Lottie

After listening to Blessed Be Your Name by the Newsboys and 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman I wrote this Psalm: Oh God, I lift you up in praise Forgive me for worshipping idols When you deserve all the glory You deserve all the honor I will bless you in the morning I will bless you at night I bless you for your goodness I bless for your mercy I thank and praise you for your faithfulness Even when I forget to worship When I forget to be thankful Your love never ends I praise you with all I am And all that I have I magnify your name I extol your greatness You lift me up when I am down You carry me when I cannot walk You are always near Oh God, forever reign!

Q3. (Psalm 117 and Lamentations 3:22-23). Why are love and trustworthiness so important as the bedrock of the Old Testament faith? What kinds of terms does the New Testament use to talk about these characteristics? Can you think of any New Testament verses that speak of these themes? Because the Old Testament saints needed to know that they could count on God. They needed to know that God loved them even if they failed or sinned. Ones like Abraham needed to know and believe this when he was waiting for the promised heir and when he offered up Isaac on the altar. Over and over God proved His love and trustworthiness to Israel through delivering them. Israel could not have escaped from Egypt like they did if God had not proved to them that He cared and could be trusted to do what He says. Because of this people like Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah could persevere through trials and hard times knowing that God could be trusted and that He loved them. In I Corinthians chapter 13 charity is used to describe love. The kind of love that God has for us and that we should have for others. And in I Corinthians 1:9 (Amplified Classic) it says that God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and he can be depended on.) Also in 2 Corinthians 1:18 it says that As surely as God is trustworthy and faithful and means what He says (Amplified Classic).

Q2. (Psalm 145) Which aspects of God's character mentioned in Psalm 145 stand out to you in particular? Why is it important for "every creature," every human being, to praise him? What are you doing to help that happen? The graciousness, faithfulness, and His goodness in meeting our needs. Even though at times I feel that He is not answering my prayers as I want Him to. He is forever loving and ready to pardon my offenses and help me start over again. It is important because if we do not praise Him and tell others especially our children then they will never come to know Him as we do. It is important because it is what God expects of all of us. He deserves the praise of everyone. I am talking about Him to my daughter and sometimes mentioning Him to people who do not know Him. I also am trying to spend more time talking and praising Him myself.

Q1. (Psalm 103) Which one or two aspects of God's character mentioned in this Psalm stand out to you? Why do you think the Exodus was so foundational in Israel's understanding of God? According to Psalm 103:10-12, what are the limits to God's forgiveness? For me, God’s forgiveness and mercy or love stand out. Time and time again I fail to spend time with Him as I should. Yet he still loves me and forgives me. He still has compassion on me in my state. He understands how hard it is for me to praise Him as I should. He is always patient and full of compassion and love. He always forgives me for my sins and gives me a new start again. Although at times I feel unworthy He never gives up on me. He keeps reaching out in love and drawing me back to Him. I believe that the Exodus was foundational in their understanding of God because they had to rely on Him after they left Egypt. He supplied them with food and water and kept them safe. Through His acts, they learned about who He was and His attributes. But Moses learned about His ways when he talked with God. Moses grew closer to God because he spent time with Him. The Israelites learned more from when God showered them with manna and quail. They learned about his compassion and mercy even when they doubted Him. But they also learned that God hated idolatry and hated when they complained and murmured and spoke against their leaders. They learned how fierce His anger could be when they were disobedient. Through the Exodus, they learned about God that they would never have gotten by staying in Egypt and relying on the Egyptians. According to the verses, there are no limits to His forgiveness. For it goes as high as the heavens and reaches from the east to the west. Unlike us, He never stops and never thinks that we do not deserve to be forgiven. God is always ready to forgive us when we ask Him to.

Oh God, you are the great King You sit enthroned on high The one who created everything On land and on sea All the animals and even man Who is holy enough to meet you? Who can even stand before you? Who can be in your temple, Lord? Only, one who is pure and holy Only ones who are washed by the blood People who are true to you They will receive your blessings Let the King of kings enter into the city! For He is majestic and great Who is this king they ask It is the Lord God Almighty! Our glorious and terrible Warrior Let Him enter in Who is this Lord? It is the Lord of Hosts Lord of the angel armies! He is our Lord and King!

Q4. (Psalm 24) How do verses 1-2 establish the Lord's right as King? What do verses 3-6 tell us about the requirements of the King? What do verses 7-10 tell us about the glory of the King? How does this psalm speak to you in your situation? In verses one and 2 the psalmist tells us that the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. He tells us that He created all the people. God founded and established it. In verses 3-6 the psalmist says that only people who are true and faithful and moral can be followers of the one true God. God demands or requires utter loyalty. In verses 7-10 it says that God is worthy to be praised. He is honorable and worthy of our respect. He is holy, glorious and full of splendor. no one can look at Him since His light is so bright. He alone is mighty and our warrior king and deserves all of our praise. This psalm tells me that God is capable of handling anything. Because He is the almighty warrior king who defeated death, hell, and the grave. He is the Lord of hosts and no one can stand against Him. And He is on my side and ready to do battle for me. I must trust in Him and believe He will come through.

Q3. (Psalm 126). In this psalm, the nation is going through some kind of crisis. How does the memory of God's deliverance in verses 1-3 prepare them for the prayer of verse 4? How do you understand the two metaphors of deliverance: (1) a wadi or dry gully and (2) sowing and reaping? How do these metaphors help you in your situation? They remember how God delivered them by using King Cyrus to allow them to go back to their home. They remember how happy and joyful they were to be free and no longer captives in a strange land. They knew that God could also help them restore Jerusalem. They believed that God would come to their rescue. A wadi or dry gully is usually dry most of the year but when floods come it can be filled pretty quickly and The psalmist talked about sowing and reaping because that is terms the people understood. They were farmers and understood that it took a lot of hard labor and time to get a harvest. And that the people must do their part and wait for God to do the rest. They tell me that even though it looks like nothing is happening God is still behind the scenes. He is working on my behalf and I must do my part and wait on Him to do the rest. In due time I will be rewarded if I am faithful. I must not quit but keep pushing forward and trust in Him; no matter how hard it may seem.

Q2. (Psalm 96) What does it mean to "ascribe" to God attributes of glory and strength? What happens when we fail to ascribe such qualities to him? In what sense is praise to God "fitting" or "worthy"? It means that we are to give him the glory and praise due Him. For He is a great God and He is worthy of our praises. We are to fill our minds and hearts with thoughts of Him and His kingdom that will one day be on earth. We are to remember and give him praise for what He has done for us. We are to give back to Him what He has given us and do it freely and ungrudgingly. As we remember that our Savior gave His life for us on the cross and God gave up His Son so we could be free from eternal damnation. We must remember to praise Him for who He is and what He has created and praise Him for His goodness. We must give Him honor as our King and as our Lord. We must give Him give Him honor in that he is all powerful and He is our Rock. It is His strength that carries us through not our own in this Christian life. I believe that when we fail to ascribe to God these qualities then we make Him like us and fail to realize that He is the Almighty and we are but small compared to our great God. When we refuse to acknowledge Him through praise then our relationship with Him dries up as well. It is only when we spend time thinking about Him and who He is and then sing praises to Him that we become closer to Him and want to glorify Him. God is worthy of all that we can possibly give Him. It is fitting to give praise to God because these qualities are a part of who He is. He is glorious in splendor and magnificent. He is strong or all-powerful and He is our Rock. These things line up with who He is and why He should be praised; because there is no other god like Him. When we give Him praise and adoration we are agreeing with the whole universe about who He is. Creation shouts it out through what He has created and spiritual man, God’s greatest creation should be joining right in with creation and singing louder to let all the world know.

Q1. (Psalm 57) Why is praise difficult in the midst of trying circumstances? How does praise affect our faith? Our attitude? Our motivation? I believe it is hard to praise God when we are feeling depressed and down hearted. Because we usually focus on our circumstances and not God and who He is. We tend to think things will not get any better and have poor me attitudes. We might even think that God does not understand us and that He is far away. I believe praise gets our mind off our situations and focuses it on God instead. When we start to praise Him; then our depression or sadness is lifted. We remember that He is all powerful and nothing is impossible with Him/ We come to realize that God is bigger than our problems and once more we feel joyful and full of hope again. Our faith is increased and we believe that God will make a way for us where there is none. We no longer feel sorry for ourselves and we focus our minds on God and what He wants us to do and we tell others about Him. Our motivation changes and we once more want to follow and obey God. We want to let others know what He has done for us. No longer are we self-centered and thinking only of ourselves and our problems; we are thinking about him and others. Praise takes our minds off of ourselves and puts all our attention and goals on Him.

God is on my side fighting for me Even in my darkest night He is there He is all powerful and mighty My God can make the earth shake Mountains tremble before Him Yet within His temple I am safe Within His courts I can find refuge God will not fail me He is an immoveable fortress, a rock When He speaks everyone is afraid The world dissolves with His breath He tells me to be quiet and listen He will be lifted among the people My God will be praised in the world He alone is the great God and King He will always be with me God is my mighty bulwark!

Q5. After you've studied the psalms in this chapter, what do you think it means to "rest" in God? How do you seek God's peace when you have a dozen things coming against you? I believe it means to trust in God and not to worry nor fret about your circumstances. Trust in Him just like a child trusts in a parent. We are no longer demanding and insistent but patiently waiting on Him to come through. We know that He will take care of our needs and protect us from harm. We know and believe that Jesus our shepherd will defend and keep us from harm even with his own life; because he already died for us on the cross. He will rescue us from bad situations or messes we have made and restore us. He will abundantly provide for us and shower us with blessings because He loves us. We can be at peace because he will never leave us and He will comfort us in hard times and calm our souls. Even on our death bed we can be at peace because we know we will go to heaven and meet Him there. While we are asleep we can confidently know that God is watching over us. We can rest knowing He will protect us. We can be at peace because God knows the future and what is in store for us. He knows what we can handle and He will help us; and with Him we can do anything. Because God is with us we can be confident and full of faith instead of being fearful. Because we know that God is all powerful and nothing and no one can stand against Him. With Him beside us we can be victorious and be on the winning side. We have nothing to fear and we can rest secure in knowing that He is in control. We can rest in Him because he is our shelter and our strength and He will not fail. Even though there may be problems and troubles that bother us; we can rest and know that He will help us deal with them.

Q4. (Psalm 46) How does the imagery of the river and streams in verse 4 function in Psalm 46 to speak peace to the harassed and harried person? Verse 10 tells us: "Be still and know that I am God." How does knowledge of who He is affect our peace? How should it affect our words? Why does He command us to "be still" as a result of this knowledge? The imagery in verse 4 tells us that the river is a place where we can find rest for our souls. It is a place where God can be found and He can calm our troubled souls. He lives there and one day so will we. When we focus on the fact that God can be found there then we can learn to trust Him to take care of us. God dwells there and this should make us glad. It should refresh us and sustain us even amid trouble. If we know who God is then we need not be afraid. God is with us, the Almighty powerful one. He is omnipotent and all-knowing and no one can stand against us. We cannot fail when He is on our side. Because He never fails us and is always with us to help us. Within the city there is peace because our God is there. We can trust Him to work it all out. If we really believe this then we should be able to rest and leave it in His hands. Because He is the one who gives us peace that surpasses anything we know; even during trials and adversities. We can be assured He is on our side. Our words should reflect that we know and believe He is with us and will help us. Because he is on our side we can say that we can do anything with Him. We can speak boldly and confidently and cease being anxious. He commands us to be still so that we can think about who He is and that He is on our side. When we really stop and ponder it we realize that we have nothing to fear or worry about. God is with us and He will take care of us and we should stop worrying and let Him be in charge. He knows all about what we are going through and He will come to our aid. We need to stop worrying and start praying more and let God take over and we will see victory.

Q3. (Psalm 31) What does it mean to say to the Lord, "Into your hands, I commit my spirit" (31:5)? How does that statement bring peace to a person? How does the statement, "My times are in your hands" (31:15), bring peace to the troubled soul? I believe that it means that a Christian can put his or her trust in God because he or she knows where they will be going when they die. They know that they will be met by Him or the angels. They will not leave this world alone and they will be going to a much better place. A place where there is no pain or suffering or trouble anymore. and they will see their Savior. This gives them peace even when they are dying. When we say my times are in your hands we are showing that we trust God with our future and what happens. We know that He has specific things planned for us. That what He has planned for us is for His glory and our good. We can let go of our fears and rest confidently in Him. When we let go of our fears we can have peace again. I confess I am having a hard time right now letting go and trusting Him.

Q2. According to Psalm 23, how does the Lord our Shepherd quiet his sheep and give them confidence? How many ways can you find in this psalm? The Lord quiets his sheep by providing food, water and a place to rest. He gives them confidence because they know He will protect them and rescue them from danger. He will give them rest and restore them back to being whole again. They know and have faith in Him because of His staff and rod. He uses the rod to defend and protect them against all kinds of danger, it gives them comfort to know He will even endanger His own life for them. They trust that He knows the way and knows best how to get there. He makes them lie down in green pastures. He leads them beside still waters. He restores their souls , and guides them. He comforts them with His staff and rod. The shepherd knows exactly where He is going and how to get there and His sheep trust in Him to get them there safely. He provides for all their needs.

Q1. According to Psalm 131, just how does David quiet his inner person before the Lord? What are the elements mentioned in this psalm? I believe David quiets his heart or inner person by realizing that be cannot control everything that happens in his life. Instead he lets go his obsession to be in control of things and gives it over to God. When we focus on our problems too much we are not trusting in God or resting. Instead we are worrying and fretting about it and doubting God. David realized that some things he could not understand and trusted in God to take care of it. The elements mentioned are humility, trust, contentment, and hope in God. When we give it over to God then we can learn to admit when things are out of our hands and learn to trust in Him. True humility is when we know our own limitations and are willing to let go control. We learn to be content where we are at and put our hope in God and believe that He will take care of us. I am still struggling with that concept myself in my own life. Trying to be content in the3 situation I am in is not easy. I have not come to the weaned child state yet.

I have chosen to paraphrase Psalm 62 Beyond a doubt my whole body, heart, and soul waits for God. For He is my salvation. He is my pillar and my redemption. My immovable defense; I shall not be easily stirred up or disquieted How much longer will you try and knock me down like a broken wall or weak fence? You only want to see me crawl and keep me from getting up again You take pleasure in telling lies about me You praise me outwardly but in your hearts, you curse me. Think about it. I still wait silently for God to come. For I still believe in Him. He is my stronghold and my advocate. My citadel that cannot be taken down. I shall not be alarmed. In Him is my redemption and my praise. He is my steady support and my sanctuary Christian men and women put your trust in Him always Tell Him all your troubles God is our sanctuary. Stop and ponder it. Poor people and rich people will all vanish away and breathe no more They are all viewed the same in God’s eyes Don’t get rich by blackmailing others Or think you will get away with theft If you get rich don’t let money become your idol He has clearly spoken and I have heard His voice All power belongs to you, Lord, and your love never fails You will reward people according to their works.

Q4. Since Christians don't seem immune to accident, persecution, and death, how are we to understand these psalms of protection? Why don't some believers seem to be protected? Does God really protect us? How? I believe that the main theme of these Psalms is that we are protected from the second death or dying and being away from God. Like the Apostle Paul we can be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. We can go through trials, persecutions, and sicknesses and grow closer to Him. Jesus never said that we would not have trouble in this world. He said that He had overcome the world (John 16:32-33, KJV). At times we are miraculously protected from death like the saints listed in Hebrews Chapter 11 verses 32-35. While others who are unnamed suffered terribly and were persecuted and killed. The Apostle Paul himself was brought back to life after being stoned by the Jews (Acts 14:19, KJV). Even Jesus himself was miraculously delivered from being thrown over a cliff by the Jews (Luke 4:29, KJV). Because it was not His time to die yet and not the way He would die for us either. Only God knows the time of our death and how we will die. He is in control of what happens to us and He can protect us if He so chooses. Ye tin other circumstances He can choose to let us go through things to prove or test our faith (Deuteronomy 8:2, KJV). Just like He did with the Israelites in the desert. Jesus told us that the world would hate us because we are not like them. This does not mean that He hates us if He does not prevent things from happening to us. He knows what we can handle and what will mold us into being more like Him. That is the whole reason we are here to glorify Him and bring others to Him. Yes, God can protect us from harm and death but only if He believes it is for our betterment or good or that we cannot handle it. Some believers are not protected because God has a greater purpose for them by allowing their sufferings or persecutions. Using it to bring more people to Him and causing other believers to become stronger. So yes, I believe that God can and does protest us at times by saving us from accidental falls or crashes or even illnesses or saving our loved ones. But I also believe that the ultimate rescue He does is saving us from eternal damnation.

Q3. (Psalm 121). What reassurance is it to you that God keeps you and watches over you? How does Psalm 121 make you feel? I know that God will always be on guard watching over me even when I am asleep. I can be assured that He knows where I am at all times. He knows what is going to happen before it does. He knows what the day holds in store for me. I know that God does not miss a thing because He does not need to rest or sleep. He is on guard and watching all the time. This assures me that He loves and cares for me and He is my defense. He is my greatest protector and defender and If I really believe that He watches over me; then I need not fear. I just have to believe it in my heart and follow where He leads. God is in control and He sees everything. He will protect me from all harm. Whatever comes into my life has to go through Him first; for He knows what is best for me; even more than I do. Now if I really and truly believe this then I can live my life fearlessly and boldly knowing God is watching over me. Psalm 121 makes me feel that God cares enough about me to watch over everything that happens. It makes me feel that even though I feel others have deserted me He has not. It shows me how much He treasures me and tells me that I can depend on Him. I feel secure in His love and care. Quote

Q2. (Psalm 91) What does this psalm teach us about God's protection when in danger? What does it teach about our authority to vanquish our enemies? What promises does Psalm 91 contain? How does this psalm make you feel? Psalm 91 teaches us that God is more powerful than anything or anyone that we face. God will protect us from any kind of danger. Even when other people have become sick or been hurt we will be protected. God will send angels to guard and protect us from danger or harm. It teaches us that we have authority over evil forces and over Satan himself. Nothing will harm us if we trust in Him. Psalm 91 contains the promises that God will rescue us. He will protect us. He will answer us when we call upon Him. He will be with us when we are in trouble. He will deliver us and honor us. He will satisfy us and show us salvation. It makes me feel that God loves me and cares for me deeply. That He loves me as one of His own children and longs to have a close relationship with me. He longs to be there for me and protect me. He longs for me to go to Him first for help because He loves me. It tells me that His love will never die and that He thinks I am precious in His sight. It makes me feel loved and wanted and that I can count on God even when others fail me.

In Psalm 61 the Psalmist talks about God being a refuge and a strong tower. A refuge is a safe place one can hide and a tower speaks of being in a walled up city or high wall. The Psalmist also talks about God being a rock or a huge boulder that is immovable and impenetrable. A place higher up that a person can be safe from the enemy's attacks. God is the rock because He is immovable and He is bigger and greater than all the Psalmist's enemies and even ours. The Psalmist talks about longing to dwell in the shelter of God's wings. Even though God is a spirit, this signifies God's protection and intimacy with the Psalmist. The first four verses make me feel like I can trust and depend on God because He is strong, invincible, protective, and no one can move Him or separate me from Him. Because He is determined to always be with me. That I need not be afraid as long as God is by my side.

For this exercise I am rewriting Psalm 142 Oh God, I cried and pleaded my cause unto you I poured out my heart and soul unto you and showed you what was troubling me You knew when my soul was overcome and you knew the way I must go. My enemies have laid traps before me. Lord, everywhere I searched I could find no one to help me. No one cared about my troubles. I prayed and cried out to you. Because you are my shelter, protection and I am yours and you are mine in this world. Oh God, please hear my prayer for I am destitute and depressed. Rescue me from my enemies f for I cannot defeat them. Bring me out of my foul situation that feels like a prison so I can give you praise Your people will surround me and I know you will be generous with your help.

Q5. (Psalm 80) If you were to formulate a personal prayer for revival for your own life or for your congregation, how would you word it? What elements should be present in a prayer for personal or congregational revival? What would this prayer have in common with 2 Chronicles 7:14? How does this kind of prayer pave the way for revival and restoration to take place? My prayer for my own personal revival would be like this. Oh God, Abba Father! I need you and I recognize that I have strayed away from you. I repent of my sins and my willfulness and hard heartedness. Forgive me Lord I do not want to be separated from you anymore. I am broken and I realize I can do nothing without you. I cannot be holy and live in sin. I fall on your mercy Lord. Revive me again and cause me to renew my first love and restore me I pray. I believe that humility, repentance and brokenness should be present when people are seeking revival. Whether individual or congregational, people need to admit they are hopeless on their own and they need God’s help to turn their lives around. There is no room for pride in a prayer for revival. We must be like the humble tax collector and ask God to forgive us of our sins and not be proud and arrogant like the Pharisee. True repentance or turning away from your sins and former way of living is required. You cannot have two masters. You cannot love God and the world. People also need to be truly broken in spirit to pray for revival in their own lives and in their church. They need to know that true change will not happen unless they let go and let God take over. Until we admit that we can do nothing without Him; that all our attempts are useless and vain. Until we surrender and admit our helplessness and let Him take over and be Lord of our lives. When we are at our wits end and realize how sinful and willful we are then revival can happen. When we seek His face, and want to do His will. This prayer has the elements of humility and repentance that 2 Chronicles 7:14 has when King Solomon prayed for Israel. I believe this kind of prayer paves the way for revival because we are putting God first in our lives and in others. We are seeking for revival and we are willing then to do whatever God requires us to do to have revival in our own lives and in our churches.

Q4. (Psalm 40:17) In this verse David combines both humility and faith in his prayer to God. Why are both humility and faith necessary? What happens when one of these qualities is missing? I believe that humility and faith are both necessary in order to communicate with God and get answered prayers. We have to be humble enough to know we cannot do anything on our own. We have to realize that we are poor and needy in spirit and that we are helpless without Him. Everything we do in our own strength is useless and often self-seeking and full of pride. God raises up the humble but puts down the haughty and prideful person. The one who thinks that he or she does not need God's help. He will not answer our prayers if we do not admit our need of Him. In order to get answers, we must have faith and believe that God is in control and He can do anything. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. When either humility or faith is missing the person will not hear from God and his spiritual life will not grow.

Q3. (Psalm 40:5b) When you realize that God's thoughts and plans are focused on you in particular, how does that make you respond? It makes me realize that God does care about every detail of my life. Nothing is too insignificant for Him. It makes me realize that I do not spend enough time with Him getting to know Him as I should. He knows me very well but I do not know Him as well as I should. It makes me realize how much He loves me and wants me to flourish. Yet time and time again I disappoint Him. Yet He still loves me no matter; how can I not love Him in return?

Q2. (Psalm 69:30-32) Why does this lament (and nearly all laments in the Psalms) end with an upswing of hope and praise? What does this teach us about our own laments and prayers? Why is praise, the language of faith, so important in our prayers, especially prayers of desperate pleas for help? I believe that this lament and others ends on a note of praise because they feel unburdened and have a renewed faith in God; after pouring their hearts out to Him. They know and understand that praising God will bring them out of their misery. Their burdens are lifted and they feel closer to Him. It also shows the ones who read them that there is still hope that God is still near. He wants us to tell Him everything. Only then can we start to feel lighter and be able to worship Him again. I believe this teaches us that like David and others we can trust God with our problems. We can pour out our hearts to Him and know He will take care of it. Then, once we have told Him; we can begin to feel closer to Him. Our hearts will no longer be heavy and once more we will be able to sing and praise God. Because our hope will be restored and our faith will be strengthened once we give it all to Him. I believe praise is important because it lifts our spirits when we are discouraged. After we have told Him all our troubles we need to start praising Him for who He is and what He has done so far for us. It helps us remember that God can do anything and that He is on our side. It helps us get our minds from our problems and helps us focus on Him. The almighty, powerful, awesome God that we serve. When we remember that no problem is too difficult for God and that He will help us like He promised.