I went to be thinking last night about how much our youth group is going. Yes, as a whole, our numbers are growing, but was is happening in so many individuals is life changing.
For one, there are youth, who have found God and realized that He is the source and strength for their lives. They are new on their Christan journey. Admitting that we need help is the first step; learning to walk in His love is the next progression. When someone gets a hold of this idea and sees a life changing impact in their lives, they cannot help but tell others. We are doing really well at reaching out to the youth in our community.We are taking God's love outside the four walls of the church.
Once we get them to come to church, we are learning to relate to them by being kind, friendly, and helping them get connected. People are looking for a safe place where they can belong, have fun, and also, have people who can help bare one another's burdens. While all of this is going on, leaders are being developed and taught of God. These, in turn, will one day take what they have in God and become missionaries, preachers, teachers, nurses, doctors, etc. Giving up all that they have to God who saved and loved them.
Let's not forget that each step is important as we grow and walk with God. As a youth group, we have intiated this leadership mobilization strategy based on the five-fold ministry. It iws working!
Reach out to others.
Relate to them,.
Raise them up.
Release them out to God's work on a greater scale.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Our Pastor's Messages IMPACT Our Lives
At GCC, it's an honor to be the youth pastor at Gulf Coast Church; my heart is in it! I have a passion for helping teens get to know God! I keep my focus on God as I seek Him to help them become more like Jesus, but I'm am just a stepping stone in my youth's lives. One day they will grow up and be completely full time "big church" peeps. But what I think some youth pastors forget is that the youth of the congregation really belong to the head pastor. It is important to know that your youth pastor should be submitted to God, to God's vision over the house, and that the youth pastor is not looking to start their own church. Instead, they are obediently supporting their pastor as their "youngins" as they "grow up" in God. Yes, there are many other supporting roles that a youth pastor undertakes in support of their main pastor; but in the end, the sheep do not belong to the youth pastor! The pastor will shepherd his sheep for most of their lives. Think about it!
It's awesome that the Weds. night service is for the youth at our church, but so is the Sunday morning message too! It's great to volunteer and help in many other ministries on Sunday AM or any other time, but hearing the pastor's heart and message for the congregation is crucial. This takes place on Sunday morning. We also have a responsibility to get fed at home by reading our Bible and praying; however, we should never forget the impact our main pastor can have on our lives. For example, today's Sunday's AM message was about the importance of character. That people who have character and are willing to press in are less likely to just fall away. When the storm hits, people with character react correctly; people with little or no character, respond with little or no character. They run away from God and act in ways that does not glorify God. These poor choices make life harder; if they continue, they may completely fall away because of their lack of character. In short, this message is both for the old and young and heart! Character develops over time. It's as we walk with God and allow our hearts to be softened that we can yield to the peaceable fruit of righteousness one service at a time, one prayer at a time, and one moment at a time.
Finally, I am honored that so many of GCC's youth love me and our youth leaders, but don't forget who is the one who answers to God for their stewardship over you. It's not just me your youth pastor; it's Pastor Keith's too. Let's continue to pray for him. Let's get behind God's vision and keep inviting people/ teens out for both Weds. PM and Sun. AM services! Let's continue to give love offerings to Speed the Light and pay our tithes (10%) of our income to the house of God! Do volunteer, but make sure you are attending most of the Sunday AM church meetings. If you prefer to volunteer on Sunday AMs, maybe you can sit in the Weds. night's main service in the sanctuary instead. Don't forget how important it is to hear the heart of the main pastor!
Peace out!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
We are Getting it Started! Why Can't You?
We are making a difference at our school, and you can too! If you live in a country where people are free to share their faith, why not take advantage of this gift and use it like we are? Why not meet to pray each week and share one another's burden? Why not invite others out to find out about the amazing life of Christ?
Why not let your light shine and draw others to God throughout the school day? You can make an impact. See a teacher who you think might sponsor you club after school? If you run into problems, claim a table in the lunch room and do it right there on the same day every week.
Come on! What is stopping you?
Monday, August 20, 2012
What Do You Want to Be Known for at School this Year?
What do you want to be known for this year at school? As you look in the mirror and get ready for the 1st day of school, ask yourself this hard question. What you choose will make all of the difference!
I woke up this morning with this scripture in my head: Colossians 1:27 "...Christ in you, the hope of glory." (NIV). Yes, I should be up getting ready for the first day of school, but I had to deliver this message to you: "Christ in you, the hope of glory"! As you get all gussied up for the first day of school, don't forget that if you want to make an IMPACT, it is what is inside of you that really counts. Today is the day! Your teacher doesn't know you, the new kids don't know you, and the ones that do, let them see who you really are. Now there is nothing wrong with wearing nice school clothes and shoes, but don't forget that you carry Christ inside. You carry the hope of this world in your heart; share Him whenever you can. You carry this mystery inside of you. In some ways, like Jesus's mother carried Him!
In the Message Bible, Paul talks about how common our preaching can be (see below). It is showing the love of Christ. Yes, there are times to stand up for God and to do the right thing. But sometimes doing the right thing is easy. Try showing God's love by a helping a student find a restroom, opening a door, smiling, sitting with a kid who is by themselves in the lunch room, and or saying hi. Reach out to others, despite how shy you might feel. Do it for Jesus.
After all, what do you want to be know for this year? Being cool or making an impact? I challenge you! Step out of your comfort zone and make an IMPACT!
Colossians 1:27 The Message (MSG)
I woke up this morning with this scripture in my head: Colossians 1:27 "...Christ in you, the hope of glory." (NIV). Yes, I should be up getting ready for the first day of school, but I had to deliver this message to you: "Christ in you, the hope of glory"! As you get all gussied up for the first day of school, don't forget that if you want to make an IMPACT, it is what is inside of you that really counts. Today is the day! Your teacher doesn't know you, the new kids don't know you, and the ones that do, let them see who you really are. Now there is nothing wrong with wearing nice school clothes and shoes, but don't forget that you carry Christ inside. You carry the hope of this world in your heart; share Him whenever you can. You carry this mystery inside of you. In some ways, like Jesus's mother carried Him!
In the Message Bible, Paul talks about how common our preaching can be (see below). It is showing the love of Christ. Yes, there are times to stand up for God and to do the right thing. But sometimes doing the right thing is easy. Try showing God's love by a helping a student find a restroom, opening a door, smiling, sitting with a kid who is by themselves in the lunch room, and or saying hi. Reach out to others, despite how shy you might feel. Do it for Jesus.
After all, what do you want to be know for this year? Being cool or making an impact? I challenge you! Step out of your comfort zone and make an IMPACT!
Colossians 1:27 The Message (MSG)
26-29This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%201:27&version=MSG
Please take time to reflect about this entry. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%201:27&version=MSG
Please take time to reflect about this entry. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Are You Ready to Make An Impact?
Dear Readers,
If you know me, you are probably wondering why am I writing another blog? I am a teacher and youth pastor. I wish I had more time to spend with the youth at Gulf Coast Church and with the readers that followed our summer blog all around the world.
There are times that I feel impressed to share a message. Sometimes it's when I am driving in my car, or worse yet, in the middle of teaching a lesson at the high school. There is so much that needs to be communicated to a generation that is on fire for the King! Let's face it. There are times when we need to be encouraged, inspired, recharged, and motivated to spread the good news.
If I write anything at all, it will be from my heart. So, when you get it, remember how much God loves you and wants you to be all that you can be. Share your light. When you become tired and weary, get a recharge! When you are on fire for God, inspire and encourage others to find and follow God. We can make a difference!
As usual, you can find me and message me in FACEBOOK @ Illy Reich (Frontline- Student Ministries)!
God Bless You,
Pastor Illy Reich
Gulf Coast Church
North Port, Fl
Final Day 75: Psalm 75- Have You Grown on this Summer's Journey?
Dear Readers,
Psalm 75 is our final Psalm for this summer reading blog, but it doesn’t have to end here! It’s been a great journey! I’ve grown a lot. By keeping myself to writing this blog, it has actually helped me stay in the word when I was facing a very difficult trial with my mom’s health. This trial brought other distractions that attempted to ruffle my feathers, but I am standing fast in God. I have written this to remind you how important it is to stay in the word. So, keep it up and starting reading one chapter of a Bible book each day. I recommend the Message Bible or Fire Bible for teens. We will do the remaining Psalms next summer if the Lord leads!
Since this is a Psalm of thanksgiving, take some time to thank God for everything that He has done!
Psalm 75 -New Living Translation (NLT)
For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be sung to the tune “Do Not Destroy!”
1 We thank you, O God!
We give thanks because you are near.
People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
We give thanks because you are near.
People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
2 God says, “At the time I have planned,
I will bring justice against the wicked.
3 When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,
I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude
I will bring justice against the wicked.
3 When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,
I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude
4 “I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’
I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists!
5 Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens
or speak with such arrogance.’”
6 For no one on earth—from east or west,
or even from the wilderness—
should raise a defiant fist.[a]
7 It is God alone who judges;
he decides who will rise and who will fall.
8 For the Lord holds a cup in his hand
that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices.
He pours out the wine in judgment,
and all the wicked must drink it,
draining it to the dregs.
I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists!
5 Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens
or speak with such arrogance.’”
6 For no one on earth—from east or west,
or even from the wilderness—
should raise a defiant fist.[a]
7 It is God alone who judges;
he decides who will rise and who will fall.
8 For the Lord holds a cup in his hand
that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices.
He pours out the wine in judgment,
and all the wicked must drink it,
draining it to the dregs.
9 But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly.”
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly.”
Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
You can always contact me with any concerns that you have! God bless you!
Day 74: Psalm 74- Does God Seem Silent?
Dear Readers,
Psalm 74
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
A maskil of Asaph.
74 God, why have you turned away from us for so long?
Why are you still angry with us, your own flock?
2 Remember the people you bought so long ago.
Why are you still angry with us, your own flock?
2 Remember the people you bought so long ago.
You saved us, and we belong to you.
And remember Mount Zion, the place where you lived.
3 God, come walk through these ancient ruins.
Come back to the Holy Place that the enemy destroyed.
4 The enemy shouted their war cries in the Temple.
They put up their flags there to show they had won the war.
5 Their soldiers attacked the doors,
They put up their flags there to show they had won the war.
5 Their soldiers attacked the doors,
like workmen chopping down trees.
6 Using axes and hatchets,
they smashed the carved panels inside.
7 They burned down your Holy Place.
It was built to honor your name,
but they pulled it down to the ground.
8 The enemy decided to crush us completely.
They burned every holy place [a] in the country.
9 We do not see any of our signs. [b]
There are no more prophets.
And no one knows how long this will last.
10 God, how much longer will the enemy make fun of us?
Will you let them insult your name forever?
11 Why won’t you help us?
Use your power to defeat our enemies!
12 God, you have been our King for a long time.
You have saved us many times on this earth.
13 With your great power you split open the sea
and broke the heads of the sea monster.
14 Yes, you smashed the heads of Leviathan [c]
and left his body for animals to eat.
15 You make the springs and rivers flow,
and you make the rivers dry up.
16 You control the day and the night.
You made the sun and the moon.
17 You set the limits for everything on earth.
And you created summer and winter.
18 LORD, remember, the enemy insulted you!
Those foolish people hate your name!
19 Don’t give us like a helpless dove to those wild animals.
Never forget your poor, suffering people.
20 Remember the agreement you gave us,
because violence fills every dark place in this land.
21 Your people were treated badly.
Don’t let them be hurt anymore.
Let your poor, helpless people praise you.
22 God, get up and defend yourself!
Remember, those fools challenged you.
23 Don’t forget the shouts of your enemies.
They insulted you again and again.
When I read Psalm 74, the words persistent and perseverance come to mind! I know it looks like Asaph is complaining a lot here; instead, I see it as one who is reminding God about what He said He would do for His people. He even tells God about the bad press that God is getting with the insults people are slandering Him with (verse 23). Verse 22 is a call to action: “God, get up and defend yourself!” Asaph is not going to take this sitting down. He is going to keep pleading with God and reminding Him of His covenant toward them (v2). When God seems silent, this is what we should do too!
Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
Day 73: Psalm 73- Does the Good Stuff Stop Here?
Dear Readers,
Psalm 73 is dear to heart because of the following verses:
23 But I am always with you.
You hold my hand.
24 You lead me and give me good advice,
and later you will lead me to glory. [c]
25 In heaven, God, I have only you.
And if I am with you, what on earth could I want?
26 Maybe my mind [d] and body will become weak,
but God is my source of strength. [e]
He is mine forever!
When I read this, I think about how wonderful God is. Verse 23 says that He holds our hands. We can’t see Him doing this. It’s more figurative than literal. We have to read between the lines; it means that He is with us all of the time! It goes on to say that He leads us and gives us good advice, while we are living on earth, but the good stuff doesn’t stop there.
What excites me most about this is that it says that “later, You will lead me to glory.” I trust you may have lost a loved one at sometime in your life and the promise of heaven and eternal life gives us such hope. We know then that we will see them one day again. It brings me such comfort when I read this verse because one day I will see my mom in heaven.
Psalm 73- Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Book 3-Asaph’s song of praise.
73 God is so good to Israel,
to those whose hearts are pure.
2 But I almost slipped and lost my balance.
to those whose hearts are pure.
2 But I almost slipped and lost my balance.
I almost fell into sin.
3 I saw that wicked people were successful,
and I became jealous of those proud people.
4 They are healthy.
They don’t have to struggle to survive. [a]
5 They don’t suffer like the rest of us.
They don’t have troubles like other people.
6 So they are proud and hateful.
This is as easy to see as the jewels and fancy clothes they wear.
7 If they see something they like, they go and take it.
They do whatever they want.
8 They make fun of others and say cruel things about them.
In their pride they make plans to hurt people.
9 They think they are gods!
They think they are the rulers of the earth.
10 [b] Even God’s people turn to them
and do what they say.
11 Those evil people say, “God does not know what we are doing!
God Most High does not know!”
12 Those proud people are wicked,
but they are rich and getting richer.
13 Clearly, then, I gain nothing by keeping my thoughts pure!
but they are rich and getting richer.
13 Clearly, then, I gain nothing by keeping my thoughts pure!
What good is it to keep myself from sin?
14 God, I suffer all day long,
and you punish me every morning.
15 I wanted to tell others these things,
but that would have made me a traitor to your people.
16 I tried hard to understand all this,
but that would have made me a traitor to your people.
16 I tried hard to understand all this,
but it was too hard for me.
17 But then, God, I went to your Temple,
and I understood what will happen to the wicked.
18 Clearly, you have put them in danger.
You make it easy for them to fall and be destroyed.
19 Trouble can come suddenly,
and they will be ruined.
Terrible things can happen to them,
and they will be finished.
20 Then they will be like a dream
that we forget when we wake up.
You will make them disappear
like the monsters in our dreams.
I thought about such people and became upset.
God, I was upset and angry with you!
I acted like a senseless animal.
23 But I am always with you.
You hold my hand.
24 You lead me and give me good advice,
and later you will lead me to glory. [c]
25 In heaven, God, I have only you.
And if I am with you, what on earth could I want?
26 Maybe my mind [d] and body will become weak,
but God is my source of strength. [e]
He is mine forever!
27 God, people who leave you will be lost.
You will destroy all who are not faithful to you.
28 As for me, all I need is to be close to God.
I have made the Lord GOD my place of safety.
And, God, I will tell about all that you have done.
Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Day 71: Psalm 71- Which Season Are You In?
Dear Readers,
Psalm 71 is like music to my ears. Maybe it’s because I can relate. Take a moment and read verses 18-23.
18 Now that I am old and my hair is gray, don’t leave me, God.
I must tell the next generation about your power and greatness.
19 God, your goodness reaches far above the skies.
You have done wonderful things.
God, there is no one like you.
20 You have let me see troubles and hard times,
but you will give me new life;
you will lift me up from this pit of death!
21 You will help me do even greater things.
You will comfort me again!
22 I will play the harp and praise you.
My God, I will sing about your faithfulness.
I will play songs on my lyre
for the Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy,
singing songs of praise to you for saving me.
I must tell the next generation about your power and greatness.
19 God, your goodness reaches far above the skies.
You have done wonderful things.
God, there is no one like you.
20 You have let me see troubles and hard times,
but you will give me new life;
you will lift me up from this pit of death!
21 You will help me do even greater things.
You will comfort me again!
22 I will play the harp and praise you.
My God, I will sing about your faithfulness.
I will play songs on my lyre
for the Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy,
singing songs of praise to you for saving me.
The Psalmist is looking back at his life. He has faced trials and feels like he is in a pit. He knows God will deliver Him. He asks for God’s help to revive them again. He knows he will sing songs again and praise God. He knows the seasons and understands that he is in a winter season. If he knows this, he will not panic!
A wise man and or woman of God discerns which season they are in. Is it summer, winter, spring, or fall? Once one identifies the season, they can then devise a plan of action. The Bible also tells us to be instant in season and out, so just because we might be signing the winter blues, does not mean that we are exempt from doing God’s work!
So what season are you in? What does that mean for you?
Psalm 71 -Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
71 LORD, I depend on you for protection.
Don’t let me be disappointed.
2 You always do what is right, so come and save me.
Listen to me and save me.
3 Be my Rock, my place of safety.
Be my fortress, and protect me!
You are my Rock and my protection.
4 My God, save me from wicked people.
Save me from cruel, evil people.
5 Lord GOD, you are my hope.
I have trusted you since I was a young boy.
6 I depended on you even before I was born.
I relied on you even in my mother’s womb.
I have always prayed to you. [a]
7 You are my source of strength,
so I have been an example to others.
8 I am always singing about the wonderful things you do.
9 Don’t throw me away just because I am old.
Don’t leave me as I lose my strength.
10 My enemies make plans against me.
They have met together and are making plans to kill me.
11 They say, “Go get him!
God has left him, so there is no one to help him.”
12 God, don’t leave me!
My God, hurry and help me!
13 Defeat my enemies.
Destroy them completely!
They are trying to hurt me.
Let them suffer shame and disgrace.
14 Then I will always trust in you
and praise you more and more.
15 I will tell people how good you are.
I will tell about all the times you saved me—
too many times to count.
16 I will tell about your greatness, my Lord GOD.
I will talk only about you and your goodness.
17 God, you have taught me since I was a young boy.
And to this day I have told people about the wonderful things you do.
18 Now that I am old and my hair is gray, don’t leave me, God.
I must tell the next generation about your power and greatness.
19 God, your goodness reaches far above the skies.
You have done wonderful things.
God, there is no one like you.
20 You have let me see troubles and hard times,
but you will give me new life;
you will lift me up from this pit of death!
21 You will help me do even greater things.
You will comfort me again!
22 I will play the harp and praise you.
My God, I will sing about your faithfulness.
I will play songs on my lyre
for the Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy,
singing songs of praise to you for saving me.
24 My tongue will sing about your goodness all the time,
because those who wanted to kill me
have been defeated and disgraced.
Don’t let me be disappointed.
2 You always do what is right, so come and save me.
Listen to me and save me.
3 Be my Rock, my place of safety.
Be my fortress, and protect me!
You are my Rock and my protection.
4 My God, save me from wicked people.
Save me from cruel, evil people.
5 Lord GOD, you are my hope.
I have trusted you since I was a young boy.
6 I depended on you even before I was born.
I relied on you even in my mother’s womb.
I have always prayed to you. [a]
7 You are my source of strength,
so I have been an example to others.
8 I am always singing about the wonderful things you do.
9 Don’t throw me away just because I am old.
Don’t leave me as I lose my strength.
10 My enemies make plans against me.
They have met together and are making plans to kill me.
11 They say, “Go get him!
God has left him, so there is no one to help him.”
12 God, don’t leave me!
My God, hurry and help me!
13 Defeat my enemies.
Destroy them completely!
They are trying to hurt me.
Let them suffer shame and disgrace.
14 Then I will always trust in you
and praise you more and more.
15 I will tell people how good you are.
I will tell about all the times you saved me—
too many times to count.
16 I will tell about your greatness, my Lord GOD.
I will talk only about you and your goodness.
17 God, you have taught me since I was a young boy.
And to this day I have told people about the wonderful things you do.
18 Now that I am old and my hair is gray, don’t leave me, God.
I must tell the next generation about your power and greatness.
19 God, your goodness reaches far above the skies.
You have done wonderful things.
God, there is no one like you.
20 You have let me see troubles and hard times,
but you will give me new life;
you will lift me up from this pit of death!
21 You will help me do even greater things.
You will comfort me again!
22 I will play the harp and praise you.
My God, I will sing about your faithfulness.
I will play songs on my lyre
for the Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy,
singing songs of praise to you for saving me.
24 My tongue will sing about your goodness all the time,
because those who wanted to kill me
have been defeated and disgraced.
Day 70: Psalm 70- Is God On Time?
Dear Readers,
David writes Psalm 70 to help people remember. Everyone needs reminding from time-to-time. When we get in a pickle, we can get caught up in what is going on, as well as what others are saying about us or trying to do to us. I remember what is was like going to high school; I hated all of the drama. It made it hard to focus on God sometimes because I felt overwhelmed. And who wants to be teased and called four-eyes all the time?
Verse five is the most important verse in this Psalm because it says “God is my helper….. don’t be too late.” He has put his trust in God. He is hoping beyond hope that God will not be too late. The Bible tells us that our times are in His hands. This means we can trust that God is in control and that He will never be too late. He will be right on time!
Psalm 70 -Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
To the director: A song of David to help people remember.
70 Please, God, rescue me!
LORD, hurry and help me!
2 People are trying to kill me.
Please disappoint them.
Humiliate them!
They want to hurt me.
Make them run away in shame.
3 May those who make fun of me
be too embarrassed to speak.
4 But may those who come to you
be happy and rejoice.
May those who love being saved by you
always be able to say, “Praise God!” [a]
LORD, hurry and help me!
2 People are trying to kill me.
Please disappoint them.
Humiliate them!
They want to hurt me.
Make them run away in shame.
3 May those who make fun of me
be too embarrassed to speak.
4 But may those who come to you
be happy and rejoice.
May those who love being saved by you
always be able to say, “Praise God!” [a]
5 I am only a poor, helpless man.
God, please hurry to me.
You are my helper, the one who can save me.
LORD, don’t be too late!
God, please hurry to me.
You are my helper, the one who can save me.
LORD, don’t be too late!
Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
Day 69: Psalm 69- Can You Make Sense of It?
Dear Readers,
Read Psalm 69 twice. What are the key verses? What does God speak to you in this Psalm? We are less than seven days for ending this summer reading Bible challenge. Are you getting better at understanding God’s word?
After you have spent some time reading and praying about these verses, click on the commentary below to check your insights.
Psalm 69 -New International Version (NIV)
For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David.
1 Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
2 I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
3 I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
4 Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.
for the waters have come up to my neck.
2 I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
3 I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
4 Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.
5 You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you.
my guilt is not hidden from you.
6 Lord, the Lord Almighty,
may those who hope in you
not be disgraced because of me;
God of Israel,
may those who seek you
not be put to shame because of me.
7 For I endure scorn for your sake,
and shame covers my face.
8 I am a foreigner to my own family,
a stranger to my own mother’s children;
9 for zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
10 When I weep and fast,
I must endure scorn;
11 when I put on sackcloth,
people make sport of me.
12 Those who sit at the gate mock me,
and I am the song of the drunkards.
may those who hope in you
not be disgraced because of me;
God of Israel,
may those who seek you
not be put to shame because of me.
7 For I endure scorn for your sake,
and shame covers my face.
8 I am a foreigner to my own family,
a stranger to my own mother’s children;
9 for zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
10 When I weep and fast,
I must endure scorn;
11 when I put on sackcloth,
people make sport of me.
12 Those who sit at the gate mock me,
and I am the song of the drunkards.
13 But I pray to you, Lord,
in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
answer me with your sure salvation.
14 Rescue me from the mire,
do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
from the deep waters.
15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
or the depths swallow me up
or the pit close its mouth over me.
in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
answer me with your sure salvation.
14 Rescue me from the mire,
do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
from the deep waters.
15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
or the depths swallow me up
or the pit close its mouth over me.
16 Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;
in your great mercy turn to me.
17 Do not hide your face from your servant;
answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
18 Come near and rescue me;
deliver me because of my foes.
in your great mercy turn to me.
17 Do not hide your face from your servant;
answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
18 Come near and rescue me;
deliver me because of my foes.
19 You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed;
all my enemies are before you.
20 Scorn has broken my heart
and has left me helpless;
I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
for comforters, but I found none.
21 They put gall in my food
and gave me vinegar for my thirst.
all my enemies are before you.
20 Scorn has broken my heart
and has left me helpless;
I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
for comforters, but I found none.
21 They put gall in my food
and gave me vinegar for my thirst.
22 May the table set before them become a snare;
may it become retribution and[b] a trap.
23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever.
24 Pour out your wrath on them;
let your fierce anger overtake them.
25 May their place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute those you wound
and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
27 Charge them with crime upon crime;
do not let them share in your salvation.
28 May they be blotted out of the book of life
and not be listed with the righteous.
may it become retribution and[b] a trap.
23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever.
24 Pour out your wrath on them;
let your fierce anger overtake them.
25 May their place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute those you wound
and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
27 Charge them with crime upon crime;
do not let them share in your salvation.
28 May they be blotted out of the book of life
and not be listed with the righteous.
29 But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
may your salvation, God, protect me.
may your salvation, God, protect me.
30 I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the Lord more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hooves.
32 The poor will see and be glad —
you who seek God, may your hearts live!
33 The Lord hears the needy
and does not despise his captive people.
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the Lord more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hooves.
32 The poor will see and be glad —
you who seek God, may your hearts live!
33 The Lord hears the needy
and does not despise his captive people.
34 Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,
35 for God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;
36 the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there.
the seas and all that move in them,
35 for God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;
36 the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there.
Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
Day 72: Psalm 72- Should We Pray for Our Leaders?
Dear Readers,
Psalm 72 was either written to King Solomon, by King Solomon, or from a book of songs. This is what some scholars tell us. The following is my perspective on Psalm 72. I think this Psalm is included because it is like a prayer Psalm. It is written to King Solomon (some say). The Bible tells us to pray for our elders and those in authority over us. Why? Our leaders make difficult decision moment after moment. This requires wisdom. We should also pray for our leaders that they stay strong and remain ethical. For this reason, I think this is why it was included in the Psalms.
Can you think about a teacher, leader, president, pastor, parent, or anyone else that comes to mind that you could pray for? Good! Now pray!
Psalm 72 -Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
To Solomon. [a]
72 God, help the king be like you and make fair decisions.
Help the king’s son know what justice is.
2 Help the king judge your people fairly.
Help him make wise decisions for your poor people.
3 Let there be peace and justice throughout the land,
known on every mountain and hill.
4 May the king be fair to the poor.
May he help the helpless and punish those who hurt them.
5 May people always fear and respect you, God,
as long as the sun shines and the moon is in the sky.
6 Help the king be like rain falling on the fields,
like showers falling on the land.
7 Let goodness grow everywhere while he is king.
Let peace continue as long as there is a moon.
8 Let his kingdom grow from sea to sea,
from the Euphrates River to the faraway places on earth. [b]
9 May all the people living in the desert bow down to him.
May all his enemies bow before him with their faces in the dirt.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and all the faraway lands by the sea bring gifts to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba bring their tribute to him.
11 May all kings bow down to our king.
May all nations serve him.
12 Our king helps the poor who cry out to him—
those in need who have no one to help them.
13 He feels sorry for all who are weak and poor.
He protects their lives.
14 He saves them from the cruel people who try to hurt them.
Their lives are important to him.
15 Long live the king!
Let him receive gold from Sheba.
Always pray for the king.
Ask God to bless him every day.
16 May the fields grow plenty of grain
and the hills be covered with crops.
May the fields be as fertile as Lebanon,
and may people fill the cities as grass covers a field.
17 May the king be famous forever.
May people remember his name as long as the sun shines.
May all nations be blessed through him,
and may they all bless him.
Help the king’s son know what justice is.
2 Help the king judge your people fairly.
Help him make wise decisions for your poor people.
3 Let there be peace and justice throughout the land,
known on every mountain and hill.
4 May the king be fair to the poor.
May he help the helpless and punish those who hurt them.
5 May people always fear and respect you, God,
as long as the sun shines and the moon is in the sky.
6 Help the king be like rain falling on the fields,
like showers falling on the land.
7 Let goodness grow everywhere while he is king.
Let peace continue as long as there is a moon.
8 Let his kingdom grow from sea to sea,
from the Euphrates River to the faraway places on earth. [b]
9 May all the people living in the desert bow down to him.
May all his enemies bow before him with their faces in the dirt.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and all the faraway lands by the sea bring gifts to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba bring their tribute to him.
11 May all kings bow down to our king.
May all nations serve him.
12 Our king helps the poor who cry out to him—
those in need who have no one to help them.
13 He feels sorry for all who are weak and poor.
He protects their lives.
14 He saves them from the cruel people who try to hurt them.
Their lives are important to him.
15 Long live the king!
Let him receive gold from Sheba.
Always pray for the king.
Ask God to bless him every day.
16 May the fields grow plenty of grain
and the hills be covered with crops.
May the fields be as fertile as Lebanon,
and may people fill the cities as grass covers a field.
17 May the king be famous forever.
May people remember his name as long as the sun shines.
May all nations be blessed through him,
and may they all bless him.
18 Praise the LORD God, the God of Israel!
Only he can do such amazing things.
19 Praise his glorious name forever!
Let his glory fill the whole world.
Amen and Amen!
Only he can do such amazing things.
19 Praise his glorious name forever!
Let his glory fill the whole world.
Amen and Amen!
Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Day 68: Psalm 68- What Is Impressive About Psalm 68?
Dear Readers,
I am posting from my phone; sorry for the incorrect posting date.
Psalm 68 is a model of praise; it’s a simple but radiant praise, that when read, immediately blesses God, going before Him like incense. I think this is a Psalm that everyone should have marked with a post-it for those I don’t know what to say, think, or pray at moments. Thank you David for this impressive song of praise!
Psalm 68 is a model of praise; it’s a simple but radiant praise, that when read, immediately blesses God, going before Him like incense. I think this is a Psalm that everyone should have marked with a post-it for those I don’t know what to say, think, or pray at moments. Thank you David for this impressive song of praise!
Psalm 68 -Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
To the director: A praise song of David.
1 God, get up and scatter your enemies!
May all your enemies run from you.
2 May your enemies be scattered
like smoke blown away by the wind.
May your enemies be destroyed
like wax melting in a fire.
3 But let good people be happy.
Let them gather before God and enjoy themselves together.
4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name!
Prepare the way for the one who rides on the clouds.
His name is YAH. [a]
Worship before him with joy.
5 God, who lives in his holy palace, is a father to orphans,
and he takes care of widows.
6 God provides homes for those who are lonely.
He frees people from prison and makes them happy.
But those who turn against him will live in the desert.
May all your enemies run from you.
2 May your enemies be scattered
like smoke blown away by the wind.
May your enemies be destroyed
like wax melting in a fire.
3 But let good people be happy.
Let them gather before God and enjoy themselves together.
4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name!
Prepare the way for the one who rides on the clouds.
His name is YAH. [a]
Worship before him with joy.
5 God, who lives in his holy palace, is a father to orphans,
and he takes care of widows.
6 God provides homes for those who are lonely.
He frees people from prison and makes them happy.
But those who turn against him will live in the desert.
7 God, you led your people out of Egypt.
You marched across the desert.
Selah
8 The ground shook and rain poured from the sky
when God, the God of Israel, came to Sinai.
9 God, you sent the rain
to make a tired, old land strong again.
10 Your people [b] came back to live there,
and you provided good things for the poor.
11 My Lord gave the command,
and many people went to tell the good news:
12 “The armies of powerful kings ran away!
At home, the women divide the things brought from the battle.
13 Those who stayed home will share in the wealth—
metal doves with wings covered in silver and feathers sparkling with gold.”
You marched across the desert.
Selah
8 The ground shook and rain poured from the sky
when God, the God of Israel, came to Sinai.
9 God, you sent the rain
to make a tired, old land strong again.
10 Your people [b] came back to live there,
and you provided good things for the poor.
11 My Lord gave the command,
and many people went to tell the good news:
12 “The armies of powerful kings ran away!
At home, the women divide the things brought from the battle.
13 Those who stayed home will share in the wealth—
metal doves with wings covered in silver and feathers sparkling with gold.”
14 God All-Powerful scattered the kings
like snow falling on Mount Zalmon.
15 Mount Bashan is a great mountain
with many high peaks.
16 But, Bashan, why are you jealous of Mount Zion?
That is where God has chosen to live.
The LORD will live there forever.
17 With his millions of chariots,
the Lord came from Sinai into the holy place.
18 You went up to your high place,
leading a parade of captives.
You received gifts from people, [c]
even those who turned against you.
The LORD God went up there to live.
19 Praise the Lord!
Every day he helps us with the loads we must carry.
He is the God who saves us.
Selah
like snow falling on Mount Zalmon.
15 Mount Bashan is a great mountain
with many high peaks.
16 But, Bashan, why are you jealous of Mount Zion?
That is where God has chosen to live.
The LORD will live there forever.
17 With his millions of chariots,
the Lord came from Sinai into the holy place.
18 You went up to your high place,
leading a parade of captives.
You received gifts from people, [c]
even those who turned against you.
The LORD God went up there to live.
19 Praise the Lord!
Every day he helps us with the loads we must carry.
He is the God who saves us.
Selah
20 He is our God, the God who saves us.
My Lord GOD saves us from death.
21 God will smash the heads of his enemies.
He will punish those who fight against him. [d]
22 My Lord said, “If they run up to Bashan or down to the depths of the sea,
I will bring them back.
23 So you will march through pools of their blood,
and there will be plenty left for your dogs.”
My Lord GOD saves us from death.
21 God will smash the heads of his enemies.
He will punish those who fight against him. [d]
22 My Lord said, “If they run up to Bashan or down to the depths of the sea,
I will bring them back.
23 So you will march through pools of their blood,
and there will be plenty left for your dogs.”
24 God, everyone can see your victory parade—
the victory march of my God and King into his holy place! [e]
25 Singers come marching in front, followed by the musicians;
they are surrounded by young girls playing tambourines.
26 Praise God in the meeting place. [f]
Praise the LORD, people of Israel!
27 There is the smallest tribe, Benjamin, leading them.
And there comes a large group of leaders from Judah.
Following them are the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali.
the victory march of my God and King into his holy place! [e]
25 Singers come marching in front, followed by the musicians;
they are surrounded by young girls playing tambourines.
26 Praise God in the meeting place. [f]
Praise the LORD, people of Israel!
27 There is the smallest tribe, Benjamin, leading them.
And there comes a large group of leaders from Judah.
Following them are the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali.
28 God, show us your power!
Show us the power you used for us in the past.
29 Kings will bring their wealth to you,
to your Temple in Jerusalem.
30 Punish the people in Egypt.
They are like cattle in the marshes, like bulls among the calves.
You humiliated them.
You scattered them in war.
Now let them come crawling to you,
bringing their pieces of silver.
31 Messengers from Egypt will come bearing gifts.
Ethiopia will offer God their tribute.
32 Kings on earth, sing to God!
Sing songs of praise to our Lord!
Selah
Show us the power you used for us in the past.
29 Kings will bring their wealth to you,
to your Temple in Jerusalem.
30 Punish the people in Egypt.
They are like cattle in the marshes, like bulls among the calves.
You humiliated them.
You scattered them in war.
Now let them come crawling to you,
bringing their pieces of silver.
31 Messengers from Egypt will come bearing gifts.
Ethiopia will offer God their tribute.
32 Kings on earth, sing to God!
Sing songs of praise to our Lord!
Selah
33 Sing to him who rides his chariot through the ancient skies.
Listen to his powerful voice!
34 Tell everyone how powerful he is!
He rules over Israel.
His power fills the skies.
35 God, you are awesome in your Temple!
The God of Israel is the one who gives strength and power to his people.
Listen to his powerful voice!
34 Tell everyone how powerful he is!
He rules over Israel.
His power fills the skies.
35 God, you are awesome in your Temple!
The God of Israel is the one who gives strength and power to his people.
Praise God!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+68&version=ERV
Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!
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