Psalm 34 - 8.27.24
SCRIPTURE: Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
OBSERVATION: David had just escaped from a dangerous situation before the Philistine King Abimelek. David writes and praises the Lord, knowing it was all the Lord’s doing in protecting him and saving him. He wrote “Taste” but it’s not about eating or drinking. Taste is about experiencing everything of the Lord, immersing in His word, in prayer, living life in the Lord. He knows that by “tasting” that everyone would see that the Lord is good.
When in danger, we would all seek refuge where we are assured protection, just like a child runs to a parent when they feel scared. The refuge would be a place of comfort from what we fear or are being attacked or accused. David says the person who seeks refuge in the Lord is blessed. He knows this from his experiences with Saul who was trying to kill him, and then the Philistine King Abimelek.
APPLICATION: I love how David used “taste” in this Psalm. Food is always a good way to help understand things a little deeper especially since food is a huge part of our life. When we taste something, and it is good, we enjoy the benefits - it’s yummy and it satisfies our hunger. We can see that by the act of tasting God, we will enjoy the benefits of his goodness through the Word and connecting with God in prayer. You will never come away from a deep immersion in God without tasting His goodness.
How sweet to know that when we take refuge in God, we are the ones who are blessed. When you imagine this process, it begins with being in trouble for one reason or another yet we’re being blessed by running to God and taking refuge. We’re the ones in trouble and needing help yet we’re being blessed? That’s amazing to me!
What a huge comfort in knowing that we are blessed by taking refuge in God. Why are we being blessed by taking refuge in God? I think it’s because when we run to Him and take refuge, we are physically acknowledging He’s the great protector, the one who holds everything together and the one who can keep us from harm. We are acknowledging His greatness and His goodness, and His ability to protect us when we take refuge in him. We are showing that God is the one and only true God. Just like a father who loves when a child seeks comfort or protection in a difficult time, God is the same and then wants to bless us when we seek refuge in him.
David knew a lot about being in times of trouble and taking refuge in God. He knew of God’s goodness and faithfulness which means he was blessed. In all circumstances, David always praised God and knew God is the one who is good. God’s blessings are evident in:
His comfort: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:3
His Word: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path – Psalm 119:105
His protection: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” - Psalm 91:1-2
While I’ve been recovering from COVID (which has been really rough), I’m blessed in knowing that God is my refuge. I’m thankful for our wonderful church family who have blessed us with many prayers and bringing us food. Thank you all! God is good in all circumstances, even while battling a sickness.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being so good. All I need to do is rest in your refuge and I am blessed. Help me, Lord, when I feel scared or concerned about anything in life. At those moments, I want to only run to you, Lord, because you are my refuge. You are the one who holds everything together and has a plan. Knowing this brings me comfort and encouragement because you are so good. I am truly blessed. Amen
- Mary Oberg
Matthew 24 - 8.26.24
Scripture
Matt. 24:42
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Observation
This chapter speaks about the End Times and Jesus’ return. It started when His disciples were admiring the buildings around them, but Jesus told them they would pass away. His disciples then asked when this would happen. Jesus explained to His disciples the importance of being ready now, because the day or hour of His return is unknown. Jesus and the angels do not even know when it will happen (Matt. 24:36).
At the end of the chapter, He speaks about a wicked servant who was tired of waiting for his Master and started living like his Master would never return. He started beating his servants, and getting drunk with other drunkards. The master returned at that time and the servant was assigned a place with the hypocrites, where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth (aka hell).
Application
Stay faithful and obedient. Be Kingdom minded and focused. This world is not our home.
As we put our hope and faith in the promise of Christ’s return and our eternal home, the struggles of this life pale in comparison. Let us be encouraged to not give up in the faith! Do not give up doing our Master’s business and living with integrity so that we could hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” It is not worth the fate of hell that the wicked servant received, whom the Master was displeased with when He returned. God always keeps His promises and the promise of Jesus' return WILL happen.
In this world, we will have trouble, but Jesus promised that He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17 NIV)
Also, according to Hebrews 11:13-16 (which documents the heroes of the faith and their life of faith in Christ), some people lived by faith until they died, even though they didn’t see or receive the things promised to them. What kept them going is their hope of eternity, knowing that this was their temporary, not permanent home.
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” -Hebrews 11:13-16 NIV
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that our faith in You would strengthen as we remember and wait on Your promised return. I pray we would be encouraged to keep pressing forward in obedience, knowing that our home is not here, but in Heaven. I pray we would wait on You. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm 33 - 8.23.24
Scripture: Psalm 33:4-11 NIV
”For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.“
Observations:
This Psalm is a song to be sung and played, even shouted to declare God’s love, all He has done, the power He gives, and His protection.
By His word everything in this incredible world was made. He spoke and it came to be.
He thwarts the plans of kings and peoples, but His heart and plan will be through all the generations. They cannot trust in their army or other tools at their disposal for success. God delivers those who hope in Him.
Application:
I can, as this Psalm concludes, trust God and hope in Him. He is worthy’s of my praise and to make known by my voice all He has done with joy.
Look at all He “spoke” into existence! He is the same yesterday today and forever. (Hebrews13:8). So, He is still speaking today. Not just to inform me, but to transform me and my circumstances. I need to seek His plans as they are the ones who stand. It may appear the peoples’ or king’s plans will dictate the future. If it is not His will they will fail.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your love and care for me. You have a plan and see the beginning and the end. Help me to sing a new song to you and rejoice at all you are doing. When I doubt that you are capable, lack trust, or forget your love for me, may I turn to your Word or look to your creation. Your love is evident throughout. I wait in hope for You. Thank you for being my help and my shield. In You my heart rejoices, for I trust in your holy name. May your unfailing love be with me, Lord, even as I put my hope in you.
Amen
- Cindy Howard