Greater Things To Come? (Psalms 121-122 / 1 Corinthians 9)

The university I attended while I was a college student was located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As I would walk around the hilly campus, I often noticed certain monuments. One of the monuments I enjoyed the most had Psalms 121:1 written on it. When we go visit the mountains, we are often reminded that God sits in a high place (Isaiah 6:1). When we find ourselves needing help, the mountains can remind us that we need to look up for God's help. Psalms 122:6 speaks of praying for the peace of Jerusalem. In Old Testament times, Jerusalem was a pivotal city whereby many people came to praise God (v. 4). Unfortunately, Jerusalem does a 180 by the time Jesus laments over the city in Matthew 23:37-39. How is your city doing in terms of its relationship with God. Granted, no city is perfect. But do you see the city and area you live in coming closer to God or drifting farther away? Take time to pray for your city.

In I Corinthians 9, we see the heart of a minister. Paul was not concerned with monetary gain, although he felt it was due him. Paul was willing to preach the gospel free of charge and felt guilty if he did not volunteer his services. We are all ministers (2 Corinthians 3:6) and we all have an obligation to preach the message (Matthew 28:19-20) free of charge.

God is Faithful (Psalms 119 / 1 Corinthians 8)

Psalms 119 is not only a lengthy chapter to read. It is also lengthy in its conviction. From beginning to end, it is clear that the author's number one love in life is God and His Word. We often get tired of the phrase "Did you have your quiet time today?", but there is good reason to ask this question. What do you find yourself doing that is more important than trying to get to know God and His Word more? The entire purpose of this site is to help keep us faithful to God's Word. We know that God's faithfulness to us will never run out. Reread Psalms 119:90a - "Your faithfulness continues through all generations."


I Corinthians 8:1-10 is about being our brother's keeper. If we see our brother in sin, we should do our best to gently restore him (Galatians 6:1). In this way, we will help our brother lay his work again on the foundation of Christ so that one day he may receive a reward (I Corinthians 3:14).

Back 2 School (Psalms 119 / 1 Corinthians 7)

There is much to say about God's laws, precepts, statutes, and commands in Psalms 119. The author not only has a deep passion for the things of God but he also possesses a teachable spirit. This being the first day back to school for students should only help to impress upon us more our personal need to have and maintain a teachable spirit throughout our lives. When we feel that we have nothing left to learn, our ignorance becomes apparent. Not only is this principle true in worldly matters, but it is also applicable to the spiritual world. Do you feel that you no longer need to read God's Word because you have done that before or do you see no need to be persistent in prayer because God has yet to answer? Ask God to forgive you for your ignorance if so. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).

Near the end of Paul's spiel on singleness versus marriage, he takes some time in I Corinthians 7:29-31 to remind his audience of the urgency of the gospel message. Paul is saying that one should be about the Father's business (Matthew 28:19-20) whether he is married or not. Paul is right. Time is running short and we must get this message out before it is too late. What are you doing today to help spread the good news?

Single or Married? ( Psalms 116 - 118 / 1 Corinthians 7)

Have you ever sensed God's presence so much at a funeral that you could scarce take much more of it in. Perhaps you were experiencing the effects of Psalms 116:15? God surely is in attendence when His beloved saints graduate to the next life. In Psalms 118:11-12, we find a man who feels as if he is trapped in on every side. However, with God's help, he escapes every time. This man could relate well to Christ, the capstone (Psalms 118:22, Acts 4:11, I Peter 2:7) for those who are not for Christ are against Him (John 11:23). When you find yourself in a deep hole, you can only hope Christ is on your side.

Paul makes clear in I Corinthians 7:7 that singleness and marriage are both good gifts from God. In the history of the world, there have been times when both concepts have been elevated above the other by society. Even Paul, who preferred to be single, understood marriage to be a good thing (7:2, 7:7).

It's in the details! ( Psalms 105 - 106 / 1 Corinthians 3)

We see the Lord of provision at work in Psalms 105. God supplies all of our needs in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). What do you need to trust God for today? In Psalms 106, we are able to view a snapshot of God's relationship with Israel. This relationship is very similar to God's relationship with the New Testament churches. Churches, like Israel, do not always follow God's will yet God often in his mercy still provides. When have you seen God come through for you when you knew that you did not deserve it?

I Corinthians 3 teaches us that multiple conversions and baptisms in a church are due to God's glory. When we are faithful in the small things, God often magnifies our work (3:7)! Do you find yourself giving the details of your life, family, and work to God?

Fools for Christ (Psalms 103-104 / I Corinthians 2)

In Psalms 103, David gives us many reasons as to why God is worthy of our praise (v. 3-22). And if you go back to the first two verses, you see how personal God was in relationship to David. David says to himself, praise God "O my soul." Have you gotten personal with God as of late and listed all his benefits (v. 2) as David did? Psalms 104 reads like a scene found on the Discovery Channel or Animal Planet. Life and everything that happens in it on a daily basis happen only because God sustains our planet. Do you view God as the Sustainer of all life?

Those who do not believe in Christ view God's Word as foolishness (I Corinthians 2:14). However, I for one am glad that God chose the "foolishness" of the cross to save those whom would believe (I Corinthians 1:21)! Are you a fool for Christ?

Assistance please (Psalms 94-95 / Romans 15)

Psalms 94 remains adamant throughout that the wicked person will be punished. Psalms 94:6 proves that the evildoer is in complete opposition to God and His will (James 1:27). Though sin may be fun for a season (Hebrews 11:25), it does not pay in the long run. Psalms 95 captures a man who is in the middle of deep worship with His Maker. This man has the heart of a music minister. Psalms 96 encapusulates the idea that God is a fair judge in all the decisions that He makes. This is why we can trust God on the day of judgment. It will be a righteouss judgment (96:13).

What is great about Romans 15:20 is the fact that Paul wanted to spread the gospel to places that had never heard. We often want to witness where Christ's name has been heard. It is much harder, however to preach where people have never heard of the Name. In v. 24, Paul admits his need for help. Paul may have been the greatest Christ-follower to ever walk yet he admits he is not in this race by himself. If Paul needed help in accomplishing the Great Commission, I know that we will as well.

Archenemies of the state (Psalms 87-88 / Romans 13)

I am a huge fan of college football and in particular the Georgia Bulldogs. Seeing two of Georgia's arch rivals such as Florida and Georgia Tech losing to the Dawgs in a given year would give me immense pleasure. Something similar but on a much grander scale occurs in Psalms 87. This passage depicts two of Jerusalem's archenemies (Babylon and Philistia) giving service to God in Zion (NIV Compact Bible Commentary, p. 335). One day, Christ will return to rule the nations from Jerusalem! The author (s) of Psalms 88 are in a state of desperation. At least, these "sons of Korah" know who to turn to in their time of trouble. When you feel all alone and in a deep hole, do you turn to God's Word or do you try to squirm out in some other unsuccessful way?

Romans 13 speaks much to us about submitting to our governing authorities (v. 1-7). What I find ironic is that this passage on submitting to those placed over us is followed by the command to love (v. 8-10). We may not always agree with our local, state, and national governors. However, we all can find a way to love them even if that includes writing a simple letter thanking them for all the un-noticed things that they do.

Inevitable Success (Psalms 84-85 / Romans 12)

Psalms 84 is a description of a person who is in love with God. Do you faint for God (v. 2) and find yourself wanting to be in His house more than anything else (v. 10)? Psalms 85 is a call for restoration (v. 4) and revival (v. 6). How often do you find yourself asking God to bring about a revival? Psalms 86:11 contains a beautiful prayer. David asked God to teach him His ways and to give him an undivided heart. Mixing these two ideas together is a formula for success. If we are serving God with all that is within us while at the same time feasting on His word, success in this life and the next is inevitable (Joshua 1:8). How would you define success? Does it match the biblical definition

Romans 12:6-9 gives us many examples of how we should be living out the Christian walk (12:1-2). However, most believers have not been given all of the spiritual gifts. But all believers do posess the greatest gift that they can give away: love (12:9-21). In what ways can you show love to your fellow man today?

First Priority (Psalms 81-83 / Romans 11)

In Psalms 81, we see that God's own people, Israel, did not always express their need for Him (v. 8-16). Yet in Psalms 83, we notice that Israel's need is great. Why is it that we often neglect that which we need the most (spending time with God, etc.)? Simply put, we have constructed up idols in our lives and we need to identify and break down that which we have put before God. In Psalms 82:1, 6, the term "gods" is used in reference to particular humans. These humans are judges, magistrates, and administrators that God Himself oversees. These humans do not possess the trinity (Hard Sayings of the Bible, p. 280) and are in no ways equal to God. In fact, God Himself will judge these "gods." Sometimes, our idols include that which was made in the image of God (humans) and not God Himself. These idols need to be cast down as well. Are you putting anyone or anything before God?

As a Gentile, I am always grateful for Romans 11. Gentiles have now been grafted into God's kingdom seemingly at Israel's expense (v. 25). How great the love of the Father must be to include people of all tribes and nations into His Kingdom that will never end (Rev. 7:9)!

Moving God? (Psalms 79-80 / Romans 11)

Prayer is often overlooked and under-emphasized in our church houses today. However, prayer from God's people is the means by which He moves. In Psalm 79:10, Asaph sends up a question to God. Even though this is a psalm, I also see this verse as a prayer. Asaph tells God about the situation (v. 1-8), asks God for his help (v. 9), and then tries to motivate God to move on his behalf (v. 10). Asaph says the end result will be praise unto God (v. 13). Do we spend time in prayer telling God about our situations, asking Him for help, and then petitioning Him to move? If we choose to pray like this, we will see God at work in our lives and we will end up praising Him as well. In Psalms 80:8-19, we read of Israel being compared to a vine. Asaph askes for this vine to be restored (v. 19) or to undergo revival (v. 18). It is important that we continue to ask God to revive our nation and to remember that Jesus is the true vine (John 15) that we need to abide in.

Even high accreditted biblical scholars disagree with interpretations regarding Romans 11. Some scholars view the church and Israel as one entity while others see the world operating in various dispensations with the church age being now and Israel's age to return once again after the church age. The important thing for us to understand is that whether we find ourselves to be a Jew or a Gentile, it is of the upmost importance to repent of our sins and place our faith in Christ in the life that we now live on earth.

Obedience is key (Psalms 70-71 / Romans 8)

Psalms 70-71 reveals a man who wants God to be his protector and a man whose lips find God's praise constantly on them. The author remembers how God was with him when he was young (71:17) yet the author begs God to remain with him when he is old (71:9. 18). David was the author who wrote these psalms. He wanted to make sure the next generation was told of God's marvelous deeds (71:18). How about you? Do you see how God has been with you in the past and do you beg for his presence in the future? Do you want to make sure the next generation receives the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ? David made many mistakes yet in these psalms, we can see why God calls him a man after my own heart.

When reading Romans 8:28, we often leave off the part "for those who love God." Those who love God are those who obey His commands (John 14:15). If we do not obey God's commands, things do not always go so well.

Gloom & Doom or Fullness of Joy (Psalms 68-69 / Romans 8)

Psalms 68 is a display of God's majesty. His power (v.4) and His mercy (v. 5) are on an eye level shelf so that everyone can see. The earth and the heavens have to submit to God (v. 8). Kings (v. 14) and nations (v. 31) bow down to God. In front of God are thousands of chariots (v. 17) and many singers (v. 25). God's majesty is real! He gives us new mercies every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Take some time today to look around at God's handiwork. Psalms 69 reveals a man who is under intense persecution for his faith in God. V. 19 says he is "scorned, disgraced and shamed." When we serve God fully, we will be persecuted. In fact, Christ promises it will be like this for believers. But take heart! Christ says we should rejoice in these trials for our reward in heaven will be great (Matthew 5:11-12).

I am a big fan of Romans 8:1! We should all take joy that in Christ, we are no longer left with condemnation. Our sins have been forgiven and wiped clean! However, do we live like we believe this? If we do, I am convinced there will be less gloomy faces found in our church houses.

Our God is an Awesome God... (Psalms 66-67 / Romans 7)

Psalms 66-67 speaks of praise to our Awesome God! The author does not sugar coat it. He admits life has been hard but says that God brought him through (66:10-12). Because of this, the author wants to tell the world (66:16). Have you been so encaptured by Christ that you want to tell everyone in the world the gospel message and what God has done for you? In its simplest form, we might call this a testimony. Let us be reminded that these psalms were songs. We can often testify of our Lord's message through song!

Romans 7 captures the flesh/spirit dichotomy present in the life of a believer. Although we have been forgiven of all of our sins, the capacity to sin remains a real factor. Paul says it best in 7:25 when he confesses that Christ will one day deliver us from our imperfect bodies!

Calling Card! (Psalms 63 / Romans 6)

It is interesting to note that David is in the desert, yet his focus is on God (Ps. 63:1) and he is found praising Him (63:4). What were you doing last time you found yourself in a spiritual desert? David found that God's love was better than his own life (63:3) and he could not stop thinking about God, even at night (63:6). When was the last time you found yourself thinking about God when you went to sleep? Is not that exactly what God wants from us - a loving relationship where stay in communion with Him day and night (I Thessalonians 5:17). Indeed, it is what we were created for. Evaluate your life (Galatians 6:4) and do your best to eliminate those things that are not worth living for and which ultimately will be burned up in the end (I Corinthians 3:15).

Romans 6 is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. In one verse (Romans 6:23), we can flip the law/gospel coin and see how the good news of Christ triumphs the bad news of death. This verse is the Christ-follower's calling card!

God is my .... (Psalms 60-62 / Romans 5)

Psalms 60-62 speak of God as being a rock, refuge, or fortress in whom we can put our full trust in. David's passion is to have God on his and his nation's side in all things (Ps. 60). We should have the same aim for our own lives! David also wanted God to establish him in his earthly position and he asks for this honor (61:6-7). Do we ask God to establish us within our own areas of employment? David ends by saying God is loving and that God is strong (62:11-12) while also implying that God is a righteous judge. Take some time to tell God what He means to you. You may want to make up your own metaphor as David did (ex. God is my rock).

Romans 5:20 is a powerful statement - that "where sin increased, grace increased all the more." Christ triumphs sin and the power of the grave (death) for and in each of our lives! Because of our justification through Christ, we can know what it truly means to have peace with God (5:1).