Weekend Psalms

Migration Season

2010-04-23T06:00:00.004-05:00

As of April 23, 2010, CSF weekend psalms have moved!

You can find us at www.greatridge.com, and click on the [Weekend Psalms] link, or at http://www.weekendpsalms.blogspot.com/

See you there!

Psalm 65: You Trust Him--Whether You Know it or Not

2010-03-26T06:00:00.006-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:

March 27-28, 2010

Read Psalm 65 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

Eero Saarinen, the architect of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, famously stated: “God is in the details.” It's like he read this Psalm.


God really does work through the details of our lives. This Psalm was written for an agricultural community, reminding the people how God was at work in the day-to-day work of growing crops. Let's not miss this: We may see the store as the final source of our food supply, things really haven't changed that much. We may do all the right things, but ultimately, the growth comes from his hand.


Every day, every meal, every breath, everything that we enjoy—ultimately everything is a gift of God's amazing Grace. Think how vulnerable we are...and tremble.

Meditation

In the Psalmist's eye, the only reasonable response is praise. When times are bad, we must remember that God atones for our transgressions. When we are totally taken up with the perfect holiness and explosive grace of God, we find satisfaction in him. This is a fine place to refer to St. Augustine, who said “Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.
This weekend, take time to enter into God's presence and ask him to reveal his holiness and his grace. Take time to consider—do your mornings and evenings (vs 8) shout for joy? Why don't you join the pastures, the wilderness, the hills, the valleys, and the meadows, (vs.12-13) and praise him.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, remind _________ that you are the God who hears prayers.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, assure ______ that you always answer with righteousness. Give them the grace they need to have confidence in your goodness and love.
Almighty God, show ______ that you are sovereign over all things, water, land, and all creation, from here to the nethermost parts of the earth.
Lord, may you soften _______ heart with showers, and turn their heart toward you.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

1 Corinthians 3:-7.In God's kingdom, growth is up to Him...
Father God, let ____ to recognize that everything is futile without your blessing.
Titus 3:4-5. God's Goodness today...
Lord Jesus Christ, you saved us not because of righteous things we have done, but because of your mercy. May _____ know that reality in their life, and turn to you in repentance.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 35: Who cares how you feel

2010-03-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:
March 13-14, 2010
Read Psalm 35 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
In our culture, we're obsessed with self esteem. It's not popular, or even smart, to point out that feeling good about one's self has no connection to being able to function in life. In fact, studies indicate that the people with the greatest self esteem are often delusional about their own abilities: Let's just say that they often have delusions of adequacy.

You may never have thought about this, but the gospel is not about self esteem. Jesus did not die so that you could be self-fulfilled. He died to bring salvation.

This Psalm is God's prescription when the whole world seem to be turned against you. Are circumstances against you? How about people? How about your work situation? God may not choose to fix all that (then again, he might). Either way, we can be sure two great promises. The first is in vs 10: " All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?” The second is near the end of the Psalm: "Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servants." Nice to know that even in very difficult times, God delights to lift us out of our troubles and do good to us--even in the midst of the jeers of others and the throes of our own self-doubts.

Meditation
Is what you do--the stuff of your life and the force behind your activities driven by feeling good about yourself and gaining prestige in the eyes of others. You can be honest: I too am guilty as charged.

This weekend, take time to consider your own self-assessment, and the pride that often goes along with that. Then, take the time to consider God's assessment of your character, your actions, and the core of who you are. Praise God, grace is at work here, too. He will transform you, if you let him. That's part of what Redemption is all about. Then you will be able to say, with the Psalmist, "I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you."

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, give _________ the grace of not assessing themselves by how others see them. May they view measure themselves by the yardstick of your Truth.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, when _____ is faced with malicious people and terrible situations, give them the confidence and calm assurance of your faithfulness.
Almighty God, do not be silent in ______'s life. May they hear from you and know you are active, and that they are not abandoned.

Lord, may _____ know that there is no one is like you,delivering the poor;from him who is too strong for him.May they know that you are great and that you delight in the welfare of your servants."

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Hebrews 12:7.God's children sometimes face discipline...
Father God, sometimes you disipline us. Help ______ to recognize how challenging times can be used by you to help them grow in holiness and be truly transformed.
1 Peter 3:17. Suffering can have its merits...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ know that it is better to suffer for doing good, and not for doing evil.
Matthew 5:10. Suffer for the right reasons...
Father, when ____ is suffering, may it be because they are doing the right thing. Remind them that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who suffer on its behalf.
(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 5: What is God really like?

2010-03-05T06:00:00.002-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:

March 6-7, 2010

Read Psalm 5 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

Do you know anyone famous? Have you actually had a chance to sit down with some celebrity (major or minor) and have a conversation? Chances are good that if you did, and your friends found out about it, they wanted to know the details. They probably asked: "What are they like?"

If your meeting was cordial, you probably described it with the highest praise offered in our society: "He/She is pretty cool," followed by some generic descriptions that would make it clear that this was a significant brush with greatness.

So, are you a Christian? If so, how would you describe God, when someone asks "What's he like?"

This Psalm provides God's self description--the kind of things he might put on a calling card can be found in verses 1-7. Verses 9-10 talk about the character of those who rebel against God. This is not a Psalm of judgement, though--it is a Psalm of comparison. Why would anyone reject God? Why would anyone choose a character contrary to his? The final two verses are a song of praise to God, his character, and the blessings of his favor.

Meditation

This Psalm is another psalm of praise. Think about it. God is:

The God who hears (vs 3);

The God who does not delight in wickedness (vs 4);

The God who does not tolerate evil (vs 4);

The God who cannot tolerate the boastful;hates the actions of the evildoer, destroys those who speak lies, and abhors the bloodthirsty deceivers (5-6)

The God who leads (vs 8);

The God who provides refuge (vs 11)

The God who spreads protection over his people (vs 11)

This weekend, take time to consider God's character, as it is revealed here. So often our view of life hinges on our view of God, and you need to ask yourself this question: "Do I trust God?" No matter what the answer, search your heart and ask God to reveal his true, righteous, holy, and perfect character to you, more and more.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ look to you and find confidence in your character. May they praise you for being a holy, just, and merciful God.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, grant _____ your refuge and your covering. May they know the comfort of your protection.
Almighty God, may ______ examine themselves to see if they know you and are growing ever more righteous, for if they are growing ever more deceived, selfish, and ruthless. Call ____ to repentence, in your mercy.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

1 Peter 3:15. Be ready with God's Calling Card...
Father God, your word tells us that when people harden their hearts you give them up to think, and live, separated from you. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
2 Tim 1:12. There's an Old Hymn with these words...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ know you as the one they have believed. May they be convinced that you will guard what you have entrusted to them until the day when you redeem all things.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 124: Who Is At Your Side?

2010-02-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:

February 27-28, 2010

Read Psalm 124 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

Way, way back in the last century, there was a movie called My Bodyguard. I saw it then, and really liked it (I hesitate to recommend it, only because I remember too few of the details). In it, a much-picked on kid befriends the new arrival--a big guy with big muscles and a sketchy past. It doesn't spoil the movie to say that together, they triumph.

Have you ever wanted to have that kind of big guy standing next to you, protecting you, helping you to stand your ground? Someone who could be there to stand up to the work bully, the overbearing professor, the person who just seems to have it in for you?

This Psalm provides God's answer to that need. Curiously enough, it provides it not as a promise--looking forward, but as a reminiscence--looking back. "If it had not been God on our side," it begins, and then presents a litany of all the ways that the situation could have turned out worse.  It is a psalm of hope, based on the proof of the past.

Meditation

This Psalm is another psalm of ascent, and it was sung on the uphill road to Jerusalem, when God's people gathered there for worship. It sings praise to God for his past faithfulness, and the way it leads us to worship in the here and now.

All of worship is built on God's activity in creation, in sustaining creation, and in seeing to the needs of his people. Things don't always turn out the way we want them to, but God's faithfulness gives meaning to all things and all situations.

This weekend, take the time to recount the ways that God has led you, and the ways he has protected you when things could have been much worse. Remember, no matter what the situation, look back to look forward. You will continue to find your help "in the name of the Lord, who created heaven and earth" (vs 8).

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ examine their life, and the way you have proven yourself faithful. Remind them that you are the one who is by their side.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, show _____ your faithfulness in not giving them over to the enemy, and may they know the comfort of having you by their side.
Almighty God, may ______ know that their help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 1:28. May God not give up...
Father God, your word tells us that when people harden their hearts you give them up to think, and live, separated from you. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
Acts 17:24. Of course God made it...
Lord Jesus Christ, reveal to _____ that you are the maker of heaven and earth. May they know that they are not abandoned. Open their eyes to the truth of your Word.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 94: Things set right...

2010-02-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:

February 20-21, 2010

Read Psalm 94 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

It's standard fair in movies, TV, and books. The bad guy has been causing trouble, in comes the good guy to dish out a hungry-man-sized serving of vengeance. Crowds cheer. Roll credits.

This Psalm shows that deep down desire we have for justice. When we see people oppressed--we want vengeance on the oppressors. Think about it: Why has this been an over-arching theme in our media and entertainment. It seems to me that the Psalms resonate with our need to see things set right, and this is particularly true of this Psalm.

I've heard people complain that the Psalms are full of vengeance and violence. Really. So is most prime-time television, and I don't hear anyone whining about that. Yes, there is violence and vengeance here, but that's not what this Psalm is about. It's about the old phrase; "Whose side are you on?"

We want some one to stand up for us when we have been wronged. We want someone to swoop in and save the weak. In this Psalm, God's people have the promise that he will stand up for them, and he misses nothing. I love the image in the middle (beginning at vs 8). The one who planted your ears certainly can hear. The one who formed your eyes can certainly see. Don't be deceived--God is not missing anything: Not the big picture; not the small picture.

This is a Psalm of promise. The assurance that someday, in God's time and in God's perfect understanding, things will be set right. Like last week's Psalm, it demonstrates the truth that God will ultimately see that justice is done.

Meditation

This Psalm is a promise of justice. The problem is, I am often unjust. Often, I have to wrestle with my own heart to keep from taking advantage of others. There are areas of my life--areas that God wants to work on--wherein I am the oppressor. Deep down, I know that the judgement falls on my own head.

In the midst of the talk about vengeance, this Psalm talks about God's discipline. God corrects my ways, to save me from the justice that will come to us all. There is an equation here: Ignore discipline and you will Face judgement.

This weekend, pay attention to what God is up to around you, and look for areas where he is trying to correct your path and mete out discipline. Better to take his discipline than face his wrath. Remember this: "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul" (vs 19).

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ examine assess their own life. Are they among the proud and arrogant who take advantage of those who are weak? Give them the grace and the understanding to repent and turn from their ways and to you.
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, may _____ know the comfort of your discipline, the protection of your vengeance, and the consolation of your steadfast love.
Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to rejoice in you because of your great salvation.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 11:28. Some people just don't get it...
Father God, your word tells us that some people harden their hearts so much that they end up being unable to hear your word or see your activities. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
Hebrews 12:6-7. Whose kid are you, anyway?...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ understand and recognize the Father's discipline, and learn from it. Remind them that you only discipline your children.
1 Corinthians 15:27-28. All things under the sovereignty of Christ...
Almighty God, may ______ put his life under subjection to Christ now, and willingly. May they know your disicpline, and by that, avoid your wrath. May they know you as their all in all.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 64: Hidden Thoughts, Cross Purposes

2010-02-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:

February 13-14, 2010

Read Psalm 64 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

Today, a man had his day in court--given the outcome, this was the first of many. His world has crumbled, he has been indicted for fraud, and he is $750 million dollars in debt. Read that last phrase again: Three-fourths of a billion dollars. Frankly, it's more than I can wrap my mind around.

The car dealer who stood before a judge today is the third high-profile local leader to fall in this way.

This Psalm has one over-riding idea: The day of justice will come. As one of my old friends is fond of saying: "The wheels grind slowly, but they grind fine."

As it says in Numbers 32:23: "...your sin will find you out." I've always thought it interesting that it does not say that your sin will be found out--it says your sin will find you out --in other words, what you do reveals who you really are.

So, is this a Psalm of hope, or of judgement? Yes. This Psalm demonstrates the truth that God will ultimately see that justice is done. There are only three options available: Rejoice, repent, or continue to live in denial.

Meditation

This Psalm pleads for God's protection. There are people who are to be feared--the oppressors; those who trap others through ruthless schemes; those who lie in wait for an opportunity to take advantage of the weak.

In God's economy, survival of the fittest breaks down. Ultimately, those who take advantage of the weak will be called into account by the only one who truly is "the fittest." Those who are weak can celebrate that they have a champion for justice. Those who wreak injustice on others shall someday have their day in court.

This weekend, take stock of your own life. Are you an oppressor, or are you oppressed? If you chose the latter, think again. And again. And again. Then, give thanks for Jesus Christ, who redeems us, brings us to repentance, and transforms us. We are all guilty. Jesus alone is mighty to save--in Christ alone can we read this psalm and rejoice.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ examine their own life and assess their own life. Are they among the wicked who make plots against others; do they sharpen their words to do harm to those around them; do they think that because they will never be called to account?
Oh Lord, our Redeemer, open ______'s eyes that they can see their ways and evaluate them by your standards. May they turn to you in repentance before their heard becomes so hard that they can never change.
Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to rejoice in you because of your great salvation.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 2:4. God is not ignoring injustice--he is patient...
Father God, may ______ not presume on your mercies, but understand that when you withhold judgement for a time, it is because you desire to show them mercy. May they recognize that no one ever "gets away" with anything.
Romans 5:11. The oppressor can be reconciled...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ rejoice in the Lord through Jesus Christ, for he is the source of our reconciliation, both to God and to others.
Matt 5:11. It is better to be oppressed than to oppress...
Almighty God, may ______ know that there is a blessing in enduring suffering and persecution. If they are causing suffering, bring them to repentance. If they are enduring suffering, may your peace rest upon them.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 34: A Feast for the Senses

2010-02-05T06:00:00.002-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:

February 5-6,.2010

Read Psalm 34 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

One of my favorite pieces of art is "Veiled Lady" by Rafaelo Monti. Every trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts includes a visit to this work. Even in a photo, you get some sense of it--that you can see through the marble veil and can gaze at the face beneath it.

As the old line goes, " I don't know much about art, but I know what I like." Well, this carving leaves me a bit breathless.

I love things that are beautiful and well designed. I have my favorite coffee cup, my favorite fountain pen, my favorite brand of pencil (Derwent), my favorite classic car (1937 Cord 812). My wife helped me understand this about myself: I love beauty when it is combined with functionality.

The "Veiled Lady" though is an exception to that rule. She is beautiful, with no other reason than beauty itself. No particular utility, just ars gratia aris--art for art's sake.

This Psalm proclaims the beauties of God that represent holy beauty solely for the sake of holy beauty. Consider how David (the Psalmist) presents this idea: "Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good."

Meditation

This is a Psalm of Praise. God, the creator, redeemer, and sustainer is truly beautiful. Not in a sentimental, "Preci0us M0ments" saccharine sweetness, but with the explosive power of redemptive grace. The beauty of God is so all encompassing that it can be tasted; it can be seen. I assure you: the Holy Beauty of God is knowable.

This weekend, take time to feast on the Beauty of God. Let Him fill your vision. For David, in the Psalms, he had a mere glimpse of God's beauty, a tantalizing hint of its flavor. In Jesus Christ, all of this is brought into focus. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Taste and see that the Lord is Good!

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ truly taste and see that you are good. May they know the beauty of your presence, and the very presence of your redemptive power.
May ______ seek you, and may they have a teachable heart like the heart of a child.
Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to desire life. May they keep their tongue from speaking evil, their lips from speaking deceit. May they turn from evil and do good; may they seek peace and pursue it.
Lord God, let _____ seek refuge in you.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

John 6:35. Real Bread, Real Flavor...
Father God, may ______ taste the real bread of life that is Jesus Christ. May they hunger for the true bread and know the flavor of your holiness.
1 Corinthians 13:12. And there's still more...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ recognize that they are still seeing you "though a glass, dimly," and may they one day see you face to face.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10. Crushed, perplexed, persecuted, but protected...
Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to have your presence and protection. Not in a shallow way, but in a profound, deep, beautiful way. Touch their life in a way that makes no sense to those who do not know you, but that only has meaning to those you have called and made holy through Jesus Christ.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 4: Beyond Happiness

2010-01-29T06:00:00.007-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:

January 30-31.2010

Read Psalm 4 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

I've never been known as a cheerful man. I've found that happiness is often over-rated, and yet we seem to pursue it with a hyper-focused devotion. The problem with happiness, is that it is purely circumstantial--if what happens is good, I'm happy. Anything goes bad, well, I'm unhappy.

By this point in your life, you've had days, weeks, and even years that gave you a ride on the roller-coaster of circumstance and emotion. It was Charles Schultz, creator of the Peanuts cartoon strip, who observed: "Happiness is a Warm Puppy." Yes, but eventually, warm puppies turn into large, soggy, smelly dogs (at least once in a while).

Maybe your mental state and your overall attitude needs something deeper and more lasting than "happiness."

Meditation

The key words here are Joy and Peace. Now, I'm the first to point out that you can't push the Christian faith by promising people anything like "peace, joy and a fulfilling life," but God does promise those things, not as selling points, but as the outcomes of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

People might think they are seeking happiness, but they are really loving vain words and seeking after lies. When you Know God, that doesn't guarantee happy circumstances. It guarantees that you have a place to go, regardless of the circumstances.

God does not promise happiness. He promises his people peace and joy--and few words have ever been more misused and misunderstood.

Peace, or Shalom is wholeness and a restored relationship with God (on the vertical) and with other people (on the horizontal). Because God redeemed me, I can love God, and because God redeemed me, I can love others regardless of their attitude toward me or toward God. The Cross of Christ, with its vertical and horizontal beams, is a good visual representation of Older Testament Shalom.

Joy is the overflowing life that comes from those restored relationships. Everything I do is the result of my new-found relationship with God, or the love I have for my fellow travelers.

This weekend, take time to ignore your circumstances, and look at the difference that real Joy and real Peace have made (or could make) in your life. The redemption that Jesus Christ brings must transcend your circumstances. God made you for more than the meager diversions of happiness.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may _________ know the richness of what it means that you are the "God of my righteousness."
May ______ cry out to you in distress, with the confidence that you will be gracious and hear their prayer.
Almighty God, may ______ have your heart for people who reject you. May they share your desire that lost hurting people would come to you and be set apart with the Godly as your people.
Lord God, give _____ anger over injustice, the delusion of happiness, the constant desire for the favor of others. May they not sin, but ponder the fact that despite all these things, you are still at work.
Lord Jesus, fill ______ with your joy when their tendency is to look for short-term happiness. Give _____ your peace/shalom so they can find true rest in you.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 1:25. No more pursuing lies...
Father God, if ______ is trading your truth for lies, draw them back to you as creator. May they see themselves as your creation, lovingly made; may they see that you are ready to save them from the lies and dead-end things that they have been pursing.
James 1:19-20. Angry good or Angry bad...
Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ understand the human anger does not lead to the righteousness that God requires.

Philippians 3:8-9. Righteousness, not happiness...
Almighty God, may ______ abandon trivial pursuits and "rule following" for the righteousness that comes from you. May they know the freedom of faithful obedience, not relying on their own efforts, but relying on Jesus Christ.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 123: I've Had All I Can Stand!

2010-01-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:

January 9-10.2010

Read Psalm 123 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

I hate platitudes. Few people see my work shop, but I have a sign up in there that I made about 30 years ago, when I was in college (the first time). This is a paraphrase, but you'll get the idea: When life gives you crap, make crapade.

While my verbiage has changed over the years, the underlying sentiment still stands: There are things that don't get any better no matter how much sugar and water you add.

Meditation

Life really can be hard. Get any group of ten people together, and ask to hear their stories. You'll hear about family struggles, job woes, economic setbacks, deceased children, abusive relationships, substance abuse, crime, gambling, and so on. It doesn't help to tell someone "just add sugar," "look on the bright side," "turn your frown upside down."

I've found that what I need is not platitudes. What I need is God. Jesus Christ paid an incredible price to redeem us from the pit.

Platitudes never lead to redemption--only God can do that.

This weekend, look at your situation. Had enough? Forget about swizzling your troubles into sugared water. By the time we hit college age, we all know--platitudes are no help at all. Look at the difficulties in your life, and then, look up toward God. Easy answers are useless--what we need, here, is mercy.

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may _________ know that you are enthroned in the heavens, and that you are in view when we are in the midst of troubles.
May ______ look to you as their only source, their only hope in whatever difficulties they face.
Almighty God, may ______ look to you like a pauper looks to a king. We are paupers, you are the King.
Lord God, give _____ the grace to cry out to you for mercy, with the assurance that you will respond.
Lord Jesus, ______ has had enough. Show ______ that mercy comes from you, and you alone.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

2 Peter 2:10. From whence mercy comes...
Lord, may _____ be one of your people. May ____ receive mercy.

1 Peter 2:16. Free, yet a servant...
Lord Jesus, may ______ live as a person who is free, but may they avoid evil not because they should, but because they are given the privilege of being your servants.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 93: Stronger Than Water

2009-12-18T06:00:00.004-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:
December 19-20.2009
Read Psalm 93 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

My wife and I just spent a long weekend in Iowa. On Monday, we decided to go into Cedar Rapids and meander around in the downtown area. With all respect to Cedar Rapidians, this proved to be a waste of our time.

About two years ago, Cedar Rapids--and most of Iowa--were inundated by flood waters. As we wandered around the skyway system, we found closed stairways and roped-off escalators. In one building, we looked down from a mezzanine to the closed first floor, where windows clearly showed the water-line. It was high on the windows, just under 8 feet up.

Water is strong. Even today, downtown Cedar Rapids is mostly closed up. Offices on upper floors are open, but the first floor retail spaces are mostly abandoned. Just down the road, the Veterans Memorial building is still closed--with hopes of reopening next year.

If you've ever had to deal with water, you know what a force it is. It is heavy (8 lbs per gallon), destructive, and persistent.

This Psalm offers the reminder that when you face troubled waters, God is stronger. The waters rise up, they roar, they thunder--and against that unrelenting force, God reigns. They are no match for his power.

Meditation

Water. We count on Goldilocks Quanities: The just right amount. Too much, and we can be swept away by the flow. Too little, and we face withering drought. Either one can end in death.

Remember, whether the waters of your life are too high, too low, or just right, that God is sovereign over all. His grace abounds.

This weekend, look at the raging waters of uncertainty, and put your hope on God. Look at the dry riverbeds in your life, and put your hope on God. The Lord is Holy, and the Lord is Trustworthy. He is better, and stronger, than water.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, may _________ know that you reign, and that you are robed in majesty.
When ______ faces unrelenting waters of difficulty in life, may they rest confidently in the fact that you are stronger than the waves and the tempest.
Almighty God, when the floods overwhelm ______, may they know that you are still in control. May they cry out to you for rescue, but may they also cry out to you in praise.
Lord God, may _____ understand that your decrees are very trustworthy, and that holiness befits your household and your people.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Ephesians 6:14. Tighten your belt...
Lord, just as you wear strength as your belt, you have given your people to wear truth as their belt. May _____ put on that belt in their life.

Titus 1:9. Trustworthy decrees, trustworthy Word...
Lord Jesus, may ______ know the trustworthiness of your Word, and may they know the trustworthiness of your very self.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 63: Thirsty or Distracted?

2009-12-11T06:00:00.005-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:
December 12-13.2009
Read Psalm 63 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

Bob Goudzwaard recognized our problem way back in the early 1980s--and he's not the first one. We have a tendency to turn things in our lives into idols. Back then, Goudzwaard pointed out that the emerging idols were nationalism, prosperity, and security (There's much more to his argument, of course). Today, we might well add technology, connectivity, and personal autonomy.

This Psalm begins with a reminder that must not be taken lightly: Oh God, you are my God. That confession ought to remind us to put away the idols and false Gods that keep us from relying on the one true God. Only God is real water for our thirsty souls (remember, Jesus is the Living Water). He satisfies us the way we wished that food could--how many people have you heard say after a large meal: "It will be days before I have to eat again." Yeah, right.

Meditation

What are the Gods in your life? Do you count on friends, family, spouse, lover, food, technology, facebook, intelligence, beauty, common sense, p0rnography, friends in high places, high friends in low places, social networks, church membership, alcohol, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, or...or...or...the list goes ever on and on. Do you count on any of those things to soothe you and make everything okay? Anything--even a good thing--that gets between you and God is at risk of becoming an idol.

Do you want God more than any of those things? Does your soul cry out to him? Can you read the words of this Psalm, and see far beyond the figures of speech, and recognize that longing in your own soul?

This weekend, ask yourself this: Can you say "Oh, God, you are my God!"? Is your thirsty soul in the only place where it can find refreshment? Are you looking to Jesus Christ as your one, true, heart's desire? He is the wellspring of life itself--why would we look anywhere else?

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ say from the depths of their heart, Oh, God, you are my God.
May ______ thirst for you, and may they never settle for the worthless idols that surround us and press in upon us.
Almighty God, may ______ find them self satisfied with you. May they feast on you, and find contentment greater than their most memorable meal.
Lord God, grant ______ your protection and your guidance. May they turn away from the things that so impress our society, and may they turn to you. Uphold ______ with your right hand.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

John 6:48-59. Jesus Christ is real food and real drink...
Lord, may _____ experience you as real food and real drink. The bread of heaven, the living water. May they feast on you through your Word, and find their satisfaction in you.

2 Peter 1:3-4. His power, His glory...
Lord Jesus, may your power call ______ into your glory and your excellence. May _____ know that you are sufficient for all we need for life and godliness.
Revelation 19:7. The only time we exult in the whole New Testament...
Lord Jesus, may _____ truly know you, and may they look forward to that Great Day when we will exult, rejoice, and give you glory--the day of the "Marriage of the Lamb" when all is fulfilled.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 33: Zoom Lens

2009-12-04T06:00:00.007-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:
December 5-6.2009
Read Psalm 33 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

This Psalm was written by an anonymous author, but it is a staggering revelation of the work and character of God. It starts off quite matter of factly--allow me to paraphrase: you really need to be praising God. Shout, sing, play the guitar, knock out a few chords on the piano--hold nothing back. It's like the worship leader who suddenly realizes that no one is singing along with him. And he pauses.

He then takes the time to bring all the people up to speed.  And he takes us from a 50 Billion Light-year view, down to a startlingly intimate point of view. "By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made." Roll that around in your brain for a while. We are 93 million miles from the sun, so far, that it takes the light about 8 1/2 minutes to get here.

Too big for you? Stand at the side of the ocean, and try to wrap your mind around that. Then think about this--God has more than that in storage, ready whenever he needs it. God spoke, and creation took form, and stood firm.

God has the maps and landforms, the nations, the kings and rulers, in his control. He looks down from heaven and sees the children of man. The God who spoke the universe into existence lovingly shaped the hearts of people.

Now, we're all on the same page. Now, let's praise Him.

Meditation

One of the most misused pieces of scripture is there in verse 12: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Yes, but let's not stop there. Notice that He chooses the people who are to be his heritage. In the words of Rich Mullins, "Remember, you did not choose me, no, I have chosen you."

This weekend, think about all that God has done. This is the God whol called creation into existence with a word, and took the time to shape your heart. You were not just called into existence--you were lovingly formed by the living God. This is no cause for pride. It is a cause for gratitude, brokenness, and humility before the Righteous One.
Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ marvel at your creation, and praise you. From the stars and galaxies, on down to the trees and the "me," you did it all.
May ______ know you as holy, upright, and full of steadfast love and justice. Let them see their own frailty before you.
Almighty God, because you are ______'s maker, you are the only one who can be ______'s sustainer. that you are the God who grants rest to his people, and that you are ______'s sustainer. May they fear no one because they know you and your protection.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

John 1:1-3. Jesus Christ creates and sustains...
Lord, may _____ know you as the Word who created everything. Nothing was made apart from you, and you are worthy of our worship.

Acts 17:28. Even the pagans figured this one out...
Lord God, may ______ know that only in Jesus Christ can they live and move and have their being.
Colossians 1:16-17. He keeps our atoms from flying apart...
Lord Jesus, you created _____ and you hold them together. Let them never take that mercy for granted, but let them know you as their Creator, Sustainer, and only hope.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 3: Heads Up!

2009-11-20T06:00:00.040-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:
November 21-22.2009
Read Psalm 3 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

King David wrote this Psalm from the pit of despair. Sometimes, we read right past the few words that fall between Psalm 3 and verse 1. They can, however, provide valuable context. David was in hiding from Absalom, his own son. Absalom tried to take the Kingdom from his father, and the king was forced into hiding. The whole story is in 2 Samuel 13-16. You'll notice that Absalom killed one of his own brothers--David had real reason to fear for his life.

This is a dysfunctional family, and seeing that, David cries out to God. Every piece of his life was shattered. His work life: Chaos--his job was threatened by someone younger, more appealing, and ambitious. His home life: Broken--he had proven himself to be a failure as a father, and his children were at war with each other (the whole story is not pretty).

It was so bad that people were saying "Even God cannot help David." Even so, David found hope. God had not abandoned him, and God assured him of His faithfulness.

Meditation

I think the most beautiful phrase of this Psalm is: But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

It's not always easy to remember this, but this reassurance came to David when he was at the lowest point of his life. There are many word pictures in this Psalm, all of them reassuring to this frail king, beset by trouble. God is shown here as the one who hears, the one who answers, the one who sustains, the one who avenges, the one who saves.

How reassuring it is to know that God cares for us beyond our circumstances. His goal is to bring us to repentance, transformation,  and redemption. That requires trust and what I call "God-confidence."

This weekend, ask yourself--where is my hope when all of life falls apart. It is best to consider that question, and its answer, before all of life falls apart. If you happen to be there now, do what David did: Cry out to God. Even if he does not get you out of it, he will certainly get you through it.

Bonus Information: You see that little word "Selah?" It shows up in many places in the Psalms, and three times in this third Psalm. Scholars will tell you that we don't know exactly what that word means. Here's my take (and if I'm wrong, my theory certainly will not do you any harm). Whenever I see the word Selah, I take that as a sign to stop and think about this idea, and by the way you'll find echoes of this all over the Bible. I see that word Selah as an ancient Post-it note to help us see some of the grand themes of scripture.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, remind _________ that no situation is hopeless, and people are only beyond reach when they deliberately turn away from you. Let _____ seek you and cry out to you, from the depths of their heart.
May ______ know you as their shield, their glory, and the one who lifts their head out of despair. When ______ cries out, grant them an answer.
Almighty God remind ______ that you are the God who grants rest to his people, and that you are ______'s sustainer. May they fear no one because they know you and your protection.
Father, may _______ know that grand theme that runs throughout your Word: Salvation belongs to the Lord.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Philippians 1:27-28 Salvation is from God...
Lord, may _____ serve you faithfully without fear. May they express your salvation through faithfulness, vigilance, community, and courage.

Hebrews 4:9. A much needed rest...
Lord God, may ______ know Jesus Christ, and by knowing him, enter into that sabbath rest that you have promised for your people.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 122: The Path to Peace

2009-11-13T06:00:00.003-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:
November 14-15.2009
Read Psalm 122 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

I once heard a sermon on the opening phrase of this Psalm: "I was glad when they said to me 'Let us go to the house of the Lord'." All these years later, I still remember the challenge--does the idea of worshiping God delight me?

In this Psalm, Jerusalem represents that place of worship--that personal encounter with the living God. I love the description of it as "a city that is bound firmly together." It was solid, reliable, safe--and not by its own merits, but by the presence of God.

Meditation

Think back over your life. Where is that place where you always felt loved, and always felt at peace. For me, that was in the little town of Mount Sterling, WI, when visiting my great aunt and great uncle, Thelma and Elmer Lee. There was a real sense of joy, peace, and the grace of God in their home, and in my youth the most beautiful sound in the world was my dad's voice saying "We're going to Mount Sterling."

That's the idea behind this Psalm. For the people of God under the Old Covenant, Jerusalem was their home, their hope, and the place where they knew the presence of God.

The climb uphill to Jerusalem was a time of prayer, singing, and gratitude. It meant not only life, peace, and security, but it meant justice, reconciliation, and wholness. Quite simply, Jerusalem meant far more to the Jewish people than Mount Sterling means to me.

This weekend, consider your life, and ask yourself--is it an expectant, eager climb into the very presence of God? Or is it aimless wandering? Take hold of "the peace of Jerusalem." Ultimately, that peace comes through Jesus Christ.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ find gladness at coming into your presence. Let them seek you with perseverance and eagerness.
May ______ seek to live their life in your presence, and to plant their feet firmly in your peace.
Oh, God remind ______ that your judgement means justice. May they know your justice, and by knowing it, seek your mercy without delay or excuse.
Father, may _______ learn the truth that Jesus is the "peace of Jerusalem." He is the promised Messiah, the redeemer, and the King of Israel. It is only by his grace the promise is fullfilled: "Peace be within you."

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Philippians 4:6-7. Real Peace...
Lord, where _____ knows anxiety, may they know your peace. May _____ experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. May they come to Jesus Christ, that he may guard their hearts and their minds.

Colossians 3:15. The Peace of Christ...
Lord God, may the peace of Christ reign in _______'s heart. Let _____ know the gratitude and thanksgiving that comes from being reconciled to you through Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:23. Complete sanctification...
Father God, you have the power to transform lives. I ask that you will bring your sanctifying, transforming, redeeming power into ______'s life. Lord Jesus, by your grace, may their whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless, that they may be found whole, holy, and transformed at your return.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 92: In Praise of Good Work

2009-11-06T06:00:00.003-06:00

The weekend Psalm for:
November 7-8.2009
Read Psalm 92 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

I've had a lot of projects that I started with all the best intention, only to realize that they did not live up to my hopes or expectations. So often, I step back from what I have done, look at it objectively, and I see every fault. In woodworking, it's the mis-cut miter; in teaching, it is the well intentioned statement that was misconstrued; in writing, it's the idea that's way clearer in my head than it is on paper.

Face it: My best efforts are pretty lame.

No wonder the Psalmist says "For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy." What God does matters. What God redeems endures.

The fool doesn't understand the works of the Lord, and in fact, tries to build and make things that will upstage God. In the final analysis, they are corrupt, doomed, and unrighteous.

This Psalm reminds us to put our trust in the faithfulness of God. That's the only way our best efforts will ever add up to anything.

Meditation

Years ago--more years that I care to think about--we did a paper-mache art project. I was in second or third grade, and I settled on making a reindeer. Our art teacher taught us to make a wire frame to support the sculpture while we were working on it.

It was a beauty. Perfect, well proportioned, painted the ideal "reindeer brown" and shellacked to preserve it for posterity. Throughout the project, I knew who was going to get the finished project--my grandfather (I called him 'Pa'). I gave it to him with great fanfare.

It rocked. No, I mean it rocked--it didn't sit level on all four feet. At some point, my idealistic vision cleared: This was an ugly reindeer. Two sharp points of wire jutted out of the antlers; its eyes were big and bright red; any resemblance to a deer was strictly coincidental. Pa didn't care. It sat on top of one of his bookcases until he passed away, when I was well into my 20s.

I'm quite sure that all of my life's work will wind up looking like that pathetic reindeer. For Pa (and for God), it was not the quality of the workmanship--it was the love that drove it. Only God's works are Good. Everything else is basically junk, unless it is done in a spirit of Love for the Lord. God's grace redeems us, and the praise for works in the Bible always amounts to praise for the wonderful works of God.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ give thanks to you and sing praises to your name.
May ______ recognize that their work is frail and faltering when they work apart from you.
Oh, God let ______ be planted in your courts and flourish there. May _____ bear fruit for you throughout their lives.
Father, may _______ declare that you are righteous, and may they know you as their rock--the only solid point of reference to judge the meaning of their work in this life.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

I Cor 15:57. Where Thanksgiving grows...
Lord, let _____ give thanks to you, and may they know that you have given them the victory through Jesus Christ by taking hold of your grace in repentance and trust.

Romans 5:10. We were all enemies of God...
Lord God, may _______ recognize that without Jesus Christ, we are all enemies of God, no matter how we try, or how much good we do. May _____ be reconciled to you through the death of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:19. The righteous find a home...
Father God, give ______ your grace, so that they will no longer be a stranger and an alien, but let them find their home and their identity in your household. May ____ recognize that all who come to you through Jesus Christ are fellow citizens with the rest of your saints.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 62: Which Ladder Are You On?

2009-10-30T06:00:00.003-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:
October.31-November1.2009
Read Psalm 62 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
People are basically unreliable. In life, stuff happens: People get sick, cars get stolen, plans change, jobs end, friends face emergency surgery, families relocate, people die. And that's been just this past week in my life, and the lives of people I care about. And that's just my friends!

There are also those people--every life has them--where there are the malicious ones, just waiting for you to trip and fall. Ready to offer sarcasm over sympathy; heckling over encouragement; bitterness over mercy.

Yes. People are unreliable.

This Psalm asks an important question: Why, if people are so unreliable (even at their best), why are you working so hard to impress them? At your best, you are either a whisp--a breath, or a mask--a delusion.Those are harsh words, but that is the nature of a life that finds its meaning in this life, and not in God.

Meditation

There is a graveyard in my hometown, and there are people buried there who were once the toast of the town. A former governor. A national business leader or two. Tombstones that bear the names of major streets or wards in the city. All, side by side with people whose legacies have been forgotten, lost, or never existed.

This weekend, consider your goals, and where you are going in life. Are you climbing a ladder to success? Good for you, now ask yourself: What will this mean in 200 years. Grim, isn't it.

The Psalms are unblinkingly honest. Trust God. Remember that you (like the rest of humanity) are ultimately unreliable. The word of comfort and encouragement we get here is not easy. Everything falls apart except God. He alone is powerful; He is the only source of steadfast love; He will judge us for our works. The rest of the story is that, through Jesus Christ, he will also redeem us by his Grace.Make sure that the ladder you are climbing is taking you up the right wall.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ stop arguing with you and wait in silence for your salvation.
May ______ recognize that there are malicious, destructive people in their life, and may they turn to you as their only refuge, their only source of hope.
Oh, God help ______ to trust you at all times, and pour out their heart before you. May ______ know you as their rock and their refuge from a world that is hostile, harsh, and unfriendly.
Father, may _______ see themself as a breath or a delusion, and find comfort in the fact that their real identity, meaning, and direction can be found only in you. Protect ______ from the errors of both arrogance and despair.
Lord God, remind ______ that yours is the power, and you are the source of steadfast love. Help _______ know that the only way they can stand before you is through Jesus Christ and the grace that He brought to us.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

John 2:24-25. We are not reliable...
Lord, help _____ to follow Christ's example and entrust themselves to God, and not to other people. Jesus knew our failures, and yet he showed us mercy. May ______ turn from impressing others, and seek you in true repentance and trust.
2 Corinthians 6:8-9. The Paradox of the faithful...
Lord God, may _______ know that it is now how others view them, but how you view us. You are the source of our real life, in Jesus Christ. Grant ______ the grace to experience that.
James 2:9. All favoritism is sinful...
Father God, help ______ understand that all favoritism, all partiality, all comparing people against one another, is sinful. Help us to view each other, and ourselves, with your eyes.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 32: Turnabout is Fair Play

2009-10-23T06:00:00.004-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:
October.24-25.2009
Read Psalm 32 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
Got any secrets? Sure you do. You know what it is: It's that thing that looms over your heart and reminds you of your failure (one of my college friends used to call it his dragon). Maybe it's your anger, pride, gossip, backstabbing, stubbornness, that problem with alcohol or some other addictive; maybe it's fear. Whatever it is--you know it. You are afraid to acknowledge it--it's so much easier not to talk about it. Keep it stashed away, and hope that it causes you no trouble.

It's hungry, though. From time to time, you can feel it gnawing at your bones. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, you are wasting away, and no one knows it but you. So far.

And into the midst of that, the Word of God speaks: "How Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." And you realize: That's the problem--I can't forgive it by myself, and I can't cover it over--it keeps kicking off the covers.

This Psalm offers the cure. It offers hope. Uncover that sin, take it to God, turn away from it, and find forgiveness and freedom. The word is repentance: Acknowledging our sin (our dragons), and trusting Jesus Christ to take care of them for us. We can't get that freedom ourselves. And God is the only one who can give it to us.

Meditation

Think about those things in your life that you really hope God doesn't notice. We're so good at rationalizing--everbody has faults, nobody's perfect, this is no big deal. Yeah. Maybe.

But maybe you know the truth, deep down. That's why you see yourself wasting away under a burden that you can't get rid of. But there's hope.

The hope is not from "Emergency Prayers" to cover a moment of crisis (vs. 6). If you want to hear the shouts of deliverance, you have to bring that burden to God as soon as you realize its weight. Pretty soon, you realize that you are the source of those shouts of deliverance.

This weekend, consider your life and the burdens you bear. Turn those things over to God. Some people think "Repentance" is an old fashioned word, far too out of touch with our contemporary understanding of human psychology. In all compassion, let me say that those are probably the people who have never experienced repentance. The Grace of God that comes out of repentance is too amazing and wonderful for words. This, I know. I have lived it. I am a man set free.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, let _________ feel their bones wasting away under the weight of their sin, and let them seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ--our only hope of freedom.
May ______ find the courage and the strength to confess their transgressions to the Lord.
Oh, God teach ______ the way they should go, and make their heart open and available to you, that they can learn your will with humility, and not stubbornly so they must be curbed.
Almighty God, give _______ the awareness that they are surrounded by your steadfast love. May they rejoice and shout for joy.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Luke 5:32. Why Jesus Came...
Lord, we know that you came to call sinners to repentance. We all fall into that category, and may ______ turn around and come to you in true repentance.
Acts 26:20b. How should we live...
Lord God, may _______ repent toward you, and live a life that demonstrates the fact that they have turned to you, and not away.
Acts 17:30-31 Without the Resurrection, none of this matters...
Father God, repentance is the right response when we truly understand that you raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Help _______ understand that Christ died to free us from the trap of sin, and that repentance is the only logical, proper, and normal response to that truth.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 2: Are You Pushing?

2009-10-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:
October.17-18.2009
Read Psalm 2 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
My grandfather was a railroad man. When I was only about 5 years old, we were walking along the tracks, and I saw a boxcar a little way ahead of us. I said "I think I can push that." He said that I could try.

As we walked toward it, it loomed larger and larger in front of me, and I quickly began to realize that this was going to be far harder that I expected. I pushed, and nothing happened--I expected it to at least rock a little, but no...nothing.

One of our culture's pervasive images is the idea that each of us is the King/Queen over our household. It's a clever idea that suggests that we all want a place where we don't have to live under anyone's authority. It's good to be the king. I've seen people work awfully hard to break any claim that God might have on their life. For many of us, our greatest battles are fought to win our autonomy. You go right ahead: Push that box car.

This Psalm reminds us that we are not, ultimately, in control. The more we wage war against God, the more he sits back and chuckles at us. I'm sure my grandfather chucked--finding great irony in my own self-assurance, and my own blindness to my own weakness.

Meditation
When all the world is in chaos, when sabres are rattling, and people are struggling to assert their power, influence, and self-sufficiency, God reminds us: "I've already set up my chosen king. The issue is settled, so don't kill yourself trying to change the outcome."

The kings of the earth are reminded to serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Yes, this means world leaders. But it also means you.

This weekend, consider your own autonomy, how you cherish it, and how you fight for it. Then remember this: If you think you have outgrown your need for God, go ahead, push that boxcar. Use this psalm as a reminder of your own frailty before the triumphant King.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, when _________ sees nations rage, remind them that the same battle is in their heart as well.
May ______ quit trying to break your sovereignty over their life, and quit trying to cast off all restraint.
Oh, God Most High, you have already chosen the one true King over all. May ______ turn to you and and live under the gracious rule and reign of Jesus Christ.
Almighty God, give _______ the grace of serving you with fear and rejoicing with trembling. May _______ know the fearsome comfort of being overwhelmed by your glory and holiness.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Luke 12:31-32. The Kingdom Can Be Yours...
Lord, forgive ______ when they forget to seek your kingdom. We are all so good at building our own kingdoms, but they will fall to nothing.
John 3:16-17. The son can save us...
Lord God, thank you for sending your one and only son to save ______. May the power of these verses overwhelm _______ with a sense of your sovereign grace and the way your provided Jesus Christ as _______'s way to salvation.
I Corinthians 6:19-20. Bought with a price...
Father God, when we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we need to remember the price you paid. Help _______ know that they have been bought with a price, and give them the ability to honor you in what they do, and how they live. Remind ______ that living right before you does not gain us any points with you, but it is a way we can express our gratitude for saving us from the burden of our sin.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 121: An Uphill Battle

2009-10-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:
October.3-4.2009
Read Psalm 121 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
When you feel like all of life is an uphill battle, take courage. This psalm is marked "a song of ascents." Smarter people than I disagree on this, so I'm giving you the approach that seems to fit best: As I tell my students, you can disagree with me and still get an A in my course. A song of ascents was one of the psalms that God's people sung on their way to Jerusalem, and Jerusalem is uphill. That's why, regardless of map direcetion, people go up to Jerusalem, and down to most anywhere else.

This uphill journey was fraught with troubles and terrors. Consider this--the journey was on foot (usually), uphill, and there were robbers and thugs along the way. The roads into Jerusalem were known for that, so well known that it's part of the setup in the parable of the good Samaritan.

When your life takes you uphill through scary, dangerous terrain, remember where your help comes from. Now, as then, it comes from the Lord.

Meditation
Worship takes place even on the way to worship. The God who made the terrain watches over you. The God who never sleeps or slumbers is watching over you. The God who protects you from sun and moon (threats by day and threats by night) is the one who keeps you.

This weekend, think about the uphill parts of your life. Look at those imposing hills, and the threats you cannot completely discern. Then remember to trust yourself to God. Use this psalm as a reminder that He is the one-and-only source of help.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, when _________ looks up at the hills of their life, may they remember that you are the source of their help.
May ______ thank you, Father, that you created heaven and earth. None of the terrain of ________'s life is a surprise to you. Thank you for being our creator and protector.
Oh, God Most High, you reached out to us while we were outsiders. May ______ turn to you and no longer be an outsider.
You protect your people from "the sun by day and the moon by night." May _______ know that your protection is all-encompassing.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Philippians 4:6-7. Promise of Protection...
Lord, it is so easy to be anxious, so easy to fear. May _____ worship you in prayer and supplication. Let _____ experience your peace--the only peace that goes well beyond our understanding.
James 1:11. The sun will scorch us...
In the scorching heat of day-to-day life, we all wither away. May ______ seek you: Father, you are the only pursuit that will never cause us to fade away.
2 Timothy 1:12. I know Jesus Christ, and I believe.
Father God, in the words of the old hymn, taken right from your Word: "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I've committed unto him, against that day." I pray that ______ will commit their life to you, through Jesus Christ, confident that you will protect--you have already guarded it with your life!

Note: When I decided to work through the Psalms, I chose an old church pattern so that I could have a usable pattern without going in order. Little did I realize how God would emphasize the theme of redemption and protection in this first batch of 5 Psalms. Let's see, together, what other truths God might have in mind for us.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 91: Think Globally, Seek God Locally

2009-10-02T06:00:00.002-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:
October.3-4.2009
Read Psalm 91 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
There are times I hate to listen to the news. Trouble here and there, wars, senseless death, tragedy, sw1ne flu, mad dictators, bad public policy. Psalm 91 is a good reminder that "He's G0t the Whole World 1n His Hands." That might seem like a stretch, but that phrase "the most high" is a common reference to God that is addressed to non-Jews--people who were not under God's covenant or care.

It's quite remarkable that this outsider language appears in Psalms, the prayer book for God's people for ages upon ages.

God takes an eternal view of protecting us from harm, and the Bible offers no "Get out of Persecution Free" cards. Ask Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Ask Voice of the Martyrs. God offers his eternal viewpoint, his protection, to everyone--even us outsiders. No evil will befall you: You may die, but you shall still stand. The truth is, it's hard to explain the comfort of this to anyone who is completely bound to the here-and-now.

Meditation
About 2 1/2 years ago, my dad died of cancer. It was a year-long battle, and he fought, but he did not fight desperately. When he chose to quit the chemotherapy, I saw something that I have only rarely glimpsed: Peace. Shalom. Faith.
I can say, now, that my dad died well. He taught me a lot about life by the way he left it--holding firm to his Savior's hand, and trusting, no matter what.
In the midst of that, when we want healing as the outcome, it's hard to see. In retrospect, though, he did not fear the terror of the night, or the arrows of the day. Though we all wanted a different answer, I see how God delivered him, stood with him, rescued him, and honored him (see vs 13-14). Ultimately, our family saw God's salvation, because God showed it to my dad.

This weekend, think about the end of your life. Think about what it means to die well, because by this, you will learn to live well. Take time to pray for someone who has no peace--who fears politicians (on the left or on the right), world events, disaster, or tragedy. No one wants those things, but "The God Most High" offers peace and deliverance to a people who know no comfort. Thanks to Jesus Christ, no one ever has to be an outsider again.
Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, show _________ all the ways you are our refuge and fortress. May _____ we find all of our comfort and protection in your presence.
I pray, Father, that you will protect ________ from all the snares and fears of life--the net of the fowler, disease, the terrors of night, and arrows of day. These come in many forms, and I ask that you will be ______'s protector--the only protector they need.
Oh, God Most High, you reached out to us while we were outsiders. May ______ turn to you and no longer be an outsider.
You protect those who know your name. Reveal yourself to _______ that they may come to you through Jesus Christ, and know you as our protector, our deliverer, our satisfaction, and our salvation.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 5:8. While we were outsiders...
Lord, your word tells us "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." May _____ see what that means--you do care, and _____ is not out of your reach.
I Peter 2:10. God's people are never again the outsiders.
Father, make it clear to ______ that apart from you, we're never a people--we have no meaningful identity. Show ______ that your people are those who have experienced your mercy.
Hebrews 2:3. There is an escape from God's Wrath.
Father God, I pray that ______ will be not neglect "such a great salvation" that has been offered to us through Jesus Christ.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 61: Gimmie Shelter

2009-09-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:
September.26-27.2009
Read Psalm 61 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
Have you ever had one of those moments when all you could do was cry out to God? If you have, this Psalm is for you. I mean, literally, that it is for you--not just to read, but to pray: Let it provide you with words when words fail. When you weep in desperation, let its words be your "GPS" to find your way to comfort.

The words are rustic, yet they exert a powerful pull on our spirit. "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I;" "My Refuge...my strong tower;" these are the words of a person who has realized his own powerlessness.

MeditationWhen the Psalmist says "Let me dwell in your tent forever," we don't get that. This is a cultural thing--if we stay in someone's tent, it is our host who takes responsibility for our safety, our food, our water, and everything we need to live. It also implies a willingness to live under the rules of the house.

The psalmist's plea would be a bold imposition if it was made to someone else. It only makes sense in light of a gracious, all powerful, all holy God. Consider that. Is this your plea? Are you ready to move in?

This weekend, look into your heart, and think about whether this is your hope, your desire. Are you willing to live under God's tent, and be part of his household? Take time to pray for someone who is in a challenging time, and really needs to find their way to God's shelter. People fail us--and the truth is, we fail ourselves. Our only hope is to entrust ourselves to the God who offers his tent to us as our permanent address.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, I ask that when _________'s heart is faint, and when life feels like the ends of the earth and far from you, that you will remind them to turn to you.
Lord, lead _______ to the rock that is higher than any of us. Lead us to you.
Remind ______ of the times when you have been faithful, and that you have protected them. Help _______ see that you have been merciful, even in the difficult times.
Almighty God, let ______ dwell in your tent forever. Make that their prayer, and turn their heart toward you.
Father, you are our father. Let _____ find their heritage, their history, and their hope in you.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Ephesians 3:6. Through the Gospel, we can all be heirs of the promise.
Lord, your word tells us that we are all fellow heirs of the promise. Father, may _____ know the power of the Gospel. May they be faithful members of your body, the church, and may they know your faithfulness through the promise, now fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:14. There is life in serving God.
Lord God, help ________ to turn from dead works to real life in Jesus Christ. Apart from Christ, nothing matters. May _____ experience life in him, and be cleansed from dead works, and that he can serve the Living God.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 31: Miserable Faith

2009-09-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:
September.19-20.2009
Read Psalm 31 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
There it is, right at the end of verse 1. It's not only the big idea in this Psalm, it's one of the biggest ideas in scripture. Salvation is based on God's righteousness, not mine: ...in your righteousness deliver me. I'd far rather trust myself to God's faithfulness than my own.

This is a Messianic Psalm; in other words, it looks forward to Jesus. But it also has a message for us, since Jesus is not only Lord and Savior, he is also our example.

Don't you wish you could escape all of life's troubles, trials, and difficulty? It's an appealing idea, but if Jesus faced troubles, so will we. The promise here is quite simple: You will face affliction and distress of soul (vs 7), grief sorrow and sin all around (vs 9 & 10), and abuse from people who either hate us or misjudge our actions (vs 15-18). Even in that, God will not abandon us.

Like Psalm 1, this Psalm shows two paths of life. This time, the Psalmist reminds us that hope in God must prevail to the end, and then, victory for God's people. Again, not because we are so righteous, but because God himself saves us through his righteousness.

Meditation
It's hard to persevere and be faithful in a prosperous age. Somehow, we easily fall into the trap that we deserve the good things God grants to us. Remember that all Good comes from God, but that we won't get all the good things until all of life is redeemed at Christ's return. In this life, we will have sorrows. The good news from this Psalm, and from the Gospels, is that He will faithfully see us through our challenges.

Here's the hard question, then: Is God your rock and your fortress? Because of your confidence in Him, do you live your life courageously, without fear, and in great confidence?

This weekend, throw aside your self-confidence, and instead focus on growing your God-confidence. Take time to pray for someone who is beaten down by fear, sorrows, and the reproach of others. Pray that they will find their strenth and comfort in the one who is righteous. Pray that they depend on the righteousness of God, and not their own.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, I ask that you will be _________'s rock and refuge. May _____ know you as a strong fortress from sin and its effects.
I pray, Father, that ________ will know the disappointment of living for the approval of others. May ______ realize that you are the only faithful one. While others lay traps for us, you provide shelter.
If ________ has idols (earthly things that control him/her) may they see them as worthless and turn to you and your steadfast love.
Father God, when people are abusive toward _______, protect them from the sting of words and emotional abuse. May _______ say to you, "You are my God," and I pray that you will step in quickly to save and protect him/her.
Lord God, I thank you that the righteous can stand before you. Make that true of ______'s life. May _______ know your grace and your leading: May you know his/her way and watch over him/her.
Father, make your face shine upon _____. May he/she take courage and confidence in you. May ______ wait on the Lord, but Lord, make the time of waiting short!

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

Romans 9:33. Jesus is a rock of offense.
Lord, your word tells us that Jesus is the rock of offense, so may _____ never be offensive in him/her self, but, Jesus, please be so visible in _______'s life that the unfaithful are offended by you. May ______ believe in Jesus, and may he/she never be put to shame.
Revelation 7:15. God will shelter.
Father God, I pray that ______ will be "washed in the blood of the Lamb" and come to faith in Jesus Christ, so that he/she will be sheltered by you.
Romans 3:24 & I Corinthians 1:30. Jesus is our redemption.
Lord Jesus, help ________ to understand the power of your redemption. Make it clear to _______ that redemption is a gift that comes by the grace of God. Also, Lord Jesus, make it clear that you are his/her only source for righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Note: A few words that might need explanation, though God himself will make these clear to you. Righteousness is proper standing and rightness before God, sanctification is living an ever-more holy life because God is at work in us, and redemption is being bought back from the penalty and burdens of sin.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 1: Staying Green and Fresh

2009-09-11T06:00:00.008-05:00

The weekend Psalm for:
September.12-13.2009
Read Psalm 1 from the English Standard Version
(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea
Are you going through a dry spell? It could be that the company you keep is weakening your roots. God's people choose all of their relationships wisely. In verse 1 of this Psalm, the blessed man avoids the common problem of getting more and more comfortable with sin. The progression is clear: First you walk its paths, then you stand still, and finally, you wind up sitting in it. Choose your friends wisely.

God is the cure. When you find yourself anchored in Him, drawing nourishment by having your roots in God, you will be fresh, fruitful, and beneficial to others. In contrast, this Psalm teaches that roots anywhere else will leave you dry, lifeless, and like chaff. Chaff is the dusty, dry remnant left over when wheat is prepared for making flour.

This Psalm shows two paths of life, and the present and ultimate outcome of those choices.

Meditation
I can't tell you if you are dry or not. Chances are, though, you know. Read through this Psalm, and consider your own life. Are you alive, fresh, green, and rooted in God? Or is your life dry, dusty, and choking. Be honest--that's were repentance starts, and where real life can begin.

Seek to put your roots down deep into Jesus Christ. He is the Living Water. He is your source. Take time this weekend to focus on planting yourself "by streams of water." Take time to pray for someone you care about who needs that living water in their own life.

Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

Father God, I ask that you set _________ free from wicked counsel. Protect ________ from getting comfortable around people and situations that lead them to doubt your goodness or scoff at your mercies.
I pray, Father, that you will plant ________ by streams of living water. May _______ live a life that is fruitful, pleasing to you, and refreshing to others.
If there are areas of ________'s life that are dry and chaff-like, I pray that you will show that, and give ________ a desire to have roots in you, Lord.
Lord God, I thank you that the righteous can stand before you. Make that true of ______'s life. May _______ know your grace and your leading: May you know his/her way and watch over him/her.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

John 4:7-14--Jesus is the Living Water.
Lord Jesus, let ____ find all of my satisfaction and contentment in you. Everything else we seek just makes us dry and thirsty. Only you can quench _____'s thirst.
Col 2:6-7 -- Be Rooted in Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus, help ____ to walk in you, to be rooted in you, and to be established in the faith. Help ____ to live that out with gratitude for you and your mercy.
John 15:5 -- Apart from Jesus, we cannot live fruitful lives.
Lord Jesus, help _____ to abide in you. Without that, life is fruitless. Help _____ to be aware of our human limitations, and our pride. Remind ____ that apart from you, he/she can do nothing, but that with you, _____ can bear fruit. Help _____ to understand what that means.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD