20 ~ John 1:29-51 ~ Psalm 102:1-28 ~ Proverbs 14:15-16

Psalm 102 is "A prayer of an afflicted man. When he is faint and pours out his lament before the LORD." (NIV text note). It breaks my heart to read such a lament of suffering, struggling, and pain.

The human experience is often filled with highs and lows. One moment you're on top of the the world; the next moment you're in the pits of despair. I thank God that He has not abandoned us, but has given us hope and a future.

Even here in middle of Psalm 102 we read of the glory and provision of God, as well as, a word of scholarly instruction ("Let this be written...")

¹² But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.

¹³ You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to show favor to her;
the appointed time has come.

¹⁴ For her stones are dear to your servants;
her very dust moves them to pity.

¹⁵ The nations will fear the name of the LORD,
all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.

¹⁶ For the LORD will rebuild Zion
and appear in his glory.

¹⁷ He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.

¹⁸ Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the LORD :

Psalm 102:12-18

May those who come behind us be lifted up and spurred-on by our daily walk with Christ. May they we drawn to this magnificent God - the Creator and Sustainer of all!

Today, as an act of worship, pursue God in such a way as to magnify His glory for the sake of future generations!

I WIll Set Before My Eyes No Vile Thing (Psalm 101)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Judges 11:1-12:15 ~ John 1:1-28 ~ Psalm 101:1-8 ~ Proverbs 14:13-14

Psalm 101 offers the worshiper careful encouragement and instruction for leading a life of holiness.

I remember encountering lust and the sins of the flesh as a young teenager and struggling to develop self control. Every human being on the planet (with rare exception) knows exactly what I'm talking about.

Thankfully, God does not abandon us to figure things out on our own. In fact, He directs us through His Word by giving us examples to learn from and follow, and "fighter verses" to sharpen and rescue our minds in the heat of the battle. Verse 3 of Psalm 101 has been one such "fighter verse" for me.

¹ I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.

² I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house
with blameless heart.

³ I will set before my eyes
no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me.

⁴ Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with evil.

Psalm 101:4

Today, as an act of worship, commit God's Word to memory, and be prepared to respond to the enemy; resist the Devil and flee from evil. Keep in mind there's a time to fight and a time to run - know the difference!

Shouting For Joy (Psalm 100)

Today's full One Year Bible reading:
Judges 9:22-10:18 ~ Luke 24:13-53 ~ Psalm 100:1-5 ~ Proverbs 14:11-12

Psalm 100 is probably my most quoted psalm while leading worship. It has proven to be a deep well that I have drawn from time and time again.

The title in the NIV says, "A psalm. For giving thanks."

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100

The opening phrase begs the question, "When was the last time you shouted for joy to the LORD?" I ask this of myself as well, and honestly, at first I am always concerned about the volume of my expression of worship - Did I just SHOUT, or was that just loud singing?

But, then I notice the little three letter word, "joy". I think it is even more significant and reveals what the psalmist is trying to say - we should be overflowing with joy as we shout to the LORD; it is a happy celebration. Our joy fuels our praise!

Furthermore, the two words in verse two that standout, while I'm on the subject, are "gladness" and "joyful". "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalm 100:2)

Our thanksgiving should be offered from a joy-filled disposition. The new testament echos this saying, "God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

I'll save any further commentary for another day.

Today, as an act of worship, lift up your voice and praise the LORD with a joyful shout! We typically shout for lots of very good and bad reasons. Why not go a little deeper with God today?

Give it a try; the next time you get fired up about what God has done for you, lean your head back, cup your hands around your mouth, take a deep breath, and at the top of your lungs, with all your might let out a BIG - WOOOOOOOOOHH!!! PRAISE GOD!! THANK YOU, JESUS!!! YES!!!

You may get set free! :-)

I guarantee you'll feel better! ;-)

My Underline-ings (Psalm 92-99)

Those of you who know me well, know that I am an underline-er; I like to underline passages in my Bible. Actually, I'm a little obsessive on drawing straight lines as well. This was likely caused by a well meaning music composition instructor I had in college who had us use our driver's license to draw the stems on our music notes perfectly straight. The habit stuck. On a positive note: I've now found a great use for all those redundant credit card offers that come in the mail - trash the paper and take the handy little phony card and start underlining favorite passages.

Anyway, I thought in today's post I'd just share the verses I underlined in the psalms over the last few days. I hope you enjoy sifting through the infallible Word of God; it's great stuff.

(I was reminded today in Peter's first letter that we "have been born again...through the living and enduring word of God." 1 Peter 1:23. What an AMAZING thought!!)
Full One Year Bible Readings:
Friday, April 24
Saturday, April 25
Sunday, April 26
Monday, April 27
Tuesday, April 28


MY UNDERLINE-INGS FROM PSALMS 92-99

¹ It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,
² to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
³ to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.
⁴ For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
⁵ How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
⁸ But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.
¹² The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
¹³ planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
¹⁵ proclaiming, "The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."
Psalm 92:1-5, 8, 12-15

¹ The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.
² Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
⁵ Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.
Psalm 93:1-2, 5

⁹ Does he who implanted the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
¹⁰ Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?
¹¹ The LORD knows the thoughts of man;
he knows that they are futile.
¹² Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;
¹³ you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
¹⁴ For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
²⁰ Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
one that brings on misery by its decrees?
²¹ They band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
²² But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 94:9-14, 20-22

¹ Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
² Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
³ For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
⁴ In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
⁵ The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
⁶ Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
⁷ for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Psalm 95:1-7

¹ Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
² Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
³ Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
⁴ For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
⁵ For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
⁶ Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
⁷ Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
⁸ Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
⁹ Worship the LORD in the splendor of his ^c]">[c] holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
¹⁰ Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
¹¹ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
¹² let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
¹³ they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.
Psalm 96

¹ The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
² Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
³ Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
⁴ His lightning lights 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.
⁹ For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
¹⁰ Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
¹¹ Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
¹² Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
Psalm 97:1-6, 9-12

¹ Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
⁴ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
⁵ make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
⁶ with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.
Psalm 98:1, 4-6

² Great is the LORD in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.
³ Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.
⁵ Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.
⁹ Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his holy mountain,
for the LORD our God is holy.
Psalm 99:2-3, 5, 9

Today, as an act of worship, meditate on a few verses from these psalms, and allow them to blaze a path for your own words of praise and worship!

Number Your Days Aright (Psalm 90)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Judges 1:1-2:9 ~ Luke 21:29-22:13 ~ Psalm 90:1-91:16 ~ Proverbs 13:24-25

Today we begin the fourth of the five books of the Psalms which includes Psalms 90-106.
Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses, the man of God, and reminds us that God was ordaining praise long before the time of David, the man after God's own heart.

¹ Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.

² Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

¹⁰ The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

¹² Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:1-2, 10, 12, 14

What is so special about today? What is the significance of TODAY? Does TODAY really MATTER?

I know of at least one good book written on this subject and one good saying that is particularly applicable, but what is the use of all the knowledge in the world if we do not allow it access to our schedule or day planner.

Recently, our pastor preached a message on the greatness of God. The whole service was carefully structured in such a way as to help us gain a better perspective of just how enormous God is and just how tiny we really are!

I will never forget the moment he read from Psalm 8, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?"

I felt so small and yet so loved!

Now, just imagine that same God - the author of TIME and SPACE - gives you and me 70-80 years to leverage everything we have for His glory.

Every second counts. No two minutes are ever the same. We will never get a true second chance or do-over. Every second we waste is eternally lost.

Likewise, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. The only day we have is today, and the only time we have is right now. Will you make the most of it?

Today, as an act of worship, consider the air in your lungs, the strength in your bones, and the opportunities you've been given. Be the hands an feet of Jesus today!

Pilgrimage through Psalms 82-89

I have not posted any devotions in the last ten days or so and have enjoyed the slight change of pace it has given me. However, I HAVE been greatly strengthened by our daily readings through the Psalms and have made a few observations that I think will encourage you in your pilgrimage with Christ. Enjoy!

First, here are the links to the full One Year Bible readings you may or may not have missed. I'll post them here for the sake of being consistent.

April 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22 (Just click on the date for a link to that day's full One Year Bible reading at www.biblegateway.com)




In Psalm 82, we are reminded of the character and heart of God as a great ruler, judge, king, or president. He has a heart for the weak, fatherless, poor, oppressed, and needy; and, he rebukes those who overlook them - defending the unjust and favoring the wicked.

² "How long will you defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?
Selah

³ Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

⁴ Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:2-4

As an act of worship, commit to stand up for those who have not the strength to stand. If you refuse, then you stand against God!




Psalm 83 is the corporate outcry of a troubled people. This psalm is written as a response to the realities of being faced by many real and threatening enemies. What struck me as personally applicable is the last few verses where the the heart of the worshiper appears to be that God would be sought and worshiped by his enemies.

¹⁶ Cover their faces with shame
so that men will seek your name, O LORD.

¹⁷ May they ever be ashamed and dismayed;
may they perish in disgrace.

¹⁸ Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—
that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Psalm 83:16-18

As an act of worship, may we earnestly seek the Lord on behalf of His worship in all nations and peoples. May we put aside our self-centered desires and seek that all men everywhere worship our God - the LORD - Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer!

Psalm 84 grows sweeter every time it's phrases part my lips. It is truly the outpouring of my heart for the Lord! Here's a taste...

¹ How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!

² My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah

⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

¹¹ For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

¹² O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Psalm 84:1-2, 4-5, 10-12

I cannot keep from offering thanks to the Lord for the journey on which he has led me. My heart is set on pilgrimage, and my compass points to God alone. May we continually draw nearer to Him!

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. Earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it but only to arouse it to suggest the real thing."

Psalm 85 is a fresh reminder of the forgiveness that God gave to His people hundreds of years before the earthly sacrifice of Jesus.

¹ You showed favor to your land, O LORD;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

² You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
Selah

Psalm 85:1-2

May we respond to God's forgiveness and grace with reverent fear and full obedience.

⁸ I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints—
but let them not return to folly.

⁹ Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.

Psalm 85:8-9

As an act of worship, thank God for the revelation of His great salvation. It has come to us as a costly and yet free gift. We do not and will not every deserve it, yet if we are to truly receive it we must surrender all - dieing to ourselves that we may live for Him!

Psalm 86 is the only psalm of David included in the third Book of the psalms (73-89), and it is remarkably noticeable to me. I think this is the slowest and most thorough I have every worked my way through the Psalms - stopping and smelling the roses along the way. For the first time in my life I realized the content, style, and language and associated them with David before even reading the notated author.

It's a psalm of refuge, restoration, forgiveness, and joy, as well as a psalm of praise and adoration. I am especially encouraged by proclaiming the greatness of God.

⁸ Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.

⁹ All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, O Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.

¹⁰ For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.

Psalm 86:8-10

As an act of worship, may we affirm God's majesty in all creation and His divine authorship of our very lives. His plans for our lives are higher and better than ours. May we fully embrace His will in our decisions.

Psalm 87 stirs up images of that great heavenly city called ZION where the LORD dwells and is exalted in worship forever and ever. Oh, how I long to be there! To see Him, to behold Him whom the Angels have never stopped praising, Him who sits on the Throne, Him who is worthy of all glory honor and praise! Do you long to go there?

"Glorious things are said of you, O city of God."

-Psalm 87:3

Psalm 88 is the most painful lament I believe I have ever read. It breaks my heart to hear the words of grief, pain, and suffering that this faithful worshiper is offering to the Lord. At this place in my life, such hardship is difficult to personally identify with, yet I conclude, along with this believer, that our only hope is in the Lord.

⁸ You have taken from me my closest friends
and have made me repulsive to them.
I am confined and cannot escape;

⁹ my eyes are dim with grief.
I call to you, O LORD, every day;
I spread out my hands to you.

Psalm 88:8-9

As an act of worship, may we praise God from and for our current life circumstances, and may we pray that our faith will not falter when and if the time comes that it seems all is lost.

Psalm 89 is the final psalm in book 3 of the 5 books of psalms. It includes some great Messianic prophesies about how God will establish the line and throne of David forever - referring to Jesus. But, what I really find encouraging is the straight-forward word of instruction and blessing on those who learn to acclaim God, walk in the light of His presence, rejoice in His name, and exult in His righteousness.

¹⁵ Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

¹⁶ They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.

Psalm 89:15-16

As an act of worship, may we do all these with a sincere heart and a steadfast devotion to God alone.