How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk

Faith in real life

psalm 78

September 18th, 2008

Psalm 78
65 Then the Lord rose up as though waking from sleep, like a warrior aroused from a drunken stupor.

This is a fascinating psalm in that it does a historical timeline in a very graphic way. When God, a non-physical reality, is described in human attributes it is called anthropomorphicism. God is also described in natural terms like “Rock, ‘ or in military terms like “fortress” and “shield.” “Hungover soldier” is rather unique military term…
“O God, you are my strength and shield; you are my hungover soldier. Alleluia!” Don’t think it works.

Pray to God like he is able to accomplish whatever you need to be a blessing in the world.

psalm 77

September 16th, 2008

Psalm 77

14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

God is displaying his power all over the place. The challenge is personally having access to the power. The Holy Spirit brings the goods and it is right to start by asking for the Spirit to fill you so you can be a blessing.

Pray to be a blessing.

psalm 76

September 16th, 2008

Psalm 76

2 His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.

God is everywhere, and in ancient times, they thought of God especially coming to the temple of Jerusalem. Now the use of metaphor for God living in a tent or living anywhere specifically is seen in scripture without explanation.

Jerusalem has the unique role in the Old Testament because that is chosen as the capital city where God’s people seek him and worship him. When Jesus arrives, God, temple, holy presence and all are wrapped into one. Jesus is all.

Pray to sense the presence of God in your life this week.

psalm 75

September 13th, 2008

Psalm 75

10 For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.”

God’s power comes through the Holy Spirit. God gives power to those he can trust. If you want that kind of power because you want to be a blessing to others, open yourself to the Holy Spirit and you will be blessed. Then watch what God can do.

Pray for power. More power, Lord.

psalm 74

September 11th, 2008

Psalm 74

20 Remember your covenant promises, for the land is full of darkness and violence!

God will bring his peace into the world. There will come a day when everyone will know Jesus and his ways. It doesn’t mean everyone will want Jesus and his ways, but his light will make it all clear.

Pray for the light of Christ to come.

psalm 73

September 10th, 2008

Psalm 73
20 When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

Why would we purposely choose to ignore God and work against him? Because we can’t understand everything about him? Who would want to worship a God you could fully understand? He would only be as intelligent as you…

Pray for the desire to honestly seek the deeper things of God.

psalm 72

September 9th, 2008

Psalm 72
13 He feels pity for the weak and the needy and he will rescue them.

In biblical meaning, “pity” is not a matter of a superior looking down on, and making a value judgment of, a “so-called” inferior. It is sharing the suffering of another, emotionally. But, it doesn’t stop there. God’s people act; like the king in the Psalm, we respond with actions of blessing for those in need.

Pray for God to reveal someone who specifically needs your support.

psalm 71

September 9th, 2008

Psalm 71

18 Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Followers of Jesus don’t retire. He doesn’t stop moving forward. Young people need Jesus in their lives. They discover trust in God when they connect acts of power with the God of power. They make this connection under the influence of the Holy Spirit, guided by a friend who is a friend of God.

How is God helping you make progress in being a guide to others?

psalm 70

September 5th, 2008

Psalm 70

5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;

please hurry to my aid, O God.

You are my helper and my savior;

O Lord, do not delay.

God uses his people to be a blessing for all people in the world. It is especially important for the message of ‘love your neighbor’ to go out through the actions of his people who reach out to those in need. Whether metaphorically or literally we all need a savior. There is more than enough blessing to go around.

Where is God drawing your attention? See.

How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk

Faith in real life