Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Forty-five

Wedding Song

Psalm 45:1&6

“Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king,

...Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.”

Today we’re stopping for a wedding. The Psalm transcends earthly love and points directly to Jesus Christ, “Your throne, O God,” Psalm 45 is a prophetic (future focused) song that illustrates the love of a bride for her husband. In the New Testament Jesus is described as the groom and His church (you and be as Christ followers) are described as Jesus’ bride. (As Christ loved the church – Ephesians 5:25)

It's good to stop and write a love song to Jesus. There is power in focusing your love, attention – and words – on God. When we focus on Jesus’ beauty, strength, and acts of love toward us it’s hard not to break out in song.

Whenever you are feeling the weight of the day and the worries of this life, stop and focus on the beauty and love that Jesus gives to you. Such an attitude is transforming.

Enjoy the Journey

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Fuel

Day Forty-four

Psalm 44:3

“It was by your mighty power that they succeeded;”

Never ever forget that your power is from God and not yourself. You rise and fall by God’s strength. Yes, you can travel for a while on your own strength, but not for long. Your victories and successes are all from God.

“Only by your power can we push back enemies;” (vs.5)

Don’t face today without God. Don’t attempt to resist Satan’s temptations on your own; rely on God.

Enjoy the Journey,

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Headlights
Day Forty-three
Psalm 43:3

“Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me.”

It’s easy to get discouraged on the journey; the road can be treacherous at times.

We are not left on our own in the darkness; we have a Light. God’s Word and God’s presence in our lives will guide us. God’s guidance always leads us to His altar, the place where we worship Him. It’s the place where we find real joy.

When you are feeling discouraged take time to worship God. Take time to remember who God is and rehearse what He has done for you. He is your own safe haven in the storm.

Enjoy the Journey,

Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Really Thirsty

Day Forty-two

Psalm 42:4

“My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be.”

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” That is a powerful and poetic statement that has inspired songs and sermons. It’s actually a tragic verse, for the author is describing how distant he feels from God. He’s remembering how things used to be when he walked closely with the Lord.

It’s easy to feel like the Psalmist. We drift away from a steady, constant fellowship with Jesus Christ and soon look back at the way it used to be. It doesn’t have to be like that.

“Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again…” (vs.5)

God is just a prayer and a praise away. We don’t have to wallow in distant feelings, we can turn and remember God’s kindness. We can put our hope in God and see our fellowship revived.

Stop allowing your feelings to dictate your reality. Put hope back in the drivers seat.

Enjoy the Journey,

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Car Sick

Day Forty-one

Psalm 41:4

“Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

Sometimes along this journey we get sin-sick. It’s sad to realize that there are those out there who would gloat over our sickness. They love to see us fall or fail. They whisper and gossip and imagine the worst about us.

When you start to feel sick (even when you realize that it’s probably your fault), remember that God is still on your side. He will protect you if you trust in Him. He will nurse you back to spiritual health, if you will accept His help.

Enjoy the Journey,
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Stuck in the Mud – Or Not!

Day Forty

Psalm 40:2

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire...”

Have you ever been stuck in the mud? Usually the pit of despair is of our own making and choosing! The 911 for despair is to cry out to God and wait patiently for Him to do His work.

The result of patience is a solid road, a new song and a powerful influence on others (vs.2-3).

Psalm 40 is another slow down and enjoy passage. Read it twice and thank God that He is “thinking about you right now”!

Enjoy the Journey,

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Exit Numbers

Day Thirty-nine

Psalm 39:4

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away.”

79b…77a…56b…the exit signs all are numbered as are the mileage markers along side the road. I wonder what our journey would be like if we could actually see the year markers clicking past.

The journey is numbered and the days are fleeting; “how brief my time on earth…”.

While we are blessed to be on this journey, we must watch our words (vs.1-3), curb our rebellious hearts (vs.7-11) and keep talking to our Guide (vs. 12-13).

We are simply guests on this journey “travelers passing through”. (vs.12)

Enjoy the Journey,

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Deep Sorrow
Day Thirty-eight
Psalm 38:18

“But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.”

Some of the journey we travel is hurt-filled. The cause of the pain is our own doing; we’ve sinned and then suffer the consequences of those sinful decisions. The author of today’s Psalm is coming to grips with his sin and he knows that his suffering is of his own making.

Confession is not the same as asking forgiveness. To seek forgiveness is to put the responsibility on the other person. Confession and sorrow puts the responsibility on us! We confess (admit that what we have done is wrong) and we feel sorrow (genuine regret and grief) for the wrong. God freely grants forgiveness to those who trust in Him, however He also wants us to confess and regret what we have done. It is the process of confession that allows us to learn from and then leave behind those sins.

God knows what we are longing for; He hears our sighs of regret. (vs.9) He will not abandon us. He simply is waiting for us to trust in Him alone.

Enjoy the Journey,
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Are We There Yet?

Day Thirty-seven

Psalm 37:34

“Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel safely along his path.”

We like to speed. We love to travel down the road at breakneck pace, veering in and out of traffic. We hate it when God places someone or something in our path to slow us down.

Psalm thirty-seven is a “slow-down and think” passage. It warns us of hazardous practices and instructs us in safe traveling. Just don’t get in a hurry!

Read the passage showing and learn from the Creator of the journey.

Enjoy the Journey,

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Whispering in Your Ear Day
Thirty-six Psalm 36:1
“Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts”

Talking about sin is a dark way to begin a passage of praise to God, yet the darkness gives greater significance to the glory of God’s unfailing love.

“Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens…” (vs.5)

Like any soft spoken word, sin is constantly whispering; it is there for those who choose wickedness to hear. Yes there are glaring and loud examples of temptation, but it is the whispers that trip most people.

I do not wish to travel down the road of the wicked. I choose to follow the unfailing love of God. I choose to find shelter in the wings of His truth. I choose to be guided by His light, not sin’s whispers.

Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

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

Summer Road Trip ’08

Traveling Mercies

Day Twenty-eight

Psalm 28:6-6

“Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart.”

When I was a kid I used to hear my parents pray for “traveling mercies”. I never understood the term until I began to understand my own journey through this life. I need God’s mercy. Mercy is defined as something God gives us that we don’t deserve. He gives me strength and shields me from dangers, when the trust is; I deserve to crash and burn because of my wrong decisions.

I’m so thankful that God helps me and protects me from my foolishness. He forgives and restores.

If you have made a few wrong turns this week, take heart, your Lord God is there to strengthen and shield you from danger. Trust Him. Obey Him. Enjoy His help; He saves His people!

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
G.P.S.
Day Twenty-seven
Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?.”

G.P.S. -- God’s Protection & Salvation

As we have been traveling this journey, there has been a constant compass, guidance from heaven, which has watched over us, pointing us in the right direction. He has been our light and more importantly, He has been our salvation from many dangers.

There are people out there, who would love to see us broken down along the roadside. We will not be afraid; we have a destination and we are solely focused on it.

“The one thing I ask of the LORD—the one thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His temple.” (vs.4) When the Psalmist wrote those words he wasn’t asking to go to heaven, he was proclaiming his desire to live as closely to God and God’s Word as possible on this earth.

As we focus on God’s G.P.S. we find ourselves traveling in the right direction. Such focus gives us courage for the journey and allows us to be brave. (vs.14)

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Bumper Stickers
Day Twenty-six
Psalm 26:12

“I have taken a stand and I will publicly praise the LORD.”

When did we arrive at the belief that a bumper sticker actually makes a statement? We assume we’ve done our part once we’ve stuck the sticker to the backside of our vehicle for everyone to see. (It reminds me of the driver who screamed and cursed at every honking car, forgetting that he had placed a “Honk if you Love Jesus” sticker on his automobile.)

What you do is more important than what you say as you travel on life’s journey. That’s called integrity. “…for I have acted with integrity.” (vs.1)

Far too many travelers think a few words are enough. We say we are Christ followers but our affections and motives betray those words. We talk about what’s “right” but fail to live out God’s truth.

We must determine that we will be more than “Bumper Sticker” believers. We must be willing to take a stand, not just attach a sticker. Taking a stand and publicly praising God means matching our private words with our public deeds.

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Blow Out!
Day Seventeen
Psalm 25:11

“For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins.”

Have you ever experienced a blow out? You’re traveling along on the smooth pavement and breakneck speed when suddenly the thump, thump, thump of rubber pounding against metal wakes you from your daze. Sometimes there’s even the grinding sound as vehicle connects with road. I’ve seen the remnants of accidents caused by blowouts, but most often I’ve seen the bits, pieces and chunks of tire tread – reminders of past failures.

When I look back at my journey I see the times when I’ve experienced a sinful blowout. I’ve failed to avoid the potholes and obstacles at times evening driving right into them. I’ve sinned. Today’s passage assures me once again that in spite of the distress (vs.16), problems (17), pain and trouble (18), I have a Rescuer (20).

Like emergency roadside assistance, my LORD is there to lift me up, forgive my sin, begin the repair work and send my on down the journey.

Remembering the damage of my sinful acts reminds me to avoid them in the future, experiencing God’s forgiveness assures me that I can keep traveling!

Enjoy the Journey!
Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Day Twenty-four
Private Property
Psalm 24:1

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

As we’re making our way through this world it’s easy to assume that much of it is ours – it’s not. The Owner has only allowed us the use of both the vehicle and the road. God made everything you see. The stuff everybody else made was made with the stuff He made first.

What should our response be to the awesome privilege of living in God’s creation? Pure hands and pure hearts. Worship only God, tell the truth.

That’s the least we can do.

Enjoy the Journey,
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Green Pastures
Day Seventeen
Psalm 23:2

“He lets me rest in green pastures…”

We’ve arrived at a familiar section of road. We know this scenery fairly well, which is also a warning to slow down and really look at it again.

It’s personal – MY shepherd.

It’s peaceful – green pastures and peaceful streams

It’s powerful – He renews my strength

It’s protected – Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me

It’s prepared – a feast for me

It’s precious – your goodness and unfailing love

And it’s all planned for you! – “I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

Today is a great opportunity to thank God for His goodness on your journey. Take a few minutes to put yourself into the scenery of Psalm 23. Make it personal. Daydream a little. This daydream is closer to reality that you might think!

Enjoy the Journey,
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
A Voice from the Future-A look to the Past
Day Seventeen
Psalm 22:1

“My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?”

Today we come across a unique passage in our journey through the Psalms. This passage is known as a Messianic Psalm because it is a poetic description of Jesus Christ. If you were to turn to Matthew 27:6 you would find our Lord Jesus Christ shouting this verse from the cross:

At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Slow down today and read the entire Psalm slowly. Try to visualize Jesus on the cross. Try to sense the anguish of your Savior as He hung there for you.

Then remember that God had the Psalmist (King David) write this passage hundreds of years before Jesus hung on the cross. Imagine knowing for centuries the torturous death you would face and still willingly die – all because of your love for those you would save. That’s what Jesus did for you!

Enjoy the Journey,

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Day Twenty-one: Psalm 21: 2
In Tune

“For you have given him his heart’s desire; you have held back nothing that he requested.”

Some times it just all seems to be right. I’m not referring to “right” as having everything I want in just the way I want it. I’m referring to the peace that comes from knowing that God has me where He wants me and I’m in tune with His desires for my life. His Travel Guide (the Bible) assures me that He has a plan and purpose for my life and that He has desired me to run smoothly when I am in tune with that plan and purpose. His plans become my plans; His will becomes my will. At times like that I understand that He hold’s nothing back from me that is good.

Enjoy the Journey,
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08

Day Twenty: Psalm 20:4
Bragging Rights

“Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the LORD our God.”

As we’re traveling down the road on life’s journey it’s easy to look around and admire what other’s have. Their vehicles often seem much more powerful and elegant that what we possess. At times it’s hard to get a proper perspective from inside our own bodies. We listen to others boast and brag; they talk about their “freedom” and flaunt their irresponsibility. Let them blow their own horns.

While they gloat over their stuff and their soon-to-be-ended lives, we should, no, we will, keep our boasting focused on God – His power, His plan, His love toward us.

When you are tempted to envy what others seem to have just remember WHO is holding you!

Enjoy the Journey,

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Checking Under the Hood

Day Seventeen
Psalm 19:19

“May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you…”

It’s necessary from time to time to get out and check under the hood. There is a lot going on just out of sight. We are often oblivious to the harmful attitudes and faults that are damaging to our spiritual engine. We need to seek God’s clarity to expose the hidden sins we easily ignore.

And while we’re at it, what about the deliberate sins, the ones that we allow to control our lives?

If you find any damaging debris in your life, take a detour over to First John 1:9-10 and get a quick engine cleaning. We’ll see you back here tomorrow!

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventeen: Psalm 17:4
Safety Measures

“I have followed your commands, which have kept me from going along with cruel and evil people.”

Every vehicle should have a safety manual that should be read. Reading the manual will keep us out of danger. It’s so much easier to do what is right than it is to repair the damage caused by doing what is wrong. How much better it is to avoid danger than recover from it.

Never forget God’s commands are meant to protect us, not limit our happiness. The last thing we need on our journey is cruel and evil passengers sitting beside us.

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Day Sixteen: Psalm 16:3
Heroes

“The godly people in the land are my heroes!”

Life’s journey is meant to be enjoyed. That enjoyment includes the travelers around us. It’s appropriate to appreciate others. It’s even acceptable to have heroes. It’s probably a good idea to have a few heroes.

Danger comes when we pick the wrong heroes.

“Those who chase after other gods will be filled with sorrow. I will not take part in their sacrifices or even speak the names of their gods.” (vs.4)

We spend too much time focused on the wrong kinds of heroes and waste even more time wishing and wondering what it would be like to enjoy the things they live for. The wrong kinds of heroes spend their lives (sacrifice themselves) for little “g” gods that bring only hurt and destruction. The public image that we see is nothing more than a façade, a pretend image.

It’s the godly that are real and genuine. They are the ones who bring real pleasure.

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ’08
Traveling Companions
Day Fifteen: Psalm 15:1
Happy Father's Day!

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD?”

Psalm Fifteen is a checklist for travel companions. Look at the list:

Walk straight,

act right,

tell the truth.

don’t hurt your friend,

don’t blame your neighbor;

despise the despicable.

keep your word (even when it costs you)

make an honest living

don’t sell out

(adapted from “The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language”)

With those kinds of friends, you’ll never fall!

Enjoy the Journey,
Pastor Paul

P.S. Are you that kind of friend?

Summer Road Trip ’08
Fool’s Paradise
Day Fourteen: Psalm 14:1

“Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’”

Of course it’s foolish to deny the Creator of the journey, and the road, and the world in which it all takes place. Only a fool would say there is no God!

Have you ever acted foolishly?

We might not say “There is no God”, but when was the last time you acted without acknowledging God? When was the last time you worried as if there were no God? When was the last time you ignored God?

Which is worse, denying there is a God or simply ignoring Him?

All along life’s journey there are signs that point to who God is and what He wants for us. Our responsibility is to read the signs and follow their direction. Only the foolish ignore the signs.

Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Driving in the Dark
Day Thirteen: Psalm 13:3

“Restore the light to my eyes…”

When I was younger we played a dangerous game. We would drive down a deserted road with no street lights and no headlights. Though it only lasted for a second or two, it was still an unsettling experience; the movement of the car and total darkness at the same time sent chills down my spine. We were driving in the dark.

I don’t play that game any more, but I have experienced similar feelings. There are times when I look, but I don’t see. There are moments when I can’t make out which way to turn, the road ahead is unclear. My prayer at such times is much like the Psalmist’s, “Lord, let me see…restore the light to my eyes.”

At such times I much trust in God’s unfailing love.

“But I will trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.” (vs.5)

What is most important about the above verse is that the Psalmist is rejoicing BEFORE his rescue. His trust is so complete in God’s future rescue that he begins the celebration in advance.

Lord, I can’t see now, but I trust in your unfailing love. Since I’m trusting I can celebrate Your coming answer to my prayer.

Such darkness is not our enemy when it drives us to trust completely in God.

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Twelve: Psalm 12:6
Trusting the Map

"The LORD’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace…"

Sometimes its hard to trust the MAP. God has given us His Word, the Bible, as our guide for the journey we call life. Over and over again God promises us that if we follow His direction our journey will be safe and the destination secure. Why is it that we mistrust God’s guidance? Why do we doubt God’s promises?

The best answer to those questions is that we see greater value in trusting our own instincts and premonitions than we do in God’s experience and omniscience (He knows EVERYTHING!).

Our thoughts and agendas are always tainted by sin and selfishness; God’s are always pure, with our best at heart.

When in doubt over the directions refer to Psalm 12:6.

Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eleven: Psalm 11:2
Shooting from the Shadows

“They shoot from the shadows at those who do right…” ”

I had intended to take a different off-ramp on today’s journey, but got sidetracked at the end of verse two, “shooting from the shadows”.

I’ve been reminded of the many times when saboteurs set out to either distract or destroy God’s work in my life. We usually think about the frontal attacks of Satan and his wicked allies, but most often it’s the arrows shot from the shadows that inflict the most damage.

These are the travelers who lurk in the shadows of “not quite honest” and “not really that bad”. They live in the shadows of right and wrong, and rest in the shade of unethical. They are unwilling to come out into the sunlight of God’s righteousness. On the other hand they refuse to admit their wickedness. They like the shadows of “not that bad” and “just a little dishonest”.

I do not wish to live in the shadows!

Verse five reminds every shadow dweller that God still sees and examines – both the righteous and the wicked.

I want to trust in God’s protection, not the shadows. (vs.1)

I want to live in such a way that I see and recognize God’s face. (vs.7)

And I’m asking God to protect me from the “shots from the shadows”.

Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08 Day Ten: Psalm 10:1 Distant Traveler “O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?”

Psalm ten is depressing. Let’s just make the point and go on. Sometimes it appears that the Psalmist is having a bad day (a bad life) and everything, everyone is against him.

I’ve wondered in the past why such passages were in the Bible at all. Shouldn’t the Bible be all about encouragement and uplifting ideals? Verses like “they seem to think that God is dead” (vs.4) don’t seem to help much when we’re feeling distant from God.

I’ve come to the conclusion that the Psalm 10’s of the Bible are there to show us that we’re not the only ones who feel distant, discouraged or depressed. It’s not a sin to feel any of those things. Sometimes life is hard and things really are going against us. But, and this is an important but…

But in spite of the appearances, in spite of the discouragements, in spite of the set backs – God is still on our side and He has our best interests at heart.

The LORD is king forever and ever!

The godless nations will vanish from the land.

LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless.

Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.

You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,

so mere people can no longer terrify them. (vs.16-18)

This part of the journey will not last forever and when we look back at the road we have traveled we will have learned valuable lessons and enjoy the blessings of the present in even greater ways.

Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Nine: Psalm 9:14
High Rent District

“But you do see…”

Psalm nine is an ugly description of even uglier people. Words such as proud, wicked, vicious, braggers, lurkers, murderers, crouching, none of these words seem harsh enough or descriptive enough for such evil people. We don’t have to go far down the road before we come into contact with people such as those portrayed in the Psalm.

On top of their wickedness is their brazenness, “Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever!” (vs.6) “God isn’t watching! He will never notice!” (vs.11).

The Psalmist's prayer of judgment on such people is appropriate: “Punish the wicked, O God!”

Lest we begin to believe what ugly people believe we must remind ourselves of the truth of verse fourteen: “But you do see the trouble and grief they cause. You take note of it and punish them.”

God sees. God knows. When dealing with the ugly people on your journey never forget that God is always God and those who deny Him will meet their fate soon enough.

As for you and me, “Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.”

Enjoying the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eight: Psalm 8:3-4
Star Gazing

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-
the moon and the stars you have set in place-
what are mortals that you should think of us,
mere humans that you should care for us?”

Today’s journey feels more like tonight. We’re “traveling with the top down” and the sky is the limit. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with the struggles of this life, but tonight we are overwhelmed with the vastness of God’s creation. It is so BIG and we are so small.

We are so small and yet God cares about us more than all the rest of His creation combined. Think about it, Jesus died for you and me! We are the only part of His creation that turned it’s back on Him, determined to fight His will (sin), and yet God still cares for us!

God’s greatness can only be measured by the vastness of His creation and the depth of His love and care for you and me!

“O LORD, our LORD, the majesty of your name fills the earth!” (vs.9) And our hearts we might add!

Enjoying the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seven: Psalm 7:10-11

“God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is a judge who is perfectly fair.”

While sitting behind the wheel watching the scenery pass by it’s easy for me to begin to make judgment calls on what’s happening outside my own life. I like to feel in charge and part of being in charge is getting to pass judgment on God’s judgments. I don’t always approve of how God is handling either the situations or the people around me. Why is it that the ones I believe are “good” are facing the toughest circumstances? Why do the mean people tend to get away with their meanness?

I must constantly remind myself that “God is a judge who is perfectly fair.” (vs.11) Truth is, I’m not sitting is the best position to be a fair observer. I don’t see enough or know enough to make a good enough judgment.

When life seems unfair I must remember that God is always fair.

When I’m spending too much time telling God that He’s not quick enough to deal with others' sins, I must remind myself that God sees, God know, and God is dealing with them whether I “see it or not”.

“I’m thankful the Lord is just” (vs.17)

Enjoying the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Six: Psalm 6:3-4
Road Sickness

“Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my body is in agony. I am sick at heart…”

Sometimes the journey hurts. It’s not always sunny and smooth. We are weak. We fail. We tire easily and uphill stretches wear us down.

We could spend hours describing what got us to the place where we feel ROAD SICK, but what difference would it make? The answer is to seek help from the One who can heal.

We can trust in God’s compassion. We can be assured of His salvation. Yes, there will be tears and swollen eyes from time to time, but we must never forget…

“The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer.” (Psalm 6:9)

Enjoying the Journey!
Pastor Paul