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  • 1 Timothy 3

    1 Timothy 3

    Read 1 Timothy 3

    Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

    1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

    In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

    11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

    12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

    Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

    14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

    He appeared in the flesh,
        was vindicated by the Spirit,
    was seen by angels,
        was preached among the nations,
    was believed on in the world,
        was taken up in glory.

    Go Deeper

    In reading 1 Timothy, there is a temptation for some to skim over chapter 3. Even worse is the temptation to strictly read this passage as instructions for others or as an excuse to judge others without first examining the log in one’s own eye. One might use reasonings such as, “I’m not in ministry” or “this wasn’t written for me” to justify this behavior, but this is an incorrect reading of the text. 1 Timothy is still God’s Word, and the Lord has something to teach each Christian from each page of Scripture.

    All Christians are in ministry whether they are a minister by vocation or not. We even see this in the word choice Paul makes here with “deacon.” The Greek word for deacon, “diakonous”, literally means “servant.” While there is an office of the “deacon” here, this applies to all of those who serve in the Lord’s house, the family of God. These lists are not simply for those in vocational ministry but also for those who do ministry with their entire lives!

    That being said, this isn’t something we can attain through sheer effort. In fact, if you try and go at this through effort alone, you will fail, guaranteed. However, Paul places a key detail in the middle of the list for deacons:

             “They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.” (1 Tim. 3:9)

    The Greek word that is translated here, “deep truths,” is the word “mysterion” which is where we get the word “mystery.” In fact, this is the exact same word that is later translated to “mystery” when Paul talks about the mystery of godliness.

    The point being, at the core of all of these qualifications, those doing ministry must have their eyes fixed on Jesus and their minds fixed on the mystery that was revealed in God coming to Earth in flesh as the person of Jesus Christ, dying for us, rising again on the third day, and taking His rightful place at the right hand of the Father in heaven. When one fixes his or her heart on this truth, this “mysterion,” one will start to, by the power of God the Spirit, show these qualifications.

    God is not looking for those already qualified, but rather for those He wills to qualify by the renewal of their entire being.

    Questions

    1. How have you reflected on the revealed truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ recently? How can you reflect on it today?
    2. What does this truth mean for how you live your life? In what areas of your life can you allow God to minister to others through you?
    3. Share your reflections on this question with a trusted brother or sister in the faith. How can you help each other along in this process?

    By the Way

    In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus explains to those listening the key to this practice of living a life of ministry:

    “So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

    Matthew 6:31-33

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  • 1 Timothy 2

    1 Timothy 2

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    Instructions on Worship

    1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

    Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

    11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

    Go Deeper

    Today’s reading can be slightly confusing without context. Paul sent Timothy to the church he planted in Ephesus to help correct some false doctrine that was being taught (1 Tim 1:3). The city of Ephesus had a large temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and it’s safe to say the people were obsessed with worshipping her (Acts 18:28). Her temple was run by women who asserted their authority over men in negative ways. The city was diverse ethnically, philosophically, and religiously. The Greek and Roman influences of the city valued pluralistic thought. New believers were easily influenced and confused by these overwhelming, competing ideas. As a result, some Christians began to act like the pagans surrounding them in Ephesus.

    So, when Paul gives instruction here, he reminds these believers what it means to be a Christian. Christ followers are to stand out in a world gone mad, not fit in. Paul says that the goal for Christians in Ephesus is to “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” because God’s main desire is for “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (v. 3-4). If a Christian’s main purpose is to show people Jesus so that they come to faith in Him, then living godly, peaceful, and holy lives is the best way to do it.  

    What did this mean for the Christ followers in Ephesus? It meant they needed to act opposite of the culture. The pagan men around them fought and tore each other apart, so Paul encouraged the Christian men to use their hands to worship and pray instead. The pagan women in Ephesus were immodest, flashy, and over-asserted themselves in a flaunting manner, so Paul encouraged the Christian women to live humble, quiet, modest lives full of good deeds and worship. Believers couldn’t show people Jesus if they were living like the pagans around them. They had to look different. They had to act like Jesus.

    The Christian call is to be in the world, not of the world; to be a part of culture, but not completely influenced by it. The world in Ephesus isn’t drastically different from the world we live in today. Our culture celebrates pluralistic thought where “your truth” is all that matters. Many believers are easily confused by the many diverse thoughts surrounding religion, doctrine, ideologies, sexuality, and gender. Jesus followers who are swept away by the overwhelming secular influence in culture today begin to act just like the non-believers around them. After all, it’s easier to fit in than it is to stand out.

    The exhortation from Paul to Timothy is the same to us today. We are to live peaceful, quiet, godly, and holy lives so that, instead of being influenced by the culture around us, we can influence it for Jesus.

    Questions

    1. This chapter reminds us to pray for those in authority over us. How often do you spend time praying for those in leadership roles above you?
    2. Do you find yourself struggling to live in the world but not be of it? In what ways is this difficult for you?
    3. Who are you currently influencing for Jesus? Who is in your sphere of influence that you have yet to have a gospel conversation with? 

    A Prayer

    Father, Thank you for Your Word and our ability to learn from it each day. I pray for those in authority over me today. I pray that they will seek, love, and follow you for all of their days. I ask you for humility, too. I’m sorry for the times I have tried to make everything about me. Please help me humbly follow you today through my words and actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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  • 1 Timothy 1

    1 Timothy 1

    Getting Started

    Welcome to the Bible Reading Plan! We are so glad you are joining us for this journey through 1 Timothy, a New Testament letter written by the Apostle Paul. Each day, you will read one chapter of the Bible followed by a short devotional, answer a few questions, and if you want, record any observations or insights using the interactive notes section. We believe God will use this resource to grow our knowledge and affection for Him. We know God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Sign up with a friend, your Life Group, or your family, and let’s dig in!

    Make sure to download our Harris Creek App, sign up for the Bible Reading Plan push notifications, and follow us on Instagram (@harriscreek) for some fun, creative ways to interact with the readings. 

    Let’s Go, Church!

    1 Timothy Preview

    On his missionary journeys, the Apostle Paul would go from city to city, preaching the Gospel message and establishing churches in each new place. Over the years, he made many close friends but one in particular stuck out: Timothy. Timothy became Paul’s apprentice along the way. He learned from Paul, co-labored alongside him, and then eventually took over the church at Ephesus. 

    This is one of Paul’s three pastoral epistles (or letters), with 2 Timothy and Titus being the other two. It’s more personal than a letter like Romans or Philippians, which were written for entire congregations to read. This letter from Paul to Timothy gives us a glimpse not only into their relationship, but also into what was happening in the church at Ephesus at this time. This first letter from Paul to Timothy primarily focuses on the local church. In it, Paul explains the functions of the church, leadership within the church, and some threats to the church. He concludes the letter with a sober warning for Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him and to stay focused on what truly matters.

    There is so for us to learn from Paul’s letter to Timothy. Each of these chapters are loaded with theological truths and practical applications for us. Pay attention to every word on the page–you don’t want to miss anything. Thanks for journeying along with us!

    Read 1 Timothy 1

    1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

    To Timothy my true son in the faith:

    Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

    As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

    We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

    The Lord’s Grace to Paul

    12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

    15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    The Charge to Timothy Renewed

    18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

    Go Deeper

    This letter, like many others from Paul, opens with a fairly-typical Pauline greeting to his friend Timothy, who is leading the church Paul started in Ephesus. The overarching theme of this first chapter is that false teachers are plaguing the Ephesian church. False doctrines had creeped in. Some of the Ephesians were absorbed in myths (i.e. stories that weren’t found in the Scriptures and contradict what Scripture taught) and meaningless talk that was distracting them from the gospel. Others were consumed by the Mosaic Law and were teaching a distorted version of it. Paul correctly understood that the Law had a proper place and could be of great benefit when taught properly.

    This warning from Paul is just as applicable to us today. What we consume (books we read, songs we sing along with, and sermons we listen to) shapes us and can impact our understanding and perception of God. As long as those things are based on Scripture and what God’s Word teaches, we should use them as tools to help us love Jesus more. We need to be careful when we fill our minds with extra-biblical ideas or content that doesn’t fully line up with Scripture. 

    In the same way the Ephesian Christians needed to be careful, we too need to be discerning when it comes to what we take in. Just because something is sold in a Christian bookstore or played on a Christian radio station doesn’t mean it’s full of biblical truth. The Enemy loves to distract us with ideas that sound or look like truth, but may not actually be truth. How can we know? By holding up everything we consume next to the Word of God. Does it line up with what Scripture says? Does it line up with what we know to be true about the character of God? Let us use the Ephesian church as a helpful warning to learn from. 

    Questions

    1. What sticks out to you about this opening chapter of Paul’s letter to Timothy? 
    2. How can you develop a filter so you are not led astray by false teaching? What tools do you use to dig deeper?
    3. How have you been impacted by what you consume (positive or negative)? 

    Watch This

    For a helpful overview of 1 Timothy, check out this video from The Bible Project.

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  • Psalm 106

    Psalm 106

    Read Psalm 106

    Praise the Lord.

    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
        his love endures forever.

    Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
        or fully declare his praise?
    Blessed are those who act justly,
        who always do what is right.

    Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people,
        come to my aid when you save them,
    that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
        that I may share in the joy of your nation
        and join your inheritance in giving praise.

    We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;
        we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
    When our ancestors were in Egypt,
        they gave no thought to your miracles;
    they did not remember your many kindnesses,
        and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.
    Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
        to make his mighty power known.
    He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;
        he led them through the depths as through a desert.
    10 He saved them from the hand of the foe;
        from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
    11 The waters covered their adversaries;
        not one of them survived.
    12 Then they believed his promises
        and sang his praise.

    13 But they soon forgot what he had done
        and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
    14 In the desert they gave in to their craving;
        in the wilderness they put God to the test.
    15 So he gave them what they asked for,
        but sent a wasting disease among them.

    16 In the camp they grew envious of Moses
        and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the Lord.
    17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan;
        it buried the company of Abiram.
    18 Fire blazed among their followers;
        a flame consumed the wicked.
    19 At Horeb they made a calf
        and worshiped an idol cast from metal.
    20 They exchanged their glorious God
        for an image of a bull, which eats grass.
    21 They forgot the God who saved them,
        who had done great things in Egypt,
    22 miracles in the land of Ham
        and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
    23 So he said he would destroy them—
        had not Moses, his chosen one,
    stood in the breach before him
        to keep his wrath from destroying them.

    24 Then they despised the pleasant land;
        they did not believe his promise.
    25 They grumbled in their tents
        and did not obey the Lord.
    26 So he swore to them with uplifted hand
        that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
    27 make their descendants fall among the nations
        and scatter them throughout the lands.

    28 They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor
        and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods;
    29 they aroused the Lord’s anger by their wicked deeds,
        and a plague broke out among them.
    30 But Phinehas stood up and intervened,
        and the plague was checked.
    31 This was credited to him as righteousness
        for endless generations to come.
    32 By the waters of Meribah they angered the Lord,
        and trouble came to Moses because of them;
    33 for they rebelled against the Spirit of God,
        and rash words came from Moses’ lips.

    34 They did not destroy the peoples
        as the Lord had commanded them,
    35 but they mingled with the nations
        and adopted their customs.
    36 They worshiped their idols,
        which became a snare to them.
    37 They sacrificed their sons
        and their daughters to false gods.
    38 They shed innocent blood,
        the blood of their sons and daughters,
    whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
        and the land was desecrated by their blood.
    39 They defiled themselves by what they did;
        by their deeds they prostituted themselves.

    40 Therefore the Lord was angry with his people
        and abhorred his inheritance.
    41 He gave them into the hands of the nations,
        and their foes ruled over them.
    42 Their enemies oppressed them
        and subjected them to their power.
    43 Many times he delivered them,
        but they were bent on rebellion
        and they wasted away in their sin.
    44 Yet he took note of their distress
        when he heard their cry;
    45 for their sake he remembered his covenant
        and out of his great love he relented.
    46 He caused all who held them captive
        to show them mercy.

    47 Save us, Lord our God,
        and gather us from the nations,
    that we may give thanks to your holy name
        and glory in your praise.

    48 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
        from everlasting to everlasting.

    Let all the people say, “Amen!”

    Praise the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    In today’s reading, we find a detailed account of Israel’s failures, follies, and fears, yet the psalmist bookends the chapter with praise to the Lord. At first glance, these seem like disparate messages thrown into a chapter without logical reasoning. If we carefully step along the path of Israel’s story, however, we find God’s provision as a marker throughout the journey. And God’s provision is always a purpose for praise.

    Psalm 106:6 declares the writers’ message: “We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.” The next several verses outline the Israelites’ pattern: Israel forgets God’s goodness, they suffer the natural consequences of their sin, God shows mercy, Israel praises Him, then repeats. How does this apply to us today? We can see ourselves, our tendency toward forgetfulness and desire for instant gratification, in Israel’s actions. We forget His many kindnesses (v. 7). We do not wait for His plan to unfold (v. 13). We exchange His glory for earthly things (v. 20). We complain and disobey Him (v. 25).

    Much like Israel’s story, we may experience God’s goodness but soon forget, grow impatient, or complain. Perhaps we pray for a job but then complain when it’s challenging. Or maybe we trust God to provide miraculous healing but not to provide the strength to endure the pain of illness. Sometimes we pray for His will to be revealed but only look for it to emerge as our own preference. As we walk along Israel’s path, we begin to see that it is our path, as well. God is the same God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, so we can learn much of God’s character through this summary:

    • He saves us to make His power known (v. 8)
    • He leads us through impossible depths (v.9)
    • He delivers us over and over (v. 43)
    • He hears our cry (v. 44)
    • He remembers His promises to love us (v. 45)

    For any of these things, God deserves our praise. For all these things, He deserves our devotion.

    Questions

    1. What is an experience where you forgot God’s goodness, grew impatient for His plan to unfold, or complained resulting in disobedience to Him?
    2. What is an experience from your own life where God’s goodness saved you, led you through impossible circumstances, or delivered you?
    3. The psalmist memorialized the Israelites journey and God’s goodness through writing.  How can you memorialize your experiences so they are remembered?

    Watch This

    The psalmist begins and ends the chapter praising God, and he calls, “Let all the people say, ‘Amen!’” Watch this video of Matt Maher’s song, “All the People Said Amen!” and use this as an opportunity to give praise to the Lord.

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  • Psalm 105

    Psalm 105

    Read Psalm 105

    Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
        make known among the nations what he has done.
    Sing to him, sing praise to him;
        tell of all his wonderful acts.
    Glory in his holy name;
        let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
    Look to the Lord and his strength;
        seek his face always.

    Remember the wonders he has done,
        his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
    you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
        his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
    He is the Lord our God;
        his judgments are in all the earth.

    He remembers his covenant forever,
        the promise he made, for a thousand generations,
    the covenant he made with Abraham,
        the oath he swore to Isaac.
    10 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
        to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
    11 “To you I will give the land of Canaan
        as the portion you will inherit.”

    12 When they were but few in number,
        few indeed, and strangers in it,
    13 they wandered from nation to nation,
        from one kingdom to another.
    14 He allowed no one to oppress them;
        for their sake he rebuked kings:
    15 “Do not touch my anointed ones;
        do my prophets no harm.”

    16 He called down famine on the land
        and destroyed all their supplies of food;
    17 and he sent a man before them—
        Joseph, sold as a slave.
    18 They bruised his feet with shackles,
        his neck was put in irons,
    19 till what he foretold came to pass,
        till the word of the Lord proved him true.
    20 The king sent and released him,
        the ruler of peoples set him free.
    21 He made him master of his household,
        ruler over all he possessed,
    22 to instruct his princes as he pleased
        and teach his elders wisdom.

    23 Then Israel entered Egypt;
        Jacob resided as a foreigner in the land of Ham.
    24 The Lord made his people very fruitful;
        he made them too numerous for their foes,
    25 whose hearts he turned to hate his people,
        to conspire against his servants.
    26 He sent Moses his servant,
        and Aaron, whom he had chosen.
    27 They performed his signs among them,
        his wonders in the land of Ham.
    28 He sent darkness and made the land dark—
        for had they not rebelled against his words?
    29 He turned their waters into blood,
        causing their fish to die.
    30 Their land teemed with frogs,
        which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers.
    31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies,
        and gnats throughout their country.
    32 He turned their rain into hail,
        with lightning throughout their land;
    33 he struck down their vines and fig trees
        and shattered the trees of their country.
    34 He spoke, and the locusts came,
        grasshoppers without number;
    35 they ate up every green thing in their land,
        ate up the produce of their soil.
    36 Then he struck down all the firstborn in their land,
        the firstfruits of all their manhood.
    37 He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold,
        and from among their tribes no one faltered.
    38 Egypt was glad when they left,
        because dread of Israel had fallen on them.

    39 He spread out a cloud as a covering,
        and a fire to give light at night.
    40 They asked, and he brought them quail;
        he fed them well with the bread of heaven.
    41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out;
        it flowed like a river in the desert.

    42 For he remembered his holy promise
        given to his servant Abraham.
    43 He brought out his people with rejoicing,
        his chosen ones with shouts of joy;
    44 he gave them the lands of the nations,
        and they fell heir to what others had toiled for—
    45 that they might keep his precepts
        and observe his laws.

    Praise the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    Psalm 105 is categorized as a historical psalm. Throughout its 45 verses, this psalm traces the history of Israel. However, the initial five verses are an unmistakable call to praise. Found within these verses is a road map for how to praise the Lord:

    • Give thanks to the Lord (v. 1)
    • Call upon His name (v. 1)
    • Make known His deeds among the peoples (v. 2)
    • Sing to Him (v. 2)
    • Tell of His wondrous works (v. 2)
    • Glory in His holy name (v. 3)
    • Let your heart rejoice (v. 3)
    • Seek the Lord & His strength (v. 4)
    • Seek His presence continually (v. 4)
    • Remember (v. 5)

    The first 15 verses of this chapter are also found in 1 Chronicles 16:8-22 and are presented there as a composition of David. Although this psalm is not specifically attributed to King David, we can conclude that he is the author and that he is calling Israel to a time of remembrance, celebration, and to spread the works of God on Israel’s behalf.

    Praise is an imperative part of worshipping God, but many of us can get stuck in a rut, thinking it is confined to singing songs at church. This psalm is a reminder to us that praising God can come in the form of singing, but it also can come in the form of giving thanks to God, of remembering His wondrous works in our lives, and of talking freely and frequently about what God has done for us.

    David knows from experience that our human nature is to forget the miracles and wonders of God that have marked our lives, so the bulk of this chapter is devoted to recounting and remembering God’s works for Israel. Following the call to praise, David lists out the cause for praise (v. 7-45) as he recounts how God has protected, guided, and blessed the nation of Israel for generations.

    Hebrews 13:15 is a reminder to us that our praise to God is to be ongoing: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Psalm 105 gives us a concrete example of how to do this: Start with any of the commands laid out in the first five verses (give thanks, call upon the Lord, sing, tell of His works, etc.), and the graciousness of God will lead you to an adoring and admiring view of how He has protected, guided, and blessed your own life.

    Questions

    1. What is your understanding of the word “praise”? How often do you spend time praising God?
    2. What are the miracles and wonders of God that have marked your life?
    3. Which of the commands to praise listed in verses 1-5 are easiest for you? Which are the most difficult?

    Listen to This

    Here are some more thoughts from the author.

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  • Rest Day 17

    Rest Day 17

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence. Each Rest Day, we will also introduce a memory verse for the week. Meditate on this week’s verse and begin to memorize it.

    Memory Verse

    Praise the Lord, my soul,
        and forget not all his benefits—
    who forgives all your sins
        and heals all your diseases,
    who redeems your life from the pit
        and crowns you with love and compassion,
    who satisfies your desires with good things
        so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

    Psalm 103:2-5

    Memorization Tip

    Take the verse with you throughout your day. Write it on a post-it note and put it on your fridge, or your mirror, or your steering wheel–anywhere that you’ll see it and be reminded of what you’re memorizing throughout the day. Put it as the lock screen on your phone. And when you see it during the day, say it out loud, meditate on it, and work on memorizing it.

    Worship with Us

    Join us in person or online at 9a or 11a at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

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  • Psalm 104

    Psalm 104

    Read Psalm 104

    1 Praise the Lord, my soul.

    Lord my God, you are very great;
        you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

    The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;
        he stretches out the heavens like a tent
        and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
    He makes the clouds his chariot
        and rides on the wings of the wind.
    He makes winds his messengers,
        flames of fire his servants.

    He set the earth on its foundations;
        it can never be moved.
    You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment;
        the waters stood above the mountains.
    But at your rebuke the waters fled,
        at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
    they flowed over the mountains,
        they went down into the valleys,
        to the place you assigned for them.
    You set a boundary they cannot cross;
        never again will they cover the earth.

    10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
        it flows between the mountains.
    11 They give water to all the beasts of the field;
        the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
    12 The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
        they sing among the branches.
    13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
        the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
    14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,
        and plants for people to cultivate—
        bringing forth food from the earth:
    15 wine that gladdens human hearts,
        oil to make their faces shine,
        and bread that sustains their hearts.
    16 The trees of the Lord are well watered,
        the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
    17 There the birds make their nests;
        the stork has its home in the junipers.
    18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
        the crags are a refuge for the hyrax.

    19 He made the moon to mark the seasons,
        and the sun knows when to go down.
    20 You bring darkness, it becomes night,
        and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
    21 The lions roar for their prey
        and seek their food from God.
    22 The sun rises, and they steal away;
        they return and lie down in their dens.
    23 Then people go out to their work,
        to their labor until evening.

    24 How many are your works, Lord!
        In wisdom you made them all;
        the earth is full of your creatures.
    25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
        teeming with creatures beyond number—
        living things both large and small.
    26 There the ships go to and fro,
        and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

    27 All creatures look to you
        to give them their food at the proper time.
    28 When you give it to them,
        they gather it up;
    when you open your hand,
        they are satisfied with good things.
    29 When you hide your face,
        they are terrified;
    when you take away their breath,
        they die and return to the dust.
    30 When you send your Spirit,
        they are created,
        and you renew the face of the ground.

    31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
        may the Lord rejoice in his works—
    32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
        who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

    33 I will sing to the Lord all my life;
        I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
    34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
        as I rejoice in the Lord.
    35 But may sinners vanish from the earth
        and the wicked be no more.

    Praise the Lord, my soul.

    Praise the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    We will never be able to find a piece of nature that didn’t come from the mind of our God. Not only was He creative enough to think of it, but He was powerful enough to form it into being. Everything from the seas, the stars, and the seals are all from His creative power. This psalm helps us realize that God genuinely cares for His creation. He didn’t just create and then step away but is still involved in the happenings on Earth. He is an active God all throughout His vast creation. This psalm helps us understand the grandeur and wisdom of God. He’s not distant from His creation, nor is He inept in His power.

     It’s easy for us to get overwhelmed with the things on our immediate to-do list. We are so consumed with our work, our relationships, or our finances that sometimes we begin to believe we are the god of our lives. We have our own kingdom to run. It’s our job to run our life and we need to make sure we have it under control. However, this psalm allows us to step back and get perspective on what is actually true. We have a God that is so big and so great, that He is able to create and sustain everything on Earth. He is the One who has authority over every living thing. He is the One who is overseeing our lives. He’s not taking a role in our kingdom, but rather we are taking part in His. 

     We don’t have to be consumed with making sure all is well with our world because we aren’t the ones in charge of it. Psalm 104 should be a comforting reminder that we aren’t the sustainers of our life. Instead, we get the opportunity to rely on God to provide for us in every season. There is nothing too great for Him. He isn’t overwhelmed by your situation. As we meditate on all He has done, it should prompt us to the place where this psalm ends: with praise to our God. 

    Questions

    1. What does this passage teach you about the character of God?
    2. Since God oversees all of creation, is it hard for you to trust that he is intimately involved in your life?
    3. When did you last spend time reflecting in nature about the creativity and grandeur of God? How can you make space to do that?

    Did You Know?

    Scientists estimate that there are approximately 3,500,000,000,000 fish in the ocean. And God created and sustains them all!

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  • Psalm 103

    Psalm 103

    Read Psalm 103

    Of David.

    Praise the Lord, my soul;
        all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
    Praise the Lord, my soul,
        and forget not all his benefits—
    who forgives all your sins
        and heals all your diseases,
    who redeems your life from the pit
        and crowns you with love and compassion,
    who satisfies your desires with good things
        so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

    The Lord works righteousness
        and justice for all the oppressed.

    He made known his ways to Moses,
        his deeds to the people of Israel:
    The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
        slow to anger, abounding in love.
    He will not always accuse,
        nor will he harbor his anger forever;
    10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
        or repay us according to our iniquities.
    11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
        so great is his love for those who fear him;
    12 as far as the east is from the west,
        so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

    13 As a father has compassion on his children,
        so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
    14 for he knows how we are formed,
        he remembers that we are dust.
    15 The life of mortals is like grass,
        they flourish like a flower of the field;
    16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
        and its place remembers it no more.
    17 But from everlasting to everlasting
        the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
        and his righteousness with their children’s children—
    18 with those who keep his covenant
        and remember to obey his precepts.

    19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
        and his kingdom rules over all.

    20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
        you mighty ones who do his bidding,
        who obey his word.
    21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
        you his servants who do his will.
    22 Praise the Lord, all his works
        everywhere in his dominion.

    Praise the Lord, my soul.

    Go Deeper

    While the previous psalm was a cry for distress, Psalm 103 is one of the most familiar psalms of praise. Yesterday we heard David crying out for help and likening himself to a desert owl among the ruins and a bird alone on a roof (102:6-7). Both of these word pictures describe isolation and defeat.

     Notice today then, how David describes what God can do for your soul in verse 5: [He] satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. In comparison to the birds described in Psalm 102, the eagle is a picture of strength and victory. In fact, an eagle’s gripping strength is ten times stronger than the average grip of an adult hand, exerting upwards of 400 pounds per square inch. Despite this strength, the eagle also must go through the continual process of molting its feathers from head to tail in order to be able to survive. The eagle never loses all its feathers at once; instead it goes through this process losing only a few feathers at a time so that it can continue to fly and hunt.

     David didn’t use this word picture without reason. He knew that as a follower of God, there would be a continual process of rebirth and restoration as we walk through life on this earth. But, David also knew that God was faithful to renew our strength and ultimately make us victorious. How did he know? Let’s look again at verses 3-4.

    God forgives all our sins. He heals all our diseases. He redeems our lives from the pit. He crowns us with love and compassion. David knew these things to be true because he had seen God’s faithfulness through his own life and the lives of those before him.  

     The same is still true. Jesus came to earth, died on the cross, and was raised to life three days later so that we could be fully restored and renewed. Sometimes in life we might feel like we are going through the molting process or feel more like the desert owl isolated among the ruins. But this chapter is a merciful reminder that God isn’t finished. He will satisfy our desires with good things and renew our strength like the eagle’s. If you’re in the “victory” period right now, praise Him for His kindness. If you feel like you’re in the middle of molting and isolation, don’t give up. He will not let you lose all your feathers at once. It might be slow and it might feel like it’s taking too long—but He is still good, and His promises stand true. You will survive the renewal process and come out the other side exactly as God created you to be: victorious in Him. For as high as the heavens are above this earth, so great is His love for you.

    Questions

    1. Which example do you feel like right now—the desert owl or the eagle?
    2. What can you do today to restore your soul and remind yourself of God’s promises? Spend some time today doing something that fuels your love for Jesus.
    3. Read this chapter again, this time as a prayer of worship directly to God, praising Him and His holy name.

    Did You Know?

    The Hebrew word for eagle is “Ne-sher” which means “a mighty warrior.”

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  • Psalm 102

    Psalm 102

    Read Psalm 102

    A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord.

    Hear my prayer, Lord;
        let my cry for help come to you.
    Do not hide your face from me
        when I am in distress.
    Turn your ear to me;
        when I call, answer me quickly.

    For my days vanish like smoke;
        my bones burn like glowing embers.
    My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
        I forget to eat my food.
    In my distress I groan aloud
        and am reduced to skin and bones.
    I am like a desert owl,
        like an owl among the ruins.
    I lie awake; I have become
        like a bird alone on a roof.
    All day long my enemies taunt me;
        those who rail against me use my name as a curse.
    For I eat ashes as my food
        and mingle my drink with tears
    10 because of your great wrath,
        for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.
    11 My days are like the evening shadow;
        I wither away like grass.

    12 But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever;
        your renown endures through all generations.
    13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
        for it is time to show favor to her;
        the appointed time has come.
    14 For her stones are dear to your servants;
        her very dust moves them to pity.
    15 The nations will fear the name of the Lord,
        all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
    16 For the Lord will rebuild Zion
        and appear in his glory.
    17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
        he will not despise their plea.

    18 Let this be written for a future generation,
        that a people not yet created may praise the Lord:
    19 “The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high,
        from heaven he viewed the earth,
    20 to hear the groans of the prisoners
        and release those condemned to death.”
    21 So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion
        and his praise in Jerusalem
    22 when the peoples and the kingdoms
        assemble to worship the Lord.

    23 In the course of my life he broke my strength;
        he cut short my days.
    24 So I said:
    “Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days;
        your years go on through all generations.
    25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
        and the heavens are the work of your hands.
    26 They will perish, but you remain;
        they will all wear out like a garment.
    Like clothing you will change them
        and they will be discarded.
    27 But you remain the same,
        and your years will never end.
    28 The children of your servants will live in your presence;
        their descendants will be established before you.”

    Go Deeper

    Even in the first verse of this chapter, we can see what kind of psalm we are about to read⏤a prayer and a plea. The author feels hopeless and sick and is asking God for help. His bones burn like red-hot coals, his heart withers like grass, he eats ashes for food, and he feels as if God has picked him up and thrown him out. 

    This might be you. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by work, in a place of guilt because of your sin, or discouraged by the sin in the world around you. Maybe you are so overcome by the pain of this world that the only thing you can do is get on your knees and pray, and the only place you can run to is into the Father’s arms. If you are like this author right now, feeling like nothing from this world will fulfill or heal you, you’re completely right. 

    Read that again: Nothing from this world will fulfill or heal you. Thank God He is not from this world. Verses 25-26 say this: “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.” God made the earth, but nothing here will last forever. Instead of finding our value and peace in the things of this world, we can trust in God. We can trust that He is powerful and in control over everything (v. 12). We can trust His promises and find security in the fact that He keeps His promises (v. 13-17). We can praise God for hearing us and freeing us time and again, and we can write it down so future generations can praise Him, too (v. 18-22). 

    Even if we aren’t hopeless, it is helpful and fulfilling to know that God doesn’t change and will always be there. Reread the last three verses of this chapter. May we find peace and hope in the fact that God is the same forever. Because of who God is, we can live in security and thrive in His presence. 

    Questions

    1. What do you find hope in when you are distressed? 
    2. What is your favorite story from the Bible in which God keeps His promises?
    3. Which verse from this passage encouraged you the most? Write that verse on a note card or piece of paper and put it where you will see it every day.

    By The Way

    Psalm 102:25-27 is quoted in Hebrews 1:10-12 as evidence in the argument that Jesus is superior to anything and everything that was created. 



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  • Psalm 101

    Psalm 101

    Read Psalm 101

    Of David. A psalm.

    I will sing of your love and justice;
        to you, Lord, I will sing praise.
    I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
        when will you come to me?

    I will conduct the affairs of my house
        with a blameless heart.
    I will not look with approval
        on anything that is vile.

    I hate what faithless people do;
        I will have no part in it.
    The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
        I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

    Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
        I will put to silence;
    whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
        I will not tolerate.

    My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
        that they may dwell with me;
    the one whose walk is blameless
        will minister to me.

    No one who practices deceit
        will dwell in my house;
    no one who speaks falsely
        will stand in my presence.

    Every morning I will put to silence
        all the wicked in the land;
    I will cut off every evildoer
        from the city of the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    Psalm 101 was written by David. It is understood as a vow made as he assumed leadership of God’s people, but is also considered a vow of how he plans to lead his household. We understand David to be a man after God’s own heart. This psalm is a beautiful peek into his heart for God and his people. Whether it be in governance, the workforce or in our families, this psalm is packed with insights for any who have been placed in any kind of leadership position or position of influence and authority. Embrace this wisdom as we seek to steward the influence we have in our world faithfully. 

    David vows to bring glory and honor to the name of God and live blamelessly before Him. This highlights the importance of adopting God’s standards of holiness and righteousness as our benchmark. David knows following God is serious business. Reaching God’s high standard is not easy. Anything that misses the mark must be rejected. David leads others to reach God’s standard by rewarding obedience to God’s ways and promoting a culture of holiness and godliness among his followers.

    Are we aware of how Satan works in this space? The way he goes about stealing, killing and destroying leaders can be hard to see coming. We may never see a thief, receive a death threat or have any part of our lives seemingly destroyed in an instant. However, we might begin to give ourselves a free pass on select sins (“Well, that’s not a big deal. I’m doing better than most people. Nobody’s perfect.”). We may not hold our followers to a high standard. Satan uses these kinds of thoughts and actions to keep us from meeting God’s standards of holiness and righteousness.

    Through this psalm, we are reminded that leadership is a serious matter. When we take it seriously, we are careful to honor the Lord in any responsibility we have. Whether it seems like a trivial responsibility or one that holds extreme importance. Whatever positions we find ourselves in, we bring glory to God and order and peace to the spaces and people within our spheres of influence. 

    Questions

    1. What has God given you to steward to the glory of God? Have you recognized and accepted the responsibility to conduct yourself in a way that brings praise to God? 
    2. An important responsibility within any leadership role is nurturing the culture around you. What impact does your influence have on your vocational or family culture?    
    3. Take some time to write out your own vow to God in which you commit to using and stewarding your influence to honor God and his ways. 

    Keep Digging

    The Bible is full of encouragement for us as we serve God in our families, schools, and workplaces. Here are some verses you can meditate on as you consider how you can honor God in those spaces today: 

    • Proverbs 3:5-12
    • Colossians 3:23 
    • Romans 12:1 & 2
    • Matthew 20:26-28
    • Romans 12:3-8
    • Philipians 2:3-4

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