You can read Psalm 49 here.

I find it easy to wish for the ease that wealth appears to bring.  The power, the prestige - wouldn't it all be grand?  That is precisely why Psalm 49 is so relevant to me, and no doubt others who live in this same day and age as I.

Here are my thoughts from Psalm 49:

• This Psalm is for everyone.  Afterall, it says so in verse one.  "Hear this, all peoples".  Ok.  So, I'm no Bible scholar, but that's pretty easy to figure out.  Practical application? You should read this Psalm, it's written just for you.
• This Psalm is for everyone.  Wait.  Didn't I already say that?  Well, for those that might have questions - the Psalmist goes on in verse 2 to clarify: Regardless of your nationality, race, ethnicity, position in life, checking account balance, size of your wallet, etc - this is for you.
• This Psalm is for the poor.  Now "poor" is a subjective term, but it pretty much means anyone who dreams of being a bit wealthier than they are right now.  See my introductory remarks - that'd be me.
• This Psalm is for those who fear the wealthy & powerful
  • Why would anyone fear the wealthy & powerful?  Because "the poor" are vulnerable to the "movers and shakers" of society.  They are at their mercy.
  • The wealthy and poor seemingly get to do whatever they want.  That means they aren't necessarily taking my best interests in mind when they make decisions.
• This Psalm is for the wealthy.
  • Are you trusting in your wealth instead of God? 
  • Are you thinking that you have no fear because of your wealth?
• This Psalm is for those desiring perspective.
  • It does not matter what your status in life is, you cannot redeem your own soul.
  • You can't afford the "ransom" that your sin demands.
  • Death is the great equalizer.  You won't live forever, and you know that "you can't take it with you."
• This Psalm is a warning.
  • There is a "folly" of placing your confidence in wealth.
  • Wealth won't safeguard you against death - and eternity
  • You can't get to the end of your life and think that due to your status in this life that God will redeem you in the next.
• This Psalm eliminates two fears:
  • Understanding this Psalm eliminates fear in foes during times of trial / of those that might oppress you
  • Understanding this Psalm eliminates the fear that the wealthy and powerful have an advantage in death.

Wisdom declares that freedom is found only in the fear of the Lord.  Live your life to please God in the fear of the Lord.  Trust in His redemption plan (Jesus Christ) because you can't buy redemption for yourself.

You can read the entirity of Psalm 32 here (11 verses).  I suggest you do so to gain the full understanding of the Psalm.

What exactly is "repentance"?  Repentance is a change of mind or the will that is produced through godly sorrow and the kindness of God, which results in a change or reformation of life.

• The actions of someone who is repentant, as seen in Psalm 32:

1. Acknowledgement of sin to God (v.5)
2. Uncovering of sin to God (v.5)
3. Confession of sin to God (v.5)
4. (as a result, God forgives the sin, and the guilt of the sin of the repentant) (v.5)

• The results of someone being repentant, as seen in Psalm 32:

1. He is blessed because his sin is forgiven / covered (v.1)
2. He is blessed because the Lord imputes righteousness (through Christ) to him, and does not impute iniquity (v.1)
3. His prayers are heard and answered (v.6)
4. He experiences security and stability in life (v.6)
5. He experiences God's protection and preservation (v.6)
6. He is surrounded by lovingkindness (mercy) (v.10)
7. He is full of joy (v.11)
8. He is full of happiness (v.11)

• The facts of remaining unrepentant, as seen in Psalm 32:

1. Failing of physical strength and ability (v.3)
2. Inner turmoil and groaning (v.3)
3. The hand of God being heavy on them (v.3)
4. Exhaustion (v.3)
5. Experiencing of sorrow (v.10)

Repentance requires openness!  (v.1)  If you fail to speak truth about your sin, you fail to be repentant.

Additional Resources on Repentance:

• Repentance: the Way Back to God - by James MacDonald (perhaps the best teacher I've heard on this subject)

Psalm 28 can be read here in it's entirity.  Please take time to do this as you will benefit from the questions all the more.

Practical Questions from Psalm 28:

• What are the times that I recognize my need for help from God? (v.1)
  • Take time to identify areas in your life where total dependence on God is needed.
  • Don't be tempted to just say, "I need to be dependent in every area".  While that is true, it does not help you overall. 
  • Be specific.  Say, "I need God's help with ________________ ".
  • Ask yourself, "What area of life am I in need of God's help right now?"
• What areas can I identify in my behavior and thinking that are not righteous? (v.3)
  
  • We know that we are sinners.
  • In what areas of life are you practicing wrong behavior?
  • In what areas of thinking are you practicing sinful thoughts?
• Where do I find it easy to deceive others? (v.3)
  • When am I tempted to manipulate someone else's thoughts about myself?
• What specific ways has God answered my prayers?  (v.6)
  • You pray for God to hear your specific requests, now, take some time to record how He has specifically answered those requests.
  • Make a "prayed for" list and a "praise for" list.
• In what areas of my life can I be more dependent on God? (v.7)
  • Where are the weakest?
  • Where do you need strength?
  • What areas of life do you need defense?
• When am I most likely to let my emotions rule my behavior, thinking or speech?  (v.7)
  • We all react emotionally to certain triggers in our lives.  Identify those times - make a list of them.
• How can I encourage other Christians going through difficult times?  (v.8)
  • What is true for you the Christian individual is true for all Christians.  God's character doesn't vary person to person.
  • Because of that, what have you learned that you can pass on to someone else?
  • Identify hurting people in your life; make a list and an action plan to encourage them.
• How can I be more specific in my prayer life?
  • Who do you pray for?
  • Do you pray for the church locally?  nationally?  globally?
  • Are you praying for specific needs that need to be met in your Christian brothers and sisters lives?

Additional Resources:
1. Manipulation: The Subtle Addiction by Ed Welch (an audio podcast)

Psalm 15:1-5  O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?  2 He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.  3 He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;  4 In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;  5 He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

The Question:

• (v.1) - Who may abide in Your tent?  Who may dwell in Your Holy Hill?

The Answer:

• (v.2) - Walk, Work & Word
  • the one who walks in integrity - with a firm adherence to the moral code; unimpaired by evil around him; undivided in purpose
  • the one who works righteousness - practices actions of right living
  • the one who speaks truth - contrast this with Psalm 14:1 and what the fool speaks in his heart
• (v.3) - Three "nots"
  • the one who does not slander with his tongue - rather he builds up, edifies in speech: Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29,30
  • the one who does not do evil to his neighbor - rather loves his neighbor as himself
  • the one who does not take up a reproach - rather allows love to cover a multitude of sin
• (v.4) - Despising, Honoring and Keeping
  • despises the reprobate - the one who practices the rejection of Truth
  • honors the one who fears the Lord - holds in high esteem; acknowledges; gives respect to
  • swears to his own hurt - keeps his word; his word is his bond; his word is good as gold
• (v.5) - Lending & Bribing
  • the one who doesn't charge interest - give to help others without charge; perhaps: give away freely or don't give at all.
  • the one who doesn't accept bribes - Deuteronomy 16:19; Exodus 23:8 - A bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous

The Promise:

• (v.5) - Security
  • the one who has these characteristics will not be shaken.  Why?  because their foundation is found in the Person and Place of God (v.1)

Sending money to reputable organizations for aid is probably the most efficient way to get aid to those who need it most.

List of reputable charities as listed at Desiring God Ministries (John Piper): http://bit.ly/6ZdPzn

Tips to save money for Haiti earthquake victims:

1. Don't buy your specialty coffee for a week - send the money you save
2. Don't eat out this week - pack your lunch - send the money you save
3. Restrict your activities for the weekend - no movie, night out, etc - send the money you save
4. Gather with friends and set a goal of money to raise in 7 days - send it asap
5. Sell stuff on eBay, use the 3 or 5 day auctions for the purpose of sending it to a charity
6. Ask your church to get involved - what can hundreds of people do?
7. PRAY for those that are ministering the gospel both in word and in deed - seek out organizations that have established missions already in Haiti and give.

My last point: don't let this fade from memory.

Please be in prayer for your pastors today.  We will be holding loosely to this schedule:

9:00am - 12:00noon - Prayer & Ministry Evaluations
12:00noon - 12:30p - Lunch
12:30p - 4:00p - Vision / Dreams, "Unplugged Holes", Planning forward

Thank you for your prayers!  We are excited to be serving alongside you, CBC!

You've been there.  Intense opposition.  Perhaps from an employer, a spouse, children, "friends", and it goes without saying, enemies.  What do you do?  How will you react? 

In Psalm 11 we see David faced with very similar circumstances.  Violent, dangerous opposition and a wavering heart determining what how to react.  Here are his words:

In the Lord I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain; For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, to shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.  If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

Some points of observation:

• Times of opposition and difficulties tempt our trust in God.
• Recognize the difficulties you face; evaluate any danger you might be in.
• Trust in God <> staying in unsafe situations
• Even when those in authority fail to provide means for you to keep you safe, your trust is well placed in God.

David's trust is demonstrated in the sovereign character of God:

The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men

It is comforting to know that God remains in control and is watching over His children - and no act, good or bad, goes un-noticed by him.

Proverbs 10:11  The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The righteous are seeking to be edifying in their speech.  It is a principle taught through out Scripture.  Be a life giver, not a life destroyer.

Proverbs 10:19  When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. 
Everyone has an opinion on something.  Sometimes the wisest thing is to keep quiet.  If you can't speak the truth in love, wait until possible.

Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little. 
There is value in what is spoken by a righteous person.  Do your words hold value?  Note, too, the relation of heart & tongue here.

Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding.
Your speech reveals motive of heart and love for others.  There is wisdom and life in a righteous person's speech; death in foolishness

Proverbs 10:31  The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.
Having a life focused on right living exudes what is inside.  The same is true of perverted hearts - consequences are tough for evildoers.

Proverbs 10:32  The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.
Social setting protocol 101: be righteous, be acceptable; be wicked; be perverted.  You get to choose!

In Proverbs 9 we see two voices calling out to all passerbys.  One is Wisdom, the other is Folly.  They each have similarities in approach, as well as vast differences in message.  Look quickly at these two speakers:

Wisdom: "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!"

Folly: "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!"

Wisdom: (to the one lacking understanding) "Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed" (prepared goods)

Folly: (to the one lacking understanding) "Stolen bread is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant" (stolen goods)

Consequences of Choices:

1. Wisdom - Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding
   • Repentance (forsaking and changing) results in life and increased understanding
2. Folly - But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave
   • Continued sin & folly result in death and destruction

These two call out to you today as well.  Which will you follow?  Wisdom (and life)?  Or Folly (and death)?

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate. ~Prov.8:13

I know I fear God when I:

• Hate sin, hate it's effect and enslaving behavior
• Seek humility, both in regard to my sin and my dealing with others
• Pursue righteous, edifying and truthful speech.

Additional Resources:

• Directions for Hating Sin - Richard Baxter
• Humility: True Greatness - C J Mahaney
• Four Rules of Communication