110th Week Psalms Chapters 1-5 (Clink on the Title for Video Introduction)

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Click on the Title for Video Intro for the week
Click on this Link for Advent  https://youtu.be/k6xwTlOgelU


Monday, Psalms Chapter 1       Also read an Advent Devotional
Theme:  Life's two roads.  The life of the faithful person is contrasted with the life of the faithless person. 
Psalms 1
Verses 3-4
Jane Jones

Verse 3-4:  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

THOUGHT
On Sunday afternoon TJ and I journeyed North on Hwy 63 for about an hour to New Hampton to attend a visitation. On the way home, not far from Allen Hospital, a huge tumble weed blew across the road in front of us. It was huge but blew so easily and freely and just disappeared.  TJ and I commented at the time how something so large could just blow so freely.

Not so with God. I love how the Psalmist portrays for us a picture of God as a strong tree that is planted by the stream and soaks up water and bears luscious fruit. Not so with the chaff. Chaff is a symbol of a faithless life that drifts along without direction, just as the tumble weed did last Sunday.

We also are to soak up God’s Word producing actions and attitudes that honor God. To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God’s Word in our hearts. How do you picture yourself today, a strong tree planted firmly in the ground or chaff tumbling along lost in life?

PRAEYR
Father God, thank You for being our strong tree planted firmly along the stream of life that bears much fruit for us and feeds our souls. May we never be chaff and tumble lost in the valley of life. AMEN 


Tuesday, Psalms Chapter 2
Theme:  God's ultimate rule.  A Psalm written to celebrate the coronation of an Israelite King, but also written for the coronation of Christ, the eternal King.  
Psalms 2
Verse 12
Jane Jones

Verse 12: “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”

THOUGHT
People often think they will be free if they can get away from God. Yet we all inevitably serve somebody or something, whether a human king, an organization, or even our own selfish desires. A fish is not free when it leaves the water, and a tree is not free when it leaves the soil.  So, we like them, are not free when we leave the Lord.

In the verse I picked, to “Kiss the Son”, means to surrender fully and submit to Him. Christ is not only God’s chosen King, He is also the rightful King of our hearts and lives. To be ready for His coming, we must submit to His leadership every day. “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”  My family, Salt Shakers, you won’t regret it.

PRAYER
What a week! It has been a full one but a good one. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for this time I have shared with the Salt Shakers. I love these minutes I share with them. We pray that You will walk with each of the Salt Shakers and fill them with renewal and peace. Thank You, God, for always being there for us. AMEN


Wednesday, Psalms Chapter 3
Theme:  Confidently trusting God for protection and peace.
Psalms 3
Bart Strayer

THOUGHT
Man, does Psalm 3 get you pumped about the week or what! If God is for us, who can be against us!

Sometimes our choir sings the Psalm 3 song. It is awesome. I tried to finding the mp3 for ya all, but failed.

Instead of me writing commentary, I thought I would switch it up a bit and pick a translation of the day’s Psalm and have us all reread it in a translation we probably would have not read.  These Psalms are short so it will be good for us to read them a couple of times.

Psalm 3 (21st Century King James Version)
1 LORD, how they have increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me!

2 Many there be that say of my soul, “There is no help for him in God.”   Selah

3 But Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me, my glory and the lifter up of mine head.

4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.   Selah

5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked, for the LORD sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about.

7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD. Thy blessing is upon Thy people. Selah

PRAYER
Dear God, we know that You are our shield! We thank You for Your unending protection.  We thank You for lifting up our heads when all else seems to fail at times. You are such a mighty and awesome God! We love You this week! AMEN


Thursday, Psalms Chapter 4
Theme:  Rejoicing in God's protection and peace.  We can place our confidence in God because He will listen when we call on Him.  
Psalms 4
Bart Strayer

THOUGHT
I am really enjoying reading all these Psalms in the different versions. For me it helps them get ‘cemented’ into my brain if I reread and reread. I liked the New Life Version for Psalm 4. The heading in this version called Psalm 4 an ‘evening prayer of trust’.  I thought that was a great description.

Psalm 4 (New Life Version)
Evening Prayer of Trust

1 Answer me when I call, O my God who is tight and good! You have made a way for me when I needed help. Be kind to me, and hear my prayer.

2 0 sons of men, how long will you turn my honor into shame? How long will you love what is of no use, and run after lies?

3 Know that the Lord has set apart him who is God-like for Himself. The Lord hears when I call to Hím.

4 Shake with anger and do not sin. When you are on your bed, look into your hearts and be quiet.

5 Give the gifts that are right and good, and trust in the Lord.

6 Many are asking, “Who will show us any good?” Let the light of Your face shine on us, 0 Lord.

7 You have filled my heart with more happiness than they have when there is much grain and wine.

8 I will lie down and sleep in peace. O Lord, You alone keep me safe.

PRAYER
Dear God, we thank You for Your sustaining power in our lives. Like verse seven says, “You have filled my heart with more happiness than they have when there is much grain and wine.”  We thank You for the many times of peace and happiness that You provide us. Help us pray this ‘prayer of trust’ knowing that You have us in the palm of Your hand. AMEN


Friday, Psalms Chapter 5
Theme:  The lies of enemies.  God is able to defend us from lies spoken against us.  
Psalms 5
Verse 3
Bart Strayer

Verse 3: “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

THOUGHT
There are times when I get up in the morning and let the business of the day take over before I pray. This is never a good thing. There is something useful about praying before any of the world has a chance to pollute your mind. I liked the way the message puts it.

Verses l—3:
Listen, God! Please, pay attention! Can you make sense of these ramblings, my groans and cries?  King—God, I need your help.  Every morning you’ll hear me at it again.  Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend.

Verses 11—12:
But you’ll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you.  Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration.  You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight.

PRAYER
Dear God, help us in our quiet time with You.  Make our time with You in the morning meaningful and full of purpose.  Give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear what You have to say to us each day. In Jesus Name. AMEN













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