Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-Four
“Whole Body Experience”
Psalm 84:2

“With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.”

My goal on this journey is a total, whole body experience. I want to know that I have given to God all that I am, every ounce of my strength and every thought and emotion of my soul. I don’t believe I’ve made it to that point yet – but I’m going to keep traveling down this road and giving it my best. When I get side-tracked or detoured – I will simply get back on the road and give it my all.
Can you think of any better way to live this life and really enjoy it than with your whole being?


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-Three
“The Way Things Oughta Be”
Psalm 83:1

“O God, don’t sit idly by, silent and inactive!”

I must confess that there are times when I wonder why God doesn’t do something! Why is He sitting there while I’m in the mess that I am in? He seems silent and inactive.
He’s not! Though it may seem God neither speaks nor moves – the Bible says He never sleeps nor slumbers.
God forgive me for ever doubting Your involvement in my life.


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-Two
“Traveler’s Assistance”
Psalm 82:4

“Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.”

As we travel the journey we will come across those who are hurting and helpless. God has placed is there to help. We can be instruments of rescue for those who need deliverance. We can offer hope, encouragement and resources.
Who has God placed on your journey that needs your rescuing hand?


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-One
“Power-Aide”
Psalm 81:1

“Sing praises to God, our strength...”

I’m still thinking about my journey back from Half-Dome in Yosemite. Getting to the Dome took courage and determination; getting back was not an option! I could have turned around at any point going up the mountain (I actually did stop at the foot of Little Dome), but there was no turning back on the way down the mountain. All we could do was keep walking.
By the time we arrived at the trailhead we were totally spent, then we realized that we still had about a mile to walk – to our car! All I could do was pray for strength – and walk.
You may be weary today. There is no option to stop. What you have is God’s strength! Use it.


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty
“U-turn”
Psalm 80:3



“Turn us again to yourself, O God.”


We do not like to think that God allows rough times. We would rather think of God like the loving Shepherd who leads and protects us. Reality check: “You have fed us with sorrow and made us drink tears.”
Why does God allow us to face the pains of our stubbornness-es and sins? He does it to turn us back to Him. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. We refuse to obey the easy way.
We must never forget that God’s desire and plan is to do whatever it takes to U-turn us back to Him.
“Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God Almighty. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” (vs.19)

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-nine
“Shepherd”
Psalm 79:13


“the sheep of your pasture…”


It is hard to look around us and see the injustices of our world. It’s even harder when those injustices are focused on us! Even more intolerable is the reality that some of what we assume to be unjust is, in truth, of our own making. We deserve what we are getting.
Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Our prayer is always for mercy.
God cares for us as a shepherd cares for His sheep. Our cries for mercy fall on loving hears: “Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.” (vs.11)
Never forget that God cares.

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-eight
“Tell Me a Story”
Psalm 78:72

“He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.”

Psalm 78 is one of the longest Psalms in the Bible; it is the story of Israel. “I will teach you hidden lessons from our past-stories we have heard and know.” The Psalm is lengthy and worth every minute you invest reading it. The story begins with Jacob, leads through the wilderness, speaks of both rebellion, discipline, care and provision; it ends with King David from whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ would find His lineage. It ends with a truth that you and I can claim:

“He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.” (vs.72)

The question I have for you today is: What’s your story? Can you tell the story of God’s call on your life, maybe a wilderness like time and God’s constant care and provision? Let’s hear your story!

Enjoy the Journey

Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-seven
“The Road”
Psalm 77:20


“You led your people along that road…”


We face some pretty tough times; maybe today is such a time for you. Maybe you’re losing sleep; maybe you are wishing you could go back to what seems like an easier time. There is a better remedy: remember.
Remember who God is: “O God, your ways are holy.” (vs.13)
Remember what God has done: “You are the God of miracles and wonders!” (vs.14)
Remember where God has brought you through: “You led your people…”

Enjoy the Journey
Paul