As I write, the 24-hour “Live Earth” concert continues to roll across the world. I’ve watched a few minutes of it, but have not been impressed with the acts I’ve seen. Over the past few years, especially the last few months, we have been told horror stories about global warming and what we are doing to our planet. As I’ve said on this blog before, I’m not against taking care of our planet. From the Garden of Eden on, humans have been given dominion over the earth and have been instructed to take good care of it. The problem is that we have been scared senseless by Al Gore–and those…

1. This psalm is one of the “acrostic” psalms. Its 22 verses begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. 2. Verse 1 focuses on continually praising God; a concept many of us have forgotten. Our walk with God is part of our life. It should be involved in everything we do. 3. Verse 2 gives us the only reason we should ever boast: God! While this is not speaking of being arrogant in any way, we should be very proud of the relationship we have with our Creator. 4. Verse 6 is a great verse of comfort. Even when we are poor (or afflicted, depending on the translation) God…

The latest Christian Carnival (#179) was released on July 4. We submitted an article (“Why I Like the One Year Bible) to the carnival and it was accepted.To see the entire list (our article is last…don’t laugh), click here.

1. Psalm 33 deals mainly with two ideas, both showing God as sovereign. The author (David?) speaks of God being ruler of nature and ruler of history. 2. Before talking about the things over which God is ruling, though, the psalmist simply gives an outpouring of praise. A phrase from verse 1 that I need to use in a sermon sometime is, “Praise is becoming to the upright.” 3. Verse 3 speaks of singing a new song to God. I believe what the author has in mind is singing to the Lord for a new reason. Each time something good happens to us, or we experience something new that is…

Steve Sanders published a brief article today dealing with Michael Glatze. Glatze is a prominent editor of a homosexual magazine, but has decided to leave the gay lifestyle. Why? You’ll have to read Steve’s article, posted here (which includes links to more information about the story).

I was running through my calendar earlier, and was writing down the psalm to write about each day. There are enough psalms that this series will not end until October 28! I apologize for getting behind every so often, but I try to catch up as quickly as I can without sacrificing the thoughts of each psalm for my own study, or for yours. On to the devotional thoughts from Psalm 32. 1. According to many sources, this psalm (along with 51 and others) has long been called a “penitential psalm.” It seems, through the beautiful words, that David is “learning a lesson” from sinning, but is also turning back…

I try to read the Bible through 2 times each year, so that is why I’m choosing such an odd time to mention a Bible that leads you through in one year. Most of the time, these are popular around the end of the year. Right now, I am using the New American Standard version of The One Year Bible and wanted to take a moment to mention some of the reasons why I, personally, like it more than The Daily Bible. I have read both more than once, but I like The One Year Bible a little better. Here are some reasons. It is only the Bible text. While…

Yesterday, while working on our July budget (yuck!), Leah and I had the Concert for Diana on in the background. We enjoyed most of the acts (although we could have done without Kanye West). Both of us were excited about the Andrew Lloyd Webber medley, and I wanted to hear Andrea Bocelli sing “Music of the Night.” He walked out on stage and… …our DirecTV went out from the rain. I knew I could find the video on YouTube today, though, and I was rewarded. Remember that Bocelli almost never sings in English, but you would never know it from this song. Enjoy! When our satellite came back on, we…

Every year, there seems to be a new “it” gadget, and the price to be paid for these things continues to skyrocket when they are released. Today it is the iPhone. Now available in stores or online, these amazing gadgets have been the buzz of the tech world for weeks (and months) leading up to the product release. Every Christmas season, it seems to be a new gaming console that is the new gadget to have. Of course, it is not wrong to have an iPhone, iPod, X-box or Wii. If one can afford these things without taking money from his or her contribution or family, then enjoy one of…

1. As in several psalms so far, Psalm 31 goes from doubt to faith. It is written almost like a poetic journal from suffering to assurance. 2. Verses 1 and 2 contain phrases showing David’s attempt to deal with the problems he is feeling. “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge” (verse 1), “Rescue me quickly” (verse 2). 3. Verse 3 is an interesting study. “For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.” God will do what is best for us because He is God and also because what is best for us is also what is “best” for Him–to take His message to everyone. 4.…