THRU THE PSALMS
Thomas Merton once said there is no aspect of the interior life, no kind of religious experience, no spiritual need of humanity that is not depicted and lived out in the Psalms. This summer we start a spiritual formation series as a church family "Reading Thru The Psalms."
The reading plan will cover two Psalms a day starting June 23 and ending Sept 6. If you fall behind in your reading, use the last week of each month to catch up. Meanwhile, each week you are invited to post your comments below or on the church Facebook page for your reflections and thoughts. These posts will serve as a virtual congregation to share issues of faith. Also be on the lookout for suggested resources to aid in your readings.
Dr. A. Louis Patterson, the recently deceased pastor of Mount Corinth Church in Houston, TX, once said the way to obtain more faith is through hearing more of the word of God. Through our spiritual formation summer series, the entire FBC-W congregation will be reading the same passages of scripture and praying, as well as reflecting upon their meaning individually and as the body of Christ at First Baptist Church-West.
One Psalm says thou word is a light into my path and a lamp unto my way. Let’s follow the light together as we look to grow in grace and knowledge of things concerning the faith.
p.s. Feel free to use a nickname if you prefer to remain anonymous.
Dr. Ricky A. Woods
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church-West
Friday, July 25, 2014
4:05 PM
Week 4 July 14-July 20
Friday, July 25, 2014
4:05 PM
Friday, July 25, 2014
4:05 PM
Psalms 43-56
Verse of the Week: Psalm 49:5
Why should I fear in times of trouble when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me....
In this week's reading the dominant theme for the psalmist is the presence of those who do not worship and serve God. The psalmist is made to realize that he/she does not live in a world where everyone shares their views about God.
There are those who are opposed to God that the psalmist encounters. These people trust more in their wealth and their ability than the idea of an unseen hand at work in the affairs of human history. There are others who simply oppose the psalmist as he/she tries to live a life of faithfulness to God. These people seek to make life difficult for the psalmist and would cause him/her to employ the tactics of the world where jealousy, hatred and force rule the day.
In each and every case, the psalmist turns to God. The psalmist does not deny the reality of such persons nor does he/she try to handle them on their own. The psalmist tells God that he/she will continue to trust in God when others are so willing to trust their wealth. The psalmist says he/she will trust God when others are plotting his/her destruction.
What the psalmist is telling us is that trust is always a matter of choice because each and every day persons will trust something or someone. Thus, the psalmist says I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.
Remember, trust is always a choice. How will you choose to trust?
Recommended Readings:
The Psalm For Today -- Beth Tanner
Be Worshipful -- Warren Wiersbe
A Sacred Sorrow -- Michael Card
Published on Friday, July 25, 2014 @ 4:05 PM EDT