The Blessing of Unity

Psalms 133

Passage

This Psalm begins with how wonderful it is when brothers, or fellow believers, live together in unity. some things that draw us together in unity are the same Savior, same Master, same hope, same heaven, and we experience the same trials, temptations and sorrows. In His closing days on earth Jesus’ prayer was that we would live in unity as one body.

The number one enemy of unity is believing the lies of Satan about ourself or others. An enemy we are most familiar with is our flesh, which tries to tell us our way is better than God’s.

We need to remember that unity is like the anointing oil used for priests and kings in the Old Testament times. the oil was poured over their head and ran down their neck and clothing, proving a covering and fragrant aroma to show the blessings of God, including life forevermore.

Unmoving Trust

Psalm 125:1

Passage

The passage above talks about having a trust in God that, like Mount Zion, cannot be moved. Many of us trust God to handle the good stuff, but when times get tough our trust begins to waver. Our trust is often based on what God can do for us physically, and when it doesn’t go our way we pull back and try to handle it our selves.

We need to look at God’s character to see what He provides to us the will never fail. Things like His love and mercy, along with salvation and peace. As we draw closer to Him through Jesus we become sanctified and the things of this world are less important.

Psalms 119

Psalms 119

Passage

This Psalm provides the many ways we should follow and serve God. The many layers provided here expand on more than just keeping His commandments. There is His Word ,His Testimony, His Commandments, His Laws, Precepts and Rules. we should take delight in all these areas to show how we honor our God.

These provide foundational building blocks for our lives, and the enemy works to chip away at the layers to draw us away from honoring God. In our nation today we see this has been happening for a while, and can see the results.

We need to be like the psalmist and not only be aware of these layers, but take delight in all areas of how God is working in our lives. Compromise is not an option.

Baptisms at the Creek

Praise God for those braving the chill to be baptised at East Clear Creek in the forest on September 17, 2024.

Psalms 113 & 114

Psalms 113 & 114

Passage

These two Psalms are typically used before each celebration meal to praise God for who He is and what He has done. The following Psalms 115-118 were sung after the meal to thank God for His blessings. when speaking of what God has done there are references to people at their lowest point in their lives and praise for how God raised them up.

Many times it requires us to be at our lowest times look to God for help, when it really is an issue of willingness to die to self first. Jesus also spoke in Matthew 5 of times when people are at their lowest they will receive blessings. In Luke Jesus instructed us that we need to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily in order to follow Him.

Are you willing to die to self and turn over your spirit to the One who gives us victory?

God’s Steadfast Love

Psalms 107

Passage

The Psalmist opens up with praise for God’s steadfast love that endures forever, mentioning how He has redeemed us. The writer shows different ways where we have gone astray from God’s plan, and even though we have transgressed into sin, God is always there to call us back in love.

Once we have realized our sinful ways we cry out to God, and He is there to bring us back to the right path. We need to recognize the work God is doing and his love for us that will always be there.

Bless and Fear God

Psalms 103

Passage

David begins with blessing God for all the wonderful gifts He has provided. David’s blessing shows his respect and honor for God. David goes on to recognize the character of God and how He cares for us. David is clear on his role in the relationship with God by mentioning that these blessings from God are for those who fear Him.

This fear is not for us to be afraid of what God might do to us. It is the fear that shows honor and respect to one who is superior to us. It is knowing our place in creation, under the One who created us and everything around us.

NOTE: There was a technical issue capturing the video from this week. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Ambassadors

Psalms 96

Passage

This Psalm declares God’s glory and wonder, instructing us to proclaim His name to all people. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul instructs us to be ambassadors for Christ, to represent Jesus to others as we spread the gospel message.

An ambassador is one who is sent by an authority to represent the sender to others. They are not sent to be a warrior or instigator, but sent to instruct and spread the culture and character of the sender. As ambassadors for Christ, we are to spread the Gospel to others in love and truth, building bridges not walls. So we can draw others near to Him.

YHWH

Psalms 89

Passage

The Psalmist begins by praising God for His wonder and power. However, when we understand when this was written, the kingdom of Judah was being exiled to Babylon, a very tough time for the Israelites. How can we praise God when we feel He has left us and do not feel like praise.

God is mentioned several times in this passage using different names of God. Only once is the name YHWH used. This name for God was considered most Holy, and was held with high esteem. We have tried to understand this name and how it is supposed to be pronounced by adding letters or sometimes renaming it altogether.

If you look closely and listen, this name is used by everyone every day. God has put this name in our breath as part of our lives, whether you follow Him or not. God breathed life into Adam and Eve and Man has been expressing His name ever since. Through this, He has instilled in us the reminder that we are never alone and can trust in Him.

WordPress Cookie Plugin by Real Cookie Banner