Well Lit Path

EP.78 - Ultimate Deliverance

In Psalm 85, we see prophetic connections to Christ as the fulfillment of God’s mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace. The psalm reflects Israel’s gratitude for deliverance from captivity and points forward to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus, who bore God’s wrath and secured salvation through His death and resurrection.
Through New Testament parallels, the psalmist’s prayer for revival and salvation finds its answer in Christ, the Word made flesh, who imputes righteousness to believers. As we head into the Christmas season, the greatest gift we can celebrate is the gift of salvation through Christ, who embodies the mercy and truth of God and reconciles us to Him.

EP.77 - The Beloved House of God

In Psalm 84, we see the psalmist’s deep yearning for the house of the Lord and the companionship of his fellow believers. Even though he is separated from the tabernacle, his desire to be in God’s presence and among God’s people is strong, illustrating a longing that goes beyond physical attendance. This passion reflects the importance of church community as a place of spiritual refreshment and strength, a place where believers worship, support, and stand together in the battles of faith.
We're reminded that our desire to worship among believers is a testimony in itself. Even in separation, God sees our hearts and turns our longing into strength.

EP.76 - His Ways, His Justice, His Protection

In Psalms 81-83, we hear God’s call to obedience, a reminder of our responsibilities, and His promise of protection, which stirs us to look deeply at our own lives. This episode explores how these psalms mirror our personal battles with faithfulness and trust, much like Israel’s ongoing struggle with dependence on God.
Through this conversation, we dive into the simplicity of trusting and obeying, the strength found in walking with God, and the solace He offers when we find ourselves drifting. As we study, we’re reminded that His mercy meets us every time we return, and His Spirit strengthens us in every step forward.

EP.75 - Turn Us Again

Psalm 80 is a psalm that speaks to our hearts like a gentle but direct guide, calling us to let God lead, to heed His instruction, to remember His blessings, and to see our weakness—all so that we might be brought closer to Him.
As we move through, it is a poignant reminder that we rarely choose to turn to God on our own when we need him most, so we are instructed to ask to be turned to Him so that we can be led, strengthened and restored.
Turn us again, oh LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

EP.74 - Rehearse what He's done

In Psalm 78, later Asaph rehearses (recounts) for Israel everything that God has done for them. He highlights all the blessings God had brought them through, even when they didn't deserve it.
This may be something we need to practice more in our own lives, I know I surely need it in mine. Do we recount enough and keep record of all God has done for us? Do we read and reread the gospel account, acknowledging the blessings he has bestowed on us who are so unworthy, but who he has made worthy through his Son?
There's a challenge at the end of the episode for November and my prayer is that you'll join me in it.

EP.73 - A God of Promises

In Psalm 77 we join Asaph (of the Assyrian attacks) as he struggles again how God is working.
God had multiple promises for Israel, some conditional , some unconditional. In the Christian life, he has the same types of promises. It can be hard to see one when the reality of another type of promise draws the imminent focus of our lives.
The bottom line is, when we don't understand how God is working out his promises in our lives, our best course of action is to cry out and remember how many times he's blessed in our lives, what he has done for us before. Whether a promise to chastise those he loves, or to fulfill the work he has begun in us at salvation, his promises are yes and amen.

EP.72 - Not My Victory

Psalm 78 takes us back to the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and another psalm of Asaph the Recorder.
God gives victory in our lives, yet all too often we say things like "God has given me victory over...". Let's be clear, these are not our victories. 
They are his. Just like he delivered Israel in this psalm for his name's sake, he delivers us through his grace and mercy from our sin - for his name's sake. Like Israel, we are underserving of this victory, yet in his grace and mercy he gives victory to us freely, we avail ourselves of this same victory all to little.
Have a persistent sin? God already has victory over it. Are you going to ask for his help, or give it to him? Let's see what our psalm can teach us.

EP.71 - Only God is Righteous

IN Psalm 75, the psalmist brings us face to face with a harsh reality: the wicked ARE wicked - and so were we once. We are only made righteous by the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we look at the culture around use the governments, the politics, it is easy to see wickedness. So what do we do? Pass condemnation without attempting to share the gospel? 
We're are not righteous in and of ourselves, it is the gift of God. So how can the world around us change? How can we show them how to be made righteous, even though they cannot achieve it on their own? 
The Gospel. We are ambassadors and pilgrims here on this earth, are we acting like it?