Psalms 139

Psalms 139

 

We have an enemy as Christians I don't know if you knew that.  His name is Satan and Jesus called him exactly what he is the father of lies.  It all started in the Garden of Eden when he twisted God's own words to deceive Adam and Eve.  I need this bible study as much as you do.  This is the part where I get real, raw and honest with all of you.  I'm not perfect I never claimed to be I make mistakes.  I've believed the lies.  I'm going to let you in on the biggest lie that I seem to get bombarded with.  "Zac you're a failure."  It doesn't matter if it's at being a man, husband, friend, csr(customer service rep) or whatever.  Satan wants me to believe I'm a failure and I have to remind him who my God is and how he sees me.  Psalms 139 is a beautiful picture of God's love.  People who know me know that I hate the fashion world with a passion.  I've seen thru the biggest lie in advertisement.  It's an attack on contentment and how we see ourselves.  Geoff Moore called it the I love you ifs.  if you perform if you do what I want you to if you look and act a certain way then you will be loved and your life will be complete with their products.  It's all based on conditions.  Like my friend Sandra James would saw in her wonderful Cajun accent "Lies and garbage just lies and garbage."  That's exactly what the fashion and advertisement world is full of.  you'll get the hot guy or girl or you'll fit in when you have their product don't buy into it.  Wake up it's another one of Satan's lies.  Think about the old hymn "It is well with my soul".  "Though Satan should buffet tho trials should come let this blessed assurance control that Christ has regarded my helpless estate and has shed his own blood for my soul.  It is well it is well it is well with my soul.    Philippians 4:11 refers to Paul learning to be content with whatever he has.  Join me in looking at Psalms 139 to see how God sees us.  Do you want to know why you want God's perspective and not Satan's I'll show you.  Satan comes to steal kill and destroy.  Here is God's plan in Jeremiah 29:11  "For I know the plans I have for you."  says the Lord.  "They are plans for good , and not for disaster.  To give you a future and a hope."  You matter to God You matter so much he sent his son to die for your sins because the very God who created you wants a relationship with you and me.  

 

Psalms 139

 

 

1.  "O Lord you have examined my heart and know everything about me."  Singer Degarmo and Key summed this up well "There is an eye in the sky, that sees in the darkness
He searches the soul and He pierces the conscience"  God sees every part of you not Santa Claus. 

2-6.  How much does God see and know about you?  All of it.  All means all!.  No not All like the detergent I mean all like everything.  Now keep up with me here it's like the Psalmist said in vs 6 this is wonderful stuff. 

7-12.  You can't hide from God he sees you wherever you are.  If he weren't able to do all that it would limit his sovereignty. 

13-16.  God saw and made you before you were born.  people want to kill children in the womb but God's still forming them.  My Wife Marion was at least 3 months premature and due to possibly be born with disabilities Natt her mom had been urged to have an abortion and be prepared for the child to die even if she didn't do so.  31 yrs later I have a wife I love dearly and the doctors were wrong.  My wife may have spina bifida she may need the aid of hearing aids glasses and leg braces but she is exactly the woman God has designed to be in my life.  God created Marion, you and me from before the womb.  you and I are not mistakes and failures.  God knows what he's doing.  Don't just let this be head knowledge let it sink into your heart.  you matter God created you and he loves you. 

17-18.  God thinks about you and if you have accepted him as Lord and Savior of you life he becomes your Emmanuel meaning God is with us. 

19-22.  The Psalmist is upset with the wicked we all have these days and moments. 

21-24.  Now he's asking God to cleanse him and keep his path straight. 

 

This song is a reminder to keep our eyes fixed on God.  Hold On By Twila Paris http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl1a3ie7xNc

 

this song speaks to me on the worst of days.  In Heaven's eye by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=389e0aLJJzU

 

This is Psalms 139 put to music.  Psalms 139 by Rebecca St James http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NlbJKbCn54

 

Here's Hope.  Not with Jesus by Cheri Keaggy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKN8YQ5kgtM

 

in light of Psalms 139 I want you to realize God created you and you are a Masterpiece.  This song was written for Sandi Patti's young daughter but we all need to hear this.  Masterpiece by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY0JMB4MqWM

 

This last song is attention getting and fun.  I think the person who did the video really did it well.  Treasure of You by Steven Curtis Chapman  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gytqiW2rHw

 

Who are you

I wanted to do a certain bible study not strictly on Psalms.  It's one I think we all need from time to time.  I'm sure at some point you have seen or been around someone who was watching CSI the original show.  The theme song is done by the Who no I'm not an owl that's the name of the band.  The song asks "who, who are you."  If you asked Peter Parker he'd tell you he was Spider-Man.  If I asked James Howlett Logan(Wolverine) he'd tell me in a gruff voice "I'm the best there is at what I do and what I do isn't always pretty."  If I asked Hal Jordan he would say He's the Green Lantern of space sector 2814.  If I went thru the WWE locker room I wouldn't get real names I'd get things like Heartbreak Kid, Great Khali, Trish Stratus, The Rock, Edge, Big Show, Triple H and many more.  Bully Ray Dudley asks Impact wrestling fans each week "Do you know who I am?"  maybe it's time in light of God's word as followers of the King of Kings the God of all Creation maybe it's time to find out who we are. 

  Now as to who you are not because people in public schools will tell you that you evolved from an ape like creature.  Now Christian singer Geoff Moore summed this up well "It takes a lot of faith to say we're accidents of nature but I believe we are the work of a loving Creator."  Genesis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth."  Get it in your head God created you.  You did not evolve.  1:27 says "So God created human beings in his own image."  In Genesis 3 Adam and Eve sin dooming the entire human race.  Fast Forward to the book of John chapter 3 verse 16.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes on him would not perish but have eternal life."  So now that you have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ let's see where that puts you.  John 17:10 This is Jesus praying for his disciples and you.  "All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory."  You bring God glory and you belong to him.   my dad has described it this way in sermons you are in Jesus hands and God's hands are over His. You are loved. see John 15:9-11 need another example see Romans 5:8.  the world is full of songs about love but all we need to do is seek God's word to see the truth of a God who loved us so much He sent his only son to die for us.  If you spend any length of time you will also discover in Psalms that God's love is referred to as unfailing repeatedly.  In John 15:15 Jesus continues by calling us friends.  I admit that was hard for me to accept.  for years.  There's a song that says "I am a friend of God he calls me friend."  The song was hard for me to sing I could get in my head words like Savior and Creator but friend that was a new one.  This all brings us to where we are at any given day.  Ephesians 2:4-5 says we are saved by grace alone given by God.  we can't earn salvation it is a gift.  Verse 6 goes on to say we are raised from the dead and presently seated with him in heavenly places.  Think about that for a minute no really think about it and close your eyes and visualize yourself not in your current location but actually in heavenly places on your knees before the throne room of God.  I don't know about you but that blows my mind.  Ephesian 6:10-17 says you are a knight waging war against the powers of darkness in the full armor of God.  But in this war you are not alone.  There's a guy named Joshua and he was sent to war but guess what he was told.  "This is my command ---Be strong and courageous!  do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Guess what He's with you too.  in Romans 8:37 it says this "No despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us."  We are overcomers.  We are empowered read Philippians 4:13  We are forgiven read Romans 10:9-13.  We are surrounded by those gone before us cheering us on Hebrews 12:1-2.    Geoff Moore summed this up in his album Home Run comparing life to a baseball game and there are literally Christians past and present watching us and cheering us on.  you are part of a royal priesthood see 1 Peter 2:9.  you are called to be set apart read 2 Corinthians 6:17.  Matthew 5 refers to us as being salt and light and like a city on a hill.  we are to reflect God.  I often pray that when people look at me that God will make anything that is of Zac disappear and let only Him be seen because without Him I am nothing.  

  We're going to get to Psalms 139 soon and you're going to get an even better picture of who you are.  

  I'm leaving you with homework Read Romans 8 the whole chapter to help you see who you are.  

 

       As I was typing this all up a song was playing on my mp3 player and in light of all we've studied here I think this song is as appropriate maybe more so than some of the others I've chosen.  this is an old hymn that no matter how many times I hear it I'm still blown away.  This is I stand Amazed in the presence by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diyNTi5IR4g 

 

This is one of mine and Marion's favorite songs and I think you'll agree.  Jesus paid it all by Kristian Stanfill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brVIlXlJRkQ

 

This is one of my dad's favorite songs let it spur you towards being faithful to God because others are watching you and some are even cheering you on.  This is an old song called Find us Faithful by Steve Green http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rn6Of5sIXU

 

2 days ago I was driving to work when I heard this song and it was just so humbling.  the lyrics talk about all the things God has done and then just floor you with the statement "But you chose to be Savior to me."  this is Savior to me by Kerrie Roberts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_8VvnPMyOg

 

These next 2 songs deal with what I was referring to in Ephesians 2 where we are raised with Christ and being brought to Heavenly places.  Heaven of my Heart by Whiteheart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbYP_vvSkjY  and Way beyond the blue by Steven Curtis Chapman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy1og9yELq8 

 

Just songs here to remind you of God's great love for you.  There's a story behind this first song one day back when Marion and I were still dating we were riding in the car and I asked her if she do sign language to it.  She learned the entire song and still to this days signs when we hear it.  How Great is the Love by Meredith Andrews http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhIZlNHpm6U  There are 2 versions of this next song some prefer Davi Crowder's version but this was the first I ever heard and I have always preferred a woman's voice over a man's plus she keeps the original lyrics.  How He loves by Kim Walker Smith http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps  If you have never heard either of these songs you should.   a Reminder that God's love never fails.  One thing Remains by Jesus Culture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY and Your love never fails by Jesus Culture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoezWBPGRAc

 

We will overcome.  Overcome by Desperation Band http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJvqQjaz87I

 

Finally a touch of Joshua's courage in song.  Courageous by Casting Crowns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkM-gDcmJeM

Psalms 138 the Attitude Adjustment

I had 2 bible studies I was going to send as one but I figured I'd give them their own email and blog to stand in.  I had this ready for about a week and mine and Marion's world has been utter chaos.  it's day 24 and I'm still waiting for my schedule change request to go thru so please keep praying.  on a note of praise I had asked you all to be praying for God to provide Christian friends for Marion and I to spend time with.  one of the couples who is part of this little bible study stepped up after reading that request and invited us out to eat.  Jason and Rebecca Rodriguez just blew us away by doing that.  Rebecca and Marion have even become workout buddies.  Also Xiomara Pena or Mara(no my dog Mara was not named after her) for short also told us she was praying and offered to spend time with us.  we also have had a family the Thompsons who each Sunday go out of their way to come talk to us.  The mom Alisha has been a faithful reader of the online blog and I never knew it.  She's the one who told me about being able to view it as a google feed.  anywho onto the Bible study. 

Psalms 138

Philippians 4:4 says to "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice."  That's not always the easiest command to follow.  I'm going to let you in on a secret though when you're praising God it's hard to stay mad or depressed why because your focus is of you and on God.  Almost constantly Marion and I will have music on in the car one of her most beautiful traits is to see her praising God and doing sign language.  A lot of times I'm not singing  I guess I'm stressed or focused on driving. but her singing will make me start.  She fixes my eyes back on God and hope.  We are both huge wrestling fans there's a WWE Superstar called John Cena for those living under a rock.  as of a month ago he lost the WWE title so he's a bit of a big deal.  His finishing move is called "The Attitude Adjustment."  Psalms 138 is about to deliver an Attitude Adjustment to us.

1.  "I give thanks O Lord, with all my heart, I will sing your praises before the gods."  The focus starts on the speaker and suddenly it's on God where it should be. 

2.  I love that last part of the verse "By all the honor of your name."
3.  "As soon as I pray, you answer me, you encourage me by giving me strength."  He doesn't always answer the way we think he will but when you have prayed do you ever notice the peace of leaving things in God's hands.
4.  All kings will thank God and hear his words.  "until the whole world hears Lord we are calling out your name."
5.  Sing about the Lord's ways for He is great.  
6.  Be Humble God loves you and you don't deserve it.  
7-8.  That's hope in those two verses.


Songs for you to bring praise to God 

You are my King by Newsboys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndB4cTN9mHM

Amazing Grace(my chains are gone) by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkAZteruVAw

Because you are-Point of Grace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8EjTOv9vVM  best line in this whole song to me is referring to Christ's sacrifice they say "The blood on my hands is what washes me clean" because it was yours and my sin the Christ died for. 

Your Name by Phillips, Craig and Dean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzviEHyIggI

Prayer request

Hi everyone I'm asking for your help in prayer regarding 2 things.  Marion and I are having trouble since I was moved to my new shift it doesn't work well for either of us.  me working nights is easier on the both of us.  I have to wait 30 days till my request to have my schedule changed is even looked at.  today is day 14.  also something that has been very heavy on our hearts is this.  we need Christian friends to spend time around. 

p.s. Bible study is coming soon I'm sorry for the delay. 

His love endures forever

Last week I mentioned that the book of psalms is the poetry and songbook for the nation Israel.  It is also a place where our modern day worship comes from.  Not sure if you have ever heard the song Forever by Chris Tomlin but Psalms 136 is where the lyrics come from.  There's a line repeated all thru this psalm but slow down when you read it.  Recently we did a series at church called Life Verse where the pastors spoke of verses they built their lives upon.  Psalms 18:19 is my life verse.  "He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because he delights in me."  In Job chapter 1 God says "have you noticed my servant Job?"  God delights in his people!  Lately I've been having some very rough days I need to remember the main theme of Psalms 136 so find someone today and remind them God's love endures forever.  "His faithful love endures forever."

 

1.  "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His faithful love endures forever."  people often think God is just waiting to strike them down I guess they missed this verse. 

2.  who else is God and has enduring faithful love.  That's right only God.

3.  God is the ultimate ruler of it all.

4.  Miracles belong to God.

5-9.  Hey all you evolutionists I think you left out the Creator of it all.

10.  "Give thanks to Him who killed the firstborn of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever."  I have to admit this verse caught me off guard.  but really get some perspective Israel is in slavery if God didn't attack Egypt  how would they see him as redeemer?  How would we?  Think about it like this as God is writing a movie of sorts and he's trying to go from the worst case scenario to giving these people hope.  Historically speaking there's a movie that epitomizes this so humor me.  In Empire Strikes Back by the end of the movie you have Han Solo in carbonite, Luke loses his hand and fights his father.  It's all bad they're being hunted all over the galaxy.  Israel was in captivity worst case scenario but the God whose love endures forever steps into the picture. 

11.Rescue = God's people seeing Him as redeemer why because his faithful love endures forever. 

12.  See Isaiah 52:10

13-20.  History lesson of Israel to remind us and them His love endures forever.

21-22. God gave the land of kings to Israel why because He owns it all.

23-26 Give thanks to the God of Heaven for his love and all he does. 

 

Forever by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_dsZpcA2R8

 

My Deliverer by Rich Mullins and the Ragamuffin Band http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0ANzUZ2Bhc

 

Show the Way by Kim Hill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCnbnJpm7hw there's not much more than the song and cd cover here but pay attention to the words as this song reflects what was being said in verse 10. 

 

How great is the Love by Meredith Andrews http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhIZlNHpm6U  

Psalms 135

There's a song by Chris Tomlin called Made to Worship and it speaks of what we are to do as Christians.  "you and I are made to worship you and I are called to love you and I are forgiven and free."  We worship God out of love and for all he's done for us.  I remember a few yrs back I was very frustrated and it seemed God was trying to teach me something.  Very honestly I asked God.  "What do you want me to do I don't understand?"  As clear as day I received this answer "You praise me."  It fits very much with the nature of God.  My mom has told me on more than one occasion that she had been reading the book of Revelation and asked God why he deserved praise.  God gave her a history lesson and showed her why he was worthy of praise.  With the bible studies I've done there has been music involved I want your attention to be off of me and instead on God.  Music is a major part of church it is an act of worship.  The Psalms are Israel's songbook and poetry  As our old hymn says "this is my story this is my song praising my Savior all the day long.  Let's look at Psalms 135 and praise our King.

1-3.  Here's a list of who, when, and how to praise God.
4.  See God chose the nation Israel to praise Him

5-7.  The heavens, earth and seas declare the greatness of God.  So should we!

8-12.  Let's go on a history lesson.
13.  "Your name o Lord endures forever.  your fame O Lord is known to every generation."  Now think about that in context of today's 15 min of fame crazed world.  God's fame will last longer than any actor, singer, speaker, or ruler.  Elvis, Britney Spears, Selena, Hitler, Churchill, Lincoln, Stan Lee, Triple H, Jennifer Love Hewitt, well God's bigger than all of them when it comes to his name and fame.  Christian band Audio Adrenaline kinda said it best in their song by the same title when referring to God's own son.  "never gonna be as big as Jesus."

14.  God gives justice and compassion.  It's simple to say God gives compassion but let me give you an example because if you don't believe me you need to meet my wife Marion(it's our anniversary today).  Last year I met this young woman who has dealt with spina bifida, hearing and vision loss who volunteers at Driscoll children's hospital.  She got hit by a car, had her right leg broken she forgave the man who did it but what she said to me in the icu just floored me.  "I was told there is a shortage of beds in the icu my leg is merely broken they can have my bed and give it to someone who needs it more."  God's compassion for the hurt was pouring from her. 

15-17.  putting an idol in place of God and worshipping it is just stupid.
19-21.  God calls us all to praise him.

The question was possibly why should we praise God.  wrong question.  In light of verses like Romans 5:8 and John 3:16 the real question in light of all God has done for you and me why don't we praise God.  we have no excuse!  look around you read God's word see the love of God.  Be grateful dang it! lol


just going to list the songs and let youchoose which ones you want to use to praise God

Your Name by Phillips Craig and Dean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fFzahXcNCQ
Your great name by Natalie Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSa5A-nVJo8

Praise the King by Cindy Morgan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLCrKmZd17U  this song leaves me in tears nearly every time I hear it.

No Other Name but Jesus by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwNNVfRuVBU

Holy and Anointed one by Skillet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLucwS41uDI found a really cool video with this.

Psalms 130

Sorry about the lateness of this being sent out.  I had some days off work recently for my birthday and have just been enjoying the time with family, friends and most importantly my ever beautiful gorgeous wife.  This was a very hard bible study to teach Marion and I and you all as well.  I freely admit to being a grown man who cries.  You will soon see why.  I go to a church called Real Life Corpus and we are very real, raw and honest.  hopefully God will use this to teach you as well as I need to learn.

Psalms 130

My heart has been very heavy lately.  My schedule at work is once again subject to change and change is something I don't deal with very well.  My Mother-in-law and my nephew and I all have that in common.  Connor my nephew is autistic and if you change anything around him he does not respond well.  I'm trying to respond rightly not too good at it.  I could really use people praying for me.  

1-2.  "From the depths of despair."  Yep that's how I feel I'm constantly calling on God for his peace.  When you're in despair I suggest that you seek God first.  

3-4.  Aren't you so glad God keeps no record of our sins and forgives us in his great mercy?  I sure am.

5.  "I am counting on the Lord."  So am I.
6.  "I long for the Lord more than the sentries long for the dawn."  I work nights and those on the night shift long for morning.  We should long for God way more than this.  I mean the end of your workday is way less important than time with God. 
7.  Hope in God leads to his unfailing love.  "Now that, that's cool!"

8.  Redemption from sin sign me up please. 

been having to remind myself this today God is stronger than anything that can ever happen in my life.  hopefully this song with reach you like it did me.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tj8N5Bj6DE Stronger by Hillsong United.  since earlier verses spoke of forgiveness and God's unfailing love I wanted some song to remind us of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoezWBPGRAc this is Your love never fails by Jesus Culture.  it's really an awesome song.  For those of you who fall apart when change happens around you this song is for you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N6zeYPaYlc Hold me Jesus by Rich Mullins This final song is a plea to God when life seems at it's hardest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9heHX3M6g_c Jesus by Ashley Cleveland