Random Post from the Blackbird

This post is very unlike me.

Usually, when I post a blog, things have to be just so in the mornings.

Picture: I'm fresh out of bed, in my robe, my coffee cup full, sitting at the kitchen table writing about something the Lord has been stirring in my heart.

Not so today.

I am sitting at a little cafe called Blackbird Coffeehouse, Brent is keeping the boys, it is almost noon, I am listening to Pandora and I my brain is a bit fried. In the best kind of way.

Brent freed me up to come and prepare a talk for an upcoming retreat (I am so pumped!!). I have studied all morning - writing, praying, thinking and reading.

The Word is so rich but so overwhelming at the same time. I can become very overwhelmed by its depth. It has so much for us.

And I want it all right now. :)

But the sweet Lord knows I couldn't handle it. I'd faint if He revealed it all to me. Its riches are far too great. It will take me a lifetime....and even at that I will never grasp it all.

But I will go down trying.

I have thought of my 2011 verse often today....Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship.

Sacrifice: thysia - metaphorically used of the body of the believer, presented to God.

You know, learning the Word is a sacrifice. It isn't always an easy or pleasant read, you know. But, oh the reward of knowing it. Of knowing Him.

As a spiritual act of worship, I appeal to you - study the Word. Strive to know Him. Dig deeply.

Sow the things of the Holy Spirit. Sow the Word into your heart. You will reap a harvest if you don't give up. Galatians 6:8,9.

A Target Obsession

I have an emotional connection to this image.



There is seriously a light-hearted, running joke on Facebook about how many people have seen me at Target lately.

It's true.

I love the place. In a very unhealthy way.

The Lord has revealed a few painful things this past week. My hidden sin.

So, today, I confess. No matter how badly my pride hurts, I am baring all.

Here is an excerpt from my journal. Written in the thick of an "Ah Ha!" moment with Jesus.

Written after I read this verse...
"Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for [God] has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Lord, I see my hidden sin. Now exposed. My attitude toward money. Discontentment. I am exposed by your living Word - it is discerning the thoughts and intentions of my heart. If I continue in my hidden sin, now made known, it will be have dominion over me. Declare me innocent. May the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. May my offerings be clean. Purify me.

Psalm 19:14 reads
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Meditations: (higgayown) means devices. Plotting.

Acceptable: (ratsown) pleasure, delightful, desired

This is a very familiar verse, but let me tell you what I've learned.

Don't miss this. This verse comes from the language of sacrifice - as seen in Leviticus 22:20

The Lord tells Moses, "You shall not offer anything that has a blemish, for it will not be acceptable for you."

The Lord expects us to present ourselves to him - as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1) This includes the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart.

So scripture asks of me: "Are my thoughts acceptable? Are my words acceptable? What do I plot in my heart? What is my heart doing - even at Target."

Remember all of my junk drawers? Yes, all of my soul-mess. The Lord is revealing that my attitude towards money and contentment are unacceptable.

I am a good-steward of my money.

But God doesn't want a good sacrifice.

He desires excellence.

I am asking him to purify my attitude towards money. And contentment.

I long to be an excellent steward.

To give more.

Save more.

And spend less.

(Dave Ramsey would be proud)

I want to share more about my Target and discontentment issues...next blog.

Stay tuned.

Lord, I am feeling very naked today. Exposed by your Word. Vulnerable in the Blogsphere. But, I want to be obedient. And you have led me here. I am asking you to expose us. Reveal our sin and purify us. May we all present ourselves as living sacrifices. Holy. Acceptable. This is our spiritual act of worship. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be an acceptable offering to you today. O precious Lord, our rock and redeemer.

Exposing My Junk

Writing this blog sometimes takes me to uncomfortable places.

Sharing things most wouldn't want to share.

Today is one of those "sometimes."

You see, the Word of God can be very offensive.

Truth offends my sin.

And exposes all of my junk.

To be quite frank, my sin gets quite happy with its dirty fingernails under my skin.

But as we now know, the law of the Lord is clean (v.9).

And clean opposes filth.

My filthy sin must flee when confronted by the law.

Or consequences follow.... Bondage.

Warning: The Word just might offend your sin, too. Just sayin'.

Grab your Bible, pen, journal, coffee and settle in...

Psalm 19:12, 13 - A Humble Response to the Law

Psalm 19:11 says that by the Law we are warned. God's Word warns us of danger.

The Word discerns our error. (v. 12)

Error: (shĕgiy'ah) the root form of this word means "a sin committed through inadvertence or oversight. A result of inattention."

Read that again. Error is sin committed due to a lack of attention.

This is ringing all sorts of bells.

Sit with this a moment. Does the law of the Lord lack attention in your life? Where are we overlooking God? What is going on in your soul that may be a result of inattention to His Word?

Let's keep reading...

(12) Who can discern his errors?

Declare me innocent from hidden faults.

(13) Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me.

David humbly prays, Declare me innocent! In Hebrew, this phrase translates as, "Empty me! Purify me! Purge me of impurities!"

Today we're going to boil SIN down in two categories:

Hidden Sin and Presumptuous Sin

You could make two columns on a sheet of paper and compare.

Hidden sin (cathar) is secret and concealed. Hidden from others or ourselves. Or both. Hidden sin can be subtle.

Just as nothing is hidden from the heat of the sun (v.6), the law searches the soul and exposes every nook and cranny.

For me, I think of hidden sin as bitterness, pride, selfishness, arrogance, laziness, negligence.

And sassy-ness. Is that a word? Well, it is now. I can be full of sinful sassy-ness...just ask Brent.

Presumptuous Sin is an obvious over-stepping of boundary. The Hebrew root word of presumptuous is zed and means arrogant, proud, insolent, bold-faced, inflated and disrespectful.

In so many words it is a good, ol' fashion "I know I'm not suppose to do it but I'm doin' it anyway" sin.

So here's the WARNING: These sins will have DOMINION over us if we are not "declared innocent."

Sin's authority grows larger the longer we stay in it. Sin tries to take ownership.

Let me tell you, it is hard to run towards Christ with a big, ball and chain of sin bound to our ankles.

So...The Lord has given me a vision, a picture of sorts, representative of my soul. The law is exposing my nooks and crannies.

Here's a peek.



Five. Count them FIVE junk drawers in my kitchen.

This can't be normal.

Two? Maybe. Three? O.K.
But not five.

Here's the deal, if you walk into my house you would THINK that I am a very organized person. And I am - most of the time. But certain areas get so overwhelming for me (hence all this stuff) that I don't have a clue where to start. Or what to do with it all. I need help. I need fresh eyes to look at my junk and help me sort it out.

Did I mention how ashamed I am of all this junk? Heaven forbid you ask for a pen. "Ummm. I'll get it. You stay there."

So, as much as it hurts, I'm exposing my junk. Both in my kitchen and in my soul.

The Lord has revealed some hidden sin. I want to share it with you....

In my next blog.

I will be asking Him and asking you for fresh eyes to help me sort it all out.

In the meantime, ask the Lord to discern your error. What hidden sin does His Word long to expose? What presumptuous sin has dominion over you? Is an area out of control?

Any overwhelming junk drawers?

Oh, Lord declare us innocent.

"All discoveries of sin should drive us to the throne of grace, there to pray." - M. Henry

Love you all.

For the rest of our Psalm 19 study click here.

What Is Your Core Doing?

When I teach a spin class, I try and encourage participants to be mindful of their abdominal muscles. I yell, "What are your abs doing?!"

I'm sure they all want to slap me. I would want to slap me.

But the core is very important.

Our bodies form how we train it. If I am doing sit-ups with my belly pooched out, my belly will form with a pooch. Similarly, a spin class is easier if you involve your core. Running is easier. Lifting weights is easier. The core muscles assist the entire body.

In a similar fashion, today I am asking myself, "What's my core doing?"

My spiritual core, that is.

My soul.

What is your soul doing today?

Is it refreshed? Heavy? Encouraged? Overwhelmed? Revived? Discouraged?

Take a few minutes to ask yourself, "What's my soul doing today?" Journal if you've got one.

Psalm 19:7-11 - Addressing the Soul.

David is reflecting and celebrating the Law. The Torah to be exact. The Torah are the five books telling of God's revelation to Moses - The Mosaic Law. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Well, conviction falls on me. I can honestly say I have never specifically celebrated the book of Numbers. Or Leviticus.

It's hard to celebrate what I don't know much about. I want to know it. And rejoice.

David knew the Law. He loved the law.

The word LAW has a negative connotation. But let's allow the Lord to transform our minds in regards. (Romans 12:2)

God's law is opposite of negative. His Word is instruction to us. Direction. His Law serves as a divine guideline to light our path. To break our chains. His Law is Freedom.

This morning, we are going to study all that David says about the Law of the Lord.

If you have chosen to participate in memorizing this Psalm, take some time to rewrite vv.7-11.

I have my memorization sheet taped to my dashboard. Watch me have an accident and try to explain... "Well officer, you see...I have this blog...."

v.7 The Law of the Lord is perfect reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

v.8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

v. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

v. 10 More to be desired tare they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

v. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
In keeping them is great reward.

This text is full of adjectives describing the Law and explaining its benefits.

Today, let's look at each word, in its expanded form, using a Strong's Hebrew dictionary.

The Law of the Lord

*Perfect - Complete. It lacks nothing.

*Reviving the soul - Converting. To return back

*Sure - True, certain.

*Wise - Kindred to the word Judge.

*Right - Straightforward, Correct

*Rejoicing the heart - Making merry. Leaping for joy.

*Pure - Unmixed with evil

*Enlightening - To refresh, to gladden.

*Righteous - In the right. Just.

*Clean - Opposing filth and pollution

*Enduring forever - To stand firm. Remain.

*True - Reliable. Stable.

Reading all of this reminds me of Philippians 4:8.

Whatever is true, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about such things.

I see why we are instructed to meditate...to mutter the Word day and night. It is worthy of praise. It is pure. Arguably, the only thing left sacred in this world.

What do you think of when you read over these adjectives? What rises up in you?

I can't help but question myself. What am I thinking about?

I love that the Law is clean. Isn't that an interesting choice of words? It is the OPPOSITE OF POLLUTION. In a world bent on filling our minds with filth, I need a clean word.

And I am struck by the Word's ability to RETURN the soul. I have been to that place. Several times actually. I need my soul to return to the Lord. To his Law.

Does your soul need a good turn?

An about face? A 180?

The Law has the power to convert the soul. To revive it.

So what is the condition of your soul today? What are you thinking on? What is the Lord revealing to you?

Share if you feel led.

Reflect, pray and refresh this morning in the perfect Law of the Lord.

A Recount of Creation - Psalm 19

I am so excited this morning. I am thankful for the response to study Psalm 19 in depth this week. I am encouraged by your hunger for the Word. Let us not be casual readers. Let us be students of His Word.

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you. Ephesians 1:17

I pray our spiritual eyes would be opened to His Word. To the greater depths of scripture. To Psalm 19.

Let's get started.

I've got my coffee.
Bible - check.
Pen - check.
Highlighter - check.
Journal - check.
And....a blank note card or paper....for memorization. Check. You too.

Yes, lets memorize this passage. Oh yes, you can. Word for word. I'll tell you why you can...Jesus says in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us, who lives within every believer, will teach us all things and bring to our remembrance all that God says to us.

So there you go. How's that for some encouragement? You don't have to do all the work...He will. The Holy Spirit will remind you.

We are going to break Psalm 19 into three parts.

Part One - A recount of creation v. 1-6
Part Two - The Law addresses the soul v. 7-11
Part Three - A humble response to the law v. 12-14

Today we will focus only on v. 1-6. Take some time to rewrite these six verses on a separate sheet of paper or a few note cards. This is going with me everywhere today. I commit to memorization and meditation.

Psalm 19
1) The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2) Day to day pours out speech
and night to night reveals knowledge.

3) There is no speech, nor are there words
whose voice is not heard.

4) Their voice goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5) which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber
and like a strong man runs his course with joy.

6) Its rising is from the end of the heavens
and its circuit to the end of them
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

I wonder what David sounded like when he sang this verse. I envision him sitting in a green field, looking at the sky, hands raised, celebrating His Maker. In awe of His creation. In awe of the Heavens.

Confession...so I sang this psalm to the Lord. Out of tune. Painful to the natural ear. I tell you, if God was an eye roller, He would have been rolling those Holy eyes. Getting a big kick out of me, I'm sure.

In praise and adoration, David is recounting the glory of God and the divine story that creation tells.

V.1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

* The Heavens - Shamayim - The visible universe. Atmosphere. The abode of the stars.

* The atmosphere, the sky in all its expanse - This is David's focus.

* The heavens declare, this word means to CELEBRATE, the glory of God.

*Glory - Kabowd meaning abundance, riches, honour, splendor, dignity, reputation, reverence.

Piecing back together....The visible universe, the Heavens, celebrate the SPLENDOR, the RICHES, the ABUNDANCE of God. His REPUTATION rests in his Creation. His Dignity celebrated in the abode of the stars.

What a reputation!

V. 2
Day to day pours out speech.
* Pours - naba meaning to utter, publish, tell.
* Speech - omer meaning a word of poetic language, especially used in the words of God.

So... the Day publishes God's poetic language. His Glory, His Splendor is published, like poetry, in the Heavens. In the expanse of the sky.

Night to Night reveals knowledge.
* Reveals - chavah meaning to breathe out. Hence to declare, to show, a word used in poetry instead of prosaic.

This makes me want to change my blog to joyfulchavah! (cymbal cling!)

Oh my. The English major in me is LOVING ALL OF THIS. Do you see?

The night REVEALS...it breathes out knowledge (discernment and understanding) to us like POETRY.

Def. -Poetry - the productions of a poet. Something likened to poetry, especially in beauty of expression.

God doesn't just write to us in prose. He's a Poet. He expresses Himself in the beauty of the heavens. The sky. Day. Night.

And His poetry is translated in every tongue. The wordless voice of nature is silent, yet speaks in every language.

V. 3&4
There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
* Voice - qav means sound. The string of a harp.

Their SOUND goes out through all the earth - sounding as the string of a harp.

He's a poet and a musician.

His creation, the heavens, the sky, day and night is like a poem, written to you, set to the sound of a harp. Amazing.

V. 4b-6
In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes our like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The whole bridegroom analogy makes me blush - just a little. A newlywed groom, leaving his wedding chamber. Yes. Does anyone else find this a bit funny? What a comparison! And how accurate.

Rarely will a man's face shine more brightly.

The sun: Nothing more brilliant. Nothing hidden from its heat. It's tabernacle the sky - for all to see. Glorious.

This thought will lead us into the next section, Part Two: The Law Addresses the Soul. The ever-searching, all-covering, brilliant, pure and perfect law of the Lord. Nothing is hidden from Him.

Today, as you meditate on this passage...celebrate Him. His reputation is before us. On display. Nothing hidden.

Now this is poetry.

Will you join me? Day One.

I have a question for you...

Would you consider being part of an indepth study this week? With me? I would love it.

Lately, I am just SO hungry.

Hungry for knowledge and wisdom from the Word. This Book is life. I'm just crazy about it. Proverbs says to call out for insight and to raise your voice for understanding. To seek wisdom like silver and search for it like hidden treasure. (v.3&4).

We'll, I'm all in.

I pray we would be a generation that knows the Law of the Lord. I pray we would not just read the Word, but experience it. Taste it. Do it.

I can't get enough of Psalm 19. Every time I read it, I see something new.

I challenge you today (as I am myself) to read this passage. Not passively. But really read it. Pray over it. Experience it. Ingest it.

I will be doing the same. Check back in as we will break it down.

Are you in? I'd love to know. Leave a comment.

Love you all.

Psalm 19 - The Law of the LORD is Perfect

1) The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2) Day to day pours out speech

and night to night reveals knowledge.

3) There is no speech, nor are there words

whose voice is not heard.

4) Their voice goes out through all the earth

and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5) which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber

and like a strong man runs his course with joy.

6) Its rising is from the end of the heavens

and its circuit to the end of them

and there is nothing hidden from its heat.


7) The law of the Lord is perfect,

reviving the soul;

the testimony of the Lord is sire

making wise the simple;

8) the precepts of the Lord are right;

rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the Lord is pure

enlightening the eyes;

9) the fear of the Lord is clean,

enduring forever;

the rules of the Lord are true,

and righteous altogether,

10) More to be desired are they than gold

even much fine gold;

sweeter than honey

and drippings of the honeycomb.

11) Moreover,by them is your servants warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.


12) Who can discern his errors?

Declare me innocent from hidden faults.

13) Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me!

Then shall I be blameless,

and innocent of great transgression.

14) Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.