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Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-nine
“Look at that!”
Psalm 69:32

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad.”

Psalm 69 is depressing. Our Psalm writer is feeling overwhelmed in a sea of struggle, both from inside his heart and from outside where others are striking out at him. This is what I have often called a “dumping on God” Psalm. It’s OK to dump on God. He’s the One you should dump your cares and fears upon.
Things change after the dumping is over. Sure King David (the author) lays out all of his hurts and complaints to God, but then he makes a shift. He realizes that his feelings are not the reality; God’s work in his life is. It’s humbling to come to the truth that God is working in what we see as an out of control world.
Take time to focus on the final seven verses of the Psalm when your world seems out of control.

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-eight
“Family Time”
Psalm 68:6

“God places the lonely in families…”

I had to stop here; it’s talking about families! I wonder how many of us have felt lonely only to discover God has given us a ChurchForFamily! It’s not that much of a stretch. We are called “the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
What an incredible blessing that God has taken us from our pasts and placed us into a church family were we can encourage and grow together. Together we get to sing, “Our God is a God who saves!” (vs.20).

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-seven
“Saving Power”
Psalm 67: 2

“May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.”

When I was a kid we used to pray a simply prayer: “God please save everyone!” What we meant was that we wanted everyone in the world to come to understand and accept God’s offering of forgiveness and eternal life. We didn’t want anyone to miss out on such a great offer.
As I grew older I began to realize that my prayer was incomplete. I was asking God to save everyone, but I was unwilling to tell anyone!
God has set up a plan. He wants you and me and His followers to share with the rest of the world that His saving power is available to them too. Our lives and our words are the vehicle God chooses to make His ways know throughout the earth.
Let’s get involved sharing God’s saving power among people everywhere.

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-six
“Tell It!”
Psalm 66:2

“Tell the world how glorious he is.”

We don’t talk about it enough. We do not share with enough people how great it is. We don’t shout enough. All that God does is awesome.
We seldom take enough time to just admire who God is and what He is doing. The writer of Psalm 66 travels back in time and talks about what God did for his people (vs.5). Then he looks around at the present and thanks God for what He is doing (Our lives are in your hands vs.9). It’s all overwhelming and impossible to say quiet after such thoughts! “
It’s time to be overwhelmed with God’s work in our lives!

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-five
“Global Blessing”
Psalm 65:9

“You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile.”

Frankly, I don’t care which side of the global warming issue you might fall, the truth is God has blessed the earth and we wouldn’t be living on it if it were not for His power and care for us. He is the One who sends the rain, and fertilizes the ground. He is the One who created the rivers and seeds and blesses the crops so that they grow. We do all we can do, but it is God who holds the ultimate control.
While we assume our human efforts control the earth; God holds the universe in His hand. Take time to look around you today and enjoy His creation. He made all of this for you! He blesses all of it for you!

Enjoy the Journey!
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-four
“Awe Struck”
Psalm 64:9

“Then everyone will stand in awe; proclaiming the mighty acts of God, realizing all the amazing things he does.”

We’ve talked about the mighty things God calls us to do; today we focus on that God does (often through us). When we obey God, when we trust Him enough to simply do the mighty things He calls us to do – others see and stand in awe.
When others won’t – we can because God can.

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-three
“Tailgating”
Psalm 63:8

“I follow close behind you; your strong right hand holds me securely.”

When I was a kid I lived in an area where thick fog would settle during the winter. The fog was so thick that the interstate highway would be shut down. During those mornings special highway patrol caravans would lead travelers through the fog; a few vehicles following closely behind a patrol car with its lights flashing. Everyone stayed as close to each other as safely possible.
Sometimes our road gets clouded and we can’t see what lies ahead. At such times it is assuring to know that we are following closely behind the One who knows the journey.
Keep your eyes on the Light of the World and you will be secure during foggy times!

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul