tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82740775571064020252011-04-21T12:13:12.330-07:00"To be without skepticism is foolish, but to be without faith is utter folly"Faithful Skepticnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274077557106402025.post-5107602306196068152009-03-01T18:27:00.000-08:002009-03-01T18:36:21.702-08:00What is a Psalm Sprint?<br /><br />The Psalm Sprint is an on-demand Bible reading methodology. Take the current day of the month and read the corresponding Psalm from the Bible (version your choice). Then add thirty to the day and read that Psalm. Continue this until count exceeds one hundred and fifty – the last Psalm. E.g. Today is January 28th, so you would read Psalms 28, 58, 88, 118 and 148. You will always have five Psalms to read except for the 31st of those months with 31 days.<br /><br />Why do a Psalm Sprint?<br /><br />The Psalm Sprint will definitely pick you if you are at all feeling in need of some spiritual encouragement. As you read you will identify with the complaining, mourning, appealing, praying and thanksgiving chronicled. This is an augment to, not a replacement for, your daily Bible reading – use one of the many good read the complete Bible in a year guides that are available. But sometimes we need a boost, like the athlete that consumes extra calories as part of their training regimen.<br /><br />How fast is the “sprint” in the Psalm Sprint?<br /><br />The term “sprint” has more to do with volume of material read rather than the velocity of the actual reading. Give yourself whatever time you need to consider the thoughts being expressed. Underline, highlight and journal what you hear God speaking to you. You should find a continuity and correlation in the Psalms’ contents.<br /><br />Will the Psalm Sprint really work?<br /><br />Do not underestimate the power of God’s Word. It is the principal way we gain insight into the mind and heart of God. Remember that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways, naturally speaking. The Bible tells us His foolishness (a term used just to help us to understand) exceeds the loftiest wisdom of man. God’s Spirit speaking through God’s Word can give you:<br />· Wisdom to make the right decisions<br />· Grace to endure in difficult circumstances<br />· Clear thinking to speak the right words in the right way<br /><br />I guarantee that we will all face difficult circumstances in 2009. The Psalm Sprint can be one of your tools to find God’s way through. Give it a try.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8274077557106402025-510760230619606815?l=faithful-skeptic.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Faithful Skepticnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274077557106402025.post-59057543942435681362008-01-01T14:29:00.000-08:002008-01-01T14:32:18.966-08:00Psalm 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.<br /><br />This last verse of Psalm 78 is describing King David as both a man of integrity and competency. He had a good heart and governed with skill. The previous king, Saul, was as well a competent leader. He lead his troops into battle and Israel prospered during a significant portion of his reign. But he fell short in the area of integrity. On more than one occasion after receiving precise instructions, he chose to follow his own agenda rather than obeying. He was quick with excuses when confronted about his disobedience. On the other hand, David was quick to confess his wrongdoing when challenged about wrong motives and actions. He was answerable to no other human and could easily have disposed of his accuser. Impeachment was not an option. But instead David recognized and confessed his error.<br /><br />So what does all this have to do with Election 2008? The bottom line is that the person needed in office must have integrity and competency. He or she does not have to be perfect, but does need to be a person that will own up to and correct mistakes made. Individually that person cannot be all that is required to successfully govern. What is needed is the wisdom and discernment required to select the right advisers - councillors that are as well people of integrity and competency. So here is what we need to do this election year:<br /><br /><ol><li>Campaign and vote for the candidate whose track record speaks most of both honesty and skill. </li><li>Pray that the winner of the election will be a leader with the right qualities. </li><li>Regardless if your candidate wins or not, pray for your new leader. </li><li>Pray that he or she will be surrounded by councillors of integrity and competency.</li></ol><p>1Ti 2:1-4 First of all, then, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.<br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8274077557106402025-5905754394243568136?l=faithful-skeptic.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Faithful Skepticnoreply@blogger.com0