TCN's Biblical Journey May 31st

Today's reading is Psalms 63-67

A dry and parched land.

Psalms 63:1 “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

How bad do you want God? A little bit, a whole lot, or with everything you have. What David is saying here is the last, a consuming desire. This is the person Jesus claims will be blessed because they hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5).

So how much do you want God? I must admit there are times I don’t want God like this. I hope though that those times will fade and the times of wanting him and enjoying him will fill my life.  

Side note: A consuming passion for God doesn’t mean that you aren’t concerned about other things, be it family, people, or even reading. What it does mean is that those things are a part of your desire for God. 

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TCN's Biblical Journey May 30th

Today's Reading is Psalms 58-62

Whom do you trust and rely?

Psalms 59 was written when Saul sent men to watch over David’s house so he could not escape and so he could be killed. Yet David here in his best form lays out his concern and the wickedness of his opponents, but end in praise.

Here again, we see as trouble is surrounding the singer says they praise and trust God. The last verse proclaims on whom David trust; “my God on whom I can rely.”

This reminds us that we too can rely on God, even when surrounded by enemies and troubles.

Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

TCN's Biblical Journey May 29th

Today's reading is Psalms 53-57

Here in Psalms 53, we are reminded what people are like without God. Yet this psalm isn’t that men can’t be redeemed, but rather a reminder of who we need to depend on.

The last verse sums up the point the Psalmist is trying to make by reminding the people they need to call out to God and the psalm indicates God alone that God brings salvation which is worth rejoicing over.

Men may bring some peace for a time, but honest salvation and safety comes from God alone. The Psalmist makes it clear people can’t be trusted. 

This passage is repeated in the New Testament as a reminder that everyone needs salvation.

TCN's Biblical Journey May 28th

Today's reading is Psalms 48-52

"To the end..."

Psalms 48 is a song of praise and deliverance. However, it is the final verse which has captured my attention. "For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end" (PS 48:14).

I am reminded of the Phrase its not how you start but how you finish. In this verse, the sons of Korah proclaim that they are going to end with God leading them. There are no ifs, ands, or buts, only determination to finish with God being the leader.

Yes, things happen, and people fail but if you aren’t determined from the beginning (or where you are now), that you are going to follow God the odds are already against you.

Teacher after teacher says that if we are not determined, if we don’t have the grit, then we will fail.

For me I determine, God is my God Forever and he will be my guide to the very end.

Now it’s your turn. 

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TCN's Biblical Journey May 25th

Today's reading it Psalms 43-47


Psalms 43
The final verse in this chapter asks a question and gives the answer for all of us. "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" Psalms 43:5.

So why are you depressed? There may be many good reasons, but there is also a good reason to stop and that is found in God. Here the psalmist says that he is going to continue to praise God and so should we.

Praise the Lord.

TCN's Biblical Journey May 24th

Today's reading is Psalms 38-42


Psalms 38
Where do we go when we have done wrong? When guilt overwhelms us? When our actions have brought disease and suffering into our lives?

The Psalmist makes it clear that he looks to God. It is God who is near those who seek him. The psalmist indicates that his sin deserves God's wrath, but he pleads for God to forgive.

There is no conclusion where the psalmist says that he has been saved and all has been made right. However, those who know God know he will forgive. I can't help but feel that many times after prayers for forgiveness there isn't always or maybe often a huge sense of relief. Sometimes our prayers end like this psalm, with a plead and a hope but no solid answer.

Yet we know God does forgive, and that can bring hope even if we don't feel it.

TCN's Biblical Journey May 23

Today's reading is Psalms 33-37


In this wonderful psalm of praise, there is a verse which at times seems not to be true. "The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples" Psalms 33:10. 

There are times which this doesn't seem to be true but look at history. Have any of the tyrants of old remain? What of those who have tried to rule the world, or control great swaths of people? They have all failed. Their time passed. Some have been overthrown, others have died, but all have gone. 

Yes, we could give credit to time and the change of people, but those that look to God praise him for all. No, he might not have shot the gun which brought down a dictator, nor forces people to rise up against a government, but he gives us all the life to do what we do. We also know that he ultimately will weave the dark threads of mankind into his own tapestry to create something beyond belief.