Author: looking2jesus13

MAY 1

Psalm 87

Psalm 87:6, “The Lord records as he registers the peoples, ‘This one was born there.'”

Psalm 87 offers a stunning vision of Zion—not just as Israel’s beloved capital, but as the spiritual epicenter of God’s presence and divine favor. More than a physical city, Zion becomes a symbol of God’s redemptive plan. What’s especially striking is the psalm’s universal message: people from nations far beyond Israel, even historical enemies like Egypt (Rahab) and Babylon, will one day be counted as citizens of Zion. This is not merely about geography—it’s about belonging. God is building a people not based on heritage or birthplace, but on spiritual rebirth.

That idea brings to mind something as ordinary as a birth certificate. Mine says I was born at Portland Osteopathic Hospital in Portland, Oregon—a hospital that, interestingly, no longer exists. Having lived over 65 years in Oregon, I qualify for certain benefits, like a Pioneer License for fishing and hunting. But beyond that, there aren’t many exclusive perks to being a native Oregonian. As beautiful as my home state is, it also has its flaws, like anywhere else.

Still, each year, I mark that physical birthday with gratitude. But there’s another birthday that far surpasses it in meaning—the day I was “born again.” Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3 that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born of the Spirit. This spiritual birth—the moment a person places faith in Christ—is what makes someone a true citizen of God’s Kingdom. As John 1:12 declares, “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

One day, there will be a celebration unlike any other. Revelation 5 gives us a glimpse of it: people from every nation, tribe, and tongue gathered in worship around the throne, honoring the Lamb who was slain. That heavenly chorus will include those born in every corner of the world—united not by earthly citizenship, but by their spiritual rebirth in Christ.

Your earthly birthplace may be on your birth certificate, but your spiritual rebirth is what secures your place in heaven. Have you had a second birthday? Have you been born of the flesh and of the Spirit?

“Born of the Spirit with life from above, Into God’s family divine, Justified fully thru Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine.”— “Heaven Came Down,” John W. Peterson

Application Questions: Psalm 87 celebrates God’s plan to welcome people from all nations into His Kingdom.  How does this affect the way you view others, especially those who are from differing cultures?  Can you identify a “second birthday” when you placed your trust in Jesus?

APRIL 30

Psalm 86

Psalm 86:11, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”

Psalm 86 stands as a deeply personal and heartfelt prayer of David, expressing his profound dependence on God’s mercy and unwavering faithfulness. Like many other psalms, it is marked by his earnest cries for help, grounded in his confidence in the Lord’s compassion, forgiveness, and steadfast love. Central to David’s plea is a sincere desire to be taught God’s ways and to walk in obedience. Among the most stirring lines is David’s cry, “Unite my heart to fear Your name”—a longing for undivided devotion and a life centered in reverent worship.

This same spirit of wholehearted consecration is beautifully echoed in the life and work of Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879), often referred to as the “consecration poet.” Havergal devoted her life to Christ with a singular focus, and her hymns reflected her devotion. Her spiritual journey began remarkably early—memorizing Scripture by age four and composing poetry by the time she was seven. Despite a life marked by frail health and lasting only 43 years, she left a lasting legacy through her writings, including the beloved hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be,” written in 1874.

The story behind the hymn is as moving as the words themselves. In her own account, Havergal describes a brief visit to Areley House, where she prayed earnestly for the spiritual renewal of everyone there. She recalled: “There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted, but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer, ‘Lord, give me all in this house!’ And He just did. Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit, after I had retired, the governess asked me to go to the two daughters. They were crying, etc.; then and there both of them trusted and rejoiced; it was nearly midnight. I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration; and these little couplets formed themselves, and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with ‘Ever, Only, ALL for Thee!'”

Havergal’s experience that night reflects the same longing expressed in David’s psalm—a yearning for God’s presence to transform hearts and lives, beginning with her own. Both the psalm and the hymn invite us to consider what it means to live a life wholly surrendered, with hearts united in devotion to the One who is ever faithful.

“Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.” — Frances Ridley Havergal

Application Questions: David prayed, “Unite my heart to fear Your name.” In what areas of your life do you feel divided in your devotion to God, and how might you invite Him to bring unity and focus to your heart?

APRIL 29

Psalm 85

Psalm 85:6, “Will you not revive us again?”

The heartfelt cry of the psalmist — “Will You not revive us again?”—has echoed through the generations as the enduring plea of God’s people. In 1863, William Paton MacKay (1839–1885), a Scottish doctor, Presbyterian minister, and hymn writer, captured this longing in his well-known hymn, “Revive Us Again.” His own story of personal revival is both remarkable and deeply encouraging.

Raised in a devout Christian home, William was grounded in the faith by his godly mother. However, upon entering the University of Edinburgh to study medicine, he drifted into moral decline and heavy drinking. His spiritual descent reached a low point when he pawned the very Bible his mother had lovingly given him.

As a physician, MacKay regularly witnessed the contrast between patients who died with peace through faith in Christ and those who passed without hope. Yet, by his own admission, he was becoming a “thorough infidel.” That path changed when a critically injured young laborer was brought into the hospital.

MacKay later recalled: “My dear mother… had been a godly, pious woman, quite often telling me of the Savior… But nothing had made a deep impression on me. The older I grew, the more wicked I became….”

The dying man, fully aware of his condition, asks only to see his landlady—to settle a small debt and to request “The Book.” MacKay visited him daily and was struck by the man’s peace: “What struck me most was the quiet, almost happy expression constantly on his face….”

After the man’s passing, the nurse held up a book and asks, “‘What shall we do with this?’… ‘The Bible of the poor man…. As long as he was able to read it, he did so, and when he was unable to do so anymore, he kept it under his bed cover.'”

To MacKay’s astonishment, the Bible was his own: “My name was still in it, written in my mother’s hand….”  Gripped by conviction, he reflected: “It had given comfort… in his last hours… a guide… into eternal life… And this Book… I had actually sold for a ridiculous price…. Be it sufficient to say that the regained possession of my Bible was the cause of my conversion.”

“Revive us again, fill each heart with thy love. May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.”—William Mackay

Application Questions: What would revival look like in your own life?  In what ways can MacKay’s story encourage you regarding the influence of your life on the others around you?

APRIL 28

Psalm 84

Psalm 84:10, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Psalm 84 is a profound reflection on the incomparable joy of being in God’s presence. The psalmist declares, “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere,” recognizing that nothing in this world—no matter how luxurious or powerful—can compare to the peace, fulfillment, and eternal reward found in God’s presence. The psalm also expresses a longing to be close to God, and even a willingness to take on the humblest of roles—”I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Even the smallest, humblest position within God’s kingdom is far better and more desirable than the grandeur and fleeting offerings of this world.

In this context, William Wilberforce’s life mirrors the sentiment of the psalm. Wilberforce had the option to live a life of ease and power, much like the kings in the tents of the wicked. As a wealthy, influential politician in Britain, he could have lived comfortably, indulging in the privileges of his position. But instead, he chose to pursue God’s will by devoting himself to the abolition of the slave trade, a cause that would require years of struggle, rejection, and personal cost. He was, in a sense, willing to be a doorkeeper in God’s house, using his influence for the service of others and the advancement of justice, rather than choosing the ease of worldly wealth or power.

Wilberforce’s life reflects the truth found in Psalm 84: the joy and peace of being in God’s presence—even in humble service—far outweigh the temporary rewards of a life without God. Wilberforce’s commitment to the cause of abolition demonstrates that living in alignment with God’s heart, even at great personal sacrifice, is more fulfilling than any worldly comfort or status. His choice to serve in God’s kingdom—despite the difficulties—echoes the psalmist’s sentiment that to be in God’s presence, even in the humblest role, is better than the richest life outside of it.

“By faith Moses … choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”—Hebrews 11:24-25

Application Questions: In your own life, are there areas where you may be choosing temporary comforts or success over deeper devotion? How can you prioritize practicing God’s presence in your day-to-day life? How might this change your perspective on your work, relationships, or daily actions?

APRIL 25

Psalm 83

Psalm 83:3, “They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones.”

Have you ever come across the old gospel tract The Four Spiritual Laws? The first law reads, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” A friend of mine once wrote a tract from the opposite angle. His first law was: “Satan hates you and has a terrible plan for your life.” Both statements hold a measure of truth. The fact that God loves and treasures His people does not negate the reality that there is an enemy that seeks their destruction.

Psalm 83, written by Asaph, was composed during a time of national crisis. He cries out to God, pleading for Him not to remain silent as Israel’s enemies unite in a plot to destroy the nation. These adversaries conspire with cunning and deceit, aiming to erase Israel from memory. But Asaph appeals to God not only for protection but also because Israel is God’s treasured possession (Exodus 19:5).

This psalm reminds us of an important truth: opposition to God’s people is ultimately opposition to God Himself. As Asaph sought divine intervention, we believers find reassurance in the promise that Christ treasures us deeply because we have been “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). Though we face spiritual opposition from the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:11–12), God has provided everything we need to stand firm in His strength. Because we belong to Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37–39). Our security lies not in our strength, but in the faithfulness of the One who calls us His own.  How blessed in Christ we are to be treasured by God!

“And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.” — Martin Luther

Application questions: When you face spiritual opposition or challenges, how does remembering that you are “God’s treasured possession” shape the way you respond? Psalm 83 shows Asaph crying out to God in a time of crisis. How can you grow in relying on His strength rather than your own?

APRIL 24

Psalm 82

Psalm 82:2, “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?”

Like countless others throughout history, the psalmist longed for true justice—justice that would rightly discern good from evil, uphold truth, defend the vulnerable, and hold the guilty accountable. In that same longing, humanity has created symbols to reflect its highest ideals. Among them stands Lady Justice, tall and resolute, with scales to weigh each case, a sword to execute judgment, and a blindfold to ensure impartiality. She embodies the hope that justice can be fair, swift, and free from corruption or bias.

Yet as noble as her image is, Lady Justice remains only a symbol—crafted by flawed hands in a fallen world. Human justice, no matter how well-intentioned, is often shaped by emotion, prejudice, ignorance, or self-interest. Even the most advanced legal systems can fail. The scales tip unfairly, the sword is misused, and the blindfold sometimes slips. She may represent what we strive for, but only God can perfectly fulfill justice.

In Psalm 82, the psalmist expresses his frustration at the failure of earthly judges to protect those most at risk—the weak, the fatherless, the afflicted, and the needy. He calls out for justice that is not partial or corrupt. Unlike human judgment, God’s justice is perfect, because He sees every motive and every hidden injustice. In His holiness, He cannot overlook sin, but in His mercy, He made a way: at the cross, justice and mercy met. Jesus bore the penalty of sin, offering forgiveness and restoration to all who trust in Him.

While we may often share the psalmist’s disappointment in human systems, we can rest assured that God’s judgment is always right. Ultimately, our greatest need is not for flawless earthly justice, but to be spared divine judgment—something possible only through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.

“It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”—Romans 3:26

Application Questions: In what ways have you personally experienced or witnessed the failure of human justice? How does trusting in God’s perfect justice help you respond to those moments with hope instead of bitterness?

APRIL 23

Psalm 81

Psalm 81:13, “Oh, that my people would listen to me.”

Along Japan’s northeastern coast, centuries-old stone markers stand as solemn warnings, inscribed with messages like: “Do not build your homes below this point.” Survivors of past tsunamis placed these markers to caution future generations about the dangers of settling too close to the sea. The message was simple yet vital: no matter how peaceful the shoreline might seem, stay above the danger line. Over time, however, memories faded, and many communities ignored the warnings. Drawn by the beauty of the ocean and the benefits of coastal living, people rebuilt homes below those ancient markers. The massive Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 claimed over 5,000 lives. The tsunami swept away entire neighborhoods that had dismissed the wisdom of their ancestors. In contrast, villages that honored the warnings of the tsunami stones suffered far less destruction.

This real-life tragedy echoes the heart of Psalm 81, where God laments, “Oh, that my people would listen to me.” The psalmist expresses God’s sorrow over Israel’s refusal to hear His voice and follow His ways—a refusal that led to their suffering and downfall. The cry reveals not just divine frustration, but a Father’s yearning: God desires His people to listen so they might walk in His blessing and protection.

Spiritually, we often suffer from the same deafness. Sin dulls our ears and hardens our hearts to God’s voice. Only a transformation of heart—made possible through Jesus Christ—can truly open our ears to hear Him. The gospel is both a warning and an invitation: those who reject it face judgment, while those who receive Christ by grace through faith are restored, forgiven, and given hearts that listen and respond. God longs for us to hear Him—not to control us, but to lead us in paths of life and peace. Like a good parent, He knows what is best. To listen is to live. To obey is to flourish under His care.

“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You, to receive the food of Your holy Word.” — “Speak, O Lord,” Keith Getty and Stuard Townsend.

Application Questions: Psalm 81 reveals God’s deep desire for His people to listen to Him. In what areas of your life do you need to intentionally tune your heart to God’s voice, and what might be getting in the way of truly hearing Him?

APRIL 22

Psalm 80

Psalm 80:3, “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!”

In December 2007, the Great Coastal Gale hit the North Oregon Coast with hurricane-force winds over 100 mph, knocking out power, phone lines, and road access. At church, when the storm began, we watched the roof shake and the lights go out, unaware of how much damage was being done. The next day, we found our church building severely hit with roofs torn off, walls compromised, and water damage throughout. The storm caused over $900,000 in damage, far more than we expected, and the road to recovery felt overwhelming. But in a moment of providence, we crossed paths with a trusted contractor while buying generators, and his crew began repairs the very next day.  They worked on the building for ten months, strengthening the structure from the foundation up. What began as devastation turned into an unexpected blessing: a fully restored, upgraded, and more functional facility—better than it had ever been. The storm caused incredible damage, but also paved the way for an amazing restoration, becoming a vivid reminder that God can take even destruction and turn it into something beautiful—for His glory.

In this psalm, the psalmist prays three times for God’s restoration of his nation (Psalm 80:3, 7, 19). The Bible often likens Israel to a vineyard, as does the psalmist does here.  God brought the vine out of Egypt, and carefully planted it in prepared soil, so that it might flourish (Psalm 80:8-11).  It grew strong and wide, symbolizing the nation’s growth and prosperity under God’s care.  But then God broke down the walls of the vineyard (Psalm 80:12).  Wild animals ravaged it, and the once thriving vineyard was burned and razed. 

It was sin that was at the heart of the vineyard’s demise, and this psalm reminds us that there is but One qualified to repair from sin’s devastating influence.  When it comes to restoration from that, no one rivals Jesus in His ability to save and transform!  One day, God, in fulfilling His promises, will fully restore Israel, for which the psalmist prayed.  In the meantime, He stands ready and able to work a spiritual renewal to those who trust in Jesus!

“Jesus came to restore to man his lost inheritance. He came to lift us up again to where we belong. He came to raise us from our moral ruin to moral health, from spiritual death to spiritual life.” — A. W. Tozer, “The Purpose of Man”

Application Questions: Have you ever gone through a “storm” in life that left you feeling overwhelmed or broken? Looking back, can you see how God was at work even amid that hardship? The psalm and the story both highlight unexpected blessings through hardship. How can you practice looking for God’s restoration, especially when life doesn’t go as planned?

APRIL 21

Psalm 79

Psalm 79:8, “Let your compassion come speedily to meet us.”

As the chaplain for our local fire department, I carried both a scanner and a beeper—tools that alerted me whenever there was a call for help. One morning, I heard the crackle of the scanner announce a car accident near our home. My heart skipped a beat. My older daughter had just left for town, and something in me tensed.  Rushing to the scene, my worst fears were confirmed—her car lay upside down in a ditch.  To my overwhelming relief, she was already out of the vehicle, shaken but safe. A firefighter friend, who had arrived within minutes, was by her side, offering help and reassurance. It turned out a spilled coffee had caused the accident.  Though the situation could have been far worse, I was deeply grateful—for her safety, for the speed of that response, and for the compassion shown in a moment when it mattered most.

The Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem left the temple desecrated and the city in ruins.  The bodies of God’s people lay unburied in the streets, their flesh mere food for the birds and beasts.  Israel became a mockery of the surrounding nations.  Amid such devastation, the psalmist cried out for God’s intervention that He would restrain His anger and show compassion by coming to their aid. 

As with the psalmist, the prophet Jeremiah lamented that same destruction.  Overwhelmed with grief, he became despondent (Lamentations 3:19-20).  But when he turned his thoughts to God, he recalled an important truth: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end” (Lamentations 3:21).  In that truth about God, Jeremiah found hope.  Needy and even tragic circumstances often accompany life in this broken world.  But no matter how dire the situation, there is a God who has a heart full of compassion and who can come to our aid, with the cross of Christ reminding us of how much He cares!  We do well to look to Him in time of need (1 Peter 5:7).

Nowhere is God’s compassion more radiant than at the cross, at which Jesus came to our rescue!

Application Questions: When have you experienced a moment of fear or helplessness, and how did God intervene?  The psalmist and Jeremiah both cried out to God in their suffering. How do you typically respond to pain or chaos in your life? Do you find it easy or hard to turn to God in those moments?

APRIL 18

Psalm 78

Psalm 78:4, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”

Asaph understood the history of his people well. He recognized that their ancestors were a “stubborn and rebellious generation” (Psalm 78:4), repeatedly turning away from God despite His miraculous interventions. Time after time, they tested God with their lack of faith and disobedience, forgetting His works and suffering the consequences. To prevent future generations from following this same destructive path, Asaph emphasized the importance of teaching children about God’s laws and His mighty deeds (Psalm 78:4-6). He sought to build a foundation of faith that would endure.

The Puritans who founded Harvard University in 1636 shared a similar vision: to educate young men in knowledge and godliness, particularly for training ministers. The Harvard Charter of 1650 explicitly stated the university’s mission to educate both English and Native American youth in the Christian faith. Its original motto, “Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae” (Truth for Christ and the Church), reflected this commitment.

John Harvard, a Puritan minister, played a crucial role in the school’s survival and growth. Upon his death in 1638, at just 30 years old, he left half of his estate (equivalent to about $2 million today) and his personal library of 400 books to the young institution. His generosity helped Harvard establish itself as a center for Christian education. However, much like the Israelites in Asaph’s time, Harvard gradually drifted from its founding mission. By the 19th and 20th centuries, theological training had diminished, and secularism had taken root. Today, Harvard has essentially abandoned its original purpose of educating students in Christian faith and godliness. Instead, it now fosters a secular academic environment, severed from the biblical foundations upon which it was established.

Just as Asaph warned against forgetting God’s works, Harvard’s transformation serves as a modern example of what happens when truth is not passed on. Asaph’s call to teach the next generation remains just as relevant today, reminding us that because of sin and the relentless work of the enemy, without intentional efforts to preserve faith and godliness, they will inevitably be lost.

“Truth must be told, and teaching must be strong, or the next generation will drift.” — Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: It was the heartfelt desire of the psalmist to pass on truth to the next generation.  We have too often neglected that important principle today.  What steps can you take to better engage with the youth in your life in passing on the truth of God’s Word?