"Pokie" - Willamina Pocahontas Newell - This beautiful little Corgie is the newest member of the Newell family. Very soon, Dr Pepper, will get to pass off his guard dog duties to this vicious pedigree!

A little R&R

Why is it that we feel guilty when we slow down? Yeah, I know that sometimes we go way too slow - laziness is a vice - but most of the time we go way too fast - and too long - before we take a break.

God meant it when He told His children to "sabbath" and we would do well to both cherish and honor sabbath times. (Sunday church doesn't count as Sabbath for Pastors!)

I've been watching a half dozen pigeons fluttering down from the roof onto the stone in the pool to enjoy the cool water. God seems to be taking pretty good care of His birds, why can't we trust Him to do the same for us and simply rest in His goodness?

There will be plenty of time for work...never enough time to rest. Hebrews chapter four would make a pretty good read right now: "God's promise of entering his place of rest still stands...For this Good News - that God has prepared a place of rest..." (Hebrews 4:1-2)

(Marvin, thanks for the use of your home!)

The Writing Life
(forgive me Annie Dillard)

It's not as easy as writing! I thought writing a manuscript for a book was tough. I've been two years on HEROES and when I finally reached the end of the last chapter my sigh of relief could probably be heard all the way to the beach (60 miles away). BUT THEN the real work started...I don't remember how many hours I spent looking at every adverb, every typo, misspelling and the like. I can't remember how many hours I spent going through "The Frugal Editor" and now "Best Selling Book Proposals". AND NOW I'm being encouraged to simply self-publish the thing (see www.mattselznick.com) (not to be confused with David Selznick)...

I just want someone to read my book and be blessed.

Oh well...

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Ninety
“Live Like You Were Dying”
Psalm 90:12

“Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.”

Today marks the end of our summer Road Trip through Psalms. We have not reached the end of Psalms, but we’re moving to a different vehicle for a while. We are starting the ONE MONTH TO LIVE CHALLENGE. (Check out our blog for daily updates on OMTL).

As we come to the close of this part of our journey it’s a good time to “number our days” as the Old English Bible phrases today’s verse. We don’t know how long our journey will last, but we do know a couple of things: (1) It will not always be smooth, (2) God is always beside us, (3) the destination is assured.

Thanks for joining be on this road trip – we’ll do it again next Summer! For now – Enjoy the Journey!

Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-Nine
“Not the end of the journey…PART 2”
Psalm 89:1

“I will sing of the tender mercies of the Lord forever!”

Yesterday seemed dark, the future foreboding, yet here we are in today. To state the obvious, today is yesterday’s tomorrow. We fear what lies ahead, yet we find ourselves living in our past’s future. “the tender mercies of the Lord” are forever. God promises to tenderly watch over us through our todays and tomorrows.
As we come near the end of this Summer Road Trip the one over arching theme we have seen through the windows of the Psalms is God’s mercy. He cares for us when we don’t deserve it. He is with us when we don’t feel it.

Ours is a God of FOREVER. You will make it to tomorrow and you will make it through today. As tough as today may seem – God’s tender mercies are greater.


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-Eight
“Not the end of the journey…PART 1”
Psalm 88:18

“…only darkness remains.”

We’ve come a long way on our journey through Psalms. I am sure that over the past months you have experienced some low points. There are times when it appears that the lights are flickering and the path is turning dark. Fear and loss are hard to deal with.

The author of today’s Psalm seems to have nothing good to say about anything…
but take a peek at the first verse of tomorrows Psalm – even in the darkest and most disappointing times – there is assurance and hope that God’s love and mercy is with you.
Keep traveling and hang in there! There is always another Psalm.


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-Seven
“Life Source”
Psalm 87:7

“The source of my life is in Jerusalem.”

Jerusalem was where the Temple was located. It was the center-piece of Jewish worship. Worship is the life-source of our journey. As we place our focus on Jesus Christ and draw our fuel from Him we find that our journey is “doable”.
Where or what is your life source? Make it Jesus.


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-Six
“Total Confidence”
Psalm 86:2

“Save me, for I serve and trust you.”

Two thoughts:
First, we need to be saved; I mean, we need saving. We find ourselves in situations beyond our control where only God can help. At those times we must cry out to God, “Save me!” He’s waiting for our call.

Secondly, we need to serve and trust God during the times we need saving. Our responsibility is to serve and we know God has asked us to serve and then trust Him for the outcome.


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Eighty-Five
“From the Dead!”
Psalm 85:6

“Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?”

Revival is an archaic word. When I was a kid we had “revival meetings” at church. Now that I am older I understand that the purpose of such meetings was to awaken the dead; revive them. There were a lot of dead hearts and discouraged people who needed reviving.
It’s true today as well. There are times when our prayer is simply, “God give me new life and new strength; I feel dead.”
We should be praying for revival.


Enjoy the Journey
Paul

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

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-six
“Promises”
Psalm 76:11

“Make vows to the Lord your God, and fulfill them.”

We shy away from promises. We worry that we can’t live up to our vows. God, however, desires our devotion and longs for our commitment to Him. Don’t be afraid to commit to God. Give Him what He alone deserves – all of you.

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-five
“Timing is everything”
Psalm 75:2


“God says, “At the time I have planed…”

We are impatient. We want God to hurry up. We want to get to the end of His story and enjoy its conclusion. God says, “At the time I have planned…”
His timing is everything. He alone has the judgment to know when and where.
Don’t get in a hurry; God doesn’t. No matter how unjust or inconvenient today may seem, God has His timing and it is perfect.

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-four
“Look what You did!”
Psalm 74:17
“You set the boundaries of the earth,”

I changed pictures today because I want you to see some of what we saw last week. Yosemite is but a speck on this globe upon which we live, yet it is towering and overwhelming when compared to our tiny we are. God made it all and set it in place. He set the boundaries of the rivers and waterfalls. He decided where the rocks end and the sky begins. Just look what He did!
By the way, He did it all for you and for me!

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-three
“Envious Detour””
Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the proud…”

Last week I stood at the edge of a cliff; thousands of feet below me lay the Yosemite Valley. It was both awesome and scary. I had to back away.
There are times in my life when I get close to the edge of the cliff called envy. “I came close to the edge of the cliff…For I envied the proud…” (vs.2-3) Then I backed away. Once I saw how the proud lived I realized how precarious such cliff-dwelling actually was.
Psalm 73 is a sad description of proud, wicked people. Another way to say it is, if you want to know what God really things of wealth, just look at who He gives it to most often! (read the Psalm)
I’ve learned “how good it is to be near God!” (vs.28)
I’d rather live safely near God than with all the wealth in the world – living on the edge.

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-two
“His Glory”
Psalm 72:19

Let the whole earth be filled with his glory.”

Just look at that picture.
Enough said.

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy-one
“People Are Watching”
Psalm 71:7

“My life is an example to many,”

You might not think of yourself as an example, but you are. Everyday someone is watching you. Every moment others are looking at your example. Will your example point to what God is doing through you or will it point away from Him?

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Seventy
“In Need”
Psalm 70:5


“But I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God.”

Our pride seldom allows us to admit the obvious; we are poor and needy – in need of God’s love and power. We don’t have what it takes to live for God; we need Him. We will only find the strength we need when we come to the end of ourselves and seek God’s aid.

Enjoy the Journey
Pastor Paul

Hey baby 2!!!!!!

Nevada falls - half dome next!!!

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

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-two
“Centered”
Psalm 62:10

“And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life.”

As we travel through the journey it’s important that we stay centered in the lane. There are a lot of distractions. Wealth can be a distraction; so can poverty. Ambition can be a distraction; so can ambivalence or indecision.
The key is to stay centered, centered on God’s plainly spoken Word (vs.11-12).

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty-one
“I’m in the Will!”
Psalm 61:5

“You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.”

What a surprise to learn that you are in the will! Someone cared one cared enough to leave behind something precious for the one they loved – you! Here’s how the Apostle Peter made the announcement: "and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay." 1 Peter 1:4
When Jesus Christ died (and rose again) He left something for us in heaven – eternal life and all the benefits of that life. The Bible is filled with descriptions of what God has in store for you in heaven. The Bible is God’s Will – read it and learn how much you are in His Will!

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Sixty
“Mighty Men (and Women)”
Psalm 60:12

“With God’s help we will do mighty things,”

It’s a mighty thing to get up in the morning and face the day when you would rather day depressed and in bed.
It’s a mighty thing to speak kindly to someone who has just been rude or cruel toward you.
It’s a mighty thing to offer encouragement and help to someone who you would rather ignore.
It’s a mighty thing to take a stand when everyone else is belittling your Christian walk.
Every day you are called to do mighty things that may seem insignificant, yet in God’s plan they are huge.
What mighty thing will God ask of you today? With God’s help you will do it!

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Fifty-nine
“Captured”
Psalm 59:12

“let them be captured by their pride, their curses, and their lies…”

Our section of the journey today is a continuation of yesterday’s passage. God is just and most often His justice allows the prideful and arrogant to simply be caught in their own injustice.

Keep your focus on God’s unfailing love, not on those who seek to do you harm. He is the One you can take refuge in; He is the One who offers you a safe place during your day of distress.

It all seems a little melodramatic doesn’t it? It’s not! When we are going through tough times and we feel like others are really out to destroy our character and convictions – that’s not dramatic, that’s distress.

When faced with a horrendous day – remember the end of today’s song: “O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge.” (vs.17)

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Fifty-eight
“Reward”
Psalm 58:11
“There truly is a reward for those who live for God;”

I think that the Apostle Paul (the author of Ephesians in the New Testament) wrote, “Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.” (Ephesians 6:8) he must have had Psalm 58 in mind.
It’s easy to look around us and see all the evil and evil doers and wonder how they seem to get away with so much…so much…well, evil. We cry for justice and forget that God’s justice is always fair and on time (His time).
What we need to assure ourselves is Psalm 58:11; God will justly reward us for our good – in spite of those who do evil around us.

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Fifty-seven
“Wide-eyed Faith
Psalm 57:7

“My heart is confident in you, O God.”

People sometimes speak of blind faith, the kind of trust that is given without reason or experience. Never forget that your faith in God is wide-eyed faith. You and I place our trust in God because He has proved again and again that He can be trusted for everything. Our hearts, minds and souls can be confident in God.
I can think of no better reason to sing than knowing God can always be trusted!

Enjoy the Journey
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Fifty-six
“Promises, Promises”
Psalm 56:12

“I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.”

No one likes people who make promises and than fail to follow through on their word. We don’t trust people who continually renege on their commitments. But wait, how often have we told God we would do something and then ignored our promise (vow)? We take God’s forgiveness for granted. We forget that God’s forgiveness is not necessarily the same as God’s blessing. God expects us to be true to our words to Him.
The thing about promises to God is that such promises are never one-sided. Our vows to God always require God’s help to fulfill. We need His strength and mercy. God is honored when we keep our words to Him and, at the same time, always remember that He is the One who gives us the ability to keep our promises.

Enjoy the Journey!
Paul

Summer Road Trip '08
Day Fifty-Five
Weight of the World
Psalm 55:22

Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Some days feel heavy. The worries and cares of the world seem to have landed on my shoulders. That is not the way God intended us to live. God never gives us more than we can handle; if the weight is too much it is because we are carrying more than God desires. His grace is always enough.

God's desire is that we give our burdens to Him. He will take care of us.

Psalm 55:22 has a parallel in the New Testament: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip '08
Day Fifty-four
Stayin' Alive
Psalm 54:4

"But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!"

There are many things that I take for granted every day; probably the most obvious is that I am alive. It is a blessing that we are not listed in today's obituary column. The Apostle Paul said, "To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord" so we know that the alternative to life on earth is an even better life in eternity (at least for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ). My point here is that while we are on this journey it is a blessing to be alive. Other people's plans for us are not so gracious as the Lord's. There are some who wish us harm.
Today I'm just thankful I am alive!

Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Fifty-three
“Fools Paradise”
Psalm 53:1


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

Practical Atheism, that’s the term for anyone who acts as if God doesn’t exist. Sure, ask us if we believe there is a God and we will be quick to respond, yes! But watch our lives. How do we live out that “yes!” Do we really live as if there is a God? Do we act as if He is watching? Do we respond as if we really believe He loves us?

God looks down from heaven to see if there is anyone with real understanding, who really seeks after Him. That’s how we show that we know – there is a God!

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Fifty-two
“Telling ‘em off!”
Psalm 52:1
“You call yourself a hero, do you?””

There are times when honking the horn is appropriate. Another traveler on the journey starts behaving erratically and endangers the rest of us. We hate to speak up for fear that we will appear judgmental or overly “religious”, yet neither is true – we are being honest, truthful.

Like the author of Psalm 52, there are times when we have to stand up to those who are speaking to hurt others. The warning (during those times when we must speak up) is to trust in God’s unfailing love. Don’t trust in your own ability to strike out at the other person. Don’t gloat over the other person’s “fall”; instead trust in God’s justice and mercies. Stand for what is godly and right – just don’t play God.

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Fifty-one
The Right Sacrifice
Psalm 51:17

“The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise.”

Sometimes nothing will do but brokenness. That’s not a word or thought we hear often, or wish to think much about. We don’t like to think of ourselves as broken, yet the brokenness referred to in Psalm 51 is a brokenness over our wrongs, our sins.

God is not interested in all the things we can do for Him. He’s concerned with our attitude and heart toward Him, especially when we have wronged Him and others. When we come to God with a spirit that says “I’m not fighting you any more” and an attitude that says ‘I repent; I am turning away from the wrong that I am doing” – that’s what God desires.

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08

Day Fifty

What I Really Want

Psalm 50:14-15

“What I want instead is your true thanks to God…Trust me in your times of trouble.”

I got very hungry last night and had only one problem, I had no idea what I really “wanted” to eat. It was pretty stupid considering all my body needed was something healthy in my stomach. There are lots of times I’m frustrated because I really don’t know what I want.

God is never frustrated. He always knows what He wants. He’s not really interested in our sacrifices that make us look good; He’s wants our genuine thanks. He wants us to really trust Him – especially in times of trouble.

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08

Day Forty-nine


It don’t come easy!


Psalm 49:8


“Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live for ever and never see the grave.”

Ringo Star made the phrase popular in the early 70’s “You know it don’t come easy”. Whether he realized it or not, that’s what the Bible said long before he thought of it.

Redemption is a great word that means to “buy back”. We sold our souls to this world and it’s ideals and as a result became separated from God. God loved us so much that He was willing to pay the price to buy is back (pay the penalty for our sin). God redeemed us! It was not an easy thing for Him to do – it took His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave.

Psalm 49 reminds us that while it looks like the wicked of this world have an easy time of it, the things they have will go with them to the grave. Everyone dies; what matters is what happens after your death.

Thank God that He redeemed you! You have more to look forward to that earthly riches.

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08

Day Forty-eight

“The Pause that Refreshes”

Psalm 48


“O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.”

In 1929 Coca-Cola introduced “The Pause that Refreshes” sales campaign. Think about it; taking a few moments to guzzle down a bottle of flavored sugar water was all it took to be refreshed.
If it were only that easy; refreshment in a bottle!

True refreshment doesn’t come from a bottle or can, it comes from God. He is the only One who can refresh and renew our tired spirits. That is why today’s challenge, “we meditate on your unfailing love” is so…well…refreshing.

Meditation is filling our mind and souls with thoughts of God and His goodness. If you are feeling a little worn today – stop for the ultimate pause that refreshes. Think about God’s goodness in your life!

Enjoy the Journey,
Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08
Day Forty-seven
Looking Forward
Psalm 47:1
“Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to the LORD with joyful praise!”

The forty-seventh Psalm is known as a Messianic Psalm. It is a song of praise to Jesus Christ, the “Sent One”, the Messiah. It is a forward looking Psalm; one that speaks of how things will be.

We can live with the assurance that what God says will be – will be! That is the best reason I know to praise God! No matter how unpleasant the present may seem, no matter how fearful we may become of the near future – God is in control and He reigns. He is in control!

“For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth.”

Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul

Summer Road Trip ‘08

Day Forty-six

The Destination

Psalm 46:5

“God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed.””

The journey can be so overwhelming that we forget the destination. There was an old country song that began, “This world is not my home I’m just a passin’ thru’…” Truer words were never spoken (or sung). We are headed to a city where God lives and so will we!

We can “see the glorious works of the Lord” here on earth, but they are nothing compared to what’s ahead for every Child of God.

It is good to take time each day to quietly remember where we are headed and then live our day as if we really believe that’s where we’re going!

“Be silent, and know that I am God!” (vs.10)

Enjoy the Journey!
Paul

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