Psalm 22 is one of the famous “Messianic Psalms.” Many of the verses describe Jesus Christ’s experience on the cross.  (see verses 6-8, 12-18) but today I choose other verses.  Verses 9-10, “You brought me out of the womb; You made me trust in You, even at my mother’s breast.  From birth I was cast upon You, from my mothers’ womb You have been my God.”  Those of us who have the great blessing of knowing Christ from our childhood are indeed blessed!  If this is you, give Him thanks.

Verse 22a “I will declare Your Name to my brothers.”  Have you ever noticed that at times, the persons we have the most difficulty sharing the good news of Jesus with are members of our family of origin?  I don’t know why that is true, but (sadly) it is my reality.  Each time I read these words, I ask the Holy Spirit to give me opportunity and boldness to share the gospel with my brother and his wife, whom I love dearly.  What about You?

Psalm 112   I am thankful for the practical “kingdom guidance” we are given regarding giving in verses 5a and 9, “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely…He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor.”  So many things in the kingdom of God are opposite of this world’s principles.  In His Kingdom, we surrender to find victory.  In His Kingdom we “die” so that we can truly live.  In His Kingdom, if we want to be great we must learn to be the servant of all.  In His Kingdom, if we want to be prosperous, we give.  Let us always be faithful givers, and also remember the poor of this world.

Psalm 142 is our last psalm for today.  Verse 5, “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You Who know my way.”  Amen!  This is my testimony, my experience.  In verse 7a David prayed, “Set me free from my prison, that I may praise Your Name.”  Next to it in my Bible I have written, “Thank You that You have.”  As we close our time together pause and give thanks to the LORD for delivering / liberating you from the penalty and the power of sin!

Have a great day!  See you right here tomorrow.

Pastor