Category: Uncategorized

JULY 7

Psalm 133

Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

Psalm 133 offers a glimpse of something elusive yet beautiful: unity among God’s people. It’s not just “good”—it’s pleasant, anointed, and blessed. It flows down like oil, covers like dew, and draws the favor of God Himself. But unity doesn’t always come easily.

When I was called to serve Lewis and Clark Bible Church in June 1990, I walked into a fellowship deeply scarred by division. A 50-50 church split had left deep wounds, crippled ministry, and damaged its reputation in the community. Four pastors had come and gone over the previous decade, unable to mend what was broken.

A local pastor pulled me aside before I arrived and warned, “That church eats pastors.” Sadly, I soon saw what he meant. I met many who had worshiped at our church but had left—hurt by infighting, disappointed by division, and weary of the conflict. There was little hope left, and no quick fixes. I knew in my heart that only God could rebuild what had been lost.

And over the next 27½ years—that is exactly what He did. Not all at once, and not without struggle. But little by little, as we turned our eyes collectively toward Jesus, and grounded ourselves in His Word, God began to heal. He softened hearts, restored relationships, and renewed our vision. We learned together what it meant to truly love one another—not just in words or sentiment, but in grace, patience, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

As we pursued Christ, He united us. And as unity grew, so did health, joy, and effectiveness in ministry. The church’s reputation slowly shifted—from a place known for conflict to a place where people found devotion to Jesus and His Word and the love the Spirit bears. God’s blessing was tangible—not always flashy, but steady and sure.

Unity is not merely an ideal. It is a holy place, birthed in the unity of a triune God who commands His blessing. But even after healing comes, unity must be guarded. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:3 to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This kind of unity doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional effort, prayerful dependence, and continual surrender to Christ. It’s not something we create—it’s something we protect, preserve, and prioritize, because the Spirit of God is the one who births it.

“Unity is not something we create. It is something we recognize and preserve.”

— Francis Schaeffer

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: Read Ephesians 4:1-3.  What are the attitudes and actions that work to promote peace and preserve unity?  Are you actively seeking God through His Word and looking to Jesus as the center of our unity, or are personal preferences or past wounds working to undermine your relationships?

JULY 4

Psalm 132

Psalm 132:11, “The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: ‘One of the sons of you body I will set on your throne.’”

The Davidic Covenant, highlighted in Psalm 132:11, was God’s solemn promise to King David that his descendants would rule over Israel forever. This covenant assured Israel of a lasting dynasty through David’s lineage, symbolizing God’s faithfulness to His people and His kingdom. It wasn’t just a political pledge but a spiritual assurance that the Messiah—the anointed King—would come from David’s line, bringing hope and peace in His divine rule. For Israel, this covenant was a foundational promise that shaped their understanding of God’s ongoing plan for their nation and the world.

As the returning pilgrims sang Psalm 132 as part of the Songs of Ascents on their journey to Jerusalem, they celebrated this covenantal promise with renewed hope in worship. Their pilgrimage symbolized not only a physical return to the holy city but also a future spiritual restoration, reminding them that God had not forgotten His promise to David. The song expressed their longing for God’s presence to dwell in Jerusalem and for the fulfillment of His covenant through the Davidic line—a reign marked by righteousness, peace, and divine blessing (Psalm 132:13-18).

The Davidic Covenant pointed forward to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who embodies its fulfillment. It anticipates a kingdom where God’s rule is fully established, justice prevails, and peace reigns eternally. This hope encourages us today to trust in God’s faithfulness and to live in expectation of Christ’s return when “his crown will shine” (Psalm 132:18).

Practically, this means we can find confidence and peace in God’s unchanging promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. God is faithful to always keep His promises!  As citizens of heaven, we are called to “shine as lights in the world,” as we stand on such promises, awaiting His return (Philippians 2:15, 3:20).

“God’s promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine.”— David Nicholas

Application questions: When have you experienced God’s promises shining brightest during a difficult or dark season in your life? How can recalling these moments strengthen your faith today? Are there any specific promises of God you need to hold onto right now?

JULY 3

Psalm 131

Psalm 131:2, “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

Though it was decades ago, Psalm 131 was the text for the very first sermon I ever preached. It happened at St. Helens Community Bible Church during an evening service—at least that much I clearly remember. Why I chose this psalm, however, I can’t quite recall. Ironically, in contrast to the calm and humble spirit of the psalm itself, I was quite nervous as I shared the message. At the time, I was also unaware of many of the beautiful truths tucked within this simple, short passage. While the timeless truth of the psalm remains unchanged, much has changed in my life over the years since. Now, I see more clearly the rich, comforting message woven throughout this psalm about humble, childlike trust.

In Psalm 131:2, the psalmist uses the image of a weaned child with its mother to beautifully illustrate the depth of his trust and contentment in God. Unlike a nursing infant who depends on immediate physical nourishment and cries out when hungry, a weaned child has moved into a stage of calm security and peaceful reliance. The child no longer demands constant attention but rests quietly in the mother’s presence, fully confident in her care and love. This metaphor captures a mature, settled faith—a faith that no longer clings anxiously but rests peacefully in God’s provision and timing.

This image resonates deeply with the idea of childlike faith that was praised by Jesus (Matthew 18:2-4; Mark 10:13-16). It shows that faith isn’t about clinging desperately or being anxious, but about growing into a calm trust—a quiet confidence that God is faithful and will provide what is truly needed in His perfect time. Like a weaned child who no longer frets but simply enjoys the safety of the mother’s presence, we too are called to rest in God’s care, content and untroubled—even when our needs aren’t met immediately or in the ways we expect. We don’t need to know things we aren’t given to know, and we needn’t fret about things beyond our control; God’s presence is enough. Amid the troubles of life, seek out that place of quiet rest in humble trust in the God who always cares.

“There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God.” — Cleland B. McAfee

Application Questions: In what areas of your life are you struggling to rest quietly in God’s care like a weaned child? How can you begin to practice trusting His timing and provision more fully? When anxiety or impatience arise, what steps can you take to remind yourself of God’s faithful presence and find peace in humble trust?

JULY 2

Psalm 130

Psalm 130:5-6, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord     more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.”

I’ve served as a watchman of sorts. While aboard the submarine, part of my role was to stand watch in the control room, overseeing the electrical operation of the nuclear power plant. Often, the hours were tedious and boring, making it a real challenge to stay awake and alert. I found myself counting down the hours until “morning” — the moment when my replacement would arrive and I could finally get some much-needed rest.

In Psalm 130:6, the psalmist declares, “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.” In ancient Israel, watchmen stood guard through the dark, silent hours of the night, alert for danger and longing for the break of day. Morning meant safety, rest, and the assurance that the night had passed. The psalmist uses this image to express a soul waiting—not in despair, but in confident hope—for God’s mercy and redemption.

Waiting for the Lord, as described in Psalm 130, is not passive or uncertain; it is an active, hopeful attitude rooted in trust. The psalmist acknowledges the depths of despair—“out of the depths I cry to you, Lord” (Psalm 130:1)—recognizing the weight of sin and its troubling influence. Yet, amid this darkness, he clings to the confident assurance that God is forgiving and full of steadfast love, “that he may redeem Israel from all their iniquities” (Psalm 130:8).

To wait for the Lord means to place our hope fully in His mercy, patiently trusting that He will answer, forgive, and restore in due time. It is a waiting filled with patience, prayer, and expectation, knowing that God’s timing is perfect and His love never fails. This kind of waiting instructs and transforms our hearts, giving us peace even before the dawn breaks.

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”— Isaiah 40:31

Application Questions: When have you experienced God’s faithfulness after a season of waiting or hardship? How can recalling that encourage you in your current struggles? Is there some particular trouble in your life in which you need to wait patiently and trust God’s timing?

JULY 1

Psalm 129

Psalm 129:1-2, “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—let Israel now say—“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me.”

Psalm 129 speaks powerfully to the afflictions endured by Israel—from their early days of slavery in Egypt to the many times they were oppressed by surrounding nations. The psalmist uses vivid and graphic imagery to describe this suffering: “The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long” (Psalm 129:3). It’s a striking picture of deep, repeated wounds—of prolonged severe pain. Yet, in the face of this painful history, the psalmist confidently declares, “They have not prevailed against me” (Psalm 129:2). This victory was not due to Israel’s strength, but to God’s faithful deliverance. The cords of the wicked—whatever they use to bind, oppress, or control—do not endure. God cuts them. For all who belong to Him, this psalm serves as a powerful reminder: affliction may come, but it does not have the final word. God’s faithfulness ensures that His people are never ultimately overcome (Romans 8:37).

As pilgrims made their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts, Psalm 129 was among the “Songs of Ascents” they sang along the journey. These were more than travel songs; they were expressions of identity, shared memories, and enduring hope. Recounting their history of suffering while drawing near to worship was a way to declare that God had been faithful through every trial. With each step toward the holy city, they remembered how He had delivered them time and again. Their journey became a living testimony that although they had suffered, they had not been defeated. In the act of worship, they proclaimed that the God who brought them through affliction was still leading them forward in hope.

That experience still speaks today. In a world broken by sin, affliction spreads like a virus—touching our lives in many ways. Yet Psalm 129 reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering, nor without hope. Just as God was faithful to His people in the past, He remains faithful now. When trials press hard, we can look back at His past deliverance to strengthen our faith in the present. As Paul wrote, “We were under great pressure… but this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us…and He will deliver us again” (2 Corinthians 1:8–10). Let that truth anchor your heart today.

“God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them.” — Chuck Swindoll

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What past affliction or trial has God brought you through that you need to remember and thank Him for today? How can that memory strengthen your faith in what you’re facing now?

JUNE 30

Psalm 128

Psalm 128:1, “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!”

A friend recently shared with me her fear of spiders. It’s ironic how a creature small enough to drown in a teardrop can cause a full-grown adult to abandon furniture, pride, and all sense of logic in under a second. People fear many things, and there are hundreds of phobias that fall into three broad categories: specific fears of objects or situations; social fears involving groups or public performance; and fears of being trapped or unable to escape. In many cases, fear is a healthy and protective response—like a fear of heights that keeps us from danger.

In Psalm 128, however, the psalmist highlights a very different kind of fear: the fear of the Lord. Twice in the psalm (Psalm 128:1, 4), this fear is linked directly to blessing. And yet, though there’s certainly reason to fear God, it’s ironically one of the things many people don’t do. But what does it mean to fear the Lord?

The Hebrew word used here for “fear” (yir’at) speaks not of terror or panic, but of reverence, awe, and profound respect. It’s a holy awareness of God’s greatness, authority, and goodness that leads to obedience and worship. To fear the Lord is to recognize who He is and respond accordingly—to live with the desire to walk in His ways and honor Him in all we do (Psalm 128:1).

The blessings associated with this fear are personal, practical, and far-reaching. The psalm speaks of satisfaction in one’s work, joy and fruitfulness in the home, peace in the community, and the joy of seeing future generations thrive. This shouldn’t surprise us—for the One we are called to fear is also the One who created us and knows what is best for us. To walk in His ways is not just pleasing to Him; it is life-giving for us.

Fearing the Lord doesn’t shrink life—it enlarges it with blessing. When we walk in reverent obedience to God, we experience His favor in every area: joy in our labor, richness in our relationships, peace in our homes, and a legacy that outlives us. The one who fears the Lord is not only personally fulfilled but becomes a source of blessing to others.

“The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” — Oswald Chambers

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own understanding instead of walking in reverent fear and trust in the Lord? How might your daily choices, relationships, or attitude change if you lived with a deeper awareness of God’s presence and authority?

JUNE 27

Psalm 127

Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

Like the other psalms in the collection (Psalms 120–134), Psalm 127 is one of the Songs of Ascents, traditionally sung by Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for the major feasts. This particular psalm is attributed to Solomon, one of only two psalms credited to him (the other being Psalm 72). Its central themes—building, security, work, family, and legacy—align closely with Solomon’s role as king, temple builder, and a writer of wisdom.

Solomon was known for his vast construction projects, most notably the building of the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6). Psalm 127 likely flows from his own experience. Despite his many accomplishments, Solomon understood a critical truth: without God’s involvement, even the most impressive human efforts are ultimately in vain. This theme echoes the message of his other writings in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, where he often speaks of the futility of life lived apart from God. In contrast to that emptiness, Psalm 127 offers a hopeful truth: when the Lord builds, what is built is lasting, purposeful, and filled with beauty—both now and for eternity.

This principle applies to every area of life: our homes, marriages, families, churches, communities, and even nations. For anything to be built well, it must be built by someone with the power, wisdom, and authority to do so. When it comes to our lives, God alone is supremely qualified. As our Creator and Redeemer, He doesn’t just renovate broken lives—He completely rebuilds them.

To have God build your life means trusting Him, submitting to His will, praying accordingly, and aligning your life with His Word. There is no better architect, no more capable builder. The same God who used twelve ordinary men to build a Church that would forever endure is still building beauty from brokenness today.

By all accounts, Solomon’s temple was a magnificent structure—but even that was temporary. In contrast, we are God’s workmanship—His living masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). He is shaping us, day by day, into the image of Christ. And one day, He will call us home to a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1). On that day, we will stand in awe of the Builder and the extraordinary work He has done.

“God is not merely a helper to our plans—He is the planner. Trusting Him means surrendering not just the outcome, but the blueprint.” — A. W. Tozer

Application questions: What area of your life are you trying to build or control in your own strength instead of surrendering to God’s design and direction? What would it look like practically for you to invite God to be the builder—through trust, prayer, or obedience—in your relationships, work, or daily decisions?

JUNE 26

Psalm 126

Psalm 126:6, “He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Whether we realize it or not, we are always sowing. Every choice, attitude, and action plants seeds—either according to the flesh or by the Spirit (Galatians 6:7-8). When we sow to the flesh, we may experience fleeting pleasures and temporary bliss, but the harvest is ultimately bitter, bringing sorrow and destruction as a consequence for sin. In contrast, sowing by the Spirit may not always feel rewarding in the moment. Often, it is done through pain, perseverance, and even tears. The path of the believer is not without hardship. The world, the flesh, and the devil labor relentlessly to distract and discourage us from bearing any lasting fruit. Yet those who belong to God persist—they go “out weeping, bearing seed for sowing” (Psalm 126:6).

This imagery in Psalm 126 draws from Israel’s own story. The psalm reflects the joy of the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile—after seventy long years of sorrow, loss, and captivity. Their return to Zion felt like a dream come true: “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:2). But while the restoration brought rejoicing, rebuilding their lives and land would still take great effort, often through tears. Their sowing—both literal and spiritual—came with pain and uncertainty. And yet, the psalm proclaims the promise: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5).

Their tears were not wasted—and neither are ours. God promises a rich and joyful harvest for those who sow faithfully in Him. The tears we shed in obedience, faith, and endurance are temporary—what Paul calls “light and momentary afflictions”—especially when compared to the eternal weight of glory being prepared for us (2 Corinthians 4:17–18). The promise of God is sure: those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Are you in a season of sowing in tears—praying, serving, enduring, or obeying God when the results seem small and the burden feels heavy? Take heart. Just as Israel experienced restoration after exile, and just as God remained faithful to fulfill His promises, He sees your tears and honors your faithfulness. Your labor is not in vain. Keep sowing, even when it’s hard. Trust that God is working, and in His perfect time, you will reap with joy.

“Tears are often the seeds of joy.” — Charles Spurgeon

Application Questions: What area of your life feels like “sowing in tears” right now—and how can you trust God with the harvest, even if you can’t see it yet? How does remembering God’s past faithfulness (like Israel’s return from exile) encourage you to keep planting seeds of faith, obedience, or prayer in your current season?

JUNE 25

Psalm 125

Psalm 125:2, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.”

Psalm 125 uses the imagery of mountains surrounding Jerusalem to illustrate God’s protection over His people. Geographically, Jerusalem is situated on a plateau within the Judaean Mountains, approximately 2,500 feet above sea level. The city is naturally fortified by a series of steep hills and rugged terrain on nearly all sides.

To the east lies the Mount of Olives, a prominent ridge that overlooks the city and provides a strategic vantage point. To the west, the land rises again toward the Judean Hills. The northern and southern approaches to Jerusalem are also bordered by hills and valleys, forming natural barriers that are difficult for invaders to navigate. These elevations forced enemy armies to face narrow paths and steep climbs, hindering swift or large-scale attacks.

This mountainous “ring” around Jerusalem acted as a natural fortress, limiting access points and making surprise assaults challenging. It helped protect the city from many invasions throughout its history by slowing down enemies and exposing them to defenders positioned on higher ground. Spiritually, Psalm 125 compares this protective mountain barrier to how God surrounds and safeguards His people. Just as the mountains physically shield Jerusalem, God’s presence offers enduring security, stability, and refuge.

Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem to protect and secure the city, God surrounds us with His presence and care. He is not only with us but dwells within us through His Spirit (Matthew 28:20; John 14:17). When life feels overwhelming, when the enemy seems close, or when hope for deliverance fades, we can remember that God’s protection is like a strong fortress. His surrounding presence is an unassailable refuge where we can place our trust and find lasting peace.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Application Questions: In what ways have you experienced God’s protection like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem during difficult times? When you face challenges or feel overwhelmed, how can remembering God’s presence as a strong fortress change the way you respond?

JUNE 24

Psalm 124

Psalm 124:1-2, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—let Israel now say—if it had not been the Lord who was on our side.”

It’s been a long, difficult journey. Since Laura’s cancer diagnosis in January 2017, she has faced more than her share of hardship. She’s undergone radiation and endured six different cancer treatment plans. Her spine was weakened to the point where she now wears a back brace whenever she leaves the house. Chronic pain, endless doctor appointments, and an overwhelming amount of medical paperwork have become part of daily life. Slowly, her health and abilities have declined—but her spirit has not.

There are moments when we look back and realize: we should not have made it through. And yet, Laura has. She’s outlived expectations, held on to hope, and found ways to keep moving forward. Through pain and exhaustion, she has remained resilient—sometimes joyful, often courageous, always faithful. How? Because God was on our side.  He has sustained her when strength failed. He has brought peace in the middle of chaos. His mercy has met her in the darkest moments. Without Him, this story would read very differently. But with Him, it is one of perseverance, grace, and quiet victory.

Psalm 124 is a song of gratitude, recognizing that Israel’s survival was only possible because the Lord was on their side. The psalmist reflects on what could have happened—being swallowed alive by enemies, swept away by raging waters—if God had not intervened. But instead, Israel was delivered like a bird escaping a hunter’s snare. The psalm ends with a powerful declaration: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8).”  Though Israel be outnumbered, and though there appeared to be no clear means of escape, their victory was assured for the maker of heaven and earth was on their side.  God worked to turn what should have been a defeat, into deliverance. 

Psalm 124 reminds us that when life seems overwhelming, its not by our strength that can see us through.  Whatever the battle, God’s presence changes everything.  Like Israel, we can say with confidence: “If the Lord had not been on our side…” But He is. And because of that, I have hope—even in the hardest places.

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?” – Romans 8:31, The Message Bible

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: Can you think of a time in your life when, looking back, you can say, “If the Lord had not been on my side”? What did God teach you through that experience? In what current situation do you need to be reminded that God is still on your side—fighting for you, sustaining you, and walking with you?