by Donya Dunlap | Oct 1, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
Psalm 1 and 2 can be considered a unit that introduce the five books of the psalter.* Psalm 1 is considered a wisdom psalm and contrasts the wise and wicked and how God views each of them.
Verses 1-3
The psalmist begins this well known passage with an exclamation that also serves as a warning.
How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers!
If you, like me, shudder at the lack of commas in that sentence, keep in mind that these passages were written to be sung. If you are using an ESV, HCSB, or similar translation, you will note the line divisions making it easier to follow the ancient poetry.
Essentially, the psalmist is telling you what your mother did all those years ago. Be careful of the company you keep! It is good for a man to not seek advice or spend time with wicked men. And of all the wicked, avoid especially the “scoffers” or “mockers”—those who ridicule to feel a sense of superiority over others.
In contrast, a wise man’s delight, joy, happiness, will come from reading and meditating on God’s Word. In this habit he will grow strong, rooted, and stable.
Verses 4-5
These verses describe the wicked using a word picture that would have been very familiar to the ancient Hebrew reader. He describes the wicked as chaff, the dry husk that is separated from the wheat after harvest. The chaff is blown away in the wind as it has no substance to keep it grounded as the wheat does. What an accurate picture of culture, even for today!
Verses 4 and 5 reveal a knowledge of the end times when the wicked are divided from the righteous at the judgment. Jesus used a similar analogy in Matthew 13:24-30, the parable of the wheat and the tares.
Verse 6
The psalm concludes with the reminder that God is still in control, overseeing the righteous and judging the wicked. One thing comes to mind in this reading—the idea that we are to be in the world and not of the world as Jesus described the disciples to be in John 17:14-15.
The wicked in this passage are influencers. The foolish seek advice from them rather than turning to God’s Word or godly counsel. The foolish are not discerning. In such ways even the righteous can be drawn into the snare of the wicked. We must take care to use God’s truth as the measuring rod against which all knowledge is compared.
The wise person who is a student of God’s Word is grounded in truth. He is fruitful and does not wither in trying times. The wise man is also an influencer. He will not be uprooted by foolish philosophies or changes int he culture around him. He is unmoveable due to the stablizing influx of God’s Word. His unwavering faith is a testimony to all who see him. His life shines brightly of God’s glory, illuminating the darkness around him.
This post is Day 1 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the previous post, 4 Reasons Why You Should Be Journaling Your Devotions, click here.
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*Taken from notes in The Study Bible for Women: Holman Christian Standard Bible. 2014. Holman Bible Publishers. Nashville, TN.
by Donya Dunlap | Sep 30, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
Journaling? That current craze of drawing, stamping, coloring, and otherwise decorating the edges of your Bible? Not exactly.
In July I prayed about where God would have me spend my next several months in my devotions. God brought to mind the Psalms and the idea of Bible journaling. Rather than getting all crafty in the margins of my Bible, I decided to grab a fresh, paper journal and begin writing out my thoughts. This was such an instant blessing that I felt compelled to share 4 reasons you should consider journaling your devotions as well.
1: Journaling has built in cruise control.
It is impossible to journal through a passage of Scripture quickly. Before you can write down what the passage means, you have to understand what it’s saying. You have to read it carefully, and multiple times. Normally, when I read the Psalms as part of my devotions, I’ll speed read through 5 or so at a time. When journaling, I usually only read one at a time, taking much longer than is my usual habit.
If you are about to click off this post thinking you don’t have time for this…wait! I get it! You’re busy. I’ve been there. If you use a Bible translation that has paragraph breaks, it is easy to pick up where you left off the next day. Don’t let time rob you of the immense blessing that journaling can be to your spirit.
2: Journaling helps you connect the dots.
I have been amazed at the insights God has given me as I really think about what I’m reading. He has brought to mind other passages of Scripture and modern examples displaying the ancient truths. Word pictures contained in the Psalms string connections between prophecy, parable, history, philosophy, and more. When you write out your thoughts, the Holy Spirit has time to whisper in your ear.
Also, having your phone nearby can help you make the connections too. Use Google search or a Bible app to help you find other passages of Scripture that come to mind as you study. Just remember that you won’t find what you’re looking for on Facebook!
3: Journaling is a form of meditation.
Are you convicted when you think about meditating and memorizing Scripture? Me too. Meditation and memorization go hand in hand. By digging below the surface of the Word, your mind has time to dwell on what is being communicated. That is the essence of meditation—running over the meaning of the text repeatedly. Memorization takes a little more effort to remember the actual words instead of just the meaning, but journaling can be a wonderful first step in that direction.
4: Journaling provides a permanent record of your thoughts.
I am often encouraged by flipping through my journal and reading where I was mentally and spiritually at a previous time. It helps me see how far God has brought me on my journey. It reminds me that my current situation is only one point on the map. Journaling Scripture can have an even greater impact by reminding you of what God was teaching you during the seasons of your life.
Also, as much as you don’t want to think about it, at some point, your possessions will be all of you that is left on this earth. Recording your devotional thoughts on paper can be a wonderful treasure for your family after you are gone.
Remember…
Journaling is not just for artists or writers! Anyone with a pen and a sheet of paper can do it. I promise, you will receive a mountain of blessings by slowing your pace, focusing on what the Spirit is revealing, meditating on the passage, and writing down your thoughts.
Do you journal already? Share your tips in the comments below!
To help you get started, I am using the month of October to share with you my journaling journey through the Psalms. I’ll be posting my thoughts on one Psalm each day. If you would like to receive email notifications of each post as they go live, please subscribe here. As a thank you for subscribing, you will receive a free ebook titled, The Wonder Woman’s Manifesto.
by Donya Dunlap | Sep 29, 2016 | Book Reviews
It’s been 13 years since Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality hit Christian bookstores, bringing a flurry of controversy with it. To my knowledge, it was the first of the searching memoirs—stories of young Christians tired of the religiosity in the churches they attended looking for a deeper connection with God. In his own words,
I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn’t resolve. But sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself…I used to not like God because God didn’t resolve. But that was before any of this happened. – Donald Miller
I understand why Blue Like Jazz rocked the religious boat. Donald Miller speaks of his early years as a journey of exploring love and grace as he camped out with hippies, attended classes at one of the most irreligious schools in the country, got in fights with his roommates, and grappled with hard questions regarding the nature of God and the human condition. He leaves nothing out. His faults, his successes, his doubts—he explores every inch of his path as he recalls his teens and twenties. I believe this is why people are uncomfortable with him.
Miller doesn’t give suggestions for Christian living tied neatly in a bow with Scripture verses as decoration. There’s nothing wrong with that style of writing. If there was, I would have to retire my pen. Christian living writing is what most of us are used to, thus the jolt when reading something outside our comfort zone.
Instead, Miller prefers to suggest complicated questions and let the reader search for their own answers. He doesn’t advocate for every young mind to leave Christian education and attend an atheist led school. But he explains why doing so helped him grow in his beliefs and his boldness in sharing his faith.
He doesn’t suggest Christians adopt a one-love, hippie mentality. But he shares how he learned to accept others for who they are, love them despite their differences from himself, and listen to people who hold opposing beliefs from his own without becoming antagonistic towards them.
I believe Christians limit exposure to beliefs different from what they’ve been taught for fear of corrupting their faith. But if our faith is so fragile, is it even real? How can we effectively respond to questioning kids and adults if we refuse to listen to them? Can we be salt and light if we never leave the safety of our Christian schools and churches? Can we show an ancient Book to be relevant to today if we don’t live out its teaching on the streets? These are questions Blue Like Jazz brings to the surface.
As it says on the back cover,
For anyone wondering if the Christian faith is still relevant in a postmodern culture, for anyone thirsting for a genuine encounter with a God who is real, for anyone yearning for a renewed sense of passion in life…Blue Like Jazz is a fresh and original perspective on life, love, and redemption.
I encourage you to read it and tell me what you think. I’d love to discuss it with you.
*affiliate links used above
by Donya Dunlap | Sep 27, 2016 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
As backstory to the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series, I decided to read Beth Moore’s study, A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David. I’m halfway through the book now, and just to the point where David is crowned king of Judah. One thing standing out to me above David’s character and exploits is this—David did a lot of waiting.
Waiting on God
At the age of 15, David was called in from caring for his father’s sheep to meet the prophet Samuel. Upon receiving confirmation from God, Samuel proceeded to anoint David the next king of Israel. It was another 15 years before David was crowned, and then it was only over Judah. It was another 7 1/2 years before Judah and Israel were united under David’s rule.
During these long years, David killed Goliath, married Saul’s daughter, Michael, became best friends with Saul’s son, Jonathon, and rose through the ranks of Saul’s army. Saul became so jealous over David’s success, he tried to kill David, forcing him into exile.
While on the run for his life, David had two opportunities to kill Saul and take the throne, but he refused to do so. Rather, David chose to wait on God to move on his behalf.
Enduring through pain
The psalms David wrote over the course of his life show us his struggle. Pleading with God to spare him from his enemies. Asking God how long he would have to watch while the wicked prospered in his way. Crying out to God in agony of spirit time and time again. But through it all, David’s faith never wavered.
The process and the praise
Waiting on God to move is never easy. There are times we feel God is not with us, as David did. We can grow depressed, weary of the struggle, as David did. But we can also choose to praise as David did. We can remember God’s actions on our behalf and battles we overcame in God’s strength. We can list ways God provided for us and rehearse His attributes in worship. There are many ways we can walk with God in the waiting, growing our faith as we do.
God’s multifaceted purpose
Our waiting may seem endless at times, but it is never purposeless. God always has a plan. In David’s case, God had to teach him to become a leader. First as a shepherd, then as a soldier and a husband, then as the head of a rag-tag band of exiles. Each role filled a gap in David’s kingly resume.
David also needed to build his patience and trust in God. As we see in his dealings with Goliath, David, though well meaning, could be a little impulsive. Israel needed a king who was willing to wait on God’s timing, unlike Saul who grew impatient and gave a sacrifice before battle himself instead of waiting on Samuel as instructed.
Lastly, David needed to deepen his relationship with the people. At 15, no one knew the son of Jesse, shepherd boy. The people had chosen Saul as their leader because of his dashing good looks and imposing stature. God needed to teach them the inside of a man is more important than his outward appearance. As God taught Samuel at the time of David’s anointing,
The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7
Life is a puzzle
Life is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. We move around the pieces, connecting them occasionally while spending much time staring at the mess wondering how it will all come together.
The key to puzzles and to life is patience. God knows how it all comes together. He knows the end result is a beautiful image reelecting His power and glory. We only see in part. Like David, we need to wait on God to move the pieces in place in His time.
Don’t grow weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9). God is with you just as He was with David every step of the way. When the time is right, the picture will be made clear.
Don’t miss a single thing! If you would like to receive email notifications of new posts as they go live, please click here to subscribe. As a thank you, you will receive the ebook The Wonder Woman’s Manifesto: Learning to Fight through Fear with Faith.
by Donya Dunlap | Sep 23, 2016 | Making a Difference, The Spiritual Life
Each of us desires to make a difference. Moms want to raise respectful, yet bold adults to reach a new generation for Christ. Business women want to show the world you can be a Christian, a woman, and a success in the workplace. College students are working hard, learning how to make this world a better place.
But how? How can we live significant lives and change the world? By living a supernatural life.
What is a supernatural life?
We can look to the disciples as examples.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13
These men turned the world upside-down in Jesus’ name. They lived believing death has no sting and died rejoicing in the lives they gave for the Gospel.
Becoming a change maker
I used to think this kind of life was out of my reach. I thought of the disciples as the super heroes of the Bible. They walked with Jesus for three years. I could never be like them. But in reality, these men were exactly like me.
Do you know where Peter and John were after the crucifixion of Jesus? Hiding with the other disciples behind a locked door, mourning the loss of Christ and fearful for their own lives.
Then the same day (the day of His resurrection after Jesus had appeared to Mary Magdalene) at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. – John 20:19
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. – Mark 16:9-11
The disciples didn’t believe Jesus could rise from the dead. They were overcome with grief, worried they might be killed too. And yet, a few weeks later they were boldly proclaiming the gospel to anyone who would listen, despite beatings, jail, and ridicule. The same Power who raised Jesus from the dead embodied the disciples and EVERYTHING changed.
Living in the power of the Holy Spirit
I’ve mentioned before a book by Francis Chan called, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. This book taught me what it means to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through you.
We focus on what God wants us to do and forget the kind of people He wants us to be. Instead of mustering up more willpower, let’s focus our energies and time on asking for help from the One who has the power to change us. – Francis Chan, Forgotten God
For a type A, list-making, goal-oriented person like myself, this hits home. If I am ever going to make a mark on this world for Jesus, I need to live in a supernatural power I do not possess. I need the Holy Spirit to change me.
Make the shift
By surrendering our will to His, we can develop our relationship with the Holy Spirit just as we do with the Father and Jesus. He is not a silent partner. He is active and moving in this world. If you want to be a part of what He is doing, make the shift. Submit your abilities to the Holy Spirit’s arsenal and watch what He does.
In what way do you see yourself making a difference in this world? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
*affiliate links included
