Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 118 (ESV)

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

7 The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off!

11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the Lord I cut them off!

12 They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off!

13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,

16 the right hand of the Lord exalts, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”

17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.

18 The Lord has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.

21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success!

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord.

27 The Lord is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!

28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you.

29 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 118:22-24

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1

Read: Psalm 118:1-9

Consider:

For Adults: This Psalm is believed by scholars to have been composed as a song of celebration on the occasion of either a great deliverance or perhaps the dedication of the new temple. In shifting back and forth from language that speaks to the corporate assembly and an account of personal deliverance, it seems to imply that the “I” in the psalm is not just a personal testimony, but also the collective testimony of the people of God. The theme of God’s steadfast love is sure and everlasting to his people as a whole and to each individual saint. is clear from beginning to end. While the message is basic to the Christian life, its profound application should be part of the daily thought of the Christian, “The Lord is on My side, I will not fear, What can man do to me?” Are you trusting the Lord by faithfully following His commands today? Trust His unchanging love and obey His commands knowing that they are always and only and expression of His love for His people.

Discussion for children: Read verses 8 and 9 again. Why do you think that is better to depend upon God than to depend upon people, even if those people are very powerful (like a prince or or King)? What are some of the ways that we show that we are depending upon God? Does someone who is depending upon God pray often? What do you think?

Pray: Thank the Lord today for being a sure refuge for all those who trust in Him. Pray that God would help you to trust Him more and to identify areas of your life where you may be placing your hope in someone or something other than Him. Pray that God would help you to be a living example of faithful loving obedience to Him in all things to all those around you.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2

Read: Psalm 118:19-24

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses of the Psalm, we find the psalmist shifting from the narrative of personal deliverance to ceremonial language related to procession into the temple to sacrifice and worship. It is in this section that we find the theme of the stone rejected by the builders becoming the the chief cornerstone. In the immediate context, the “rejected stone” is a proverb communicating how God had chosen Israel, a seemingly unworthy candidate, as recipient of His Kingdom. In the larger context, however, the apostles tell us (Matt. 21:42, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7) that the great cornerstone, rejected by men, is actually Christ himself. The proper response of the believer to God’s work in Christ is laid before us here. It is to be “Marvelous in our eyes.”

Discussion for children: Do you know what a cornerstone is? It is the most important stone that was laid in a building. It was the stone that all the others were measured off of. In these verses the “cornerstone” actually points us to Jesus. What do think it means for Jesus to be the cornerstone of a person’s life. How does it change the way we obey our parents? How would it affect the way we act towards our friends at school and our teachers? How does having Jesus as your cornerstone affect the way you treat your brothers and sisters?

Pray: Thank God today for sending Jesus, the perfect representation of the Father in human flesh. Pray that God would help you to look to Jesus more and more faithfully as the cornerstone for your life. Pray that God would help you to think often and deeply on Him and that your heart would more and more frequently be set upon worshiping and imitating Him in your thinking and living.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3

Read: Psalm 118:25-29

Consider:

For Adults: As in yesterday’s passage, so too should these words quickly draw our minds to Christ. The opening verses of today’s section were proclaimed to Christ by the crowds upon His entry into Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion(John 12:13). In the immediate context of the Psalm, the declaration “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” reminds the worshiper of the covenant; that it is only the name of the LORD that is truly worthy of trust (v.8-9) and it is only the Lord who truly saves (v.14), thus it is only in His name that one comes into the temple. When applied to Christ, however, as the one who comes in the name of Lord, we are reminded that is is only Christ who has walked in perfect obedience to the Law of God and in perfect faith and trust in Him. It is only Christ who has earned the blessing of God and it is only in Him and through Him that the “gates of righteousness” (v.19) are opened for the people of God. As we consider the baby Jesus this holiday season, let us be quick to remember that the babe in the manger is also the Christ of the cross and the one who opens the gates of heaven for all those who trust in Him in repentance and faith.

Discussion for children: Read verse 27 again. What do you think that it means that God has made His light to shine upon us? As you think of how we use candles and lights at Christmas time, how can they remind us of how God rescues His people from darkness? What do you think it means to be spiritually “in darkness?” How do you think that God’s word is like “light?” How do you think Jesus is like “Light” for us?

Pray: Praise God for sending Jesus to be the sacrifice and propitiation for His people. Thank God for the perfect righteousness that He imparts to the saints that they might be granted access to the gates of heaven. Pray that the righteousness of Christ, the heavenly possession of all those who hope and trust in Him, would work itself out today in your daily living and in your family. Pray the light of Christ would be evident in your interactions with others this week and that His mercy and grace would shine through you as evidence of His goodness and glory.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/o/joyworld.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 132 (ESV)

1 Remember, O Lord, in David’s favor, all the hardships he endured,

2 how he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,

3 “I will not enter my house or get into my bed,

4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,

5 until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One Jacob.”

6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.

7 “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!”

8 Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.

9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy.

10 For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one.

11 The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.

12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.”

13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place:

14 “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.

17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.

18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.”

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 132:13-14

“For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.”

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 – The Labors of Saints Gone Before

Read: Psalm 132:1-5

Consider:

For Adults: As the title indicates (“A Psalm of Ascents”), this is a psalm that worshipers would have sung on the way to worship in Jerusalem at the temple or, during the Babylonian captivity, as a a reminder of God’s promise to one day restore the nation. It begins in this section by recalling the passion that King David had to see God worshiped in His chosen Holy city and progresses into the prayers of contemporary worshipers and concludes with a recounting of God’s covenant with David and God’s promise to restore His entire people through an heir of David’s line. As you read through this psalm, you should quickly see the three divisions of Past (1-5), Present(6-10) and Future(11-18). As you read today’s verses, consider the Godly example of David to the nation. Despite the fact that David’s character was deeply flawed, His love for God and passion to see God worshiped defined a nation. Though David’s labors are not meritorious, they are none-the-less precious in God’s sight and a pleasing remembrance to him, just as are the sufferings and persecutions of all saints (Matt 5:11-12). Are you struggling today? Commit your trials to the Lord and, like Jesus, resolve to obey and honor God in them. He will never leave His people and His perfect plans just are always and only for their good and His glory!

Older & Younger children: In this Psalm, the singers remember how King David was faithful to honor God by bringing the Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem and for his passion to see God honored. Why do you think it is helpful for us to remember how God has used saints in the Bible and in Christian history? What are some of your favorite stories of how God used people? What lessons can we learn from them?

Pray: As you pray today, thank God for how He has used people in the past to accomplish His eternal plans. Thank God for how He has given His people strength to endure great hardships and adversities and how He used the labors of the Saints down through history to bring the gospel to you and your family. Pray that God would give you strength and courage to follow him and walk in the footsteps of Jesus this week.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 – The Prayers of Saints in Worship

Read: Psalm 132:6-10

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses, we find the people of God remembering how God arranged for the Ark to come to Jerusalem where it would it rest as the representation of God’s presence among His people in His capital city. “Ephrathah”in these verses is the district of Judah in which were towns of Bethlehem and “Jaar,” the place where the Ark resided (known as Kiriath-jearim in I Sam. 7:2) until David brought it Jerusalem. In recalling the establishing of the Ark in Jerusalem and in their prayers (for Priest to be clothed in Righteousness and saints to shouts with Joy) the psalmist points us toward the idea of Restoration. Just as the proper place for the Ark was in God’s chosen Holy City, so it fitting and right that God’s presence be felt among His people (v.8) and that His people would be characterized by righteousness and joy. As we consider the coming of Jesus, God-incarnate and the great heir of David, we are quick to recognize “Joy” as one of His blessings, but often slower to recognize that the restoration that Christ brings is that His saints, now all made priests, are clothed in Righteousness. It is the miraculously endowed gift to all those who look to Jesus, the heir of David, in humble repentance and faith. It is their pardon in the court of Heaven and its growing presence through their sanctification that is the visible evidence of their new standing in grace. Righteousness and Joy are the blessings of this great Covenant-keeping God for all those who look to Christ. Are they yours today?

Older & Younger children: The saints in the Psalms prayed that God would bless them because of God’s promise to King David. How powerful do you think God’s promises are and how long do you think that His promises last?

Pray: Praise and Thank God for how He is always faithful to keep His promises. Thank Him for how He sent Jesus as the perfect heir of King David and for how God is, even today, advancing His Kingdom through the work of Jesus and for how one day Jesus will return to rule the earth.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ The Promise of Blessing and Restoration

Read: Psalm 132:11-18

Consider:

For Adults: In the last half of our psalm we find a restatement of the covenant that God made with David (II Sam. 7:4-16) and within it, an understanding that with the reestablishment of the line of David, blessing flows to the whole of God’s people. Understanding Jesus as the heir of David, we see that these promises (which are the answers to the prayers in v.6-10) are fulfilled in part today as we see the Gospel advance among the nations and God call people to Himself, clothing them with salvation and joy (v.16), but we also see the psalmist point us toward the second coming of Christ when Jesus’s crown “Shines” and all the enemies of God’s people are brought into subjection under him (i.e. v. 18, “clothed with shame”). As we celebrate the incarnation, it is also fitting for us always remember that the story of the incarnate Christ is only begun. The Christ of the manger returns one day to be known as Christ on the throne! May we worship Him as such and bear the news of the coming kingdom eagerly and always.

Older & Younger children: Why do think it is so important that the writers of the Bible gave us the genealogy of Jesus? Why do you think that it was so important to them to make sure we know that Jesus was in the family line of King David?

Pray: Praise God today for how Christmas is only the beginning of the story of Jesus and how God has promised to send Jesus back to earth one day as the great King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Pray that God’s spirit would encourage your heart in this very truth and that God would help you to live in eager exception of the return of Jesus. Pray that the hope of Jesus’s return would help to strengthen you to be faithful to follow King Jesus today.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/goodcmen.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 110 (ESV)

1 The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!

3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.

4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.

6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.

7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 110:1

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ The Messiah, Ruler on the Throne of David

Read: Psalm 110:1-3

Consider:

For Adults: This Psalm is one of the most quoted Psalms of the New Testament writers.  Jesus himself quotes verse 1 when teaching in the temple in order to help the people see that the coming Messiah was not just the heir to King David, but his superior (Mark 12:36) and in Acts 2, Peter removes all mystery and reveals to us that it is Christ who is the “My Lord” to whom David looks when offering this Coronation Psalm.  Through the Spirit-led insight of the apostles, we see in these opening verses Christ being given throne of David and ruling in power in the presence of enemies.  Further, we see his true people (v.3) following Him, not out of slavish compulsion, but in free and holy resolve, refreshed in Him as with dew at dawn.  As we consider this picture of Christ inaugurating His reign, even in the presence of enemies, we can find great encouragement, for this is the heavenly picture of the advance of the Gospel.  Saints should see themselves in verse 3 and take great encouragement that Christ himself leads the advance of His Kingdom.  To march behind Christ as commander is to always march in victory.

Older children: In this psalm, it is very important to know who the author is.  Jesus Himself taught about this Psalm in Mark 12:36.  The point that Jesus made was that if David, (the author) who was the king, was speaking about both God (the LORD) and someone else whom he called “My Lord” then the person that he was speaking about was GREATER than himself.  What does this tell us about the Messiah, and thus about Jesus?

Younger children: Do you know what a footstool is?  What do you think it means that God will make all of the enemies of Jesus like a “footstool?”  How should this make us feel about following Jesus?

Pray: As you pray together today think of how Jesus is mercifully advancing His reign today through the spread of the Gospel.  Thank God for how the Gospel reached and touched your family and thank God that Jesus reigns as a good king.  Confess to Him how you may have struggled to follow Him recently and pray that He would help you to joyfully take up the road of sanctification and pray that He would be pleased to use your family to spread His merciful reign to the hearts of others this week.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ The Messiah, Eternal Righteous Priest

Read: Psalm 110:4

Consider:

For Adults: Understood as prophecy about the Messiah, this verse gives tremendous insight into the nature and character of the person of Christ and His work.  In contrast to the Levitical Priests who, like Eli and His sons could lose their place due to unfaithfulness (I Sam 2:27-36), the Messiah is bestowed with an eternal priesthood, secured not only by an oracle of God, but also by an irrevocable oath from God Himself.  Beyond this, His priesthood, being in the line of Melchizedek, is superior to all the types and forms of Jewish sacrificial system, for Melchizedek stands, as it were, on the “Godward” side of Abraham and his descendants.  It is only as an eternal and superior priest that Christ can atone once and for all in the tabernacle of heaven for the sins of His people and only as an eternal and superior priest that He can stand continually before the throne of God the Father as their perfect intercessor.  As you think of Christ today, consider how He stands as the ultimate priest for you before God the Father.  Take comfort in Him.  Rest in Him.  Worship Him as your great heavenly advocate and the friend of sinners.

Older children: Do you remember who Melchizedek was?  (If not, read Gen. 14:18-20)  According to Genesis and the book of Hebrews, Melchizedek was both a priest to God and a King.  How do you think Jesus, the Messiah, fulfills both of these roles in ways that are greater than all of the Old Testament priests and kings?

Younger children: Have you ever made a promise that you didn’t or couldn’t keep?  What does this verse say about the way that God keeps His promises?

Pray: Praise and Thank God for how Jesus stands as a perfect priest for His people in Heaven forever.  Pray that God would help you to pray with greater confidence knowing that Jesus stands continually interceding for His people to God the Father.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse.  Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ The Messiah, Victorious Conqueror

Read: Psalm 110:5-7

Consider:

For Adults: Rather than seeing a definite conclusion in these verses, the psalmist leaves us with the image of the great Messiah King in the process of vanquishing His enemies, stopping, as it were, for brief refreshment before continuing the pursuit after a battle.  It leaves us on a moment that is an “in-between” time.  The victory is sure and certain, but not in full consummation here.  There is great comfort here for the struggling saints who find themselves weary in the “In-between” moments of life, waiting upon God to act to answer pray or to make His purpose known.  As in other places, we see here that God most often brings His purposes to pass according to His own perfect time table, and not always in complete and immediate resolutions.  Are you in a struggle today?  Trust Him to act for you as He sees fit, knowing that His heart for His children is always and only for their good.

Older & Younger children: Have you ever seen someone do something wrong and get away with it, with no punishment or correction?   Do you think that God ever just ignores sin like that?  The Bible says that He cannot.  In fact, the Bible says that Jesus came the first time as Savior, but when He comes again, it will be as judge to all of those who have rejected his mercy.  How do you think it will be in that day for all of those who refuse to repent of their sins and to believe in Jesus?

Pray: Thank God for how He promises to one day completely conquer every evil that exists in the universe and to establish Jesus fully and finally as the good, eternal King of all.  Pray that God would give you hope as you look toward Jesus’ return, and pray that He would give you patience and faithfulness as you wait for Him to bring His perfect plans to pass in His own perfect time.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse.  Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/h/a/hhangels.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 116 (ESV)

1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.

2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.

4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”

5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
 our God is merciful.

6 The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.

7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears,
 my feet from stumbling;

9 I will walk before the LORD
 in the land of the living.

10 I believed, even when I spoke,
 “I am greatly afflicted”;

11 I said in my alarm,
 “All mankind are liars.”

12 What shall I render to the LORD
 for all his benefits to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
 and call on the name of the LORD,

14 I will pay my vows to the LORD
 in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
 is the death of his saints.

16 O LORD, I am your servant;
 I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.
 You have loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

18 I will pay my vows to the LORD
 in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of the house of the LORD,
 in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight of the LORD
 is the death of his saints.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 116:1-7

Consider:

For Adults: This psalm is a public declaration of thanksgiving for God’s merciful deliverance to an individual saint. As you read through this psalm, consider all the descriptions of the peril that the psalmist has been delivered from. Can you think of a time when you were praying to God for deliverance from similar things? Note that the psalmist brings public praise for a personal deliverance. As you walk with God this week, consider all the ways in which He has delivered you and/or the things in which you are praying for His current help. If you haven’t already, resolve to bring your burdens or your praises into the company of Christian friends in order that God would be glorified in your life as He proves His own faithfulness through your own trials and triumphs.

Older children: Read verse 1 again. What reason does the psalmist give for his love of God? Can you think of a time when God answered your prayers? How should we respond to God’s merciful answering of our prayers?

Younger children: Do you think that God only hears the prayers of people who pray with big words and lots of Bible verses? Read verse 6 again. Do you think that God hears simple prayers from simple people?

Family Application: Discuss how God works in our lives for the sake of His love for us but also to show forth His glory. Consider some of the ways God has blessed your family and how you can glorify Him by telling others of how He has been merciful to you.

Pray: Praise God for how He hears that prayers of His people and for how He delivers them according to His mercy, steadfast love, and wisdom. Bring Him any burdens that you are bearing today and ask Him to give you grace and patience to wait upon His answer to your need.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 116:8-14

Consider:

For Adults: As you read these verses, consider the response of the psalmist to God’s deliverance. The main things we see here that arise as a proper response in the psalmist’s soul are twofold. The first, found in verse 9, is a general promise to persevere on in life and the second, found in verses 13 & 14, is the promise to be faithful in participation in public worship. These two items are especially important because the experience of great trials often tempts us to give up and sometimes even to pull away from the gathering of the church in public worship. Are you tempted to do either of these? Remember that God is faithful! Draw near to Him and He will draw to you!

Older children: Look at verses 8 again. What three things did God deliver the psalmist from? Have ever been overcome with sorrow (tears) or confusion (stumbling)? Did you know that these are things that you should pray about for God’s help? Can you think of times when you did pray about them and you found God’s wisdom or peace through His word or maybe through the help of your parents or another Christian?

Younger children: Look at what the psalmist says in verse 11 about other people. The Psalmist said this when he was very upset and needing help. Have you ever been so upset you said things to others that might have been true, but were unkind and hurtful? Does being upset make it OK to say those things?

Family Application: Talk together about how God invites us to bring all of our troubles before him, not just the biggest and the scariest things. Talk about some things that have happened in your family recently that might be good things to pray about together.

Pray: Praise and thank God again for how he hears the prayers of his people and for how he delivers us even from sorrows and confusion through the comfort of His spirit and the wisdom of His word.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 116:15-19

Consider:

For Adults: Tucked into this psalm is, perhaps, one of the most quoted verses of the Bible, verse 15. Given all the emphasis previous to it of deliverance from death, the placement of this verse here reminds us that sometimes the death of our flesh actually IS God’s deliverance. It is here that new testament saint is blessed to see clearly where the Old Testament saint could not. For God’s people, the great deliverance to which all other temporal answers to prayer point us is the deliverance of our souls from the eternal death due to us for sake of our sin. As you read these verses and think of all of the reasons for which God is worthy of our worship, think of Christ and of how He has paid the price for the sins of His people, once and for all.

Older children: In verse 18 we see that the psalmist is responding to God’s mercy by offering God the worship as he would have in his time. Look in verse 19 to see where he was offering God his worship. Why do you think it important to worship God with other Christians in public?

Younger children: Have you ever known of a Christian’s family member who has died and whom God has taken to heaven? Why do you think the Bible says that their soul going to God is precious to Him? What sort of things do you think that God has waiting on His saints when they arrive at heaven to be with Jesus?

Family Application: Talk together about how God calls His Children home to Him through death and why this is precious in God’s eyes. Consider how Jesus felt about Lazarus’ death and talk about how important it is to remember Jesus’ s work on the cross and the promise of eternal life when we find ourselves missing the company of Christian friends and family members who have died and gone to dwell with Jesus in Heaven.

Pray: Thank God for how He provides for His children eternal life and blessings for them with Himself in glory that are beyond imagination. Pray that God would you give you strength to trust Him in true faith and that, following Him, you would remain faithful to Him until the day He calls all believers to join Him in Glory.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/f/ofthefat.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 115 (ESV)

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

2 Why should the nations say,
 “Where is their God?”

3 Our God is in the heavens;
 he does all that he pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold,
 the work of human hands.

5 They have mouths, but do not speak;
 eyes, but do not see.

6 They have ears, but do not hear;
 noses, but do not smell.

7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk;
 and they do not make a sound in their throat.

8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

9 O Israel, trust in the LORD!
 He is their help and their shield.

10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD!  He is their help and their shield.

11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.

12 The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us;
 he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron;

13 he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.

14 May the LORD give you increase,
 you and your children!

15 May you be blessed by the LORD,
 who made heaven and earth!

16 The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.

17 The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.

18 But we will bless the LORD
 from this time forth and forevermore.
 Praise the LORD!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 115:1

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 115:1-8

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses of praise and adoration, we find an immediate and sharp contrast between God’s praiseworthiness and the worthlessness of the false gods of the Gentile nations. On one hand, the Psalmist presents to us the one True God who dwells above the reach of man (“In the Heavens”) exercising unencumbered freedom and on the other he shows us the earthbound, immobile, inanimate and impotent idols that are fashioned and worshiped among the nations. We see here that God is worthy of worship not only for the sake of who He is but also for the sake of who He is not. As you read these verses, think of the predominate idols of our time and how all of their promises to help and fulfill are actually false and hollow, leading only to hopelessness. Consider God’s steadfastness and faithfulness in contrast. Are you tempted to make man made things into the objects of your joy and hope? Reject them and look to Christ and delight in His faithfulness and steadfast love. You won’t be disappointed!

Older children: Look at verse 1 again. What are two reasons listed here for which God’s name is to be honored? How has God shown Himself to be these things in your family’s life? How can you give God’s name glory for those things?

Younger children: Do you remember the answer to the question: “Where is God?” The answer is: “God is Everywhere!” (Catechism Question 10 & Psalm 139:7-12) When the Gentiles ask this question in verse two, they are actually saying it as an insult to God’s people, trying to make them think that God is actually nowhere. Why is it so good to know that God is not just in one place (like an idol), but instead that He is everywhere all at the same time?

Family Application: Discuss the ways in which people are tempted to trust in idols today and what happens to people who put their hope in anyone other than the one True God.

Pray: Thank God together for His faithfulness and steadfast love. Thank God that those who trust in Him have true hope based upon trust in God of true power. Pray that God’s name would be exalted where it is not known by your families. Trust in Him and your witness in every place that God sends you.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 115:9-13

Consider:

For Adults: As you read these verses, you should immediately pick up on the formula by which God’s people are identified both times: 1) as Israel 2) as the House of Aaron and 3) as those who “Fear the Lord.” We see here that those whom God “remembers” in order to bless are 1) His special chosen people (the name Israel), 2) those whom He brings near to Himself (Aaron, representing the priestly line), and 3) those who reverence Him (i.e. fear Him). Given that all are called to fear the Lord, and that God has actually called all His saints to be a Kingdom of Priests (Rev. 1:6 & 5:10), we see that these are all the same people. To Fear the Lord is to take part in God’s holy Israel and to know the blessing of His presence. Are you reverencing Him today? His blessing is for those who do.

Older children: Have you ever been forgotten? Perhaps someone made a promise to you and didn’t keep it or maybe someone forgot to call your name when rewards or prizes were given out? Why do people sometimes feel that God has forgotten them? Look at these verses again. Does God ever really forget about His people? Why is it important for Christians to remember this when they have trials and struggles?

Younger children: Have you ever played with a toy shield? What does a real shield do and why would soldiers need them? How is God a shield to His people? How do you think God has been a shield to your family?

Family Application: Talk together about how God is a faithful God who fulfills His plans and purposes down through the ages. Talk about how God used saints who lived before you to carry the gospel down through the ages and across the world so that your family could hear it. Consider how God may be working His eternal purposes to expand His kingdom even in your family today.

Pray: Thank God today for how He blesses mankind with children. Pray that God would help you to be faithful to point to Him as you have part in raising or influencing the children that God has placed in your life. Pray finally that God would continue to enlarge His people’s hearts toward children in general and that your family and church would be more and more welcoming of all children, especially orphans (James 1:27).

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 115:14-18

Consider:

For Adults: A quick glance at these verses almost always draws the reader’s attention to verse 17′s declaration of the inability of the dead to offer praise to God. As in other places where this idea is used in the psalms (see Psalm 6 & 88), this is not a negation of the promise of eternal life to the saints but rather, it is most likely a reference to the death of wicked who, in verse 8 of this same psalm are said to become like their own lifeless idols, impotent and mute. Further, the emphasis here is actually on stewardship of the gift of life. God gives life to His people, sets them in their appointed place and gives His blessings to them that they might enjoy Him and accordingly offer back thankful worship. Are you fulfilling God’s purpose for your life today by enjoying and worshiping Him?

Older children: Read verse 16 again. What do you think it means that God has given earth to mankind? How is it like what God told Adam about filling and subduing the Earth back in the Garden of Eden? How can we and should we honor God in this?

Younger children: In verse 14 we read that God gives the blessing “Increase” to those who fear Him and to their children. Did you know that there are many blessings that flow to children when their parents “fear the Lord.” Can you name some of the special blessings of having a Christian home with your parents?

Family Application: Talk together about how God’s purpose for blessing His people to make them joyful worshipers. Talk about how we enjoy God through both knowing who He is and receiving His gifts.

Pray: Consider all the ways in which God has poured forth His blessing into your life both materially and spiritually. Thank Him specifically for these things and praise Him for His steadfast love and faithfulness to all of His people in all generations.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.redmountainchurch.org/rmm/alb/rmmsheetmusic/jesuspreciousblood_sheet.pdf

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 127 (NSV)

1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
 are the children of one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man
 who fills his quiver with them!  He shall not be put to shame
 when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 127:1

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 127:1-2

Consider:

For Adults: In the familiar words of this psalm, we find the pattern for God-honoring diligence. Just as he does in Ecclesiastes, so also here does Solomon clearly demonstrate to us that to undertake any enterprise apart from the Lord is a foolish vanity. Though it is right for us to read here that we must have a total dependance upon the Lord, so often we overlook the fact that those trusting in the Lord here are not passive. They are doing hard and important work (building cities, protecting communities, producing crops). As you consider these verses, think about what God has called you to do in your home, in family, and in vocation. The Scripture commends hard work that looks with a trusting eye to God to establish it’s fruitfulness. Are you working in all of these areas biblically? If so, trust God for results and receive His gift of “sleep” (v2)!

Older children: Have you ever been so excited or even worried about something that you could not sleep? Many people actually have trouble sleeping because of anxiety (or worries) about what will happen in the future. What do you think it means in verse 2 when it says that God gives “sleep” to His people?

Younger children: Do you remember the story that Jesus told about the man who built his house on the sand? (Matt. 7:24-27) What happened to the house of this man who built unwisely? What does this psalm tell us about people who try to build things or make plans apart from God?

Family Application: Discuss together what the Bible tells us about work and what the Bible tells us about trusting in God. Are there ways that you can be faithful workers in your family?

Pray: Praise God together for His faithfulness and unending provision for His people. Ask God to help you to be faithful and to work hard at the things that He has given you to do. Pray that He would help you to do all of your work in faithfulness, always trusting Him to use your obedience to bring about the results that He desires.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 127:1-3

Consider:

For Adults: As you read the first three verses of this psalm together, it is helpful to note that this is one psalm and not two. What this means is that verses 1-2 are directly related to verses 3-5. Thus, just as we understand v.1-2 to speak to us strongly about how we are to go about our vocations as diligent workers who honor and trust in the Lord in all things, so to we must understand that calling to have and raise children is a sacred responsibility that we must undertake in exactly the same way. The children that God gives a family are the “heritage” over which God gives a mother and father a most sacred and precious stewardship. Has God called you to be a father or a mother? Thank Him! . . . but resolve to honor Him for such blessings with a diligent stewardship, working hard to raise them in the nurture, admonish and fear of the Lord, all the while trusting the Lord to build the “house” according to His glorious design.

Older children: Do you know what a “heritage” is? A “heritage” is a special thing that is given to us that reminds us of who we are, where we come from and what our purpose is. Read verse 3 again. When God sends children to a family, what does it tell us about who we (people) are? What does it tell us about where we come from? What do you think it tell us about our purpose?

Younger children: Did you know that the Bible says that children are God’s special gift to parents? Why do you think that God sent you as His gift to your family? What are some special ways that you can show your family members God’s love and be a blessing to them?

Family Application: Talk together about how God is a faithful God who fulfills His plans and purposes down the ages. Talk about how God used saints who lived before you to carry the gospel down through the ages and across the world so that your family could hear it. Consider how God may be working his eternal purposes to expand His kingdom even in your family today.

Pray: Thank God today for how He blesses mankind with children. Pray that God would help you to be faithful to point to Him as you have part in raising or influencing the children that God has placed in your life. Pray finally that God would continue to enlarge his people’s hearts toward children in general and that your family and church would be more and more welcoming of all children, especially orphans (James 1:27).

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 127:3-5

Consider:

For Adults: In these famous verses, we see children as God’s gift (v.3) to parents, as God’s method for enlarging the impact of His faithful ones (v.4) and as the joy of the aging saint (v.5). As you consider God’s purposes across the generations, consider how you would like to see God continue His purpose in you through your own children. If God has blessed you with children, are you parenting in such a way as to train up your children to be sharp tools in the hand of great master builder and straight arrows in God’s armory? Consider the heritage of Godliness that delights the elder at the gate in verse 5 and resolve to be a faithful example to all the children that God has brought into your life.

Older children: Read verse 4 again. What things can a warrior with a bow and arrow accomplish that a warrior with only a sword cannot? What sort of things do you think God wants to use your parents to do for His glory? How do you think God may want to use you to expand or continue some of the things that He is using your parents to do today?

Younger children: Have you ever seen or shot a bow and arrow? What sort of great things do you think a skilled hunter or shooter can do with a good bow and a good arrow? What sort of great things do you think that you’ll do for God if you listen to your parents as you grow up?

Family Application: Talk together about how God’s plan to save sinners and build a church for Himself started before the world was made and continues across all generations. Consider the ways in which God desires to use your family to continue His work and witness through the ages.

Pray: Thank and praise God for how He wonderfully gives children to Christian homes as an expression of His blessing and as part of His ongoing evangelism of the lost through the ages. Pray that God would help you to be a faithful witness to the Gospel and that He would grow your family according to his merciful plans and designs.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/b/nbtblood.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 105:1—11,43-45 (ESV)

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,

6 O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

7 He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

8 He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

9 the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac,

10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant,

11 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.”

43 So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.

44 And he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil,

45 that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws.   Praise the Lord!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 105:2-3

Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 105:1-6

Consider:

For Adults: In this Psalm, we find the inspired writer rejoicing in how God moved in history to keep His promises to His people. In our focal sections for family worship this week, we read the preamble and the concluding verses outlining God’s praise-worthiness and His faithfulness to His covenant people. As you read today’s verses, consider how the psalmist roots his call to heart-felt rejoicing in the worshiper’s intimate knowledge of God’s saving acts. As you meet God this week in worship, Bible study and prayer, consider all that He has done through Christ to open the way for you know to Him. Consider all the things that God has done in order to open the way for you to Himself, and worship Him as the saving God that He is.

Older children: The writer of this Psalm calls us to worship God in a very specific way. Look in verses 2 and 5 again. What do these verses tell us we should think about and sing about in worship? How do you think learning about God and His word helps us to be better worshipers?

Younger children: The Bible tells us that when we praise God, we are supposed to talk about the great things that God has done (v2). Can you name two great things that the Bible tells us that God has done? What are some great things that God has done for you?

Family Application: Talk together about how we worship God based upon who He is and what He has done, not just upon how we feel. Talk about what God has done for your family and spend time counting your blessings together.

Pray: Thank and praise God for how He has always been faithful to save His people and how He saves them from their sins through Jesus. Pray that God would help you to know Him more this week and pray that God would impress His greatness upon your hearts so that you would all know the joy of worshiping Him in Spirit and Truth.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 105:7-11

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses of the Psalm, we see a distinct emphasis upon the fact that God has acted in history to uphold His covenant promise to His covenant people. As we consider these verses and how God moved to deliver His people from famine and then, eventually, Egyptian slavery, we see a partial fulfillment of God’s promise to lead His people to a place of prosperity and rest. Despite this, however, we know from Israel’s history that although the nation eventually reached a golden age under King Solomon, the promise for complete rest remained a future Messianic Hope. As you read these verses, consider the final home and hope that God holds in store for His people. Are you looking to that day trusting in His character? If not, consider how faithful God has proven Himself to be and comfort yourself in the hope that He holds out for all His people in Christ.

Older children: Look in our verses today and name the people there that God identifies in His covenant. How many generations do you see there? What do you think that tells us about God’s purposes and his promises? Did any of these men see a complete fulfillment of God’s covenant while he was alive on the earth? Why do you think it is important to trust God and wait patiently upon Him when we don’t understand God’s plans in the present?

Younger children: Have you ever made a promise? Has anyone ever made a promise to you? Do you always keep your promises? How do we feel when someone doesn’t keep a promise that that they made to us? What does the Bible say about the way that God keeps promises? Does God ever break a promise?

Family Application: Talk together about how God is a faithful God who fulfills His plans and purposes down the ages. Talk about how God used saints who lived before you to carry the gospel down through the ages and across the world so that your family could hear it. Consider how God may be working His eternal purposes to expand His kingdom even in your family today.

Pray: Thank God for His great faithfulness and for how He always keeps and preserves His covenant people. Pray that God would help you to believe in His promise today and to place your hope and faith completely in Jesus for all of your needs.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 105:43-45

Consider:

For Adults: In these concluding verses of this Psalm, we see not only a strong affirmation of how God delivers and blesses His chosen people, but also a bit of God’s purpose in doing so. We see here that God delivers His people not just to show His power, but to win their hearts, grant them joy and motivate them to follow Him in faithful loving obedience. When we consider how and why God saved His people in the Old Testament in comparison to the New Testament passages like Ephesians Chapter 2, we see quickly that God’s purposes remain the same in His people through all ages and generations. God saves sinners to make them joy-filled life-worshipers. Do you know His joy today? Consider all that He has done for you and all that waits in store for those who follow and trust Him.

Older children: Read verse 44 again. Did you notice that God took the land and it’s resources from one people and gave it to another people (His people)? Why do you think He did this then and why do you think that God “gives” to some and “takes away” from others today in His sovereign providence? What does Romans 8:28 tell us about why God does all that He does?

Younger children: Did you know that God has made all people for one main reason? What is that reason? (hint: Catechism Question #3) In Verse 45, what reason does it give us for why God saved His people and brought them into the land? How does that glorify God?

Family Application: Talk together about how God saves sinners in order to make them joy-filled followers of Jesus. Consider all that God has done in order to make a way to Him through the Cross of Jesus and talk about how God’s promise is for all who repent of sin and turn to Christ in faith and trust.

Pray: Thank and praise God for how He so faithfully watches over the souls of all of those who come to Him for salvation. Pray that God would put a song in your heart today and this week as you consider His great love for you and His great faithfulness.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/g/ogohiap.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 97

1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!

2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.

4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O Lord.

9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!  He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 97:10-11

O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.  Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ Read: Psalm 97:1-5

Consider:

For Adults: In this psalm, we find a celebration of God’s kingship and power over the universe. As you read today, notice the jaw-dropping imagery that the Psalmist implores. Harkening back to God’s covering of Mt. Sinai with His presence as “thick darkness,” we see God wielding frightful power, causing even the great mountains to literally “melt” as wax before His approach. It is in this “dreadful” God that the Psalmist tells us to rejoice. How does the Christian heart do this? It is done by understanding verse 2. The Christian heart rejoices at the display of God’s power, because it knows the character of the Almighty. He is just. He is true. He is all together righteous. As you consider the greatness of God’s power today and this week, rejoice that His sovereign might is never capricious, but is rather directed wholly toward righteousness and thus fully engaged in keeping His promises to His people through all eternity.

Older children: What exactly is a foundation? What do you think would happen if someone built a house without first building the foundation? Would the house be very sturdy? In these verses we see a description of God’s authority and His power to conquer and subdue all that would oppose Him. Why do you think it is important for us to know that “Righteousness and Justice” are the foundation of God’s throne/authority to subdue all that would stand against Him?

Younger children: Have you ever seen the way a candle melts away as the fire burns down the wick? Can imagine how powerful God is since His power can make the greatest and tallest mountains melt down to nothing just like a candle? How does knowing about God’ s power help us to trust Him?

Family Application: Talk about how important is for us to remember God’s holy and perfect character as we read about His great acts of power in the Bible. Consider together how important it is for us to know and trust God’s character at times when we don’t understand all of His actions.

Pray: Praise God today for His eternal and sovereign nature. Thank Him for how He exercises all of His mighty and sovereign power in justice and righteousness. Thank Him again for how He sent Jesus to die for the sins of His people, so that God’s justice could be satisfied. Thank Jesus today for how He has secured the favor and blessing of God for all those who come to Him in repentance and faith.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ Read: Psalm 97:6-9

Consider:

For Adults: As our psalm continues, we see the Psalmist shift from His emphasis on God’s character and power to an application of that reality. God’s power and character do not make Him worthy of the worship of His people, He is worthy of the worship of all creation which stands as a faithful witness to the futility of hoping or trusting in any lesser “god.” The “gods” we see here, while potentially referring to angels (i.e. translating it as “divine ones), are more likely idols, those false gods of human imagination. The message for us is clear. Idols are infinitely worthless in comparison to God’s character and must themselves, metaphorically speaking, bow before the one true God who alone exercises dreadful power and authority. Are you tempted today to put your trust in an idol of your own making? Remember that power that stands ready in the hand of God to perform all of His righteousness, including the keeping of all of His promises to His people. Throw off your idols for the worthless pretenders that they are and trust Christ today.

Older children: Why do you think God’s people in the Old Testament period where constantly tempted to put their hope and trust in false gods and idols? What are some false gods and idols that people put their hope in today? How can you tell when you may be trusting a false god over the true God?

Younger children: Read verse six again together. How do you think that the heavens proclaim God’s righteousness and God’s glory? What do the skies tell us about God’s power and greatness?

Family Application: Talk together about how people today, even believers, are tempted to trust in idols when they forget to meditate upon God’s character and power. Consider how gathering together in worship with God’s people every week and singing His praises help us to remember these things and to continue to trust Him and reject idols.

Pray: Thank God for how He is infinitely worthy of our worship and trust. Ask Him to give you wisdom as you follow Him this week and to reveal to you any ways in which you may be tempted to trust in something other than Him for your hope, joy and security. Thank Him for sending Jesus as savior for all who have sinned by trusting in idols and pray that God would help you to follow Jesus in faithful loving obedience this week.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ Read: Psalm 97:10-12

Consider:

For Adults: The final application that the Psalmist makes for us is the necessity of hating evil. If we are to rejoice in a God who is altogether just and righteous, then it logically follows that we must hate all that stands in opposition to His person and character, that being “evil.” It is here that so many Christians stumble while growing in grace, for while the regenerate heart sees and loves the beauty of Christ, the sinful nature continues to beckon, offering tangible, but short lived and empty pleasures. The victory in struggle comes for the believers in looking to Christ, trusting His character to save and deliver, while also looking to the justice of God which will not rest until such time as all rebellious evil doers are judged. Are you struggling today? Look to Christ.

Older children: Read verse 11 again. What are some of the blessings that God promises to those who trust Christ for righteousness?

Younger children: What do you think it means to “hate evil.” What are some specific evil things that we should hate today?

Family Application: Talk together about how important it is for God’s people to not only grow in love of the truth, but also to grow in the putting off of wickedness and love of evil things. Talk about some the evil things that believers should “hate” today.

Pray: Thank and Praise God for how He faithfully watches over His people and how He exercised His power on the cross to save His people from the power of sin and death. Thank Jesus for his righteousness and pray that God would help you to grow in Christ-likeness this week in both the things you love and the things that you hate.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/t/othedeep.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 90

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”

4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.

5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning:

6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.

7 For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed.

8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.

10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.

11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?

12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

13 Return, O Lord! How long?  Have pity on your servants!

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.

16 Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.

17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 90:1-2

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ Read: Psalm 90:1-6

Consider:

For Adults: In this great psalm of Moses, we find a “community lament.” As one reads through the psalm, it is very helpful to consider the most likely setting of its composition, the long period of the wilderness wanderings found in the book of Deuteronomy. Here we find Moses struggling with a people who have brought affliction upon themselves due to their lack of the fear of the Lord (v.15,11). To correct this, Moses leads us first in considering the Eternal and Sovereign nature of God in contrast to the frail and short-lived man. As you read these verses today, consider your view of God. When was the last time you found yourself awestruck in meditating upon God’s Eternal Grandeur? As A.W. Tozer is famously quoted, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” What does your view of God say about you?

Older children: Read verse 3 again. What other story in the Bible could “returning to dust” be referring to? What does this tell us about God’s authority over all human lives, both believers and unbelievers? When we think about those that we have loved and that are with us in life no longer, how do you think God’s authority over life and death comforts us?

Younger children: Do you know who made you and why you were made? (clue: Catechism questions 1 and 2). Read verse 2 again with your parents. Was God made or did He exist eternally with no beginning? How does this make you feel about God?

Family Application: Talk together about how important it is to learn how to think biblically about God. Consider together what happens when people try to define God based upon their own imaginations and how that would be the opposite of the biblical idea of “The Fear of the Lord.”

Pray: Praise God today for His eternal and sovereign nature. Thank Him for how He truly is a rock and a sure refuge for all those who trust in Him. Pray that He would help you to think rightly about Him and to grow in wisdom, faithfulness and humility as you grow in your knowledge of Him.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ Read: Psalm 90:7-11

Consider:

For Adults: One of the keys to understanding this psalm is recognizing the rhetorical question that Moses asks in verse 11. In this lament psalm, Moses is struggling with the implied answer to his question; it seemed to him that no one was really considering the true terrors of God’s wrath that awaited those who would not live in accordance with “the fear” of God. Just as is often true in our day, due to an unfaithful majority, an entire community suffered under God’s discipline. The faithful suffered along with the unfaithful. Given how profoundly a deep reverence for God should effect the everyday choices of the believer, how do you think Christian families and churches are either helped or hurt by it’s presence and absence?

Older children: Do you remember what happened to the Israelites when they would not follow God in faith into the promised land when they first arrived there? As you read through today’s verses, you can see how Moses felt while living under the period of national discipline that followed. Why do you think God’ s people are always happiest when living in obedience to Him?

Younger children: Does God know all things? (hint: Catechism question 12) Read verse 8 again with your parents. What do you think “secret sins” are? As sinners, all people are tempted to cover and hide their sins when they should not. Do you think that God knows about any secret sins that you have? What do you think He wants you to do about them?

Family Application: Talk together about how important it is to live our lives out of a deep reverence for God in what the Bible calls “The Fear of the Lord.” Consider the ways in which living a life of faithful loving obedience to Jesus brings blessings.

Pray: Thank God for the lessons that He teaches us through the history of His dealings with mankind. Pray that He would help you to learn Godly wisdom as you read and study His word together and pray that God would help you to live in a reverent and joyful “Fear of the Lord.”

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ Read: Psalm 90:12-17

Consider:

For Adults: Here we find the application of Moses’s sermon to us. In the face of discipline and/or affliction, the saint is always to pray and to do so purposefully. Notice in verse 12 that Moses doesn’t begin his supplication by asking for the affliction to be removed. He begins instead by asking God that His discipline would accomplish it’s end in the hearts of His people, that they would, therefore, humble themselves before God (“teach us to number our days”) and gain “a heart of wisdom.” Only after the sin is addressed, does Moses progress to asking God’s blessing upon the people. Are there struggles in your life today that need your earnest prayer? Hear the call of Moses to wisdom and humility. Consider how God may be leading you into greater Christ-likeness through your current struggles, and earnestly pray that God’s refining work would have full sway in your soul even as you pray for His deliverance.

Older children: Look at the blessing that Moses prays for in verse 17. Besides praying for God’s favor, why do you think that Moses also prays that God would bless His people’s work? Did you know that the Bible actually commends “work” as a good thing? What are some sinful attitudes that we are sometimes tempted to have about the work that God gives us to do?

Younger children: What do you think “wisdom” is? Did you know that “wisdom” and “knowledge” are different things and that sometimes people who are very small can still be foolish or “unwise?” Why do you think God wants us to be wise and not foolish? Where does the Bible say that wisdom comes from? (hint: read Proverbs 1:7 & 9:10).

Family Application: Talk together about how important it is grow in wisdom and humility by applying God’s truths to our daily lives. Consider some lessons that God may be teaching your family right now through the challenges that you face together.

Pray: Thank and Praise God for how He leads His people into wisdom, humility and Christ-likeness by His truth and His providence. Pray that God would have your family to grow together in wisdom and to recognize God’s guiding and instructing hand in the day to day details of your own family life.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/m/comeyspn.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 81:1-16 (ESV)

1 Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!

2 Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.

3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.

4 For it is a statute for Israel, a rule of the God of Jacob.

5 He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a language I had not known:

6 “I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket.

7 In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah

8 Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!  O Israel, if you would but listen to me!

9 There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.

10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.  Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11 “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.

12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.

13 Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!

14 I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.

15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever.

16 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 81:9-10

Let there be no strange god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god. I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and I will fill it. ”

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ Read: Psalm 81:1-3

Consider:

For Adults: In this psalm we find the poet calling the people to remember their Covenant God and return to faithfulness to Him. Though the theme of Psalm 81 is a sobering one, it is important for us to note that the psalmist begins with a call to joyful worship and celebration. Despite a sad history of hard heartedness and chastening, the promise of divine blessing (vs.10,16) is a powerful motivation for joy. As you come before the Lord in prayer, Bible study and song this week, think all the blessings that He holds for you in Christ today and in the Kingdom to come. Worship Him for his promise!

Older children: What kind of music do you think the Psalmist has in mind in these verses? Do you think it more about the style of music or the hearts of the ones making the music? If this is the music God commands, do you think that there is music that is sinful? If so, what do you think makes it sinful and displeasing to God?

Younger children: Do you have a favorite musical instrument? Why do you think people like to play instruments by themselves or along with singing? Read our verse for today again and see if you can name all the instruments listed here. Do you think God likes it when we make music to Him?

Family Application: Talk together about how God calls His people to joyful worship and how that joyfulness in the heart evidences itself in how we worship God. Talk about how important it is for God’s people to make diligent efforts to remind themselves of God’s goodness and blessing in order that they might feel the joy that is rightfully theirs according to His promises.

Pray: Praise God today for how He has spoken to us in His word in which He has revealed His many precious and great promises to all those who turn from sin and trust Christ in obedience and faith. Pray that God would cheer your hearts as you remember His promises and actively trust Him this week.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ Read: Psalm 81:4-10

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses the Psalmist recounts how God heard and responded to Israel’s cry for release from their Egyptian bondage. It was in the context of this very deliverance into which God spoke from Mt. Sinai giving the Ten Commandments which are referenced in verses 9 & 10. Note promised blessing here for faithfulness, “Open your mouth and I will fill it.” Coupled with the context of the miraculous deliverance from Egypt, we see that there is no need too great that His omnipotent power & grace cannot meet (even exceed) in overflowing abundance for those who truly own Him as their God.

Older children: Read verse 9 again. Do you think that people always listened to God when He spoke to them through His prophets? What are blessings of listening to God’s word and obeying Him? What are the consequences of ignoring God’s word? How do Christians hear and respond to God’s word?

Younger children: Have you ever seen pictures of baby birds in their nests waiting to be fed? What do they look like and what do they do with their mouths when their mother comes? Did you know that God promises to meet the needs of all those who make Him their God? What do you think is the most important need that we have?

Family Application: Talk about how hearing and obeying God’s word is essential to the Christian life and a key evidence of the true presence of Christ in the life of the believer.

Pray: Thank God for how He promises to meet every true need of all those who own Him as their God through faith in Christ. Thank God for how He offers free pardon and salvation in Jesus for all who repent and believe and pray that He would help you to trust Him more and more and to demonstrate that trust in faithful loving obedience to Him.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ Read: Psalm 81:11-16

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses we see the sad story of the rebellious house of Israel laid forth. Because of their stubborn hearts and refusal to submit themselves to God, they missed the blessings that God would have lavished upon them as a nation. In choosing to ignore God’s command and to follow their own reasonings, they worked their own ruin. Can you see how the Christian’s struggle with sin follows the same course? If God has not even spared His own Son in order to win His people, how can desires for them be anything but blessing beyond human imagination! Can God’ s commands, therefore, though oft chaffing against the sinful nature, be anything but expressions of God’s desires for the absolute best for His people? Trust and obey Him today. Submit to His ways and lean not on your own understanding!

Older children: Read verse 15 again and think about what will happen at the end of time when God judges the whole world. When that day comes, will people still be able to reject God’s will and disobey Him? Will anyone, on that day, not bow to Jesus and call him Lord? (Phil. 2:10). Is it better to wait and submit to God then or to submit to God now? Why?

Younger children: What is greatest gift that God could give to His people? (Romans 8:32) If God loves His people that much, then do you think His commands for them in the Bible are there to make them happy or to make them sad?

Family Application: Talk together about how important it is to set our hope in God and to demonstrate this by obeying Him and remembering His word and the goodness of who He is. Talk about specific ways your family can demonstrate that you are hoping in God.

Pray: Thank God for how much He loves sinners and how His heart always desires their repentance. Praise Him for making a way for sinners to be saved from their own hard-heartedness through Jesus and pray that He would help you to see what a wonderful savior Jesus is. Pray that God would help you and your family to joyfully submit to His and to experience His blessings as you follow Him together in faithful loving obedience.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/o/c/socitarr.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 78:1-8 (ESV)

1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth!

2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,

3 things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,

6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,
 and arise and tell them to their children,

7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 78:5-7

He established a testimony in Jacob
 and appointed a law in Israel,

which he commanded our fathers
 to teach to their children,

that the next generation might know them,
 the children yet unborn,

and arise and tell them to their children,
 so that they should set their hope in God

and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 78:1-3

Consider:

For Adults: For this week, we’ll only be directly considering the preamble to this majestic psalm, but herein, we do find a summary of the psalm’s main point. Each generation must be told of God’s great works and must be called to personally and corporately embrace Him as their own God. While this psalm invests a great deal of time describing how God has dealt with unbelief within ethnic Israel, we see from the beginning that He has preserved a testimony to Himself through a stream of faithful “fathers” who have passed His truth from one generation to the next (v.3).

Older Children: Read verse 2 again. Did you know that Jesus quoted this verse to describe His own method to teaching and discipleship? (Matt. 13:35) The idea behind the words “parable” and “dark sayings” (or alternately translated “riddle”) is one of ancient and deep knowledge that requires wisdom and understanding and perhaps even study to unlock. Did you know that many of the truths that God gives us in His word require us to think hard in order to understand them? This is why God gives to children parents, and to the church, pastors and teachers. Are you honoring your parents and teachers as God’s gift to you this week?

Younger Children: Have you ever told someone a really important secret and whispered it right into their ear? Why did you whisper it into their ear and not their elbow or their knee? The reason is that when when we think things are really important we turn ears towards the sound so that we don’t miss any of it. How does the Bible say we are to think about the things our parents teach us about God? Why should we pay special attention to them?

Family Application: Talk together about how God has preserved a witness to Himself through generations of faithful parents and teachers and through children who grew up to become faithful parents and teachers. Talk about what you can do today to be a part of preserving God’s word and truth for people 100 years from now.

Pray: Praise God today for how He has preserved His word and truth through faithful saints who have obeyed His commandments to pass it down through all the generations of human history. Pray that God would help you you to be faithful to do as well for the sake of all those who will come after us and for the sake of God’s great glory.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 78:4-5

Consider:

For Adults: When one considers the broad category of sin, all sins can be divided into the subgroups of either sins of “commission” (things we do that we should not) or sins of “omission” (things that we are required to do, but we do not). While the first category, being active by definition, tends to get our attention quickly, the second category, because of it’s passive nature, conversely, tends to often escape our attention and leave us undisturbed. In these verses the psalm seeks to “shake us” by describing a sin of omission (failure to teach God’s truth to our children) in active terms (hiding) in order to underscore major implications of failure to obey God in this area of our lives. Are you or have you been “hiding” the truth of God from your children or grandchildren by not actively seeking to teach and discuss it with them? If so, repent today and actively embrace your calling to pass God’s testimonies on to the next generation.

Older Children: When the psalms talk about God’s glorious deeds and His wonders, they always refer to the ways in which God has shown His power and how He has used His power to judge sin and to save His people. Look at verses 5 & 6 again. What is it that God’s chosen people are commanded to do? How do you think God wants His people do that today?

Younger Children: Have you ever played hide and seek? Have you ever hidden a special toy to make treasure a hunt then maybe forgot where you put it and lost it? What kinds of things are good to hide and what are some things that would not be good to hide? Should we hide God’s word from others who may need to hear it?

Family Application: Talk together about how God’s word and truth is not something that we should be lazy about telling to others. Talk about ways in which you and your family can spread the testimony of God’s glory and grace to those that you know.

Pray: Praise God again for how He moved in the heart of others to preserve his word so that it could come all the way from the mouths of the prophets and apostles down through the ages to you. Pray that you would not sin against Him by hiding it from all those that He brings into your life.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 78:6-8

Consider:

For Adults: In these final verses of the preamble of Psalm 78, we see the point of application to the whole process of learning and passing God’s truth and word down from generation to generation. The purpose is that those who hear might personally set their hope in God and their hearts might turn to Him in genuine faith and not be like countless unbelievers before who responded by hard-hearted rebellion. Notice that paired with unbelief here is a forgetting of the works of God. Consider this week how you can refresh your soul by thinking upon God’s mighty works on your behalf, most specifically, the redemption that Christ won for His people on the cross. Consider the positive effect that it can have upon your family and children to actively remember God’s works together and worship Him today by keeping His commands from a thankful heart.

Older Children: Read verse 7 again. Why do you think that people set their hope in God 1) don’t forget His works and 2) keep His commandments?

Younger Children: Have you ever been stubborn and rebellious? Most people have at one time or another. Why does this not please God?

Family Application: Talk together about how important it is to set our hope in God and to demonstrate this by obeying Him and remembering His word and the goodness of who He is. Talk about specific ways your family can demonstrate that you are hoping in God.

Pray: Thank God for how He is worthy of our trust and is the only true Hope of the world. Pray that He would strengthen your faith this week and give you power to obey His commandments from thankful hearts as you recount His truth together.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 75 (NASB)

1 We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, For Your name is near; Men declare Your wondrous works.

2 “When I select an appointed time, It is I who judge with equity.

3 “The earth and all who dwell in it melt; It is I who have firmly set its pillars. Selah.

4 “I said to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn;

5 Do not lift up your horn on high, Do not speak with insolent pride.’”

6 For not from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the desert comes exaltation;

7 But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another.

8 For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, and the wine foams; It is well mixed, and He pours out of this; Surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs.

9 But as for me, I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

10 And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off, But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 75:6-7

For not from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the desert comes exaltation; But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 75:1-3

Consider:

For Adults: In this psalm we find a hymn of praise that is based in God’s sure justice over all of the earth. As you read this, consider how God’s people in the past have struggled through innumerable injustices and oppressions and how even today, the weak around the globe are oppressed by the wicked. As you read verse 3, consider how God has dealt with injustice in the past and how He promises to ultimately end all wickedness and injustice in the final judgment. As did the psalmist, consider specific ways in which you can pray for God to act against contemporary evils and think of what a great grace it is to be among those redeemed in Jesus from slavery to sin.

Older Children: Look at verses 2 and 3 again. In these verses, we hear God speaking directly, rather than just the psalmist talking about God. Why do you think it helps God’s people to know that it is God who holds the earth steady (“firmly set its pillars”)? Do you ever feel like the world is “out of control?” How can knowing this about God comfort you?

Younger Children: Why do you think that the psalmist says that God’s name is “near.” How does knowing that God is near comfort His people?

Family Application: Talk together about how God rules and upholds the world by His power, even when it seems that disaster and wickedness increase. Talk about how the scripture shows the ways in which God has acted in salvation and judgment in the past in order to point us towards the way that He promises to both judge and save in the future.

Pray: Praise God together for how He acts in human affairs and history according to His own time and purpose. Thank Him for His promise to judge all sin and for how He sustains the world we live in, even through times when our faith is challenged. Pray that He would increase your faith and hope in Himself as you follow Him this week.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 75:4-7

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses, we see the remainder of God’s direct speech to mankind along with the inspired application of the psalmist. In yesterday’s verses we saw God affirmed as a judge who will act in His perfect time here. In light of this, we see the wicked warned against their pride. As you consider these things, think of all those in scripture who God exalted to positions of leadership and power, some righteous and many others wicked. Consider how He used each for His purposes (often even in their sin) and yet how each is held accountable to this reality and judged accordingly. How do you think that this principle still applies today for both believers and secular authority?

Older Children: Read verses 6 and 7 again out loud. What do you think that means about God’s power over people and people who are in authority? Why do you think that God sometimes allows wicked people to rise to power? (hint: See Ex. 9:16 & Rom. 9:16)

Younger Children: What kind of animals do you know of that have horns? What do they use their horns to do? Why do you think God tells the wicked to not lift up their “horns” before God? What type of attitude do you think the wicked had here?

Family Application: Talk together about how God rules over all the earth and how no pride is tolerated in His presence. Consider some of the ways in which we may show pride before God and talk about how all creatures owe God not only their humility, but also obedience and worship.

Pray: Praise God today for how He holds the power to both exalt and to put down. Praise Him for the fact that there is no evil power that stands against His purpose. Pray that God would help you to identify areas of pride or rebellion against Him in your own hearts and ask Him to help you walk in the paths of humility and thankful gratitude towards Him.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 75:8-10

Consider:

For Adults: In the final verses of the psalm, we see the closing application of the psalmist in the contrast between the fates of the wicked and the righteous. Consider that Scripture tells that apart from Christ, we are all sinful. Apart from Christ, what do you think your fate would be according to verse 8? Given that Jesus has paid in full the debt of those who come to Him, what do you imagine Jesus experienced, according to verse 8, in order to save His people? If you are trusting Him, what did Jesus experience to purchase the salvation that you enjoy today?

Older children: Read verses 8 again. What is the fate of the wicked? Now look at the contrasting verse, verse 9. What is the difference between the wicked and righteous in these verses? What do we see the righteous doing and why is it fitting for them to do this?

Younger children: Remember the “horns” that we talked about on day two? What does this verse say about people who raise their “horns” in pride to God or against God? Can anyone stand against God’s power and defeat Him?

Family Application: Talk together about how God’s righteousness and justice are unstoppable. Talk further together about exactly what Jesus had to experience at the cross in order to win the pardon and salvation for all those who believe in Him. Talk about what a great love that God has for sinners that He would give Jesus to pay their ransom.

Pray: Thank and Praise God for how He is both a God of perfect justice and perfect mercy. Thank Him for his promise to one day finally end all sin and wickedness in creation and for how He defeated the power of sin for His people on the cross. Pray that God would help you to follow Him this week in humble gratitude to Jesus and pray that He would put a song of praise in your heart and mouth for sake of His great mercy.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/t/altheway.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 65 (ESV)

1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed.

2 O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.

3 When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions.

4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!

5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas;

6 the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might;

7 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples,

8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.

9 You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it.

10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.

11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.

12  The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy,

13  the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 65:5

By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 65:1-4

Consider:

For Adults: This psalm is one of the “Thanksgiving” psalms and probably would have been sung by God’s people in the tabernacle and/or temple at time of harvest.  Though the psalm is careful to list and praise God for specific material blessings, the psalmist acknowledges, as a mater of first course, (v.4) that THE great blessing that satisfies is having been brought near to God himself to know His goodness and holiness.  As you read this psalm today and this week, consider how He has blessed you and what the proper heart-reaction of the believer should be to God’s blessings.  Is God your heart’s greatest joy today?

Older children: Why do you think the psalmist talks about being satisfied with the “Goodness of God’s house” and “holiness of God’s temple?”  What do these things actually point us to?  How do you think God’s goodness and holiness is (and should be) represented in the church today?

Younger children: Read verse 2 again.  Why is the one True God the only one to whom we should pray?

Family Application: Talk together how important it is to receive God’s blessings as testimonies of God’s goodness and not as ends in themselves.  Talk about the difference between enjoying a blessing as an idol and enjoying it as a thanksgiving to God.

Pray: Praise God together for how He has brought His people near by atoning for their sins in Jesus’ death on the cross.  Thank Him for how He showers blessings upon His people in love and pray that God would help your family to receive His blessings as testimonies of grace and not things to be made idols of.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 65:5-8

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses, we see a listing of some of the mighty acts with which God answers His people in righteousness.  As you read these verses, notice the missionary heart that God seems to have here.  Notice that He is the hope of those who dwell in the ends of the earth, because (v.8) they are made to stand in awe of His greatness and power.  What does this suggest to you about how God truly evangelizes the lost?  What application might this have for you as you consider the ways in which you talk of the Gospel to those without Christ?

Older children: What are the two things that we see God doing in verse 7 in answer to His people’s prayers (v.5)?  Look at verse 8 to see why God does this?  How might this affect the way that you pray?

Younger children: Have you ever been made to be still?  Read verse 5 again.  What are the two things that God makes to be still here?  Does God have power over nature?  Does God have power over people?  How can knowing this help us to pray?

Family Application: Talk together about how God performs mighty acts in answer to the prayers of people and in demonstration of His great power and glory?  What are some of the great things that God has done in answer to your family’s prayers?  What are some things that need God’s help with that you should be praying about together?

Pray: Pray today that God would glorify Himself in how your family worships Him and trusts in Him.  Thank Him for some of the ways that you have seen Him answer your prayers or the prayers of others.  Bring before Him your needs today and pray that God would glorify Himself in how He takes care of your family in the week ahead.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse.  Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 65:9-13

Consider:

For Adults: As you read the final verses of this psalm, note how the psalmist moves from delighting in God’s awe inspiring works and power (yesterday’s verses) to delighting in things that are simple and even mundane in comparison.  Though God is sometimes pleased to show “signs” and “wonders” before His people, remember that Jesus said that to crave such things is actually a mark of the wicked (Matt 12:39 & 16:4).  Notice that according to the psalmist, a valley full of grain, or a meadow full sheep (v.13) declares God’s goodness and “shouts for joy” just as powerfully as the rotation of the earth from evening to morning (v.8).  As you consider these things, think of the small ways in which God has blessed you and your family and sustained your life up to this moment.  Praise Him for all of these blessings and for His tender care over you and your family.

Older children: Read verse 9 again together and then read Matthew 5:43-48. When God blesses all creation, even those who hate Him, it is called His “common grace.”  Why do you think God blesses creation this way and what does it tell us about God’s character?

Younger children: Read verse12 and 13 again.  Who makes both plants and animals to grow?  Do you think animals and plants growing make God happy?

Family Application: Talk together about how all of our blessings, both great and small come to us as expressions of God’s goodness and love.  Talk about some of the specific blessings that your family has experienced this week that came to you from God.

Pray: Thank God for how He cares for all of His creation by sending His blessing upon the land, the crops and livestock.  Thank God for how He has provided your “daily bread” this week and, most importantly, how He has sent Jesus to be the “Living Bread” for our souls.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse.  Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/o/holyholy.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 62 (NASB)

1 My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.

2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will you assail a man, That you may murder him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

4 They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah.

5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

9 Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie; In the balances they go up; They are together lighter than breath.

10 Do not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

11 Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God;

12 And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord, For You recompense a man according to his work.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 62:1-2

My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.

He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 62:1-4

Consider:

For Adults: This psalm helps to remind us that God is a fortress against the human oppressors who can seem all too real and make us feel that God is distant. As you read this psalm this week, consider how well you are doing at taking moments of silence with God, shutting the world out. Strive to draw near to Him this week in spite of whatever circumstance might conspire against your soul’s communion with Him.

Older children: We are often tempted to harbor hateful and hurtful thoughts toward others even while we pretend otherwise by our words. Look at the activity of the enemies in verses 3 and 4. Is this the behavior of a Christian?

Younger children: Why do you think the Psalmist was waiting for God in “Silence?” Why is being quiet before God good sometimes?

Family Application: Talk together about how important it is for believers to not just attend activities of the church, but have a real personal and deep one-on-one communion with God through prayer and His word.

Pray: Praise God for how He is a personal God and how He invites us to draw near to Him with boldness. Thank Him for sending Jesus to pay the way for us to His throne of grace and pray that God would help you to draw near to Him in the days ahead.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 62:5-8

Consider:

For Adults: It is very tempting to sometimes think of salvation in purely heavenly and future terms and fall into a pattern of living as “practical atheists,” that being confessing our hope to be in God and yet living as if our hope is in ourselves. If your prayer life was to be the model by which another was going to judge the presence of “practical atheism” in your life, what do you think they would conclude?

Older children: Read verse 7 again out loud. How is God the “Glory” of the psalmist? How was the Cross the “Glory” of the Apostles? How can you “Glory” in God?

Younger children: What are some things beside God that people think will help them and save them from troubles? Where does our only true help ever come from?

Family Application: Talk together about how Christians truly live out the conviction that God is their only true hope. Talk about how Jesus told us to abide in Him (John 15) and what that means for the Christian.

Pray: Pray today that God would help you to truly live out the conviction that He alone is your only true hope for eternity and for your present needs. Ask Him to stir your heart towards a new dependence upon Him and pray God would help your family to intentionally abide in Christ, the true vine (John 15)

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 62:9-11

Consider:

For Adults: The final verse of the psalm closes with an affirmation of God’s justice as an anchor of hope. Despite the evil that we face from day to day, we know that one day, God will put all evil and wickedness to judgment. Consider how and why this is good news, but only truly to those who are trusting Christ for justification. Are you trusting Him today? Trust Him and rejoice!

Older children: Read verse 9 again. What does the Bible say about both people that we might be afraid of and/or people that we might put our hope in? According to verse 11, to whom do we really owe both fear and hope?

Younger children: Have you ever seen a toy that you wanted so badly it just made your heart ache? Have ever wanted some kind of pet like that? Can these things ever make us truly happy? Read verse 10 and see what God says.

Family Application: Talk together about the things we are tempted to put our hope in. Talk about how it is not wrong to enjoy God’s blessings, but rather how we should always enjoy them with thankfulness in our hearts to God, looking only to Him for our ultimate joy.

Pray: Thank God for how He is coming one day to establish His kingdom fully and finally on the earth. Ask God to help you and strengthen you to be more faithful in thinking and speaking biblically about your trials both to your own soul and to others. Pray that God would be cherished and honored in your family as the only true hope of salvation.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/e/whenisur.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 96 (ESV)

1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!

8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!

9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

13 before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 96:2-3

Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 96:1-6

Consider:

For Adults: This psalm is a hymn of sorts that celebrates God’s kingship over all creation in its present form while also looking forward to glories of God’s future fulfilled kingship over all creation.  It is a call to God’s people to glory in His excellencies and to joyfully call all peoples and nations to join them in worshiping Him.  As you consider it this week, consider Christ’s calling upon the church to make disciples of all the nations.  Are you living presently in the light of God’s coming kingdom?  Do your priorities and your speech reflect a passion to see lost sinners become redeemed worshipers?  If not, ask God to elevate your vision this week as you meet Him in prayer and Bible study.

Older children: How do you think that God’s people are at work today declaring His glory among the nations?  (v.3)  Is this something just for a few believers to do or is it for all believers?

Younger children: Why do you think that the psalm says that the “gods of the peoples are worthless idols?”  How is the one true God different from the “gods of the peoples?”

Family Application: Talk together about how important it is for believers to not only worship God, but to actively testify of God’s goodness to unbelievers.  Talk about how authentic worship should overflow into our everyday conversations.

Pray: Praise God for how He has made himself known to His people in glory and in power.   Pray that God would help you to grasp His glories so that your heart would yearn to sing His praises as the psalmist does.  Pray that God would help you to be a life-worshiper, seeking to glorify God with your whole heart in all of your words and deeds from day to day this week.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 96:7-9

Consider:

For Adults: This week’s psalm has 3 major portions, each beginning with a call to verbally testify of God’s glory in a unique way.  In the previous section, the psalmist challenges us to “sing.” Today’s section calls upon us to “ascribe.”  Just as the word carries with it the connotation of recognition of things due, so the psalmist affirms in verse 8 that indeed God’s person is “due” or “owed” our worship.  Has it ever occurred to you that to withhold your worship from Him to whom all worship is due is actually an offense to God and His glory?  Consider your “worship-life” of late and resolve to follow Christ in faithfully offering up your praise to Him to whom all praise is due.

Older children: In verse 9, the psalmist tells us to worship the Lord who is arrayed in the splendor of holiness and then to “tremble” before Him?  Why do you think God’s holiness should make all the earth tremble?  What do we call this?

Younger children: Why do you think God is worthy of our worship?  What should we worship Him for?

Family Application: Talk together about how God is worthy of all of our worship and how withholding our worship from Him is actually being disobedient to the commands of scripture and dishonoring God’s person.  Talk about how you can be even more faithful as a family to give God the worship that is due His name.

Pray: Pray that God’s name and fame will resound among all the peoples of the earth and that more and more people would come to Him as Savior before He returns as Judge.  Pray that God would help you to see more of His glory today and that He would awaken your hearts to the joy of knowing Him and that He would cause praise to flow joyfully back to Him from your hearts and lives.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse.  Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 96:10-13

Consider:

For Adults: In this third and final section of the psalm, we are challenged to “say.”  As opposed to the first two calls of the psalm, one to “sing” truth and the other to “ascribe” truth (both of which are acts of worship directed primarily to God himself), this final admonition is a direct call to make known God’s reign of majesty to all the peoples of the earth.  As it was in the time of the psalmist, and so it is still in our day, while we know that the Lord reigns over all, His reign is not yet what it shall be and not yet apparent to every soul.  It is into this context that the psalm calls us to speak of the coming full and final reign of the Lord.  The psalmist calls us here to live in the light of the day that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the father and testify of this coming reality to all the peoples of earth.  Consider why this is an act of not just worship, but one of mercy, and pray this week that God would strengthen you to be a herald of His grace.

Older children: Why is the idea of God as “Judge” a good thing (see Psalm 67 from last week) in the mind of the psalmist?  Why is this good news for the whole earth?

Younger children: How is God glorified by nature?  How is that different from how God is worshipped and glorified by His children?

Family Application: Talk together about how God is even now brining us closer to the day in which He will return and establish His full and final rule on the earth.  Talk about how thinking about this might change the things we do and the decisions make in present.

Pray: Thank God for how He is coming one day for establishing His kingdom fully and finally on the earth.  Ask God to help you and strengthen you to be more faithful in declaring His coming Kingdom to all the peoples of the Earth.  Pray that God would strengthen His church around the world to that task that He would be pleased to draw more and more people to Himself as Savior and Lord.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse.  Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/e/jesussav.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 67 (ESV)

1 God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us

2 That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.

3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth

5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.

6 The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us.

7 God blesses us, That all the ends of the earth may fear Him.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 67:1-2

God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us

That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ Read: Psalm 67:1-3

Consider:

We often think of the missionary task and the great commission as things exclusive to the New Testament and God’s calling upon the Church, yet this psalm suggests otherwise. In these verses, we see that God’s heart to be worshipped globally by redeemed sinners long precedes Jesus’ commissioning of the disciples. We see here that even as God was preparing a special nation for the arrival of the Messiah, He was blessing them for a purpose, to be a witness of Him (to be light) among all the peoples of the earth. (See also Gen. 12:2-3).

Consider some of the specific ways in which God has blessed you and your family. How do you think God would have you channel these things into His calling you to both live for His glory and to make disciples of all nations? (I Peter 2:9, II Cor. 5:15, Matthew 28:18-20)

Pray:

• That God would work in our hearts this week to grow our understanding of His calling upon us to take the Gospel to the Nations

• That God would burden us for those perishing apart from Christ both in our communities and around the world.

• That God move among us to cause great participation in our conference this weekend, that our Missionaries might be encouraged, and that we would be challenged to be more Christ-like in our pursuit of making disciples.

Meditate:

Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ Read:  Psalm 67:4-5

Consider:

In this section of the psalm, we see the psalmist referencing the global political reign of God that was manifest partially in Israel in his time and yet is promised to one day include the whole earth. Though we often think of exercising a “judging” rule in terms of condemnation, the biblical concept of judging and judges is much broader and more generally descriptive of the idea of “justice” itself. When we look forward to God judging the nations, we are actually looking forward to a day when all injustice is finally put to rest and the weak have rest and relief from all oppression and oppressors.

As you consider these truths today, think of all the blessings and freedoms that flow to you through the “justice” (imperfect though it is) that God has providentially granted us in our nation and time. Consider how the Church is oppressed and persecuted around the world in places where justice is completely corrupted and perverted and resolve to pray that God’s perfect and good rule would be realized among all the people of the earth.

Pray:

• That God would give our Missionaries safe travels as they come to us this week from all over the globe.

• That God would protect our Missionaries’ families, churches and ministries during their absence to be with us.

• That God would great our Missionaries and the local believers that they are working with favor in the eyes of the local peoples and local authorities in order that the gospel could go forward more openly and quickly.

• That God would move in global places of great injustice to grant “peace” upon the earth and for the advancing of the Gospel of Peace and the Kingdom of Christ among all the peoples of Earth.

Meditate:

See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ Read: Psalm 67:6-7

Consider:

In these final verses, the psalmist repeats the idea of blessings flowing to God’s people for the purpose of spreading His name and fame among all the people of the earth. In these verses, however, he specifically identifies the blessings of production and resources (the “increase” of the earth) and links them to the great theme of the publication of “the fear of the Lord” to all the ends of the earth.

As you mediate on these verses, consider the physical and financial blessings that God has gifted to you in His mercy and providence. Consider how you are investing these things in the spread of the Gospel and how you can use them so that God would be best honored in your home and around the world.

Pray:

• That God would move in the hearts of his people at Morningview and cause us to treasure Christ and his Gospel more than earthly comfort and thus see our blessings as means and ends.

• That God would move in our hearts to help us be better stewards of the blessings he has entrusted to us toward the specific end of seeing His Gospel go forward to all the peoples of the earth.

• Pray that God would move in the hearts of His people that even more would be called to go and that even more would give sacrificially in order to empower them to do so.

Meditate:

See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/m/tmlalib.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 48 (ESV)

A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain,

2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.

3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.

4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together.

5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.

6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor.

7 By the east wind you shattered
 the ships of Tarshish.

8 As we have heard, so have we seen
 in the city of the LORD of hosts, 
in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,
 in the midst of your temple.

10 As your name, O God,
 so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
 Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Let Mount Zion be glad! 
Let the daughters of Judah rejoice
 because of your judgments!

12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
 number her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts,
 go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation

14 that this is God,
 our God forever and ever.  He will guide us forever.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 48:10

As your name, O God,
 so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
 Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 48:1-3

Consider:

For Adults: In this Psalm we find a celebration of God’s protection of His Holy City, Jerusalem. As the Psalm progresses, we see that while the psalmist may have been inspired to praise for a specific act of deliverance, he speaks of the earthly “Zion” in terms of the Heavenly Zion and is looking to greater “cosmic” realities rather than just to one circumstance. As you read our psalm this week, consider how God’s dealings with Zion here are reflective of His dealings with all of His people (past and present) and how God dwells uniquely in and with the Church as His eternal and ultimate “Zion.”

Older Children: “Zion” here is not only a reference to the historical city of Jerusalem, but also to the place where God dwells in a special way, that being with his people, the church. How do you think “Zion” might have been the “joy of all the earth” in history? How do you think God will bring that reality to pass FULLY in the future?

Younger Children: A “citadel” is a place where people would go to be protected from the attacks of an enemy. How do you think God shows Himself to be a “fortress” and “citadel” for His people today?

Family Application: Talk together about how God delights to show His glory in His people today just as He delighted to show His glory in hearing and responding to the repentant prayers of His old testament people, Israel. Talk about ways in which God shows His glory in His new covenant Israel, the Church.

Pray: Praise God for how He has made Himself known on the earth, first through the nation of Israel, and now, more completely, through His people, the Church. Pray that God would help our church and others to be the “support of the Truth” (I Tim. 3:15) that He has called us to be and that God would be seen as glorious in the lives of His people and in your family this week.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 48:4-8

Consider:

For Adults: In this section of the Psalm, the psalmist turns our attention towards the war that powers of earth wage against God. As is often seen elsewhere in scripture, the conflict is brought directly to the people of God on their own “home turf.” Though the scene described is similar to some of the Biblical conflicts from which God delivered the historical Jerusalem, it is best understood here as metaphor for God’s ultimate protection of His people in the cosmic struggle against the powers of sin and darkness. Note the language of eternity in verse 8 and the hope of God’s promise that comforts His people in the present. As you think of the forces that may seem arrayed against you today (see v.4), think of God’s eternal promise to deliver His people and trust your struggles to Him today in prayer.

Older Children: Can you think of some times when you saw God answer your prayers or the prayers of His people? Look at verse 8 again. How does God strengthen our souls by showing us answered prayers?

Younger Children: Read verse 7 again together. What part of nature did God use to save His people in this verse? Can you think of other times when God showed His power in nature to save His people? How does this show God’s glory?

Family Application: Talk together about how God’s people have always been the persecuted by those held under the power of sin and Satan. Talk about how God rescues sinners from this power (think of Saul in Acts) and how God will ultimately rescue His people when Jesus returns to the earth for the final defeat of Satan.

Pray: Praise God for how He rescues His people and how He never disappoints those who trust Him and make Him their refuge and their God. Pray that God would grow your faith this week and that you would trust Jesus more. Pray for those you know who may know about God, but do not trust Him with their lives in saving faith. Pray that they would come to Him and find trust in Him to rescue them from their sins!

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 48:9-14

Consider:

For Adults: In these concluding verses of the Psalm, the psalmist turns his attention back to the city of Zion as the visible evidence of God’s love. As he ponders the glory and fame of God, God’s own righteousness, he looks to the day that God will be praised in all the earth, just as earlier, he looked towards the day Zion would be the “joy of all the earth.” Thus he continues here to find present joy in eternal realities that are for him yet future. In other words, he views the present in light of God’s promise. As you consider your present, how might consideration towards God’s promises change your perspective for the better? How is God showing you “glimpses” of His eternal promises today in your life and in your church family?

Older Children: Why do you think that God’s righteousness is connected to His Glory and praiseworthiness so often in scripture? Why is the righteousness of Jesus so important for the Christian?

Younger Children: Read verse 14 again. In what ways did God guide His people in the Old Testament? How does God guide His people today?

Family Application: Talk together about how God is using the Church to spread His glory among all the peoples of the earth. Talk about how God’s glory is only properly seen through Jesus and about how important it is that we spread the Gospel to all the peoples of the Earth.

Pray: Thank God for how He has established a people for Himself and moved in history so that His glory and fame came through the witness of His people eventually to you and your family. Pray that He would help you to be a faithful follower of Jesus and that He would help you in spreading the gospel of His glorious grace to all those that you know.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/g/l/glorious.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 34 (ESV)

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me
 and delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant,
 and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
 and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps
 around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
 Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
 for those who fear him have no lack!

10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
 but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me;
 I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 What man is there who desires life
 and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil
 and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Turn away from evil and do good;
 seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
 and his ears toward their cry.

16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
 to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
 and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
 and saves the crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
 but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

20 He keeps all his bones;
 not one of them is broken.

21 Affliction will slay the wicked,
 and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants;
 none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 34:22

The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 34:1-8

Consider:

For Adults: This psalm is a joyful celebration of God’s graciousness in answering the prayers of His people. The original title tells us that it was composed by David on the occasion of his escape from Achish of Gath (“Abimelech” is most likely a family title for Achish in 1 Sam. 21:13) and it shows us the worshipful disposition of a heart humbly fixed upon the Lord. As you read this psalm this week, you should quickly see that it breaks easily into two parts; the first (1-10) where the psalmist recounts his own testimony of God’s praiseworthiness and the second (11-22) where the psalmist becomes the teacher and makes theological application of God’s acts of deliverance. As you read, consider the specific ways in which you have seen God’s mercy and deliverance in your own life. Praise Him for them and for the love that He constantly demonstrates for His children.

Older Children: Read verse 2 and verse 6 again. How does the psalmist refer to himself and what type of people is he calling to worship God? Why do you think humility is an important part of prayer?

Younger Children: Have you ever said something or done something that made you feel so bad that you wanted to go and hide? How did Adam and Eve feel and what did they do after sinning against God in the garden? Read verse 5 again. Is there anymore shame or fear for those who repent of sins and trust in Jesus?

Family Application: Talk together about all the ways in which you have seen God answer prayer and how being one of His people means that we can humbly call out to Him without fear or shame.

Pray: Praise God today for how He answers the prayers of all of those who humbly call out to Him through faith in His son, Jesus. Pray that God would help you to keep an attitude of constant praise this week (v.1). Pray that as you meditate upon Him, your heart would be filled with reverential joy in His love for you. Thank the Lord for how He delivers His children from all their fears and for how He tenderly watches over them. Bring your burdens before Him and trust Him to take of you.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 34:3-10

Consider:

For Adults: As you read today’s selection, notice especially the impassioned evangelistic call of the psalmist, “Taste and see . . .” The idea here of “taste” is often used by the apostles and is one of personal experience. The psalmist tells us in no uncertain terms that to commune with God is not a matter of religious formalisms, but rather a casting of one’s whole life upon God in faith. The call to “fear” the Lord that we find here is not an admonition to sentiment, but rather a call to cast the whole of one’s life upon the Lord in reverential faith and obedience. Are you trusting and believing Christ this way today? If not, do so now and see that He is good!

Older children: Have you ever eaten something that looked really good, but tasted really bad? How did you feel? Most people would feel “disappointed” because the look of the food promised a good taste that didn’t come. What does the Bible say about God and disappointment in these verses? Does saving faith ever truly disappoint?

Younger children: Read verse 9 and 10 again together. How do you think God takes care of His people. Does the Bible promise that God will give His people everything they “want” or everything they “need?” Why?

Family Application: Talk together about how knowing facts about God and even knowing the facts about the Gospel of Jesus does not make someone a Christian. Talk about what the psalmist calls us to do in these verses and about how true faith doesn’t just “know”, but it actively “trusts” and acts according to its trust.

Pray: Praise God for how He is truly good to His people and how He never disappoints those who trust Him and make Him their refuge and their God. Pray that God would grow your faith this week and that you would trust Jesus more. Pray for those you know who may know about God, but do not trust Him with their lives in saving faith. Pray that they would come to Him and find out how good He really is!

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day one that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 34:11-22

Consider:

For Adults: In this final section of the Psalm, we see the psalmist become our instructor in the “Fear of the Lord.” In these verses we see that the one “fears” the Lord lives in faithful trusting obedience to God. Note that a life free of affliction is not promised to the faithful, but rather the Lord’s presence, comfort and deliverance is his reward. As you read these verses(especially 21-22), hear the words of Christ from the book of Romans echoed that for those in Him, there is NO CONDEMNATION and rejoice!

Older children: What does verse 19 tell us about “affliction” and God’s people? Why do you think God let’s His people have difficulties and troubles?

Younger children: How would you feel if you got hurt and no one was around to hear you cry or call out for help? Did you know that God always hears the cries of His people?(v.15) How does that make you feel about Him?

Family Application: Talk together about how “the fear of the Lord” shows itself in our lives by faithful loving obedience and trust in God even when things are hard and when we have trouble. Talk about God’s promises here and how He saves His people from condemnation.

Pray: Thank God for how He tenderly cares for His people and saves them out of troubles now and from the “troubles” of judgment through the forgiveness Jesus won at the cross. Ask Him to help you to trust and obey him more faithfully this week as you look to Jesus.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/f/tfountfb.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 33 (NASB)

1 Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright.

2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.

3 Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

4 For the word of the LORD is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness.

5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deeps in storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

10 The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples.

11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

13 The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men;

14 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth,

15 He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.

16 The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength.

17 A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness,

19 To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name.

22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 33:10-11

The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples.  The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 33:1-6

Consider:

For Adults: This Psalm begins with a jubilant call to God’s people to rejoice in Him.  In the very opening words, it dismisses any notion of a true believer who can withhold his praise, for it says that “Praise” is nature or “becoming” of the upright.  As you read through this Psalm today and this week, consider God’s glorious works and attributes and pay careful attention to your heart’s proclivity to arise in worship.  If you find your heart lacking in praise, prayerfully read and meditate upon your Lord, asking for the Holy Spirit to awaken your soul anew to His beauty.

Older Children: Have you read a story that did not have a happy ending?  Why do you think we like stories that have good endings?  Why do you think most people want to see the bad punished and the good rewarded?  How do you think it is related to what we read in verse 5 of this Psalm?

Younger Children: The Bible tells us that every good gift that we have comes from God (James 1:17).  How has God “filled the earth” with His Lovingkindness(v.5)?

Family Application: Talk together about praise.  It is something that should naturally arise from the hearts of God’s people.  Talk about all things that God has done that deserve our worship and, most importantly, talk about why God deserves our worship simply because of who He is.

Pray: Pray today that the Holy Spirit would work in your hearts helping you to see more of the beauty and worthiness of Jesus.  Pray that God would help you to develop habits of daily worship and that in doing so, God would graciously increase your joy as part of your visible witness to the world.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 33:6-12

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses the Psalmist expounds upon his call to worship by showing how God is not only due praise from His people, but also why God is due praise from all of creation and all of mankind.  Notice in the verses how the world owes its existence to the creative power of His word and is held sway under His sovereign decree.  Notice also the special status that God’s chosen people enjoy.  Consider today what it means to receive an inheritance from God as your Father and delight in His mercy!

Older Children: In the time of the Old Testament, God had a special relationship with the citizens of the nation of Israel as He prepared history for the coming of Jesus, but we know that while some of them loved Him, many others of them did not.  What do you think makes someone a part of God’s true people?  (hint read Matt 5:3-10 and John 3:16)

Younger Children: Read verse 9 again.  What are some things in creation that are created by “speaking?”

Family Application: Talk together about how the world owes honor and praise to God, but how the sinful nature of people prevents them from offering God the praise that He is due (Romans 1).   Talk about how God’s Holy Spirit helps His people (those who have believed in Jesus) to see God’s glory and beauty and want to worship Him.

Pray: Praise God for how He is sovereign over all of creation and how He created the world by the power of His word.  Thank Him for sending His spirit to open the eyes of sinners to His glory and beauty to lead them to have trust in His Son.  Pray that God would help you to worship Him with joy this week and to be a witness to others by your joy in Him.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse.  Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 33:13-22

Consider:

For Adults: In this final section of the Psalm, we specifically see God’s intimate knowledge of man, even in his fallen state and sinfulness.  Just as the psalmist notes all of the things that men put false hope in, consider the things that those around you tend to put false hope in.  Are you tempted to hope in those same things?  Look at the response of the Godly in verse 20-22.  As you do so, ask God to cultivate and grow your faith and joy in Him today.

Older children: Read verse 21 again.  What does “trusting in God’s Holy Name” lead His people to do?  What are some actions that you think should flow out of someone who is truly trusting in God?

Younger children: Have you ever obeyed your parents, but had a “mad” or “sad” heart while you where doing what they told you to do?  Do you think God knows what is in your heart? (v.15) How do you think God wants our hearts to feel when we obey?

Family Application: Talk together about what “false hopes” is and some of the false hopes that people today have.  Talk about why it is always wise to hope in God and to follow His word even when it is hard to or doesn’t seem to make sense.

Pray: Thank God for being a sure foundation for His people and the only true hope of eternal joy and blessing.  Pray that God would guard your heart and your family from putting your hope in anything other than God Himself.  Pray that God would help you to follow Him closely and carefully and that He would be honored and glorified by how your family trusts in Him.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse.  Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/t/pttlta.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 29 (ESV)

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders,
 the LORD, over many waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare,
 and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.

11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 29:1-2

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 29:1-4

Consider:

For Adults: In this Psalm, we see the power of God exemplified in the metaphor of a storm moving into the land from the Mediterranean sea in the East and traveling across the Holy Land to eventually capture the vista of a worshipper observing from the temple in Jerusalem. As the Storm moves across the land, we see its awesome power unfold and in each facet of the storm, the believer is reminded of the power of God. With the Psalmist, we see here that power of nature which often leaves us breathless in awe is but only a glimmer of the power of God. Consider the power of God today as you read these verses and ascribe to Him the Glory due His name.

Older Children: Verse 2 tells us to ascribe to God the Glory that is due to Him. How do you think we do that? How does nature help us to understand God’s glory and power?

Younger Children: Have you ever listened to a powerful thunderstorm as you lay in your bed at night time? How did it make you feel? What does it teach us about the one true God who made the storm?

Family Application: Talk together about how you have seen God’s glory together in nature and about how we should train our hearts to quickly rise to God in worship when he see His witness in creation.

Pray: Praise God today for His absolute sovereign power and for how he exercises His power in mercy to all of Creation in His common grace. Thank God for His kindness to your family and and pray that He would give you grace to better see His glory and beauty in all that He has made.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 29:5-8

Consider:

For Adults: In this section of the Psalm, we see God’s voice personified in the great storm moving across the land and we see the storm make the mountains (Lebanan and Sirion) appear to shake from their foundations. We are reminded of the God who regards them as dust in His hands. As you read these verses, consider what adversaries or trials you face that can match such power. Rest today in the“Awe-ful” power of a God whose heart is always and only moved with love and compassion for His people.

Older Children: In these verses we see more examples of the power of God and how a storm shaking the forests of the mountains (Lebanon and Sirion) shows Gods command over nature. Think of the person or thing that you are afraid of most and then think of God’s power shaking the mountains. If the one true God is your God, is there any reason to really fear anyone or anything that may be against you?

Younger Children: These verses are all about the power in God’s voice and thus, the power in God’s words. Can you think of some things that God used His voice and His words to make or do in the Bible? Why do you think it is important for us to listen to God’s voice?

Family Application: Talk together about How God always uses His incredible power in ways that reflect His Love for His people. Consider the power that God displays when He brought His people out of Egypt and the power that God displayed in the work of Christ on the Cross.

Pray: Praise God for how He wields His power against His enemies and the Enemies of His people, namely Satan, Sin, Death and Hell. Thank God for how He defeated them all on the cross and pray that He would help you to trust Him and rejoice in Him more in your daily worship and living.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 29:9-11

Consider:

For Adults: In this final section of the Psalm, we see the reaction of those in the temple to the coming storm. The power of God on display leaves them recognizing and crying out “Glory!” in praise of the great God whose voice holds the power to both create and destroy. The Hebrew word for “flood” here (only used otherwise to refer to the Noahic flood) further suggests the awesome power that God wields in judgment is one from whom His own people are spared and delivered and thus endowed with peace.

Older Children: What do God’s people in the temple call out in response to God’ s Awesome power? When we see God’s power, what should our response be?

Younger Children: Do you remember the story of Noah and the great Flood? Who sent the Flood and told it where to go and what to do? How do you think Jesus is for us like the ark was for Noah?

Family Application: Talk together about how God shows His power in judgment, like in the great flood, but also how God always makes a way for the righteous to escape judgment and to rest in His mercy. Talk about how God makes sinners “righteous” through Jesus and how repentance and faith in Him saves a sinner from the judgment he is due.

Pray: Thank God for his Awesome and “Awe-ful” power that wield in strength and glory. Thank Him for always providing a way for His people to escape the judgment they are due as sinners and thank Him for sending Jesus as the perfect atoning sacrifice for the sins of all who would but come to Him.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://nethymnal.org/htm/m/i/mightyfo.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 24 (NASB)

1 The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.

2 For He has founded it upon the seas And established it upon the rivers.

3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?  And who may stand in His holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully.

5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face–even Jacob. Selah.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in!

8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O gates, And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!

10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 24:1

The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains,The world, and those who dwell in it.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ The Holy Creator of World

Read: Psalm 24:1-4

Consider:

For Adults: This Psalm is a celebration of the fact that the God who is the creator, and thus the God above all, is the very same God who is in a Covenant relationship with Israel. In these verses we see not only a hint at God’s majestic personhood, but also in glimpse into how He is approached. We see that He is holy and is approached only in holiness. As you read these verses consider whether holiness is the qualification for admission to His presence, the evidence of one admitted to His presence, or somehow both. Do you see Christ here? How?

Older Children: Verse 1 tells us that God is the creator and owner of the world. What do verses 3 & 4 tell us about Him?

Younger Children: Have you ever made something you really liked? What? Did you know that when you make something you own that thing? What does that mean? What does it mean that God made the world and us?

Family Application: Talk together about what it means for all people that God both created the world and is absolutely holy and without sin. Talk about how sinful creatures relate to Him and why “justification” in Christ is so important for the Christian.

Pray: Praise God today for His absolute sovereign power and for His perfect holiness and unblemished, beautiful character. Thank God for providing a way for sinners to be reconciled to Himself through the cross and pray that the message of the Gospel would go forth to the ends of the earth.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 24:3-6

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses we see the description of the one who is granted access to the presence of God and receives the blessing God gives. As we read these verses, we should be both challenged in our hearts to be more like Christ who exemplifies purity of heart perfectly and at the same time, as believers, we should rejoice with overwhelming joy that the righteousness that God requires here is ours, in Christ, completely apart from our works! Consider the outflow of your worship and communion with God today? Is it merely a mood, or is instead the outpouring of righteousness of Christ into your daily living?

Older children: In the book of Hebrews, it tells us that Jesus entered into God’s heavenly place as a perfect priest and sacrifice so that we can be made righteous in God’s sight. For those who trust Christ as Lord and Savior, how does the “new covenant” of righteousness work itself out in our lives? (Read Hebrews 8:10-12 for the answer).

Younger children: What would you think if you took a big bite of an apple, but it tasted like mashed potatoes? What if you took a bite of a peach, but it tasted like Brussels sprouts? Would you eat those fruits again? How do you think God’s love in someone’s heart should affect the way that they act on the outside?

Family Application: Talk together about how trusting in Christ as Lord and Savior causes a person to have a new heart and all that that means for how they act, think, and feel.

Pray: Praise God for how Jesus satisfied the righteousness requirement of God’s law on behalf of sinners and for how He offers justification as a free gift for all those who come to Him. Pray that Jesus’ righteousness would be more present in your lives and that God would be honored in your home as the works of Jesus are ever more present there by His grace.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 24:7-10

Consider:

For Adults: In this final section of the Psalm, the scene changes from the approach of the worshiper to the approach of the divine object of all worship, the LORD, the King of Glory. In historical context, this could have been sung to celebrate the coming of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, but in the larger context of scripture, it points us to a celebration of Christ’s triumphant taking of the Heavenly throne. As you read these verses, consider gravity and majesty of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem before His victory over sin at the cross and consider how He is your “King of Glory.”

Older Children: In ancient cities, the “heads” of the gates were the top parts that would have to be removed if something too tall had to come through. What does this part of these verses suggest about God’s character? (hint: read Isaiah 66:1)

Younger Children: “Glory” is sort of like greatness, majesty and power all rolled into one. What are some of the ways you can think of that God is glorious? How do you see it in creation? What about in Jesus?

Family Application: Talk together about how God makes himself known not only in mercy, but also in judgment. Talk about how God made himself known in Jesus and how we are to spread this “gospel” of God’s free grace to those who do not know Him.

Pray: Praise God today for how He is the majestic King of Glory. Praise Him for how His glory is shown in the triumph of Christ on the cross and the redemption of His people from their sins. Praise Jesus for His promise to one day finally and fully rid the universe of the curse of sin and for how He will reign unchallenged in that final day. Pray that His joy would fill your hearts and that your home would be founded on the hopeful peace that comes from a confidence in His sovereignty and final return.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh061.sht

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 16 (ESV)

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ God’s Goodness In His People

Read: Psalm 16:1-4

Consider:

For Adults: This Psalm is a celebration of God’s goodness (v.2) mediated to the believer through His people (v.3), His providence (v.5-6), His counsel (v.7), His promise (v.9-10), and His presence (v.11). As you meditate upon this Psalm this week, consider how God provides blessing to you in each of these ways. Start today by considering your relationships with those in your church family. Are you delighting in them today or is your heart tempted to find comfort with those who are running after “other gods?”

Older Children: In these verses, the psalmist delights in God by delighting in God’s People. He contrasts the “faithful” in the land of Israel with the “unfaithful” in the land of Israel. Do you think that there are both “faithful” and “unfaithful” in churches today? How are they different from one another?

Younger Children: Do you like to give gifts to your friends, siblings, or parents? How does it make you feel when they like your gift and tell you that they like it? Did you know that God is the source of all the things in our lives that are truly good? How should that make us feel toward God?

Family Application: Talk together about how God’s goodness is showered upon us in all the ways listed above. Talk about how you can follow God in being His blessing to those around you in need.

Pray: Thank God today for how He showers His children with His goodness and pray that He would open your eyes to see His glory in the blessing that He has bestowed upon you. Pray that God would help you to seek Him for your joy and to guard your heart from the temptation to seek false joy in running after “other gods.”

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ God’s Goodness in His Providence

Read: Psalm 16:5-9

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses, we see how God’s goodness is mediated to the believer through both God’s providence and His counsel. Knowing that his life is entrusted to the care and providence of God, how is the believer comforted even in times of struggle and sorrow? How do you think it can help in these times to both consider the inheritance God has for His people and to recount His word to oneself, even in the quiet moments of the night?

Older Children: Look at verse 6 again. What is an “inheritance?” In these verses, the psalmist imagines the promise that God has given Israel. What is the future inheritance that the New Testament makes clear that God is preparing for all of His people?

Younger Children: Have you ever had a teacher who taught you about exciting and wonderful things? Did you know that God’s word is like a teacher to us? How does God show us His goodness through His word as our teacher?

Family Application: Talk together about how the Christians can be comforted by thinking of how we not only hold Him in His sovereign goodness in the present, but also prepares for Him and joyful rest in the future. Talk together about how Jesus purchased this inheritance for His people and how sinners become His children by trusting Him in repentance and faith.

Pray: Praise God for how He sovereignly holds His children in His tender care and for the beautiful inheritance that He has prepared for all of them through the purchase of Jesus’ blood. Pray that God would help you to trust Jesus more today and to look to Him for your joy and peace.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ God’s Goodness in His Presence

Read: Psalm 16:10-11

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses we see the psalmist celebrate God’s goodness mediated to the belief in His promise and His presence. These verses are quoted by both Peter and Paul in the New Testament in reference to the resurrection of Christ, through them, we understand these verses to point us to the promise of a bodily resurrection of all believers, among whom Christ stands alive as the “first fruits” of what God has yet to come as a part of the great inheritance prepared for His people. Are you seeking to know the joy of His presence today? Seek Him for “fullness of joy” and experience a foretaste of the inexpressible joy that is even yet to come!

Older Children: What is the “Path of Life” that God makes known to His people? Read Matthew 7:14, Prov. 15:24 & 10:17 for help. What does God provide for those who walk this path? Can you stay on it in your own strength? Consider Phil. 2:12-13 as you answer.

Younger Children: Have you ever been lost in a big store where you couldn’t see your parents ? How do think being alone and “abandoned” would feel? Look in these verses again. Does God ever abandon his children, even after they die?

Family Application: Talk together about how God makes Himself known not only in mercy, but also in judgment. Talk about how God made Himself known in Jesus and how we are to spread this “gospel” of God’s free grace to those who do not know Him.

Pray: Praise God for His promise to never abandon or forsake His people and praise Him for the joy that He promises to all those who walk in convent faithfulness to Him in the “Path of Life.” Thank Him, Christ, our great covenant-keeper and pray that He would strengthen you for more faithful obedience in the days ahead and pray that thesein He would grant you an ever more full experience of His joy!

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://nethymnal.org/htm/o/j/ojordsbi.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 9 (ESV)

1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

3 When my enemies turn back,
 they stumble and perish before your presence.

4 For you have maintained my just cause;
 you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
 you have blotted out their name forever and ever.

6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
 their cities you rooted out;
 the very memory of them has perished.

7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever;
 he has established his throne for justice,

8 and he judges the world with righteousness;
 he judges the peoples with uprightness.

9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,
 a stronghold in times of trouble.

10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,
 for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

11 Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion!
 Tell among the peoples his deeds!

12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
 he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

13 Be gracious to me, O LORD!
 See my affliction from those who hate me,
 O you who lift me up from the gates of death,

14 that I may recount all your praises,
 that in the gates of the daughter of Zion
 I may rejoice in your salvation.

15 The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;
 in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.

16 The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment;
 the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.

17 The wicked shall return to Sheol,
 all the nations that forget God.

18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
 and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

19 Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail;
 let the nations be judged before you!

20 Put them in fear, O LORD!
 Let the nations know that they are but men!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 9:9-10

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,
 a stronghold in times of trouble.  And those who know your name put their trust in you,
 for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 9:1-8

Consider:

For Adults: This psalm is a celebration of how God executes His justice against the wicked and specifically those who oppress His people. As you read today’s verses, notice the great contrast between the fate of God’s enemies and the eternal majestic existence of God. How should this strengthen your heart to worship God “wholeheartedly” as the psalmist declares in verse 1?

Older Children: Look at the fate of the “enemies” in these verses. What do you think makes people “enemies” of God? What does the scripture promise for them?

Younger Children: Have you ever seen someone do something wrong and not get caught or get in trouble for it? How would it make you feel if what they did was against you? Since God knows everything, do you think that God ever ignores sin? What does every sin deserve?

Family Application: Talk together about How God’s justice is not only a reason that we must turn to Jesus for forgiveness, but it is also a reality in which saints can rest, rejoice, and even worship.

Pray: Thank God today for how He is infinitely worthy of our praise because of His holiness and His perfect just rule of the whole world. Confess to Him any struggles that you may be having in trusting Him this week and pray that He would help you rest in the knowledge of His goodness and worship Him wholeheartedly in the days to come.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 9:9-14

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses of the Psalm, we learn that the enemies mentioned earlier are not just adversaries, but they are oppressors and, most likely, even murderers. Given the encouragements here, it is probable that God’s people are struggling to remember that God is still sovereign even when their afflictions lead them to believe that He is distant and unconcerned. Do you need to be reminded of God’s sovereign goodness this week? Remember what He has done (v.11) and call out to Him! (v.13-14)

Older Children: Read verses 13 and 14 again. What does the psalmist expect to do after God saves him from his enemies? What does this suggest to us about why God is a God who saves all those who trust in Him?

Younger Children: Do you remember the last time that you cried really hard? How did you feel? Did you know that the Bible teaches that God always hears the cries of His people when they are hurt? (v.12) How does that make you feel?

Family Application: Talk together about how God is a stronghold for all of those who trust in Him. Talk together about how trusting in God involves believing in His goodness and justice even when we do understand how He could be working for good in our present circumstances.

Pray: Praise God for how He truly is a stronghold for all of those who trust in Him and for how He never turns away anyone who comes to Him in repentance and faith. Pray that God would help you to have greater faith in Him even when your circumstances don’t make sense to you. Thank Him for how He sends trials to His people not to harm them, but to teach them how to be more like Jesus.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 9:15-20

Consider:

For Adults: In these final verses, we see the concluding warning to the afflicters, oppressors, and the enemies of God’s people and emphatic declaration that the injustices of this present age will soon be vanquished in the final triumph of God’s perfect justice and judgment. How is the curse of sin afflicting you this week through nature, through others and even within your own soul? As you read these verses be encouraged that the triumph of God is already on its way! Trust Him until it is complete!

Older Children: Read verses 15 and 16 again. What does God cause to happen to the wicked people who are planning evil in these verses? What does this teach us about how God deals with those who plan evil both today and in eternity?

Younger Children: Do you think there will be anyone needy or hungry in Heaven? What are some of the other effects of sin that God will wipe away in Heaven?

Family Application: Talk together about how God makes Himself known not only in mercy, but also in judgment. Talk about how God made Himself known in Jesus and how we are to spread this “gospel” of God’s free grace to those who do not know Him.

Pray: Praise God for how He will one day set all things right that are wrong. Thank Him for how He offers free grace and pardon through Jesus to all who would come to Him and pray that He would help you to be more faithful to tell other about His justice and free grace.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://nethymnal.org/htm/t/o/togodbe.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 2 (ESV)

1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,

3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.

5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.

8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 2:10-11

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ An Earthy Turmoil

Read: Psalm 2:1-3

Consider:

For Adults: This psalm fits into a category known as the “Royal Psalms” in that it explores the covenant that God made with David (and his heir) and understands the fate of the whole of God’s people as being connected to the Lord’ s “Anointed.” In these verses we see an uprising of vassal kings against the earthly Davidic King, but in the bigger picture, we also see the world powers arrayed against Christ, the son of David. As you consider this psalm this week, consider the vanity of revolting against Christ and pray that God would give you a settled peace in face of sinful men and a compassionate heart for those you know are bound up in hopeless sinful rebellion.

Older children: The “Anointed” that this psalm talks about is the King that God placed on the Throne of Israel who was to rule in God’s place as His representative. What rulers has God put in place in your life? How does God expect you to act toward them?

Younger children: Can you ever think of a time when you disobeyed your parents on purpose? Why do you think children sometime choose not to obey? Why do you think people choose to not obey God?

Family Application: Talk together about the terrible vanity of living in rebellion against God and His Anointed One, Christ Jesus. Speak about how God’s sovereignty should give Christians a settled peace in the face of persecution and how they should pity their persecutors.

Pray: Praise God today for His sovereign reign over all the universe and for how He can never be threatened by any earthly power. Ask God to help you discover the seeds of rebellion in your own heart and thank God for sending Jesus to conquer the power of sin and how He will one day return to finally and fully end all rebellion of sinful man.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ A Heavenly Perspective

Read: Psalm 2:4-9

Consider:

For Adults: In today’s verses we see that in contrast to the turmoil on earth, God sits ever triumphantly on the throne of Heaven. In verse 7 we see the voice of the psalmist shift to that of the King who receives the promises of the Davidic covenant and thus comforts himself in the knowledge that the purposes of God can never be thwarted by man and that God will ultimately bring all earthly powers into subjection under the rule of the heir of David. Consider how the coming of the nations under subjection to the rule of Christ is actually for their benefit (Rom. 1:5) and how Jesus is accomplishing this even now through the proclamation of the gospel.

Older children: Read verse 7 -9 again. In these verses, we hear the Israelite King begin repeating the promise that God made to him (see 2 Samuel 7:14), calling him God’s own Son. Did you know that this promise is ultimately to Jesus and, through Jesus, to all of God’s people? How do you think that God is, even today, working to give Jesus the nations as His inheritance?

Younger children: Read verse 4 again. Why do you think all the Kings rebelling against God causes God to laugh? Think about things that make you afraid? Do these things scare God? Can anything scare God? Why?

Family Application: Talk together today about how the things that scare us, worry us or saddened us all look different from God’s Heavenly perspective. Talk about remembering how things look to God can give us hope and encouragement when we are discouraged.

Pray: Praise God for how He is working out His eternal plan to bring all the world under the rule of Jesus even when it doesn’t seem like it us. Pray that God would help you to be more faithful to be a part of carrying His gospel of peace to all that nations and pray that God would empower all those serving Him in that mission.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ The Way of the Wise

Read: Psalm 2:10-12

Consider:

For Adults: In these final verses, we see psalmist return to his voice as preacher, and we read his final admonition to the earthly powers of verses 2 and 3. How do you think these verses contain both LAW and GOSPEL? Consider how your hope in the Gospel should lead you to a reverent keeping of the law of God.

Older children: In the ancient world, a servant would often show submission to a master by kissing his hand or even his feet. According to these verses, what will happen to those who do not submit to “The Son” who is Jesus? What decision does the wise man make concerning King Jesus?

Younger children: What does it mean to serve God with fear? Ask your parents how that is like the word “reverence” and talk about ways you can “reverence” God in your family.

Family Application: Talk together about how Jesus is a refuge for all who come to Him in repentance and faith and how obedience and reverence should mark the lives of all believers.

Pray: Praise God today for how He is refuge and a fountain of grace and mercy for all those who come to Him. Pray that He would help you to trust Him more today!

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://nethymnal.org/htm/a/c/acoogak.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 146 (ESV)

1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;

7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.  The Lord sets the prisoners free;

8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.  The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations.  Praise the Lord!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 146:3-5

Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.  When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.  Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~

Read: Psalm 146:1-4

Consider:

For Adults: This psalm both begins and ends with “Praise the Lord!” which is the one-word-sentence in Hebrew, “Hallelu-yah.” The psalmist calls all who hear to worship the one true Sovereign God as the sure hope for those who are suffering or oppressed. As you meditate upon this psalm this week, examine your heart to see if there are things other than Christ from which you are looking for security. Consider verse 3 and resolve to make the LORD your only hope.

Older children: How do you think we are tempted to put our trust in things and people (even leaders) other than God? What do these verses tell us about trusting in heroes or leaders over God?

Younger children: Have you ever been given a toy that broke right after you started to play with it? How did (or how would) that make you feel? Were you disappointed? Did you know that sometimes we are tempted to trust in our leaders or other people to save us rather than God? Does the Bible say (v.3) that we should do this?

Family Application: Talk together about all of the things that people put their hope in other than Jesus? Talk about why we are tempted to hope and trust in things that we see or things that may bring temporary joy and how important it is to remember the truth of who God is whenever we find ourselves doing so.

Pray: Praise God today for His sovereign reign over all the universe and for how only He is a sure hope of salvation. Pray that He would help you to not trust in things that are temporary and passing away.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~

Read: Psalm 146:5-7

Consider:

For Adults: This section of the psalm frames the great contrast between placing vain hope in earthly powers (as described in verses 3 & 4) and placing one’s trust in the living God. As one reads these remaining verses of this psalm, the excellencies of God’s character are unfolded to him and thus the reasons for trusting in Him are made clear. As you meditate on this psalm this week, let the character of God again lead you to worship Him and rest in Him as your sure hope and comfort.

Older children: Why do you think that governments of cities, states, and nations almost always have a police force? How are police supposed to uphold justice and why is that so important? How does God “uphold justice for the oppressed?”

Younger children: Did you know that “blessed” means something like “happy,” “joyful” and “content?” How does trusting in God make people “blessed?”

Family Application: Talk together about the attributes and acts of God that we see here that prove God is worthy of our trust. Consider how each of God’s attributes here both show His glory and comfort for His people.

Pray: Use your time of prayer today as an occasion to worship God specifically for the attributes we see in these verses. Consider giving each member of the family a different attribute to praise and thank God for as you pray together.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~

Read: Psalm 146:8-9

Consider:

For Adults: In these concluding verses, the psalmist crescendos his litany of God’s excellencies as upholder of justice, healer of the blind, and liberator of the captive. Why do you think a proper understanding of the cross is so important to help us love and celebrate God’s justice rather than to flee from it in fear and terror? Why must the work of the cross be applied even (and especially) here when we read that God loves “the righteous?”

Older children: These verses say that God set prisoners free. Can you remember a new testament story where God did this (literally)? What “prison” does the Bible say that all mankind is bound to because of Adam’s sin? How does God set prisoner’s free in this way? How did Jesus set prisoners free (as he promised)?

Younger children: Have you ever heard the stories of how Jesus healed the blind and returned their sight? Did you know that God is full of compassion and that He loves to help those who call out to Him in their need? Can you think of something that you should pray about this week for God’s help?

Family Application: Talk together about how God is both a glorious savior to the righteous and yet a terrible enemy to the wicked. Talk together about the cross, the gospel and how God invites His enemies to become His children.

Pray: Praise God today for how He reigns, bringing both salvation to all the needy who call upon Him and terrible retribution upon all those who delight in evil and injustice. Pray that God would magnify His own praise in your heart and that you would more faithfully and boldly speak the gospel to all those held prisoner under the power of sin.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://nethymnal.org/htm/g/f/gfathers.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 139 (ESV)

1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”

12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me!

20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain!

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 139:13-14

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ The Wonderful knowledge of God

Read: Psalm 139:1-6

Consider:

For Adults: This Psalm is all about God’s omniscience (His knowledge of all things) and what that means for His children. As you consider today’s verses, notice how God’ s knowledge not only encompasses where you are in geography(space), it also encompasses where you are in chronology (time). Consider verse 6 and meditate on all the reasons that this should cause the Christian to rejoice.

Older Children: Have you ever wondered if God knows your thoughts? Read verse 4 and then verse 2. What does the Bible teach us about how deeply God knows us?

Younger Children: Have you ever had your Mom or Dad tuck in your covers nice and tight on a cold night so that your bed felt especially nice? Read verse 5 again with your parents. How is God’s care of His people like being tucked into your bed?

Family Application: Talk together today about how God is intimately acquainted with the small details of our lives and how even in the smallest things, He cares for His people. How should this change the way we feel, think and act?

Pray: Talk together thanking God for His wonderful knowledge of our lives and His tender care. Pray together that God would help us to honor Him in the little things we do, the things we say and even the things that we think.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ The Inescapable Knowledge of God

Read: Psalm 139:7-16

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses we find the famous affirmation of the creator’s touch and tender forming of children even while still in the womb. Consider how this relates to God’s knowledge and think about how God’s knowledge not only pursues us wherever we go, but it actively forms us. Just as God shapes our bodies, scripture also affirms that God shapes our destinies (v.16). Consider the trials you face today in light of this. Is there any trial in your life that God has not designed for your ultimate joy in Him?

Older Children: Is there any place on earth that a Christian can be taken that is apart from God’s presence(v.7-12)? Is there any day or time in a Christian’s life when God is not working out His plan for them? How should this bring comfort to believers?

Younger Children: Have you ever seen what mothers look like and how their bodies are different the months before their baby is born? What does the Bible teach us that God is doing inside the mother? Why do you think babies (and people) are so precious to God? Why should they be precious to us?

Family Application: Talk together about how God’s knowledge isn’t passive, but how it is active and how God works to not only shape our bodies, but to shape our lives according to His good will. Read Romans 8:26-30 together.

Pray: Thank God for how He has made man in His own image and for how He tenderly cares for His people and shapes their lives for His glory and their greatest joy in Him. Pray that God would have you to rest in this wonderful knowledge and that He would increase your love for Him.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ The Sanctifying Knowledge of God

Read: Psalm 139:17-24

Consider:

For Adults: In these final verses, we see the psalmist 1) delighting in God’ s omniscience, 2) declaring His loyalty to God’s decreed purposes and 3) inviting God’s further examination into his own life. Given that between our perspective and the perspective of the psalmist, the Cross stands high declaring the satisfaction of God’s justice and His free offer of mercy to sinners, how should you articulate your loyalty to God’s purpose and character today?

Older Children: Read verses 19 and 20 again. What types of things are the enemies of God doing in these verse? If they do not turn to Jesus in repentance and faith, what will happen to these people when Jesus finally returns to the earth as Judge? How should Christians pray for these people and show them pity even while hating their unrighteousness?

Younger Children: If a person loves God and loves God’s goodness, how should they feel about Satan and sin and unrighteousness? Since we know that Jesus died to save sinners from being prisoners to the power of sin and Satan, how should we pray for them today?

Family Application: Talk together about how God’s justice is fully satisfied in the cross of Jesus for all those who come to Him in repentance and faith. Talk about how we should pray for and pity those who make themselves God’s enemies by their unrepentant sinfulness.

Pray: Pray verses 23 and 24 together, asking God to give you hearts that hate sinfulness, but love mercy. Pray that God would restrain evil all over the world and that he would compel sinners to turn from their rebellion and to trust and follow Jesus.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/m/a/amazing_grace.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 138 (ESV)

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;

2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.

3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.

4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth,

5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 138:6

For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,but the haughty he knows from afar.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ The Lord, who answers prayer

Read: Psalm 138:1-3

Consider:

For Adults: This Psalm of thankfulness may have been one of the regular temple “Thank-Offerings” and as such has a clear emphasis on the “public” nature of the praise being offered. The Hebrew word translated“gods” here could refer to either angels, princes/rulers, or even idols. As you consider this call to bold thankfulness, consider the public testimony of your words this week. Do/will those around you know of the God you worship and thank for your blessings?

Older Children: Why is it a good thing that God has exalted “above all things” His name and His word? How do you think He does this? (v.2)

Younger Children: Have you ever called someone who didn’t hear you or would not answer you? How did it make you feel? How does it make you feel to know that God answers prayers and is always listening to the prayers of His people? (v.3)

Family Application: Talk together today about how God answers the prayers of His people and how the fact that our God is a real and “Living” God should lead us to worship Him in our words and actions.

Pray: Talk together about all of the specific needs that your family has today and assign different family members to pray out loud about each of the needs. Thank God that He hears and answers the prayers of His people and ask Him to grant your family greater faith as you learn to wait upon His answers.

Meditate: Write this week’s memory verses on a white board in your home and/or on index cards that each family member can carry with them during the week.

Day 2 ~ The Lord, who regards the lowly

Read: Psalm 138:4-6

Consider:

For Adults: In these verses of this week’s psalm, we see another strong scriptural call to humility based upon the character and greatness of God. While the term “lowly” is in one sense a contrast to the “Kings” who worship in verse 4, it is also a counter point to the “haughty” also mentioned in verse 6. Thus, we see the Royal Psalmist (King David) knows that in comparison to God, all members of mankind are only properly related to God when they understand and embrace their “lowliness.” Consider how you relate to others and to God this week in light of this fact, and resolve, by faith, to cultivate a God-pleasing “lowliness” in your character.

Older Children: After reading today’s verses, read Philippians 2:9-11 to your family. What does verse 4 mean in light of these verses in Philippians?

Younger Children: Have you ever felt that adults and older children ignored you because of how small you are? What do our verses today say about how God thinks of small or “lowly” people? How did Jesus feel about children?

Family Application: Consider together how one day, every knee will bow to Jesus and every tongue will confess His glory and Lordship. Talk about the blessedness of living in light of this fact today and talk about how you can honor God in acts of worship and humility this week.

Pray: Thank God for how He regards “lowly” sinners like us and how He calls us to become His sons and daughters by faith in Christ. Pray that God would help you to cultivate a humble and worshipful spirit and an atmosphere of humility and deference in your home.

Meditate: See if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Make new note cards of any of the cards from day 1 that may have been lost.

Day 3 ~ The Lord, who protects his children

Read: Psalm 138:7-8

Consider:

For Adults: Just as verse 4 looks to God’s faithfulness to the psalmist in the past, so these verses assert the psalmist’s faith that God is acting to preserve him according to God’s own divine plan even in the present. Often our circumstances challenge our assumption of God’s watch-care over us, but yet the scripture (and our experience) affirms that God is always working for His glory and the good of His people in all things and often in ways beyond our understanding. Consider today what God’s greatest good is for you (hint – see Philippians 1:21) and consider how your circumstances today may be working toward that end.

Older Children: After reading today’s verses, Read Philippians 1:3-6. What does this teach about the way God works in our lives? Does God ever leave His children to fend for themselves? What are some things that you know God has planned for you that He is working out in your life according to His word?

Younger Children: Have you ever felt that your room was so messy you could never clean it up? How would it make you feel better to have your Mom or Dad there with you to help you clean it up? Did you know that God helps His people through every trouble? How should this make us feel?

Family Application: Talk together about how God often works in way that we can never understand, but how he also works for His glory and the good of His people.

Pray: Thank God today for how tenderly He cares for His children, and ask Him, together, to strengthen your faith in Him and His divine plan for your family.

Meditate: See again if anyone in the family can quote this week’s memory verse. Talk about any ways that this verse has encouraged or taught you this week.

Hymn of the Week

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/comethou.htm

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Psalm for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 119:137-152 (NASB)

137 Righteous are You, O LORD, And upright are Your judgments.

138 You have commanded Your testimonies in righteousness And exceeding faithfulness.

139 My zeal has consumed me, Because my adversaries have forgotten Your words.

140 Your word is very pure, Therefore Your servant loves it.

141 I am small and despised, Yet I do not forget Your precepts.

142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.

143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me, Yet Your commandments are my delight.

144 Your testimonies are righteous forever; Give me understanding that I may live.

145 I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will observe Your statutes.

146 I cried to You; save me And I shall keep Your testimonies.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.

148 My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.

149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your ordinances.

150 Those who follow after wickedness draw near; They are far from Your law.

151 You are near, O LORD, And all Your commandments are truth.

152 Of old I have known from Your testimonies That You have founded them forever.

Scripture Memory for the Week: Psalm 119:151

You are near, O LORD, And all Your commandments are truth.

Praying through the Psalms

Day 1 ~ The Word and Its Author

Read: Psalm 119:137-140

Consider:

For Adults: Read these verses today and consider how God’s word and His character are tied together. What can we learn about God’s word when we consider it in light of His character and nature?

Older Children: Look at verse 140 again and read it together with Psalm 12:6. What does it mean that God’s word is “Pure.”

Younger Children: Can you think of a person that you know that always tells you the truth? How is God like that? What does “Who God is” say about “What God says?” (v.137)

Family Application: Talk together about some of the attributes of Go