Psalms 146

 Tuesday was not a good day for me.  If it could go wrong it did.  I'll not get into details suffice to say Marion and I are like the X-Men having trouble with the Juggernaut minus any fictional superpowers I've written us as having in any of my stories.  As married couples do we have disagreements but I'm thankful for Marion pointing me back to God.  Things are out of control for us we are asking God why but still trusting and fixing our eyes upon him.  "In all of our weakness He becomes so strong giving us the power and the strength to carry on."

 

1-2.  I think we are called to praise the Lord with our whole being.  I've been reading lately about Jesus encounter with the woman at the well.  I've heard a lot of people quote the part about worshipping God in spirit and in truth.  Something personally that I struggle with is singing but my mind is elsewhere.  as a writer my mind tends to wander and tries to make me want to write at the worst times and lately that has been at church.  I find myself asking God to clear my mind so I can truly praise Him.  I'll let you in on something else when I type up bible study and attach the music videos I truly praise God at those times.  I sing my heart out to God.  

3-4.  "Don't put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.  When they breathe their last, they return to the earth and all their plans die with them."  This is a verse I have never seen in my life and I have read the bible thru multiple times.

5.  Hope in God creates joy.  Hope +God=joy Finally I put algebra to use in real life!

6.  God is your creator not evolution or a big bang theory.

7.  Justice, food to hungry, frees prisoners.  God gives these things.  Evil men deny them from those who need these things. 

8-10.  God is faithful.  

 

 

when I got to verse 7 this is the song that came to mind.  Some people will say this song is by hillsong but when I originally heard it, it was because of the beautiful voice you're about to hear.  for about 2 yrs I had this cd on my amazon wish list till I took a chance and bought it. Allow me to introduce you to Adie Camp the wife of the world famous singer Jeremy Camp.

All I need is you by Adie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuDnFOf_pms&list=PLZ9Tlbb6Y-sxz1NOjbsXkBkPlLJFEDl9v

 

a few months ago Marion and I went to Codi's Collectibles and I picked up this cd by Shelia Walsh and this is a song I have just learned to love.  occasionally I will try to find videos with the lyrics because Marion likes to be able to learn the songs and do sign language to them. This is a beautiful reminder.  God is Faithful by Shelia Walsh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxLtqh8UbiY

 

This is one of those songs that reminds me to look around at all God has created and realize no matter how bad something seems Life is still beautiful i'm still breathing and God is not done with me.  Life is beautiful by Michelle Tumes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzRYG5a8H4Q  

Psalms 145

  Got this all ready on Monday so some of what I'm saying is in past tense. 

 

    This weekend has been very rough.  Tonight on my lunch at work I was trying to relax while on a 30 min lunch that isn't very easy.  Sometimes you're trying to hard to cram food in yourself.  my lunch break was about to end and I stood up to throw away my chip bag when it hit me.  Songs are a great part of my life.  Suddenly this song from a group called The Afters grabbed my thoughts with one line "You light, light, light up the sky to show me you are with me."  It's all about God reminding you that He is with you by the lights in the sky.  It hit me like a steel folding chair upside the head.  Yep that's Zac sometimes too stupid to remember to praise God.  King David knew how to praise God.  In my mind I can imagine the King on his throne calling the royal scribe over and saying "Hey write this down this is important stuff."   Twenty-One verses of praising God followed.  If a king can take time out of his busy day to praise the King of Kings who has lit up the sky to show you he is with you I think we should pay attention to what he has to say. 

 

 

1-2.  How long are we going to praise God's name? Forever and ever.

3.  "God is great sing his praise all the earth all the heavens."

4.  Proclaim God's mighty acts from Generation to generation.  Speaking of generations if you want to see this lived out you need to meet Cynthia Beatty and Megan West along with Tim and Alisha Thompson and their 2 daughters Lola and Roxy all members at Real Life Corpus.  These 6 proclaim God in the things they say and the love they live out. 

5.  Meditate on God's works.

6-7.  God's name will be praised.

8-9.  Thank God for being slow to anger, forgiving, and having unfailing love and being compassionate.

10-13.  The Earth and its contents will praise God.

14.  "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those beneath their loads."  I am so thankful for verses like this one.  I learn from these studies too and I needed that promise. 

15-16 Years ago the rolling stones sang a song called "I can't get no Satisfaction."  Of course they couldn't find satisfaction they didn't seek God.

17.  God is filled with righteousness and kindness.

18-21.  You want to know why you can place your hope in God read those verses again.

 

Light up the Sky by the Afters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X_E2t7r1pY

 

10,000 Reasons by Jesus Culture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6tM-DQmREk

 

I spoke earlier of the phrase of proclaiming God from Generation to Generation singer Geoff Moore compared the concept to a baseball game where Hebrews 12:1-2 reference "such a cloud of witness"  imagine your life as being the batter in a baseball game all the Christians before and present are watching and observing your life cheering you on so I have here two songs that go with that concept.  Find us Faithful by Steve Green http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eERKnxzNzwg and  Home Run by Geoff Moore and the Distance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVtebmWYDuc

 

This should be our prayer for our lives as followers of Christ.  When all is said and done by Geoff Moore and the Distance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6CNeQDBcs8

 

Another Great reminder that God is with you and for you.  By your side live by Tenth Avenue North.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YqbPEqYdac 

 

just to remind you of God's love today.  You are more by Tenth Avenue North http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zxyms8Bu3I

Psalm144

My friend Payton and I swap books often because we like stuff from the Warhammer Universe most specifically the tales of Gotrek and Felix.  Gotrek is a Dwarf Slayer who has made a vow to seek his doom in a glorious battle and Felix is a poet who reluctantly gets dragged into battles in his quest to be Gotrek's remember and chronicle his doom in an epic poem.  Payton and I are used to reading of epic battles.  I think a lot of times spiritual warfare can be confusing to a Christian.  I know it can be for me at least.  I've been trying to get my schedule changed at work for months so I can have more time with my wife.  I've tried so hard I've come to see it as a spiritual battle instead of a physical one.  if you have time we could greatly use prayer in this regard.  Psalms 144 is not like the Psalms I have read before.  To me it almost felt like reading about my literary friend Felix mentally resigning himself to the fact that a battle was inevitable 

 

1.  "Praise the Lord who is my rock, He trains my hands for war and gived my fingers skill in battle."  Remember that God has given you training and skill.

2.   Look at all the things God provides in this verse Loving ally, fortress, tower of safety, rescuer, shield, refuge.  I don't know about you but I'm liking the odds with God on my side. 

3-4.  We are so unworthy of God's notice.

5-8.  Those verses right there are exactly why God is bigger than the boogeyman.

9-11.  Like the late Rich Mullins sang "My deliverer is coming my deliverer is standing by. 

12-14 This is a prayer to God asking him to prosper King David's people.

15.  Joyfulness comes from following God.

 

Onward Christian Soldiers by Petra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hanm_gi_00Y

 

The Battle belongs to the Lord by Petra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLZJZsRJIC0

 

Sacred Hideaway by 4Him http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S7bd61kVj8

 

Mind's Eye by DC Talk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBVdrQt7xQo

 

Strong Tower by Newsboys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCV7sQ06b-4

 

In Christ alone by Phillips, Craig and Dean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zunQ--S7RM

Psalms 143

There's a line in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie uttered by Casey Jones and it applies to me and King David.  "I feel like I just called Mike Tyson a sissy."  If you have never or do not know someone who has worked at a call center it will be a little tough to relate to me.  I go to work truly wanting to help and do my best but lately it just seems like I called Mike Tyson, Brock Lesnar and the Road Warriors sissies.  For those who don't know who these people are:  Tyson was a former heavyweight champion boxer. Brock Lesnar is a beast incarnate he is a former pro-wrestler who downgraded and became and mma fighter in the UFC.  The Road Warriors or Legion of Doom were some of the most fearsome tag team wrestlers in history.  when people were told they had to fight the Road Warriors they would be found in the dressing room throwing up before the match.  yes in pro-wrestling they do sell(make the other person look good.) certain moves The Road Warriors worked stiff they just flat out beat people up.   Things are hitting me emotionally and mentally from all sides.  I opened my bible to work on bible study after praying off and on all morning for hope.  Also this verse my college teacher shared with me has been fighting for my attention Galatians 6:9

 

1.  "Hear my prayer, O Lord Listen to my plea!  Answer me because you are faithful and righteous."  Boom Boom Boom! the blows rain down.  Hear my prayer God I need hope. 

2.  That's a cry for mercy.

3-4.  This guy needs help.

5-6.  He shifts his perspective onto God and not his problem.  Sometimes this is the most painful and difficult thing in the world to do.  I was trying so hard to do this myself today. 

7.  He is pleading with God to deliver him. 

8.  Look to God's unfailing love each morning and trust Him.  I keep finding myself turning to Psalms 23 where it says He restores my soul. 

9.  Run to the one who rescued you from sin.  He is bigger than any problem. 

10. You want a guide how about the one who said "I am the Way the Truth and the Light."

11.  The Light of the World will lead you out of darkness.  "Let hope rise and darkness tremble in you Holy Light that every eye will see Jesus our God great and mighty to be praised."

12.  We fall at God's feet and He fights for us.  

 

Sometimes we just need to be reminded of Who God is and who we are I know I do.  So as the blows rain down on you call out to God and remember He has not left his throne he is still in control and knows exactly where you are.  

 

You are God alone by Phillips. Craig and Dean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OICArFHAa9c

 

God of All by Twila Paris http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvjJGX36Uxk    

 

You are God by Twila Paris http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsRm0Ddk8qM

 

With Everything by Hillsong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq_z_i9XQZc if this song doesn't open your heart and make you praise God there's something wrong with you.

 

I stand Amazed(How marvelous) by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7QuZ4wo1X4 I simply can't get enough of this old hymn.

 

Keep Breathing by Kerrie Roberts.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbDuM-f36Hs this song has a very special place in mine and Marion's hearts when we're having a bad day one of us will play this.  

 

I am on the Rock by Petra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nSEW9hS0nY back in 1990 Petra released the album Beyond Belief and it is probably one of their best albums of all time.  As a Christian when I'm under attack this is my battle cry.  the reason I say battle cry is I run on my breaks at work and when calls have been bad this is one of those songs I listen to and remind myself  "There is no Rock in this world but our God"  Psalms often refers to God as our rock and our shelter.   

 

Hurricane by Natalie Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1glRTnhssjA This song has been advertised many times by Natalie Grant on my face book page and I gave it a chance because she kept posting the lyrics.  it's just awesome. 

Depravity vs love

Apparently Satan does not want this Bible Study to go out.  as I was typing all this I was bombarded by phone calls and my yahoo mail crashed about 15 times.  it seemed to be definite spiritual warfare. 

Sorry if this week's bible study seems a bit late.  not that I have a real set time though.  I've been in training at work and have been working on this hrs before I had to leave for work.  it seems to be the only free time I've been getting this week aside from when I get home.  I took another departure from Psalms this week and it was a result of Romans 5:8 running thru my head all day Sunday.  

 

Sometimes I think we miss it I know I do.  As humans we get so caught up in life we have along the way lost the wonder of what Jesus did for us on the cross.  We've lost the wonder of Christmas.  Some of you know I write fictional stories about me, my wife and friends sometimes I get a word or phrase in my head that sparks something in my head so here's a phrase for all of you.  I hope this lesson on the sinfulness of man and the love of God pierces your heart like a wooden stake thru a vampire's heart because we have lost the wonder of what has been done for us.  A few weeks ago I did a study on God creating all around us and the first people.  God created us with free will and the ability to make choices.  In Genesis 3 Satan tempted Eve and then she misled Adam to partake of the forbidden fruit.  Thru that choice sin entered the world and the earth and its people were cursed.  I try not to use to many secular things in this study but I think this line fits well here.  Singer Jon Bon Jovi got it right in his song Blaze of Glory about the famous gunfighter Billy the Kid.  "We were born into this world with a self formed in sin.  Well at least they gave us something we didn't have to steal or have to win."  Genesis 6:5 gives us an even better picture.  "The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth and saw that everything thought of or imagined was consistently and totally evil."  Anybody besides me think that very much sounds like the world we now live in.  Look at Galatians 5:19-21 and see what the selfish sinful desires of our nature are and again you will see that we all need a savior. All through the Old Testament the sacrificial system pointed to Israel's need for a savior and forgiveness.  God had a plan.  Isaiah 9 predicts Jesus birth.  The wonder of Christmas is found in Christ in a baby whose purpose was to save his people from their sins.  Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."  Max Lucado has often said that God loved us so much he would rather die for us than live without us.  Sin separates us from God.  He is Holy we are anything but holy.  Peter told Jesus to get away from him because he was a sinful man.  In the Old Testament a common theme of those who met Holy God was to fall on their faces.  Isaiah 6:8 ""then I said `It is all over! I am doomed for I am a sinful man , I have filthy lips, yet I have seen the King , The Lord of Heaven's Armies."  Look back at Romans 5:8 God sent his son to die for us because he loved us even though we are sinful.  For a long time I struggled with this thought how can God love me when I don't believe another human can.  God loves sinful (insert your name here) enough to send his son to die for you to save you from your sins.  Ive struggled with wanting to be loved and some of you have too.  If you don't believe you are loved ask God to show you.  He wants a love relationship with you.  If you don't have a relationship with Christ I urge you to stop wasting time read Romans 10:9-13and let Him change your life.  For the Christian read Hebrews 4:16.

 

Grace Flows down by Christy Nockels http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBPNdTowJuc

 

You are my King by Newsboys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaPFTFvs8rQ

 

Once and For All by White Heart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g5GMkW_VC0

 

God so Loved by Jaci Velasquez http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M10ZdLKhVG4

 

O Come Let Us Adore Him by Matt Redman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G10g76xEI8

 

Jesus paid it all by Kristian Stanfill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brVIlXlJRkQ

 

 

Let God's love fill you with wonder once again "The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams." 

Psalm 142

Sorry if the blog was delayed a little I typed the e-mail version and got hungry so I had lunch before posting this.   

I have been having a rough go of things lately as some of you know. I find a lot of my prayers pouring out of me with tears and frustration.  This past week I shared something on face book.  Several years ago I took classes at the Baptist Learning Center in Corpus in hopes of being a Christian counselor for youth.  As Marion and I sat at Orange Creations in Sunrise mall I was remembering those days and how I often ate at that exact same place.  Years later I find myself doing an online bible study.  The concept is so weird it doesn't make sense but God is using it to change people.  That's God at work not me.  I see also a lot of the very unpleasant things God has brought me thru to help me better understand David the Psalmist.  Pastor Greg once told me "You get David's heart you understand his brokenness."  I'm nothing special my goofy dream of being a superhero is just a fantasy.  As I said things have been rough.  Greg reminded me Sunday of Philippians 4:8 read it you need it as much as I do no matter what you're going thru.  Marion has not refrained from telling me she loves me and praying for me.  My friends David and Xiomara have both been praying and encouraging me.  Sunday night my friend Clyde prayed for me outside of work.  my focus has been on the storm I need the God who controls the storm to be my Prince of Peace.  I'm not the only one you need this too. 

 

Psalms 142

 

1.  "I cry to the Lord, I plead for the Lord's mercy."  Casting Crowns has a song called Mercy and the chorus is so simple yet so true.  "Your mercy saved me your mercy made me whole your mercy found me called me as your own."  We depend so much on God's mercy we don't even see how much God does that we overlook. 

2.  "I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles."  You know what we can do that.  Read 1 Peter 5:7

3.  Verse 3 uses the word overwhelmed I think that's a funny word.  calm down I get what the verse is saying.  I was watching Young Justice and Robin the Boy Wonder said this.  "Overwhelmed .  Why is it always overwhelmed or underwhelmed why is no one ever just whelmed anymore?"  David answers this because his enemies set traps for him. 

4.  Been there done that got the ignore the hurting person merit badge many times over. 

5-7 Seek God he is your refuge and should always be all you really want.  Let him fight for you.  Like Petra put it.  "Take me back to the Rock that is higher than I Take me to the Well that will never run dry." 

 

Sunday night I was stuggling going to sleep I was frustrated and hurting I was crying.  I started singing How Great is the Love by Meredith Andrews and I just passed out comforted in God's love for me. 

 

the title of this song says it all.  He will look after you--Cheri Keaggy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeGCcJgU-FU

 

for those who know me really well I hate being on boats I don't know why they just terrify me.  think of this in light of Jesus calming the storm for his disciples.  The Anchor Holds by Ray Boltz  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSAc5Z2lprk (Preview)

 

Let the utter dependence on God in this song be your hearts cry.  Mercy by Casting Crowns  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAgOXPO-5Os

 

These are 2 old hymns that are so extremely powerful.  Be still my soul/What a friend we have in Jesus by Selah http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaisLDzJJrQ (Preview)

 

An old but good reminder of God's love.  We are the Reason- By David Meece http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmXkT4oaozs (Preview)

 

I don't know what problems you may have going on in your life but you need to remember the words of this song in fact thru the pain let it be your battle cry.  "Stronger- Hillsong United.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7YdtfjMAIc (Preview)     

 

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