Tag: Bridge

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Bridge to Shame Breaker, Wk. 2 January 1, 2021

Posted on by

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 19-20; (S.O.A.P. Psalm 20:4-5)

Psalm 19 For the choir director: A psalm of David.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.[a]
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth
    and their words to all the world. Read More

Psalm 20 For the choir director: A psalm of David.

 In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
    May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
2 May he send you help from his sanctuary
    and strengthen you from Jerusalem.[a]
3 May he remember all your gifts
    and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Interlude

May he grant your heart’s desires
    and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
    and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

6 Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king.
    He will answer him from his holy heaven
    and rescue him by his great power.
7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
    but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
8 Those nations will fall down and collapse,
    but we will rise up and stand firm.

9 Give victory to our king, O Lord!
    Answer our cry for help.

InSIDEOUT Blog post
Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Bridge to Shame Breakers, Week 2 Wednesday

Posted on by

While our soap passage is verses five and six, I believe to understand them best you must compare them to the previous verses, specifically verse two through four. In contrast to those who desire other gods – David doesn’t need any other since he has everything he needs or could for in the One True Living God – and all that He has promised Him, namely a kingdom that will will never end. – God is indeed his inheritance and his cup of blessing. Me – From the Insideout

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
3 The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!
4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
    or even speak the names of their gods.  Psalm 16:2-4

Compare

5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!        Psalm 16:5-6

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 15-16 (S.O.A.P. Psalm 16:5-6)

Psalm 15 A psalm of David.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
    Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
    speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip
    or harm their neighbors
    or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
    and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
    and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 Those who lend money without charging interest,
    and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.

Psalm 16 A psalm of David.

Keep me safe, O God,
    for I have come to you for refuge.

2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
3 The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!
4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
    or even speak the names of their gods.

5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!

7 I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.[b]
    My body rests in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead[c]
    or allow your holy one[d] to rot in the grave.
11 You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of your presence
    and the pleasures of living with you forever.[e]

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Bridge to Shame Breaker: Tuesday, Week 2

Posted on by

Have you ever found yourself praying a prayer like David’s in Psalm 13? He was so distraught that he felt as though God was ignoring him. The first of his prayer in Psalm 13 exhibited worry, suffering, fear, and even pride … BUT then he seems to remember his trust isn’t in man or in the events of his life – his confidence and his expectant hope are in the LORD, His God – and he speaks this truth over the anguish of his heart and mind. David said: “BUT I TRUST” … and a prayer of agony, frustration, and distress turned into a prayer of praise and worship! Has God given you a reason to trust Him? Write it down – speak the reason(s) out loud. Has God rescued you before from impending trouble? Has He given you a reason to sing praise to His name? Have you seen and tasted His goodness? Set your mind on these things and proclaim your trust in Your God – the proclamation may not change the circumstances but it will definitely change your attitude and focus when troubles do arise. God’s TRUTH infuses us with Hope and Confidence and changes agony to praise and worship. Me – From the Insideout

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 13-14 (S.O.A.P. Psalm 13:5-6)

Psalm 13 For the choir director: A psalm of David.

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
    How long will you look the other way?
2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
    with sorrow in my heart every day?
    How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

3 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
    Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
4 Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
    Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

BUT I trust in your unfailing love.
    I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord
    because he is good to me.

Psalm 14 For the choir director: A psalm of David.

Only fools say in their hearts,
    “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
    not one of them does good!

2 The Lord looks down from heaven
    on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
    if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
    all have become corrupt.[a]
No one does good,
    not a single one!

4 Will those who do evil never learn?
    They eat up my people like bread
    and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.
5 Terror will grip them,
    for God is with those who obey him.
6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
    but the Lord will protect his people.

7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
    When the Lord restores his people,
    Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Bridge to Shame Breaker, Tuesday – Week 1

Posted on by

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 3 and 4; (S.O.A.P. Psalm 4:1)

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

O Lord, I have so many enemies;
    so many are against me.
2 So many are saying,
    “God will never rescue him!” Interlude[a]

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
    you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
4 I cried out to the Lord,
    and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude

5 I lay down and slept,
    yet I woke up in safety,
    for the Lord was watching over me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
    who surround me on every side.

7 Arise, O Lord!
    Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
    Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
8 Victory comes from you, O Lord.
    May you bless your people. Interlude

Psalm 4

Answer me when I call to you,
    O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people ruin my reputation?
    How long will you make groundless accusations?
    How long will you continue your lies? Interlude
3 You can be sure of this:
    The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
    The Lord will answer when I call to him.

4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
    Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
5 Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
    and trust the Lord.

6 Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
    Let your face smile on us, Lord.
7 You have given me greater joy
    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Bible Reference
Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Bridge to Shame Breaker

Posted on by

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 1 – 2 (S.O.A.P. Psalm 1:6)

Psalm 1

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners,
    or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do.

4 But not the wicked!
    They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
    Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
    but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 2

1 Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.
3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury.
6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
    in Jerusalem,[a] on my holy mountain.”

7 The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.[b]
    Today I have become your Father.[c]
8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
    the whole earth as your possession.
9 You will break[d] them with an iron rod
    and smash them like clay pots.’”

10 Now then, you kings, act wisely!
    Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12 Submit to God’s royal son,[e] or he will become angry,
    and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
    But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

Bible Reference
Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Bridge to Everlasting Covenant Week 2, Friday

Posted on by

Question of the Day: According to verse 17, the law was given through Moses, but what was given through Jesus Christ?

Today’s Scripture: John 1:14-18 (S.O.A.P. John 1:14)

So the Word became human[a] and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.[b] And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

15 John testified about Him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for He existed long before me.’”

16 From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.[c] 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is Himself God,[d] is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

The Prayer God Loves to answer
Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Bridge to Everlasting Covenant Week 2, Wednesday

Posted on by

Question of the Day: Verse 4 says, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.” Who is “Him” referring to?

Today’s Scripture: John 1:1-5 (S.O.A.P. John 1:4-5)

Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,[a]
    and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.[b]

Posted in LGG Study

Bridge to Everlasting Covenant Week 2, Tuesday

Posted on by

Question of the Day: According to verse 4, why was Christ born of a woman, born under the law?

Today’s Scripture: Galatians 4:4-7 (S.O.A.P. Galatians 4:4-5)

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.[a]6 And because we[b] are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”[c]7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.[d] And since you are His child, God has made you His heir.

Posted in LGG Study

Bridge to Everlasting Covenant Week 1, Thursday

Posted on by

Question of the Day: How can God’s loyal love and faithfulness continually protect us?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 40:11-17 (S.O.A.P. Psalm 40:11)

Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
    Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles surround me—
    too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
    I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
    I have lost all courage.

13 Please, Lord, rescue me!
    Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
14 May those who try to destroy me
    be humiliated and put to shame.
May those who take delight in my trouble
    be turned back in disgrace.
15 Let them be horrified by their shame,
    for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”

16 But may all who search for you
    be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
    repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,
    let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
You are my helper and my savior.
    O my God, do not delay.

Today’s Blog
Posted in Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Psalm 97

Posted on by

For You, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth: You are elevated above all gods.

Psalm 97:9

This verse by itself is a wonderful reminder that God, our God, is not just the Most High God over all the earth but that He is over all other gods. However, when we read it in the fuller context of what the Psalmist wrote we find descriptions in verses 1 through 7 – word pictures of His greatness and power not only over His creation but carved images and those who worship them. We see Him reigning, the earth having cause to rejoice. We get a glimpse of His throne made of righteousness and justice and when we look closely we will see His saving power as He is victorious over His enemies and His glory is revealed!

The light of His glory brings shame to those who create and/or worship other gods; and it reveals not only His power but the lack of power in all other gods, who themselves are subjected to worship Him, as the Most High God. It is this picture that leads us to understand the depth of the Psalmist’s words that acknowledge the LORD as the Most High, and assigning to Him preeminence over the earth and all other gods.

It is also this verse that sheds light on the words that follow and gives us cause to heed them –

You who love the LORD, hate evil! He protects the lives of His faithful followers; He delivers them from the power of the wicked. The godly bask in the light; the morally upright experience joy. You godly ones, rejoice in the Lord. Give thanks to His holy name.

Psalm 97:10-12

Because God, our God, is the Most High God we are called to a higher standard. A standard that not only recognizes evil and avoids it but one that sees it as an offense to God and hates it. Our realization that He is the Most High God should equally spur us on to live faithfully for Him. We cannot just avoid and hate evil but we must choose righteousness – living and loving like Jesus. He faithfully loved God above everything else, He loved us more than self – even to the point of death, He served God and others, and did good so that others would see and glorify His Father in heaven. When we live and love like this we will know freedom from the power of sin, we will know protection from our enemies, and we will experience the joy that comes from walking in His light and we will rejoice – giving thanks to His holy name.