Psalm 38 - 3.10.25

Scripture

Psalms‬ ‭38‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.”

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Observation

This Psalm is a petition to the Lord from King David.

“A prayer of petition is simply asking for God's help. Jesus repeatedly encourages us to go to the Father and ask him earnestly for what we need.” (www.Biblestudytools.com)

King David pleads with God to take away the guilt that is burdening him. As a result of his sin, He feels that God’s hand is heavy upon him in anger and discipline. He not only speaks about how it is troubling him spiritually, but physically and socially in his relationships as well. He acknowledges that it is only God who could help him, deliver him and “bring back his strength and the light to his eyes.” (Verse 10)

Application

Ask for God’s help, whether for deliverance from sin, wisdom, courage, strength; basically anything!

Also, there are some trials that we go through in life which are a result of our own sin. There is hope when we confess and repent (turn away) from it though!

If King David could bear the depths of his soul to the Lord, we can too! David was open about his sin and how he felt God’s wrath was upon him because of it. He was open about how it was affecting his health and relationships. He was open about his enemies and how people had been returning his good for evil. Then, he confessed his sin and pled with God to draw near to him and save him quickly.

After petitioning the Lord, wait for Him to answer. He hears us. “Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.” -Psalms‬ ‭38‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Please reveal any areas in my life that is hindering my relationship with You and help me to die to it completely. I desire a life of freedom with You and nothing or no one to come between us. Thank You that I could come to You honestly, like King David did, to petition You for help and forgiveness when I’ve wronged You. Thank You that because darkness could not overtake You, it doesn’t have to overtake me either. Thank You that I can also come to You for help in any other situations. Help me to wait in patience for Your answer.  Thank You in advance that You hear me and WILL answer. In Your name I pray Jesus, Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi

2 Kings 22 - 3.7.25

Scripture: ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭22‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’ ” So they took her answer back to the king.”

Observation:

Josiah became king when he was 8 years old and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The two previous kings had done evil. I would love to know what made the difference. 

“In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭34‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He was 16 when he began seeking the Lord. In his eighteenth year as king at 24 years old he began to restore the temple. Workers found the Book of the Law. When it was brought to him by the priest and read to him he believed and knew Judah had broken the covenant. He repented and sent the priest to inquire of the Lord. God saw Josiah’s response to hearing His word and said He would not see the disaster and would die in peace. 

Application:

God’s Word is powerful. He does what He promises. However, over and over again we see God holding back His hand when people humble themselves before Him repenting of their sin. 

“He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) which means He still does the same today. 

God’s word has great impact. Its power can bring repentance. Also, young people can seek God and be the vessels of change. We need to value all they have to offer. This is not only a reminder for me to be reading the Word myself, but also its power when I share it with others. 

Prayer:

Lord, Thank you for the ways you are always working. You use young and old to do your work. You caused Josiah’s heart to turn to you when others before him had done evil. Please work in those hearts who I’ve been praying for and have not yet turned to you. May I find creative ways to share your Word. Please keep me humble and show me areas of sin I need to repent of. You brought a season of peace to a nation because Josiah repented. Please bring peace to those who need you. I am available to be an agent of change. Give me your voice and wisdom. Thank you for your grace and faithfulness. Amen

- Cindy Howard

Psalms 34. 03.06.25

SCRIPTURE: Psalms 34:8 NIV

“TASTE and SEE that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

OBSERVATION 

What does it mean to TASTE and SEE that the LORD is Good?

The word taam translated as “taste” is an invitation to —taste and experience—to genuinely savor—

At the farmer’s market a couple years back there was a vendor (Tenerelli Orchards) who had these Peaches during July and August.

If you know, you know! 

You could SEE they were Perfectly Ripe by the beautiful myriad orangish red bursting sunsets that colored each of these beauties. Their scent was compelling. It drew you in. And, The second you cut into one of these juicy ripe peaches—you were hit with the instant aroma and juicy TASTE of summer sunshine.

I went every week to get MORE. Larry who didn’t even like Peaches became addicted. This rich deep pure Peach Perfection involved all the senses of sight, smell, taste, and even touch as the sticky juice ran down your fingers-which was never a bother because they were SO worth it.

I tell you this story BECAUSE this is what I Believe God intends when HE says “TASTE and SEE” that The LORD is GOOD.

To BE the longing and desire of our heart.

To be our ONE and ONLY obsession that we can’t WAIT to spend time with. 

The One we want to wake up to—and begin our day with and the One we want to share our last words with at the very end of each day before we close our eyes.

Knowing That His Love is so Perfect and so compelling—it draws us in and nothing ever has or ever will compare with it. 

That we learn to savor the richness and depth of His word as if it were a banquet of the most delectable and flavorful bites—and as we sit at the table—we realize this is not a fast food drive through. We sit and taste, and savor every bite—not wanting to miss the experience of one single flavor nuance or new special seasoning. 

APPLICATION 

Taste and See-That the LORD—is— GOOD.

It’s interesting that there are many scripture references that link God’s Word to experiencing something that we “taste”.

“How sweet are your words—to my taste—sweeter than—honey to my mouth!” (Psalms 119:103 NIV)

“When your words came—I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight,  for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” (Jeremiah 15:16 NIV)

“Then Jesus declared, “I AM—the bread of life.” (John 6:35 NIV)

“The laws of the Lord—are true; each one is fair. They are sweeter—than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.” (Psalms 19:9-10 NLT)

“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice,  “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me—and drink.” (John 7:37 NIV)

Coming Today to Drink IN and Taste —and Savor the Sweetness of God.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Thank YOU that You are constantly extending an invitation for us to Come and savor Your Goodness. To spend time with You and experience You in deeper and fuller measure. The application here includes an amazing promise of relationship. And You are Faithful.

The More we come, the More we experience You, the More we sit with You and simply be in Your Presence-the More we take You in to the Fullest measure. May Your Word become so much apart of me that I can literally begin to taste its sweetness. Your Word is spirit and life (John 6:63). Fill me with Your word, Fill me with Your Presence Today. May Your sweetness overflow in me Today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Tina L Kudelka