254th Week, Psalm Chapters 97-101 (Click on Title for Video Intro)

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Click on Title for Video Intro


Monday, Psalm Chapter 97
Theme:  God our awesome Conqueror, is righteous and just.
Author:  anonymous
Psalm 97
Verse 7
Jane Jones

Verse 7:  All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols--worship him, all you gods.

THOUGHT
Whether you know it or not, our lives are susceptible to the American Dream Syndrome—the notion that we can have it all, that you deserve it all. The more stuff you have; the better off you are. Desire to acquire. The slogans, like the wish list, are practically endless. In a short amount of time we become idol worshippers of all the things that we wish to acquire or goals that we wish to meet.

Yet contrary to the seductive tune of the American Dream, enough is never enough. Getting more only fuels the urge to get more. So how do you learn to live within that truth without constantly feeling like your lives don’t measure up?

The answer tonight, Salt Shakers, is that we need to embrace contentment. In Timothy we learn that godliness with contentment is great gain.  

One day we will stand before God in all his glory and power. Then we will see all our goals and accomplishments for what they really are. How foolish will your goals and accomplishments look?  Will the large salary look better to the Lord than helping a neighbor in need?  Will the super powered speed boat look better to Jesus than deeds done at a nursing home? Will the large house with beautiful furniture look better than children whose hearts know Jesus?

Salt Shakers, in closing this week, let us strive to put down our idols and grasp on to contentment the way that Jesus knew it. Occasionally we all need to be reminded; material things, our idols, will never satisfy the hunger of our hearts.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, tonight we place our needs and shortages before You. May we find it in our hearts to leave them there. We thank You for where You have placed us, and may we start today to walk on embracing contentment.  AMEN


Tuesday, Psalm Chapter 98
Theme:  A song of joy and victory because God is victorious over evil, all those who follow him will be victorious with him when he judges the earth.  
Author:  Anonymous
Psalm 98
Verse 1
Bart Strayer

Verse 1:  Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.

THOUGHT
Ya know, I was thinking about passing CFA Level 2 last summer.  I was just reflecting on what a blessing that was to get to the next level. Level 3 has been a great study. When I started this CFA thing back in summer of 2004, I wanted to learn the ‘meaty’ financial subject—matter that I am now finally getting to read about. I endured Level 1 and 2, and finally level 3 is full of great stuff. 

I got to thinking about how quickly I got over God’s blessings of past exams and moved on to the next best thing. Saltshakers, it is good to stop and ponder ALL that God has done for us. Go back a few years, if not decades, and reflect on God’s goodness. Let’s not be too eager to move on and not fully appreciate what God has done.

PRAYER
Lord, we thank You for Your many blessings. We are sorry for the times we have failed to give You proper praise. Help remind us of where You have brought us from. In Jesus Name.  AMEN


Wednesday, Psalm Chapter 99
Theme:  Praise for God's fairness and holiness.  Because God is perfectly just and fair, we can trust Him completely.
Author:  Anonymous
Psalm 99 
Verse 6
Bart Strayer

Verse 6:  Samuel was among those who called on His name; they called on the Lord, and he answered them.

THOUGHT
It is a wonderful thing to be able to call on the name of our Lord. Many times I have found myself in situations where there is nothing else I can do but call on God to help me. That is not a bad place to be. 

Although it may seem bad at the time, calling on God usually means we have lost control of our situation.  However, acknowledging our complete weakness is what gives God strength in those situations.  “For when you are weak, I am strong.”  Saltshakers, don’t ever forget, there is power in that Name.

PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for our carelessness and sin. We acknowledge that You are the author and finisher of our lives. Have mercy on us when we are foolish or selfish. We know that You can work out any of our faults to bring glory to Your Name. Help remind us to call on Your Name when we are weak. In Jesus Name. AMEN


Thursday, Psalm Chapter 100
Theme:  An invitation to enter joyfully into God's presence: His faithfulness extends to our generation and beyond.
Author:  Anonymous
Psalm l00
Verse 5
Bart Strayer

Verse 5:  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever.

THOUGHT
The Lord makes a wonderful partner in so many situations. If you have lost a loved one, he makes a good spouse. If you lost a Mom, he would make a good parent. I have found over the years that God makes a good business partner.  He has guided me through the many minefields of carrying out my occupational life. 

As I made mention this week, we can be the best planner on earth and have all our t’s crossed, but at some point we will find ourselves in complete dependence on God. As we have seen the country shocked by economic concerns, I have not been prudent at managing my risk exposure at times. I needed God to help point out my weaknesses as a businessperson. I have learned that as I grow as a businessperson, God gives me grace from time to time amongst my stupidity. 

It’s hard building a business from the ground up and having no one to teach you stuff. That is why God makes a great business partner because not only does he offer guidance, but he can offer grace in those times when we mess up.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your Grace. We are so thankful for the many times You saved us from ourselves. Continue to guide us in our lives to make us more like You. We are so grateful for Your Goodness. AMEN


Friday, Psalm Chapter 101
Theme: A prayer for help to walk a blameless path.  To live with integrity, both our efforts and God's help are necessary.
Author:  David
Psalm 101
Verse 6
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 6:  My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.  

THOUGHT
David said that he would keep his eyes “on the faithful in the land.”  In other words, he would choose as models and as friends those who are godly and truthful.  Our friends and associates can have a profound influence on our lives.  Make sure to keep your eyes on those who are faithful to God and His Word. 

My prayer is that our young children can find Christian friends who reflect actions that our Lord would be proud of.  May they keep their eyes on that which is true, pure, noble, right, admirable, lovely, and excellent and praiseworthy.  

Do you have some friends who are excellent examples of the reflections of Jesus?  Yes, those are the people we should be around and pattern our actions after.  David stated that this was his desire.  Let’s make it ours.   

PRAYER
Father, surround us with fellow followers of Christ’s Love.  May we feel secure in our relationships and therefore strong in our love for You.  May we flee from those who would bring us down or boast of evil ways.  Protect us with Your mighty armor so that we may use the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, the sword of the spirit, and the shield of faith.  May we always have the spirit of a servant and the attitude of Christ.  AMEN












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