Summer Road Trip ’08
They really are out to get me!
Day Thirty-five
Psalm 35:27

“Great is the Lord who enjoys helping his servants”

When was the last time you felt everyone was against you? As I read King David’s (the author of this passage) words, my mind went back years ago when it seemed no one or nothing was on my side. Everything was going wrong and I couldn’t see that any of it was my fault; I was genuinely attempting to follow God’s direction for my life.

During that time my prayers were very similar to David’s, “God, You have to do something about these people!” Such prayers are not wrong, just dangerous. Such prayers cause us to focus on our offenders instead of our Savior.

Never forget that even when it seems everyone else is against you – God enjoys helping His servants. He loves you and His plans are for your very best.

As for my “time”…well, it passed and things got better; some of those who seemed against me turned out to be my greatest allies while others really were out to oppose both me and God’s best. No matter what the case, though, “I will be glad because he rescues me!” (vs.9)


Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Holiday!

Day Thirty-four (Happy 4^th of July!)

Psalm 34:4

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.”

A perfect verse for Independence Day! As we celebrate our Nation’s independence we still come to the conclusion that most of the time we’re really not “free”. Our fears and anxieties have us bound in indecision, restlessness, and worst of all, disobedience.

God brings freedom to our hearts and minds when we honestly and obediently pray (really depend on God and not our own abilities).

There’s even a barbecue in our Psalm today! “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him.” (vs.8) Yes, there will always be times when we feel needy: “Even stong lions sometimes go hungry,” but God promises to meet our needs and bless us with His goodness. “but those who trust in the Lord will never lack anything good.”

Trust that God has your good at heart!Enjoy your freedom today!

Enjoying the freedom of the journey!

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
He Already Knows
Day Thirty-three
Psalm 33:15
“He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.”

When I can’t figure myself out, God is one step ahead. He already knows. When I take a swerve in the road or get blind-sided by my own attitude, He already knows. He knows more than just my faults, He knows my heart. He knows that even though I detour every now and then, my heart is His. It’s not that I am excusing my sins; it’s that I am accepting His grace and forgiveness.
God knows your heart too. He knows that your desire is to serve and follow Him. Along the journey we will make some stupid maneuvers; remember that God already knows. Seek his cleansing and accept His grace. Then remember:
“the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.”

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Out of Sight!

Day Thirty-two

Psalm 32:1

“Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!”

When I was a kid we often used the phrase “Out of sight!” Today we say “AWESOME!”

To know that my rebellion against God (my sin) is forgiven is awesome; it’s out of sight!

I can live in total honesty before God because He has forgiven my sin. There were times when I tied to hide my disobedience from God; it didn’t work. He lovingly disciplined me, got my attention and turned me back on the right road.

He has promised me, “I will guide you along the best path for your life.” (vs.8) That's something to shout about! It’s out of sight!

Enjoy the Journey!

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
A Rough Day
Day Thirty-one
Psalm 31:14-15
“But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands.”


Some days are just like that! The road is bumpy, the A/C is out, the vehicles all around me are attempting to push me off the road. There are times when I feel just like the Psalmist as he pens today’s journal – everyone is against me; at least that how it seems.
When it feels like everything and everyone is on the opponent’s team never forget WHO is on your team. Trust Him. He is YOUR God! He has your future in His hands and even the rough portions of your journey are in His plans.

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Dawns Early Light
Day Thirty
Psalm 30:4
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Discipline often feels like anger; it’s not anger, it is love. There are times on our journey when God allows us to face hardships, pain and the consequences of our sinful decisions. At those times it is important to remember that God hurts with us. Like a parent who must correct a child, God is tender to our hurt.
When compared to God’s favor that lasts a lifetime, God’s discipline is only momentary. “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Take comfort in the truth that at the end of the darkest situation on your journey - “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.” (vs.10)

We’ve come to the end of the first stretch of our Summer Road Trip through Psalms. I plan to keep traveling. I’d like to hear from you. Let me know if these short journals are encouraging. I would also like to know if you would like to keep receiving the daily reminders in your email.
You can write me at paulw.newell@verizon.net.

Enjoy the Journey,
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Majestic Scenery

Day Twenty-nine

Psalm 29:4

“The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.”

It’s easy to get so focused on the road that we forget to slow down and enjoy the majesty of our Maker. Psalm 29 is a side trip through the power and beauty of all that God is. Take time today to read and then reread the Psalm. Take a few minutes to walk outside and look around. God made all of that just for you to enjoy! Then remember that God rules! (vs.10)

Enjoy the Journey

Pastor Paul