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July 10, 2019
The word Sabbath means to cease. So as Dr. Brooks is away on sabbatical, we will be using his original devotionals from 2009 on the book of Psalms. He will resume The Bible Project devotionals upon his return. Thank you for reading with us and praying for him as he replenishes his soul for the next seven years of ministry.
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Psalm 36
1 I have a message from God in my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God
before their eyes.
2 In their own eyes they flatter themselves
too much to detect or hate their sin.
3 The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful;
they fail to act wisely or do good.
4 Even on their beds they plot evil;
they commit themselves to a sinful course
and do not reject what is wrong.
5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
10 Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen—
thrown down, not able to rise!
New International Version (NIV)
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“What are we going to do about sin?” Comedian Dennis Swanberg tells about a revival preacher who asked that question over and over again in a plaintive, almost whining tone. As a boy, Swanberg who impersonates and imitates voices wanted to say in his best Barney Fife voice, “Nip it in the bud.”
Like David, who is identified here not as king or shepherd but as a servant of the Lord, we are tempted to despair over sin. With you I have been following the awful stories of those who have abused or killed children. It defies our comprehension, doesn’t it? “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” We could say, “Look what the world has come to.” Is there a light at the end of the dark tunnel?
David chooses a different path. Instead of focusing on the sinfulness of the world, he purposely focuses on God and his love. “Your love, O Lord reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." God is a refuge. God is the host in whom we find abundance and delight. God is the fountain of life. In his light we see light. E. Stanley Jones says, “The early church succeeded because they did not lower their heads and ring their hands in despair saying, ‘Look what the world has come to.’ Instead they lifted their heads in delight and said, 'Look who has come to the world.'" Remember the words of the hymn, “This is my Father’s World, That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet!”
Take some time today to meditate on Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you!”
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| This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan. Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download
the app at readscripture.org. Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully,
Duane
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