Savoring the Scripture

Prayer for Pastors Psalm 134 Authentic, biblical, Spirit-filled preaching happens when a preacher has been deeply impacted by a passage. Brian Croft  Psalm134 finishes the psalms of ascent. The psalmist calls on the servants of the Lord, those who stand by night in the house of the Lord, to lead the congregation in blessing the Lord. This invariably refers to the priests and Levites who would have served even at night in the temple. The priests and Levites led the people of God in the worship of God. We, too, have leaders in our local congregations who direct our gaze to worship and bless the Lord.  God has placed weighty requirements on the men He has called into His service. Along with a commitment to godly character, pastors and elders bear the responsibility of shepherding the flock of God in their care (1 Peter 5:2). This shepherding is to be done willingly, eagerly, according to God’s will, not lording over their congregants, but being an example to them (1 Peter 5:2-3)....

A Prayer for Unity Psalm 133 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:14 Unity is a condition of harmony; the quality or state of being made one. In Psalm 133, the psalmist declares, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” This psalm celebrates the joy of unity and harmony. But many times, there is discord in our lives, in our relationships, in our families, in our churches, and in our work places. Yet, “even the absence of unity can teach the blessing of unity” (Longman). Whether we are facing discord or harmony in our lives, this psalm and the pursuit of unity is for us as believers. Colossians 3:12-17 gives us guidance on how we can pursue unity and peace.  Act in a way that reflects who you are in Christ (Colossians 1:12). Paul says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”(Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬). He reminds them that they have ...

Penetrating the Darkness with the Eyes of Faith Psalm 132 When the eyes of flesh can see no evidence of the promise coming true, the eyes of faith penetrate the darkness and see the light of hope on the horizon. Mark Futato We serve a God who does not turn back on His promises. Psalm 132 calls on God to remember His promise which he made to David, the promise that, if his sons would follow the Lord, there would always be a son of David on the throne. “The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back” ( 132:11). “To post-exilic Israel, the temptation would be to think that God would not fulfill His promise to David. The nation, its chief city, its Temple, had all been destroyed and there was no King. Though things looked bleak, the faithful held on to their God. The God whose promises never fail and He would not fail now” (Futato).  The psalm is filled with language referencing the Temple, which was built to be the dwelling place of God Most High. Interestingly, ...