Psalms 123

  Dependence or better yet dependent those are words this chapter made me think of when I read it.  Our dog Mara is dependent on Marion and I for love, affection, comfort, and food.  Mara is also dependent on us to be kind to her.  In Genesis chapter 1 we have a record of creation by God.  No matter who you are believer or unbeliever you're dependent on God whether you admit it or not.  If you don't believe me hold your breath for longer than a minute.  Try it.  Do you know why you're dependent on God and how I just proved it?  One word: Oxygen.  God didn't have to give it to you when you started breathing again. There was however oxygen available as a gift a display of God's "mercy".  Mercy pay attention to that word as you'll see it more.  

1. "I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven."  This verse reminds me of a few things.  God's still on his throne and He's in control.  My dad once told me this fun fact.  these are the three fundamentals of life.  1.  There is a God!  2.  You are not Him!  3.  There is no vacancy!  In the words of Si from Duck Dynasty "And that's a fact Jack!"
2.  Who do we look to for mercy?  we look to God!
3-4.  we appeal to God for mercy because he has proven to be merciful daily and all thru his word.  Look around you the fact that you can breathe and see the beauty around you that is mercy at work.  

You can depend on God for mercy

Let this song remind you of God our King.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31xJ0qd1WJU This is Mercy by Casting Crowns.  Ask God for his mercy in your life.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjPrIVKlvsM  This is Lord Have Mercy by Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant.  No matter what happens no matter where you are or what you do remember the words of this song straight from the Psalms because with God all things are possible.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEEfysu8oVY  This is Amy Grant's version of the late Rich Mullin's song Nothing is Beyond you.  the reason I said it that way is I get bugged when people credit the wrong artist.  lol sorry just a Zac thing.    

Meet the ultimate hero

Psalms 120 and 121

I have a hero mentality.  If you know me well you get this.  I have been a comic book, cartoon, video game, wrestling fan for years.  due to my wife and friends I have written stories of them and myself as heroes.  In Psalms 120 and 121 I'd like to introduce to the Ultimate hero the King of Kings.  Why you ask because "my help comes from the Lord."  

Psalms 120  

1.  "I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer."  That verse is pretty straight forward and easy to read.  Don't let the simplicity fool you.  Think about it you took your troubles to the God of all creation and he answered your prayer!  Just stop and let that sink in.  That ladies and gentlemen is a privilege not to be taken lightly.  

2-4.  God  doesn't like deceitful lips or actions.

5-7.  Sounds an awful lot like the world we live in today.  Searching for peace where there seems to be none but watch what happens in the next chapter because it's really cool. 

Psalms 121

"I look to the mountains-does my help come from there?  See Exodus 20:1-6 God is a jealous God who wants us to put nothing before him.  as humans we look everywhere for help.  Stop looking to people, idols, wants, desires, substances, the government.  you need help PRAY!  "Get on your knees and fight like a man!"  seek God with fear and reverence.  
2.  "My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.  can't get much bigger in the help department.
3-4.  There's a dumb idea people have tried to pass off over the yrs that God created everything then just left it alone.  It sayshere God never sleeps or slumbers.  There was also a misguided song that Bette Midler used to say "God is watching us from a distance."  If God never sleeps or slumbers and is keeping me from stumbling He is very closely watching.  
5.  "The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade!"  "All will be well."  
6-8 See also Romans 8:31-39

Our God is greater!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6YCrWhUdDs Our God by Chris Tomlin.  Before the birth of Christ Mary is told that  she shall call his name Emmanuel which means God is with us.  This is God is with us by Point of Grace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Yf-OKHhv6k  By God thru his son we are forgiven.  This is You are my King by Newsboys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYgiq58wavA This is a reminder of your worth Psalms 139 as put to song by Rebecca St James http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NlbJKbCn54  in Wrestling promos they have a thing called the go home line meaning you send the people watching something to think about to keep them hooked.  this song is your go home line it's all will fade away by Meredith Andrews.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDV9VEdBfIM

Psalms 119:161-176

Last week I was given an option as most life groups were coming to an end and then restarting again later.  I chose to keep this going you see my dad had told Marion and I during pre-marital counseling we were on the right track by studying God's word together.  I want to stay on that path with my wife and to you who read the blog and e-mail if God uses this to change the lives of even one person it will not have been done in vain.  I hope all of you are like me and choose to continue the mission God has called us to.  I have to be honest 2 yrs ago when this bible study started it didn't make sense and it didn't seem to be something any church would let happen.  it started with friends encouraging me to write fictional stories.  somewhere along the way people started saying it was good. then it turned into a bible study for people who worked nights meeting at Denny's. then when no one was signing up for a bible study at midnight it seemed God was turning this into a e-mail and blog version of a bible study.  my ability to write and convey thoughts is a gift from God alone.  when He provides the words for bible study only then do I start getting it ready I never want Zac to have any importance. 

161.  "Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word."  With the past few weeks I've been having at my job I can totally relate to this.  I keep finding myself asking God to restore me physically and emotionally because I been so incredibly drained. 
162.  "I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure."  God's word is, has been, and will always be a great treasure.  It always changes lives.
163.  It says he hates and abhors falsehood.  Falsehood is straight from the devil.  But the psalmist loves God's instructions.  Christian singers DeGarmo and Key put it simply "God good Devil bad.  It's an elemental truth, this law of the land, God good Devil bad and every child on earth has got to understand God good Devil bad." 
164-168.  We praise God many times a day for he has given us just regulations, rest, rescue, peace.  God sees all we do and loves us still. 
169-170.  He asks God for a discerning mind, rescue, and that his prayer be heard. 
171-172.  Do songs of praise flow from your heart to God?  There's a song by Misty Edwards and the beginning of it she addresses God and this just blows me away.  "I don't want to talk about you like you're not in the room.  I want to look right at you I want to sing right to you."  God is present and he longs for the praises of his people. 

173-176.  He keeps returning to God's commands as we should. 

This is Dove's Eyes by Misty Edwards http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx3uo_aQo0E  It's a simple truth but sometimes we need a reminder and need to be blown away once more by the fact that God loves us.  it's easy to say but sometimes I fear we hear it so much we lose the wonder of Romans 5:8 "in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us."  don't know what kind of week you've had but you need to be reminded God loves you and He is for you.  This You love me and Jesus loves me by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZMRNddMQK0  in the words of Isaiah say to God "Here I am Lord send me."  This is Here I am by Rebecca St James http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDk77SXRjOc  A theologian once said "The chief end of man is to glorify God in our mortal bodies."  This is Made to worship by Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8KIQTc4L-8  Praise your King.  This is Enough and No one like you by Barlow Girl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61-Jhvxl_N0 

Psalms 119:145-160

  Rescue is not a word I like most people if they really thought about it probably wouldn't either.  One reason I don't like the word is because I don't like the whole damsel in distress concept.  To me that plumber in Super Mario Bros. has a case of being nearly as stupid as the Princess he's trying to help.  She needed to stop getting into distress.  The real reason I don't like the word "Rescue" is this "Rescue" implies we need help.  We have a problem!  As humans that it's sometimes the hardest thing to admit.  It makes us feel weak and vulnerable and we don't like it.  As strong as the Hulk is he never wants to admit he needs puny Banner.  The Psalmist in these verses is crying repeatedly for rescue.  This past Sunday Pastor Micah challenged the men to daily surrender to God.  Daily to me is not often enough.  Rescue and surrender make us weak.  But remember this "in all of our weakness He becomes our strength giving us the power and the strength to carry on." 

145.  It says the Psalmist cried with all of his heart.  I don't know about you but that's a lot of crying out for help if I'm using all of my heart. 

146.  He cries to the Lord to save him.  Last I checked "Salvation belongs to our God."  Off to a good start so far. 
147-148.  This guy is seriously seeking God and His word day and night. 

149.  He's appealing to God's loving-kindness.  Wanna know a secret about that read Lamentations 3:22-26

150.  Here's the reason he needs to be rescued it's because of wicked people. 
151-152.  God's truth is established and will last forever.
153-154.  He's seeking rescue
155.  Wake up Wicked and seek salvation.
156.  He knows the secret about God's mercies
157-160.  Look at his focus it's utter dependence on God.

 

Fall on your face and express utter dependence on God http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqUZBGTyM9c You Alone by Kim Hill  Call upon your King for he will rescue you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVUy6UHVzEQ Rooftops by Jesus Culture,  This is a song called One more Round by Barlow Girl that reminds us in our battle in life we can't even claim a victory on our own because we depend on God.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwspoaMFtwU the video is a little weird because someone used the cartoon Avatar to depict it.  it's the characters Toph and Katara struggling but I liked it.  we have been talking about rescue this is My Deliverer by Rich Mullins and the Ragamuffin Band http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac4GnpqXQAQ When you cry out to God remember to give Him all of yourself holding nothing back.   God of All by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJaftSojO0s

Psalms 119:129-144

  I learned something recently and being a husband I'm probably not going to be done learning for a long time nor do I want to.  I admit I had to learn the hard way.  My wife and I were going to Rudy's bbq and we had just parked when I got asked to do something I can't stand.  So I found myself at Lowe's in the gardening section I was mentally having to tell myself not to be mad.  It finally hit me.  This is something my wife enjoys.  The closer you get to someone in a relationship the more you understand them.  The bible is full of relationships of people who have drawn closer to the King of Kings and when you do like a husband and wife you're changed.  There's millions of examples from Adam to Moses, to Abraham to David.  In these verses I noticed the psalmist be changed. 

 

129.  When we draw close to God's word we do see it as being wonderful.

130.  "The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand."  My dad has a saying about teaching the bible.  "You put the cookies on the bottom shelf."  What this means is make it where anyone can understand.  It might seem wrong  saying this but Bible study for dummies.  I don't think it's wrong though because God wants us to learn.  

131-134.  God's word creates a longing.  It's a display of his mercy and a shield from evil.

135.  "Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees."  This is a prayer.  Need an example of God looking on us in love look to a cross and an empty tomb.  He did that for me and you because of love.

136.  "Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions."  I wrote a story recently and I ended part of it with this statement I had told a friend once.  "When you experience God's glory it breaks your heart to hear people use God's name in vain."  I get what the psalmist is saying here.

137-140.  God's word is right and trustworthy and has been proven repeatedly.

141.  "I am insignificant and despised, but I don't forget your commandments."  in other words "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me".  

142-144.  To paraphrase a little here from the Blue Lanterns.  Look to God's word and commands for "Hope burns bright."     

 

 

The bible is our source for God's commands and Words.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouTgX9hcwk4 Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith.  This should be a Christian's goal to have God Draw you nearer.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA9V1JzM0p0 Draw me nearer by Caedmon's Call   I said Hope burns bright well here's Hope set High by Amy Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asL6V-xCu-4  This is Amazing Grace by Sandi Patti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JriA3vjaZz4

wake up call

Recently i found out that the Athiest community is going to have a "Day of Reason" to show support for those who are athiests to let them know they are not alone and learn about reason due to the fact there is no God in their minds. This doesn't quite make sense to me as a Christian. i even heard an athiest become mad because a few Christians said they would pray for that person. the Christian band Petra has a song called Sleeping Giant and i feel part of it is very appropriate here. this is referring to the church the body of believers "And the sleeping Giant gets a wake up call." maybe we as believers need one. this is from Psalms 14:1 "For the director of music. Of David. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." How does an Athiest have a day of reason when they eleiminate the very God who gave them the ability to reason. well we just threw logic out the window according to their day of reason by claiming God doesn't exist awhen creation and changed lives testify to that daily. This is from Romans 1:28 "Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done." God's word is proven even by unbelievers. James 2:19 further states this "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror." if Demons tremble what makes a human so bold as to say God doesn't exist. remember this people "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." from 2 Peter 3:9. God will return for his people don't be discouraged keep preaching Christ crucified and ressurrected. this is from Romans 14:11 "For the Scriptures say, "'As surely as I live,' says the LORD, every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.'" be encouraged. there shouldn't be one day of prayer but we should live a lifestyle of prayer. Psalms 7:11 says this "God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day." Romans 5:8 gives unbelievers clear hope if they choose to accept it "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." but the bible further states in Romans 10 "9If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” ^e 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ^{this so called day of reason well it's not really reasonable. pray hard for the unbelievers you know! as a human you can willingly bend your knee to God or you can be forced it's your choice.}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJkhqL4WTu4 this is the Song Sleeping Giant i referenced

Psalms 119:113-128

Hi everyone sorry if this is a little later than normal. i've had a cold that's put me thru a very rough week. it's still not gone either i could use ya'll praying for me. anywho on to bible study.

Psalms 119:113-128

In modern day America with freedom to worship it's easy i believe to forget sometimes that following God is frowned upon. Sometimes we listen to the world's idea of tolerance to a degree we even water down our stand we try to make for what we claim to believe. I warned I take illustrations from everywhere. There is a WWE star Ryback who says 2 words before each wrestling match. We need to remember we are at war and in the words of Ryback we need to "WAKE UP!" I had a member of this lifegroup Amy remind me this past week that i need to be praying for the one peron i know in my life who opposes God and claims to be an atheist. Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water He turns it wherever He will." If God can do that with a king he can turn the coldest heart to salvation. The apostle Paul used to kill Christians and God changed him.

113. "I hate those with divided loyalties, but i love your instructions." I noticed in this Psalm he lists a problem and turns right back to God.

114. God is my refuge and shield and source of hope. Why do we keep trying to turn elsewhere?
115-119. The ways of evil people discourage us but again he keeps seeking God's word in all of this. whatever happens don't stop seeking after God. like the song by Dennis Jernigan says "Seeking you as a precious jewel Lord to give up i'd be a fool."
120. Go outside look at the sky and stand in awe of your Creator.

121-122. This reminded me of the old hymn Only trust Him which says. "Come every soul by sin oppressed there's mercy with the Lord and He will save you He will save you by trusting in His word.

123-125. prayer for redemption

126-128. The Psalmist is pleading so we also should seek God.


Remember in God's armor we are Armed and Dangerous http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNw447VfGtA Armed and Dangerous by Petra. Just a reminder to pray for others http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0qQVlpnSN0 Go to the Top by Degarmo and Key. Here's a reminder to Hold On to the the right person of Jesus Christ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl1a3ie7xNc Hold On by Twila Paris. just a reminder that then coldest heart can change http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dsPRK7NZhs A Cold Heart Turns by Rebecca St. James.

Let this be our battle cry we preach Jesus Christ risen until the whole world hears http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7qi2KlUffs Until the Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns