Psalm 73 - "The Sanctuary of the Lord"

As I was reading through Psalm 73 today, there were two sections that caught my eye. There's 16-17 and 23-26. The first speaks about how the author couldn't understand why the wicked were allowed to prosper, while those who are righteous seemed to suffer. The author then describes how he was confused about this until he entered into the Sanctuary of the Lord and there he found the answer. 

In the second section the author repeats this theme by speaking of God's guidance and counsel. 

The reason I was so struck by this was remembering all of the times I've been confused and thinking about something for a long period of time, allowing it to consume my thoughts. I then realized that every time I've been in that situation, God always finds a way to remind me to return to Him. As soon as I come to Him, He speaks truth to my heart. Usually it's frustrating because it seems to have nothing to do with my problem. But through this truth, God reveals the bigger problem -- my inner problem. 

I think think this says a lot about God's character. For me personally, God corrects me internally which then allows me to look at things from His perspective. His desire is that I'm bettered. His desire is for me to know Him more intimately and, because of that, see the world from His eyes. 

So in the end: God desires true relationship. Out of this relationship, we can learn how to properly relate to the world. Out of our proper relation to the world, we point others back to God. He's just cool like that. 

Psalm 146-150 "Praise the Lord"

This weeks Psalm project is a culminative work of the last 5 Psalms, 146-150. These Psalms are very themed and centered around praising God. Knowing that, my project will make sense to you...

It's been almost 4 months I've been here in Taiwan. I've studied all but one book of the New Testament (Matthew). Until now, I can honestly say that I'd never read a book of the Bible all the way through before, at least I don't remember it. God, in all His goodness has given me so much during this time. He's shown that He is provider in so many different ways than financially. Through this time, I'm learning to lean on Him for everything. When I don't feel like I have any strength left, He's showing me an area I'm not relying on Him. I've learned that in order to keep moving forward, I must keep moving deeper. God has shown over and over again that He loves me too much to let my heart stay in the state it's in. I used to think that as I got closer and closer to Him, I'd feel higher and higher, more on top of the world, happy all of the time and never having any problems. I realize, now, how wrong that is. Of course, with a deeper relationship with Him comes so much security, joy and peace. But getting closer to God is becoming more like Christ. Christ suffered for the sake of the world's salvation. We can expect that as we grow closer to God, and become more like Christ, we'll suffer like He did. History is filled with those who have had such relationships with God. They're the ones we talk about, the ones we want to be like. As I push forward in this life, I'm resigned and joyful to suffer for the cause of Christ.

This is how I will praise Him. I will praise Him with my life.

Psalm 22 - I Will Persevere

Written by Jeremiah Ishikawa and Tommy Leinonen for the Weekly SBS Psalms Project

I will run this race
No matter how much it takes
I will persevere, I will persevere

Though temptation calls
Though dark shadows fall
I will persevere, I will persevere

Though it's hard, I will trust You
Though it's hard, I believe in You
You are all You say You are
And for all You say You are
I will persevere

When I cannot see
Your light is all that's guiding me
I will persevere, I will persevere

When all hope is lost
No matter how great the cost
I will persevere, I will persevere

Though it's hard, I will trust You
Though it's hard, I believe in You, I believe in You
Though it's hard, I will trust You ( I will trust You)
Though it's hard, I believe in You, I believe in You
And when all my strength is gone
And I cannot carry on
In You I'll persevere
In You I'll persevere

Psalms 90 - Everlasting God

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Psalm 1 - Written by Tommy Leinonen

This is not part of the weekly SBS Psalm Project.

Lord, I bless Your Name.

                 

                I Pray that You would continue to bless mine. 

May you be worshiped forever and ever.

               May the multitudes sing Your praises, Oh God.

You alone are worthy of our awe and worship.

               May You be glorified in the highest of highs. 

Psalm 40 - The Great Deliverance - Rebecca Boudreau and Tommy Leinonen

What do I do on Monday?
  Chart.
What do I do on Tuesday?
  Chart.
What do I do on Wednesday?
  Chart.
What do I do on Thursday?
  Chart.
What do I do on Friday?
  Chart.
What do I do on Saturday?
  Chart.
What do I do on Sunday?
  Think about Monday.


What do I say on Monday?
  "He drew me from the miry bog.
What do I say on Tuesday?
  "Those who love Your salvation say, "Great is the Lord".
What do I say on Wednseday?
  "In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
  but you have given me an open ear."
What do I say on Thursday?
  "Evils have encompassed me
  beyond number, preserve me!"
What do I say on Friday?
"Be please, O Lord, to deliver me!"
What do I say on Saturday?
"I have told the glad news of Your
  deliverance in the congregation."
What do I say on Sunday?
  "As for me, I am poor and needy,
  but the Lord takes thought of me."

What do I say everyday?
  "You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!"

The Many Charts of Acts

Psalms 32 - Tommy's Story!

Photo Credit: Amanda Crowe

Interviewer: Chauncey Giancola