Grace and Peace Galatians 1:1-5

    I'm hoping and praying as we embark on this new study adventure to uncover ways to apply God's word to everyday life.  A few days ago I read Galatians chapter 1 and a common phrase has been going thru my head ever since then.  First of all why should we listen to the apostle Paul.  Well how about writing 90% of the New Testament for the start of his resume, led multitudes of people to Christ, been persecuted, beaten, stoned, and killed all for proclaiming the gospel.  Does founding and building churches everywhere you go get him any street cred as the kids these days say?  If Marvel or DC were going to create a comic book based on the life of Paul the title on the cover would be something like Uber Christian.  But don't believe me let's look at how he provides his credentials. 

 

1-2.  "This letter is from Paul, an apostle, I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead."  See Acts 9 for Saul's conversion to Christ and his name being changed to Paul.  Paul in this first and second verse throws down the gauntlet as it were.  This is who I am and who sent me.  This is why I can say what I have to say.  To me this is a start of a letter but it has all the impact and punch of a wrestling promo.  For those who don't know what a wrestling promo is let me explain.  you pick up a microphone and you say what you have to say and usually issue a challenge.  I'm Paul here's who I am and what I know and believe and who sent me.  Bam!  My Pastor Greg Blankenship gets this each Sunday after the first song he comes out and talks.  "Welcome to Real Life Corpus Christi."  he proceeds to list a little of what the church believes.  This is a letter to the church of Galatia.  "May I have your attention please!"

3.  "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace."  Here's that phrase I mentioned earlier that has just demanded my attention.  This is not just a greeting this is a prayer as well.  It's simple to read but lately I've been thinking about it.  I can't ever recall ever greeting anyone and asking God my Father to show or give them  grace and peace.  This is the application I think God wants me and you to learn greet someone this week and pray and ask God to give them grace and peace.

4-5.  This is the gospel in a nutshell. 

 

With the greeting we have learned I found this old hymn to very much apply.  I had never even heard this till this past yr.  God be with you by Selah http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVcj3nW6OE8

 

and as you go places don't forget this old hymn Take the name of Jesus with you by the Table Singers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWJycJx-1Co

 

This next song brings back a lot of memories for me.  Years ago in Annaville Texas Skateland West hosted on Monday nights Christian skate nights.  All they played that evening was Christian music.  I remember often going around skating to this next song and requesting it be played.  There's a movie coming out soon featuring Kevin Sorbo, The Newsboys, along with Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty and it's called God's not dead.  you as Christians are servants of the living God just like Paul the apostle.  as soon as I saw ad's for God's not dead the movie I remembered this classic song.  I've got something to say by Al Denson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM_pLLjbvvE

 

As you greet your friends with grace and peace be thankful for them being in your life.  Circle of friends by Point of Grace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUxZX94-ock

Psalms 148 and prayer requests

We're nearing the end in this journey thru the book of Psalms and I've been thinking and praying a lot about where to go from there.  seems a lot like God is leading me to Girl Eats Popcorn Continuously.  several people reading this just went Huh?  it was an acronym I just used that I learned yrs ago when trying to memorize the books of the bible.  what it stands for is Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.  See about a month ago Marion was asking me where to start when reading the bible.  most pastors suggest John but she asked for the most practical life guide portion to the bible and to me the books I listed is where I pointed her.  .To me Paul's letters were life guides to new believers.  so please be in prayer about that because I have never tackled anything of this nature.  Also I'm still fighting an ongoing battle trying to get my schedule changed at work so I can have more time with my wife.  so please keep praying about that. 

 

Psalms 148

 

    I had something happen Monday night at work that hasn't happened in a while and I admit it shook me.  I've had bad customers most are upset and I realize it's not my fault.  Had a man question the amount of intelligence I had 3 times and ask to speak to someone smarter than me.  It's rare that I get a full on personal insult like that.  Like I said it shook me because it hurt.  It was at that time I turned to God's word because I wanted to lash out I wanted to be angry.  After the attack I started reading Psalms 148.  Then I prayed that God would bring someone in that person's life to introduce them to God.  

 

1-4.  A call for heavenly things to praise God.

5.  "Let every created thing give praise to the Lord for he issued his command and they came into being."  That includes you and me we are called to praise God because he made us.  

6.  He set everything in place forever and ever and God's word will never be revoked.  If you think your life is in chaos guess what God is still in control.  

7-12The Psalmist ain't messing around here he wants everything and everyone to praise God.  Imagine in your head Michael Buffer in his distinct voice saying "Let's get ready to Praise!!!!!!!!!"

13.  God's name is great and his glory is over all the earth and heavens.

14.  Be faithful to God he will make you strong and honor you.

 

    I want to close with this thought.  a few yrs ago WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels left the wrestling business.  The reason he gave was because he lost his smile.  Perhaps you're beat up, frustrated and hurt.  Today open God's word, praise him, pray and turn things over to him let him restore your smile.  This past Sunday Kacy Benson said something that hit home with me that I struggle with daily.  "We are influenced only to the degree that we allow."  Before Jesus left the earth he mentioned sending the Holy Spirit who would be our comforter.  How often do you just set your defenses aside and let him comfort you?  

 

 

Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus by Hillsong  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czxd5oa-gi0

 

To God be the glory by Praisecharts Band http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BFmfPJ_a9c

 

In majesty he will come/Majesty by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuffczgTZ7c

 

I will rejoice by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j91iNBmdr5w

 

When life gets broken by Sandi Patti and Heather Payne(from Point of Grace) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8xpFS-5f_8      this is a song I discovered by accident but it is so beautiful.

Psalms 147

    Have you ever been reading that passage in the bible that suddenly makes you want to sing and you get a specific song stuck in your head.  That's how I get the songs for these studies.  When I read the first few verses of this psalm I got this song Make his praise glorious stuck in my head. 

 

1.  "Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God.  How delightful and fitting."  Now compare it to the song I thought of.  "Behold, how good it is to sing praises to our God.  How pleasant and fitting to praise him.  Behold, how good it is."  Notice a similar theme?

2.  Biblical history.  Continue reading the Old Testament and you will hear Paul Harvey in your head saying "And now for the rest of the story."

3.  "He heals the broken hearted and bandages their wounds."  About 2 yrs ago I lived out this verse I suffered a horrible breakup I had a friend Beth who is the type of friend God puts in your life to tell you the truth you may not want to hear.  Her exact words were very similar to this verse.  "Why don't you rip the Band-Aid off and let God heal you."  If I had never listened to her there would not have been a chance for Marion and Zac.  I had to learn to Love God before I could love someone else. 

4-6.  God does truly amazing things. 

7.  "Sing out your thanks to the Lord; Sing praises to our God with a harp."  I had someone tell me to use musical instruments in church was wrong.  Nope! I see a harp in this last verse.  Besides I don't sing good I need help. 

8-9.  "My God how great thou art."

10-11.  Love for God and reverence for him are his delight.   I don't know about you but I want God to be delighted in me. 

12-13.  If you look back in history God has taken care of his people Israel.  America needs to turn from evil so he can prosper us as a nation like he has done in the past. 

16-20.  God will take care of his people. 

 

Sing to your King.  How Great is our God and How Great Thou Art by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18zvotyPcVg

 

How Great Thou Art by Selah towards the end of the song it is done in an African language called Kituba http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ZbcCjoj70

 

This is a blast from the past for me.  My family and I owned the vhs tape of this concert which we nearly wore out .  Make His praise Glorious by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO89GnG7IzI

 

Just as I am by Nichole Nordeman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8r0ftjCTNA

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.