Word for the day "The Psalms in this Advent season"
Psalm 3:3-4 (NIV) But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord, I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.
During this advent season, the book of Psalms will bless your life.
It’s impossible to adequately summarize the richness and breadth contained in the book of Psalms. It was Israel’s hymnbook, containing songs of praise to God. It also contains the cries of God’s people in difficult situations. And it was a prayer book for Israel. The psalmist looked to God in moments of private despair, in times of national suffering, and in joyous mountain-top moments. Click the button to read more about the blessing of Psalms The Blessing of Psalms The Psalms are for us right now, today. They are loaded with honest emotion. Through them, you can learn to pour out your anguish and your adoration, your suffering and confession, your hopes, and your fears. Through them, you feel safe asking God why he has or hasn’t acted in a certain way. Through others, you might express your pain, heartache, and discouragement. Or in others, you may praise God as he frees you from oppression and sin.
The reading of the Psalms provides a way to connect with the Lord.
Each psalm is an expression of the human heart. None of them are neat little packages of answers tied up with pretty bows. They are living words, a collection of spiritual diaries from people who honestly sought God’s help and the Lord’s heart. We often go to people as a means to consult for our lives, and while that’s not a bad idea in and of itself, the reading and consulting with the book of the Psalms give you a more viable means to connect with the Lord.The Christian Year begins with Advent. This season includes the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Advent means "coming", and the weeks of Advent focus on the church's anticipation of the birth of the Messiah, as well as the future coming of Christ. Advent needs messages and music that focuses on anticipation and waiting, won’t you allow your life to be transformed this advent season.Some possible Psalms to use during Advent:Psalm 16 Psalm 24 , Psalm 25Psalm 28Psalm 40Psalm 42 Psalm 44Psalm 46Psalm 50 Psalm 72 ,73, 74 ,75 Psalm 80 ,81Psalm 85Psalm 89 Psalm 96 ,97, 98 Psalm 122 Psalm 126 Psalm 130Psalm 132 Psalm 146
Point to ponder
Do you need spiritual direction or encouragement? The Psalms can function as deterrents to keep you out of trouble, guides to help you through problems, reminders of the one who actually delivers you. Read the Psalms and be ushered into the very presence of your loving and merciful God. You’ll be glad you did in this very challenging year 2020!Special thanks!Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of December 2020, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Theresa Lewis, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Evonne Bazemore, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mr. Brandon McIntyre, Mrs. Angela Baker Harrison, Pastor Raymond Philip, Mr. Raymond Jenkins, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link above to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,