Wondrous Things - Psalm 119:1-88

by Diana Durrill


"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." - Psalm 119:18

Isn't this a pretty picture of what has been happening at Valley this year as we read through the Bible?  God has opened our eyes to see wondrous things from His word.

In our ladies small group last week, the author of our book (Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman) writes the following:

When I was younger, I wrote in my Bible a lot.  I liked to use different colors and write notes along the side.  I grew up watching my mom write in her Bible and kind of thought that's what you are supposed to do.  Sometime in college, I stopped.  I can't say for sure why, but I think the underlined verses became somewhat of a distraction for me.

A few days ago, I watched as John underlined something in his Bible and then wrote a note in the margins about it.  I couldn't stop myself from asking him why.  "What if the Lord wants to reveal something new and different to you but you can't hear it because you've written in the margin your note about what you heard today?"

He looked at me without a hint of defense.  "Or what if he wants to remind me of something I already know?"

That's what is so beautiful about scripture.  We can read it time and time again and still find new and wondrous things!  Or, we can read it time and again in order be reminded of what He has already taught us about Himself and His past work in our lives.  The word of God is living and sharp...able to pierce to our very soul and spirit...discerning the very thoughts and intentions of our heart (Hebrews 4:12). 

Praise be to God for the gift of His living word!

I Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127

by Adam Johnson

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. I Chronicles 29:11-13

David was setting the stage for the transition from his reign to his son's, Solomon.  He publicly instructed all the leaders of Israel concerning what was to take place with the building of the temple, and to follow all that God had for them.  He made plain that the succession of Solomon was according to God's plan, and not just because he was a favorite son. 

The reason this statement of David's is so important is he is establishing before the people that the power and ruling might of all the earth belongs to their God.  He goes through a series of challenges to Solomon about being faithful to his Almighty, All-Powerful God. Solomon and the children of Israel would either be set up to succeed or be destroyed based on their following God's commands.

As I thought through David's statements it occurred to me that this should be my anthem not just for today, but for every moment of my life.  It gives the bold proclamation that this life has a Good, Sovereign God who orders every step in our lives.  All of us have the choice today to follow the path that He has established for us.  That means we have to trust that He knows what He is doing with the circumstances of our lives - our pain, joy, provision, direction, etc. - for His glory.  Today what choice will you make concerning God?  Will you thank Him for all He is orchestating or think the way you devise is better?

There is a way that seems right to a man... Proverbs 16:25

Known

by Rebekah Johnson

"O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me." Psalm 139:1-5

What a comfort is found in this Psalm! He knows us like no one else will ever know us - better than we will ever know ourselves. Before we think, He already knows what we will think. Before we speak, He already knows what we will say. He surrounds us, protects us, and guides us through the life He has created for us. We aren't living this life alone, in a vacuum. Our Lord has His hand on us, and He will never take it away:

vs. 7-10 "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

While it is a sobering reality that God is with us everywhere at all times, let us not miss the comfort and security in that reality! Nothing we could ever do, no decision we could ever make, no where we could ever hide will separate us from our Father. We are His children, accepted in His family, and - while we may not always obey and trust Him - we always will be.

I Chronicles 23-25 Use Your Gifts

by Jill Ice

In these chapters, David organizes the Levites (chapter 23), the priests (chapter 24), and the musicians (chapter 25) in preparation for his son Solomon to become king over Israel.  The service of these three groups was essential to the functions of the temple. 

Each individual believer has a distinct gift to use in the edification of the body of believers.

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. –Romans 12:4-6

Let us use our gifts. 

God Threw His Shoe on Edom - Psalm 108

Psalm 108:9

Moab is my washbasin;          
Upon Edom I cast my shoe.

Picture Edom in rebellion against Yahweh and his people. Picture them mustering thousands and thousands of warriors. Picture the iron chariots, the war horses snorting and stamping, the bulging muscles and bronze skin of the mighty men, the razor sharp swords, the awful pointed spears, the shields flashing in the sun, the unflinching countenance of seasoned solders. Picture a horde of fierce fighting men thundering through the valley of Seir. Fearful, dreadful, fierce and powerful.

When God sees them coming he sits down. He will wash his feet. With 18,000 fighting warriors approaching like a stampede of Texas longhorns, God sits down to wash his feet! And then, as one would flick a fly, he tosses his shoe on Edom. And 18,000 soldiers fall. God never even looked, he scarcely heard the noise. The world sits stunned at the victory; God sits with his feet in the water.

God is never ruffled. He never jerks. When attacked from behind, he is never startled. At just the right moment he tosses his shoe and all the enemies are crushed. He does not honor them with any nervous preparation. He has set his own schedule for the day and he will accomplish all his purpose. The enemy may try to interrupt, but will not be able to cause the slightest pause in the washing of his feet. O, the folly of resisting the Almighty! What fools he makes of men who strive against their Maker!

http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/taste-see-articles/god-threw-his-shoe-on-edom

Faith vs. Fear II Samuel 24; I Chronicles 21-22

by Mike Durrill
Context is so important.

David had lived a life of trusting God. Faith in the "strong arm of the LORD" was his mantra. As a boy he defeated Goliath of Gath with a sling and a stone and trust in the LORD. As king of Israel he led by faith in the LORD. God was glorified, God was praised, in the hearts and minds of the Israelites He was pre-eminent as exemplified by their king.

And then one day, out of fear, or perhaps in pride, David counts his army. This meant that the LORD, Who had given the nation of Israel these victories, was no longer pre-eminent. In a moment of faithlessness, David cast aside the LORD and taught a nation to live by sight rather than by faith.

The king knew what he had done, and conviction set in. We've all been there.

In the New Covenant, James writes, "Whatever is not of faith is sin." In the Old Covenant, "Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness." 

Faith and Fear cannot co-exist.
One must conquer fear with faith or submit to fear by casting out faith. They are polar opposites.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" - Hebrews 11:1

When God promises to do something, He will come through.

Psalm 5; 38; 41-42

by Adam Johnson

O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes; Make Your way straight before me. There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue. Hold them guilty, O God; By their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, For they are rebellious against You. But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.   Psalm 5:8-12


David in this Psalm is making an earnest plea for help, and contrasting those without God with his own life before God. The wicked man trusts only in what he can accomplish with his schemes and who they can manipulate with their tongue - they trust in themselves rather than God. In contrast, David makes it clear that he only wants God to lead, protect, and structure his life. 

The man who entrusts his fears to God receives more than just a listening ear - he gets the benefit of the peace and joy that only God can give.  When we let God have control over every aspect of our life the psalmist tells us what to expect - "be glad...sing for joy...exult in you."  If someone were to come to you and give you the wildest desire of your heart - would that take care of all of your problems for the rest of your life?

There is a place where we can find protection from all of life's fears, failures, and foes.  It can only be found one place - by trusting in the One who saved our soul. The benefit of a simple prayer, a request made of God - to know and obey Him can change every aspect of our life.  We receive joy, blessing from God Himself, and God's favor to surround him. The only way to obtain these precious gifts is by making Him the only One we trust and seek.

Set apart

by Rebekah Johnson

"But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul's son Jonathan, because of the oath of the LORD that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul." 2 Samuel 21:7

Because of the "oath" - the covenant made before God between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18) - Mephibosheth was set apart, protected and loved by David. Nothing Mephibosheth had done merited this distinction. The "solemn, binding agreement" between David and Jonathan to look out for their respective households and descendants preempted everything else.

Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.

And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.   - 1 Samuel 18:3-4

"A covenant is a solemn, binding, agreement between two parties - one that usually carries with it not only certain blessings, but also responsibilities. Covenant carries with it a sense of connectedness - of two becoming one...When Jonathan gave David his robe, armour, sword, bow, and belt...he had to be making a symbolic gesture."

- taken from Covenant: God's Enduring Promise by Kay Arthur

Just as Mephibosheth was set apart and protected by the house of King David, so are we, the children of God, set apart and protected by our King. We are entitled to all that the Kingdom of God has to offer. We have been joined together in covenant with Christ because of His work on the cross. "For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." - Matthew 26:28

Psalm 40 Deliverance from the Pit

by Jill Ice

I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
    out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
     making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:1-3

Sometimes we fall into a pit we dig for ourselves.  Our selfishness and pride see to it that we dig that pit deep and dark.  We deceive ourselves into thinking that our sin isn’t that bad, or that it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

Sometimes we are thrown into the pit by other people.  We live in a fallen, sin-cursed world.  Every single person on this earth has to live with the consequences of Adam and Eve’s bad choice. Sometimes we bear the marks of other people’s sin against us. 

The real kicker is this – we can’t get out of the pit.  At least not on our own.  Scripture is filled to the brim with examples of people and nations (think Israel) trying to pull themselves out of the pit by doing it their own way. 

True deliverance is from God alone.  He drew me up from the pit.  He set my feet on a rock. He makes my steps secure.     

We see in other parts of Scripture that God’s deliverance is complete.  He will not give up on the good work He began at redemption. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. –Philippians 1:6

His work is for past, present, and future. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. – 2 Corinthians 1:10

He replaces our cries for help with a new song, a song of praise to God.  The old man is turned to new.  Ashes are turned into beauty. The transformation causes many to see, fear, and trust in God. 

David, a Horrible Father. II Samuel 16-18

by Mike Durrill


[33] And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" - 2 Samuel 18:33 ESV

Too little. Too late. Friend of God, king of Israel, ultimate warrior, loyal friend.

Horrible father.

David's son, Absalom suffered internally. He was a son with an absent father. He was a son that endured tremendous false guilt. He was a son that was punished unfairly. He was a son without a father...yet he had a father.

Internally, he blamed himself that his sister Tamar had been assaulted and raped by Ammon, her step brother while she was staying in Absalom's house. Instead of doling out consequences, David pretended it didn't happen and swept it under the rug, while Absalom hurt and seethed internally. Instead of reassuring Absalom, he applies guilt upon him with his silence.

A couple of years go by and Absalom pleads...no, begs his father to come with him on a family "vacation" and spend time with him and his family. David feigns humility by saying he would be too much of a burden and refuses, but says, "Go and have a good time." The family gathering turns ugly...Absalom's internal seething turns to boiling rage and he plans the murder of his step-brother Ammon for raping Tamar. (see II Samuel 13:23-26)

David wrestles with what has happened and longs to go to Absalom...but doesn't.

Look at David's God given desire - [39] And the spirit of the king longed to go out to Absalom, because he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead. - 2 Samuel 13:39 ESV

Instead, David listens to counsel and refuses to see Absalom for another two years. Rather then going to his son and working through the problems, he punishes him with the silent treatment. In order to gain an audience with the "king" Absalom resorts to burning down Joab's fields! Finally, the "king" will see him.

In a short amount of time, we see a son who loved his father and longed to be with him, turn into a man who hates everything that has anything to do with his father. In blind fury he seeks his father's throne and his father's life. In the end, Absalom is murdered by David's men and his corpse thrown into a pit in the forest.

Yes, the son made his own decisions, but the father failed. Miserably.

David, the friend of God, did not befriend his own son.

Jesus - My All in All

by Diana Durrill

"For it is not an enemy who taunts me--then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me--then I could hide from him.  But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.  We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house we walked in the throng."  - Psalm 55:12-13

"My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant." - Psalm 55:20

David is lamenting the loss of an intimate friendship.  Surely, we can all relate.  We have all experienced an especially sweet and close friendship that at some point, for one reason or another, turned sour.  The pain and loss of those types of friendships is especially bitter.

I don't know about you but I often find myself reacting internally with statements like, "That's the last time I trust anyone..." or, "I will never allow myself to get close to anyone ever again!" Funny how we make extreme (and insincere) decisions in the heat of the battle!  

While we can all probably look back on these friendships and see mistakes that we've made, acknowledge things we would do differently, or even see the red flags of warning,  we must remember that no one can be anyone's "all" in this life.  I cannot meet that need in my friend's life, nor can she meet it in mine. Only Jesus Christ can meet that need.  We must look to Him before, during and sadly, sometimes even after any friendship.  "Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." - Psalm 55:22

We know this.  We know, with a head-knowledge, that Christ is the only One who can meet all my expectations and needs.  Christ is the only One who can be my all-in-all.  When we experience a heart-knowledge (a deep down peace that God writes on our hearts) regarding Christ's ability to be our all-in-all, we find tremendous comfort and joy.

You are my strength when I am weak - You are the treasure that I seek - You are my all in all. Seeking you as a precious jewel - Lord, to give up I'd be a fool - You are my all in all. Taking my sin, my cross my shame - Rising again I bless your name - You are my all in all. When I fall down you pick me up - When I am dry you fill my cup - You are my all in all. Jesus, Lamb of God - Worthy is Your name! Click here to listen to You Are My All in All.

Psalm 32 - Confession and Forgiveness

by Paul Ice

David loved the forgiveness of His God because he knew how much he needed it. He was a sinner just like you and me. David knew the reality and blessing of confession and forgiveness. And he warns us that we live a life of confession as well. In fact, he gives us these words from the Lord Himself as a way of encouragement,

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.”

God is guiding and directing us how to live. Part of that process is exposing the sin in our lives so that we might be made aware of it and then confess it to Him. It is for our own good. To refuse to see it, acknowledge it, and confess it would make us like a senseless horse or mule that needs the pain of a bridle and bit to make it do what it is supposed to do. Confession is meant to be comforting. It leads to forgiveness. It frees us from guilt. It restores our relationship with the Father. And it brings us joy. So why wouldn't we confess our sins readily and regularly?

2 Samuel 11-12, I Chronicles 20

by Adam Johnson

David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. "       
2 Samuel 12:13


David had committed two great sins - adultery and murder.  However the first step to being restored to God's presence was his confession of sin against God.  David realized after Nathan's story that he deserved to physically die by God's hand.  It does not take "great" sins to separate us from God, but it can be the "white" lie or anger at someone else for a wrong done.  Any sin will result in death - separation from God eternally or the loss of His presence until we confess it.

Christ's death on the cross allows us the access to come to God.  Once we trust Christ alone for our forgiveness of sin, we are restored to a right relationship with Him.  However any sin brings death into our lives again - this time in the form of the loss of access to God.  I John 1:9 gives us the formula for returning to God, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

The key is to realize that all of us as sinful men have a privilege by Christ's death to enter into the presence of God, but we must not forfeit the privilege by remaining in sin.  David when confronted, repented of his sin, and God mercifully forgave him.  Let us not lose the benefits of knowing Him by remaining in sin, but confess it so that we can know and enjoy all that God has for us.

Testing and Triumph

by Rebekah Johnson


"For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance." Psalm 66:10-12

Sovereign Commander of the universe,

I am sadly harassed by doubts, fears, unbelief,

in a felt spiritual darkness.

My heart is full of evil surmisings and disquietude,

and I cannot act faith at all.

My heavenly Pilot has disappeared,

and I have lost my hold on the Rock of Ages;

I sink in deep mire beneath storms and waves,

in horror and distress unutterable.

Help me, O Lord,

to throw myself absolutely and wholly on thee,

for better, for worse, without comfort,

and all but hopeless.

Give me peace of soul, confidence, enlargement of mind,

morning joy that comes after night heaviness;

Water my soul richly with divine blessings;

Grant that I may welcome thy humbling in private

so that I might enjoy thee in public;

Give me a mountain top as high as the valley is low.

Thy grace can melt the worst sinner, and I am

as vile as he;

Yet thou hast made me a monument of mercy,

a trophy of redeeming power;

In my distress let me not forget this.

All-wise God,

Thy never-failing providence orders every event,

sweetens every fear,

reveals evil’s presence lurking in seeming good,

brings real good out of seeming evil,

makes unsatisfactory what I set my heart upon,

to show me what a short-sighted creature I am,

and to teach me to live by faith upon

thy blessed self.

Out of my sorrow and night

give me the name Naphtali –

‘satisfied with favour’ –

help me to love thee as thy child,

and to walk worthy of my heavenly pedigree.

- The Valley of Vision

Psalm 20 Set Up the Banners

by Jill Ice

May we shout for joy over your salvation (victory), and in the name of our God set up our banners! – Psalm 20:5

The people in this psalm are rejoicing with their king as he prepares for battle, believing in advance that the victory will be theirs. I love the word picture of shouting for joy over their salvation and erecting victory banners at the end of battle.

Can you feel the excitement and confidence of sure victory? Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, our salvation is more sure, more secure than anything on this earth. God has given Himself, the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of His covenant. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. – 2 Corinthians 5:5

Let’s shout for joy! He has won the victory of our salvation. Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. –Romans 8:33-34

Our God is victorious over death! O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? – I Corinthians 15:55

Time to set up our banners! …in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. –Romans 8:37

Time to be victorious and courageous, remembering what we trust in:

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. –Psalm 20:7

Praise!

"The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the setting its setting.  Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth." - Psalm 50:1,2

There's a song creation's singing -
And it sounds throughout the universe.
It's our longing for You, Jesus.
It's an anthem telling of Your worth.

Praise!  When the sun is rising -
Praise!  When the day is fading -
Praise!  When the stars are shining -
Oh, God - we wait, we wait on You!

Trust and Kindness.

[13] So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet. - 2Sa 9:13 ESV

There are outcasts of society. In the United States we nod our heads in assent to this statement, but in many other countries, there truly are outcasts. Specifically the crippled or blind.

One must wonder how Mephibosheth lived before David found him. In fear? He is a cripple and a leftover male form the house of Saul. David was the successor to King Saul when actually Mephibosheth's dad, Jonathan would have been heir to the throne.

David leads his nation by example in showing kindness to a cripple. Extravagant kindness. He is pro-active in seeking out and finding someone from the house of Saul (his enemy) whom he can show grace and mercy to. King David holds no bitterness towards King Saul. David understood that the God of Israel is Sovereign.

Celebrate Who You Are

by Diana Durrill

I am going to share one of my secrets with you....are you ready?
Psalm 25 is my "go to" Psalm.

I sin.  Time and time again.  Sometimes it is a bad attitude.  Often it is a short fuse.  It can look like impatience, selfishness, and/or a lack of contentment.  My tongue.  My temper.  My pride.  (You name it.)

Sometimes I feel like there is no way God can forgive me...again.  He just can't!  I've asked one too many times for forgiveness for the very same things.  Over and over again I confess, and repent, and work on change.  But then something happens, it resurfaces, and I give in to temptation and sin.  And I hate it.  I want  victory.  I want to please the Lord with my words and actions, attitudes and lifestyle.  I try so hard to parent perfectly - balancing law and grace like nobody's business.  I want to follow my husband's leadership in full submission while demonstrating honor and respect.  I want the effects of sin to go far, far away.  I want, I want, I want.

But I am learning.  I am learning to spend less of my energy on trying and learning to rest more in being.  Simply being.

Ephesians 1:11-14 says, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you hear the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."


Christ is my inheritance!  And my inheritance is sealed (as in a wax seal, a mark of identification) by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit!

I can rest in that.  I can give up trying, and wanting, and striving and just be.  Be a daughter of the King of Kings.  Be a child of God.  Be who I already am through Christ.  And through the years, Psalm 25 has consistently and repeatedly reminded me of the following gems which I have through my inheritance in Jesus Christ:

Forgiveness - "Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.   Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!" - verses 6-7

Direction - "Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.  Good and upright is the LORD: therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right,and teaches the humble his way.  All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies." - verse 4-5, 8-10


Friendship - "The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his convenant.  My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net." - verse 14

Grace - "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.  The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.  Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins."- verses 16-18


Comfort - "Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame." - verse 3a

Protection - "Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!  Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.  May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you." - verses 20-21


And do you know what some wonderful verses in the very next chapter say ?  (They weren't part of today's Bible reading.)  Psalm 26:6-7 says,


"I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O LORD, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds."


The picture here is though I am a sinner, and will continue to sin until I am in the presence of God, I have been cleansed (forgiven!) through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God.  My worship (and yours) is acceptable to God and I can enjoy, celebrate, and participate in public worship!  I think that is simply.....beautiful.

II Samuel 7, I Chronicles 17

by Paul Ice

Have you ever had one of those moments when you thought, “You know what would be a good idea. . . ?”  Well, if you know me, you know that has happened to many times for me.  Having been in ministry a while, I can identify with David in today’s reading.  And when our “good ideas” do not seem to fit into God’s plans, we can become frustrated or impatient.

One of the major lessons we can learn from this passage is that God’s plans are bigger than our plans. David had aspirations to build a house for Yahweh, but God had bigger plans for him. Instead, God wanted to build David a ‘house’ by establishing his line forever.

Often times this is the case in our own lives.  God will have other plans for us that fit His purpose better.  May we respond like David:

“And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. And your name will be magnified forever”

Well, we know the rest of the story about God’s larger plan for David.  I’m excited for the plans he has made for me.

Psalm 89, 96,100, 101,105, 132

by Adam Johnson


Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture....For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.  Psalm 100:3, 5

In small group recently, we talked about the relationship man shares with God. We are created beings who have a distinct purpose over all other creation -- to worship and know Him. You can fill in a host of other purposes also, but the one purpose that should drive us is to be in fellowship with Him.

It is often said there are 2 items of truth that must continually be before us to properly worship Him -- who He is and who we are. These verses encompass both of these principles. We belong to God first and foremost. However, life happens to do everything to distort these very things. Suffering takes place (physical, emotional), and we say to God, "don't you care your sheep are suffering?!"  The next verse is the counterweight to that selfish thought -- "the LORD is good; his steadfast (unwavering, unchanging) love endures forever..."

Our thoughts are a continual battlefield to take either principle out of focus. I am continuing to find that praise and thankfulness are one of the best resources to keep both sides in perspective. When times are the darkest, I can stop and praise God because I know that He made me and only wants what will strengthen me and change me more into His Son's image. I want to know and praise Him all the time -- many Psalms are written, not in difficulty, but in exuberance of all He has accomplished and even today is still accomplishing. No matter the circumstance in which you find yourself -- Praise GOD and Rejoice!

Sing Praises!

by Rebekah Johnson

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! Psalm 47:1

God deserves our applause, praise, and recognition more than any other creature no matter what their accomplishment.

Here's why:

• He is King over everything
• "For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth."
• "Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!"
• "For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!" 
• "God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne." Psalm 47:2,6-7
• "Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies." Psalm 68:34
• He has chosen us and has a specific plan -- "He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves." Psalm 47:4
• He protects and delivers -- "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." Psalm 68:5
• He is the Righteous Judge --  "God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land....But God will strike the heads of his enemies, the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways."  Psalm 68:6, 21
• He is our Salvation -- "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death. " Psalm 68:19-20

How GREAT is our God! Just skimming the surface of His worthiness should cause us to stand in awe with lifted hands and be filled with praise and honor to our Creator God.

I Chronicles 13-16 Song of Thanks

by Jill Ice

I Chronicles 16 records David's song of thanks when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem.  We all need a good daily dose of thankfulness, so let’s read how David expressed his thankfulness:

8Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
     make known his deeds among the peoples!
⁹ Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
¹⁰ Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
¹¹ Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
¹² Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
     his miracles and the judgments he uttered,
¹³ O offspring of Israel his servant,
    children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

¹⁴ He is the Lord our God;
     his judgments are in all the earth.
¹⁵ Remember his covenant forever,
    the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
¹⁶ the covenant that he made with Abraham,
    his sworn promise to Isaac,
¹⁷ which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
    to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
¹⁸ saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,
    as your portion for an inheritance.”

¹⁹ When you were few in number,
    of little account, and sojourners in it,
²⁰ wandering from nation to nation,
    from one kingdom to another people,
²¹ he allowed no one to oppress them;
    he rebuked kings on their account,
²² saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,
    do my prophets no harm!”

²³ Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.
²⁴ Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
²⁵ For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods.
²⁶ For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
     but the Lord made the heavens.
²⁷ Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his place.

²⁸ Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
     ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
²⁹ Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;^[h]
30     tremble before him, all the earth;
    yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
³¹ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
    and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
³² Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    let the field exult, and everything in it!
³³ Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
    before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
³⁴ Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

³⁵  Say also:

“Save us, O God of our salvation,
    and gather and deliver us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
    and glory in your praise.
³⁶ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!”

Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

How does my “song of thanks” compare? Do I sing of God’s goodness and steadfast love and praise God’s holy name? Or do I thank God that so-and-so did this-or-that for me – or that my children (or husband) did what I wanted them to do – or this particular situation worked out in my favor?  

Keeping my focus on myself will always lead to disappointment and discouragement. When I offer up songs of thanks, focusing on God’s goodness and His nature, my heart will truly be filled with life and peace.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:6

Songs of Joy - Psalm 106-107

by Diana Durrill


"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.  He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.  Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!"  - Psalm 107:19-22

These verses in the middle of chapter 107 jumped off the page to me today.  It wasn't that the Israelites took action by crying out the to Lord in their trouble.  That is an important part of the story, for sure, but it wasn't what jumped out to me today.  Nor was it the part that talks about his steadfast love, although if you park on the words steadfast and love long enough, you will no doubt be amazed, humbled, and in awe of your loving, gracious Savior.

No, what jumped out today was how God delivered them from their destruction.  He didn't send in a little boy with big faith like we talked about here.  He didn't topple walls or deliver a substitutionary ram.  He simply sent out his word.  His word.  God healed them with his word. (For those of you who love to connect the dots, don't you love the glimpse of John 1 you see here?)

And as we keep reading we see that the next two verses lay out what their natural response should be.  The psalmist begins the next two verses with the words, "Let them...".


"Let them thank the Lord...."


"And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy."


What was expected in return the for the saving word of our God?  Words.  Words of thanksgiving, praise, and songs of joy!

I don't know about you but I love, love, LOVE music.  I love to sing and play music.  I have music going on in my head all. the. time.  My family grows weary of the tunes I am humming or tapping or singing throughout the day.  I just love music!  And I am thrilled that God wants my songs of joy and my sacrifices of thanksgiving in return for my salvation through his word.

Because I adore music, especially worship music, the words of this passage brought an oldie-but-goodie to mind (well it's not that old, but it is by an artist that was better known by my generation and older).  I love sharing good music with others so I've shared the link to it on iTunes here.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and I hope that it brings to mind all the things you can use your lips to praise the Lord for and begin singing your songs today!

Psalm 133 Unity.

Pastor Durrill


[1] A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! [2] It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! [3] It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. - Psa 133:1-3 ESV


Quarrel. Fight. Argue. Yell. Scream. Hurt. The crescendo of disunity is loud clanging with no harmony. No love. No unity. Ironic, isn't it...the fractured family of the psalmist? Many children by several wives. Dis-unity. And yet, in God's grace he chooses David to pen a song of unity.

The teaching in the song...

Unity is good. Unity is pleasant. It is like oil. Fragrant, holy oil poured upon the high priest entering into the tent where God dwelt. Our love for one another must be holy...not tainted with selfish motive. Our love for one another ought to be decidedly fragrant...blessing, encouraging, peaceful, patient, kind, forbearing...

Unity is good. Unity is pleasant. It is like dew. Cooling, refreshing, fruitful. Love covers. Love grows. Love strengthens. Love bears fruit.

Instead of oil poured out on His head...Jesus wore thorns. Instead of dew covering the ground, Jesus shed blood. Our great High Priest endured our hateful dis-unity that He might give us the ability to lovingly unify.

Do you have unity in your family? It begins with you.