365 Reflections

The book of the Psalms takes a major turn in Psalm 120. They are now what we call the Songs of Ascent from Psalm 120 to Psalm 134. The title of each Psalm suggests that these songs were sung as the pilgrims were making their way back up to Jerusalem for annual feasts. With that in mind, the scriptures open to us in regards to what is being said in Psalm 120. Psalm 120:1 (NKJV)   In my distress I cried to the Lord , And He heard me. This section of Psalms opens with a man in distress who is desperate for the Lord. This is where all ascent happens in Christ, with a broken and contrite spirit. I cannot tell you the number of times the broken places of my life have been the best places in my life. Sometimes it's the only way God can speak to us - that we get to the low lands of life and look for His sweet restoration.  Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in Spirit... (and) those who mourn." I also love the Psalmists faith. "He heard me." The Psalm is just...

The church is a family. It's meant to be close and relational and feel like home. That is why Paul is appalled with the lawsuits happening among the church in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 6:1–2 (ESV) When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? The short summary of this verse? Christians act silly when we think the world has more wisdom that we do! Paul has already told them "we have the mind of Christ." Jesus commanded us in Matthew 18 to go before the church body to settle disputes. Paul will later suggest (depending on what translatio you read) that even the least wise among them could be capable of settling disputes. That's the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Why do we tend NOT to do this? Why do we take up our issues with peopl...