Psalms 120-134 are known as the “Psalms of Ascent,”  or “Pilgrim Psalms.”  They were sung by those who journeyed (ascended) to the temple for the annual festivals.  Each psalm represented a “step” toward Jerusalem, the highest elevation in the area.

We are assured by the Lord that He always watches over us as we journey through this life.  Whether sleeping, on the surgery table, at the beach, or in our car, He has His watchful eye out for our well being.  We can rest in His love.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, thank You for Your care and Your diligence to keep us safe.  Watch over those we love today.  We trust You above all else.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 120-34

“… they are the joy of my heart.” So declares the Psalmist in ch. 119:111, another insight into building a family heritage that will last forever.

Jesus likened a wise family builder to one who used the bedrock of God’s Word to provide the foundation necessary to endure the challenges of this life.

Look for creative, consistent methods of weaving the fabric of God’s Word into your family’s tapestry.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, Your statutes are eternal.  We choose to build our lives upon the words of life You give.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 119

Christian descendants enjoy protection, provision, and perpetuation.  These are all  made very clear in the reading of Ps. 112:

A Godly Heritage is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

Wise parents, empowered by God’s grace, follow Joshua’s example by proclaiming “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Josh. 24:15b

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, keep our children under Your umbrella of blessing.  Help us to be Godly parents and daily demonstrate to them how to trust You fully.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 111-8

Although our challenges may be different than those of the Psalmist, we can experience the same deliverance.  Financial straights, health challenges, relational struggles … all can be remedied by assistance from the Lord.

“But I am a man of prayer” was the specific way the Psalmist identified his course of action as he experienced the height of his challenge.  Can we begin appropriating our deliverance by doing likewise?

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, we commit ourselves to prayer concerning our challenges.  Forgive us for trusting in our own resources or devices.  You alone are our Deliverer.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 107-10

Psalm 104-6 provide the worshiper with a summary overview of God as Creator and Controller of the elements.  “How many are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you made them all.” [104:24]

When we maintain a healthy perspective of the Lord’s greatness through consistently reading His Word, we are less inclined to fall into the stupor of unbelief and spiritual apathy which rob us of the abundance of life offered through His Spirit.

“Remember the wonders he has done.”  [Ps. 105:5]

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord of creation, we are in awe of Your greatness.  Show Your mighty power through our lives and let us live a miraculous existence.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 104-6

Really? Just read Ps. 101 and tell me if it doesn’t describe today’s TV.

• ^“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:”  v. 3a
  
• “I hate what faithless [Hollywood] people do;  I will have no part in it.”  v. 3b
• “The perverse of heart shall be far from me;  I will have nothing to do with what is evil.”  v.4
  
• “Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret [late night],  I will put to silence [turn it off];”  v. 5a
  
• “whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart [well, duh…],  I will not tolerate.” v. 5b

I’m guilty, too.

DAILY PRAYER:  Help us, Father.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 98-103

In 1969, I was drafted into the U.S. Army.  The Viet Nam war was still in full swing.  As I went off to basic training, Patty and I memorized Ps. 91 together so we would have God’s Word to hold onto for protection.  It worked.  He was faithful.

Although trained for combat as an infantry foot soldier, I was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone where we were blessed to live off base.  Julie was born there.  The Lord had diverted my orders from the war.

He showed us His ability to protect.  In His care is the safest place in the universe.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, You are our shelter and hiding place. In You we take refuge from every danger we experience.  We live in faith.  We live without fear.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 91-7

The Psalmist declared about David’s God, “My hand will sustain him.”  Jesus is the strong right arm and hand of the Lord.

In the way a foot applied to the piano’s sustain pedal allows the tone to play on and on, so God keeps us going when we have our feet on Jesus, the Rock.  Paul said, “Be followers of me AS I follow Christ.”  He described Christ as being the “cornerstone” of our faith.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, my feet are firmly planted on You.  I trust You for strength and wisdom for this day.  I commit this day to You.  Sustain me.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 88-90

Again, the Psalmist declares, “Love [mercy] and faithfulness [truth] meet together;  righteousness and peace kiss each other.”  (Ps. 85:10) More words to prophetically describe our Savior, yet qualities that blend together to characterize an effective Christian leader.

The key to embodying these qualities is to have the Savior living within by His Spirit.  “We have this treasure in these earthen vessels.”  It’s Christ in us , the Hope of glory.

DAILY PRAYER:  Jesus, apart from You, we can do NOTHING.  Live in us today, speak through us today, work Your miracles through us today.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 81-87

Ps. 78 says,”And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”  God saw in him a powerful combination of these two elements and chose him to be Israel’s leader.

His years of communion with God as he watched the sheep, and his music and protection skills which kept them safe and content, were preparations for becoming a great king and leader for his people.

Seek integrity of heart through devotion to God.  Seek skill through practice and education.  Allow God to prepare you for greater leadership opportunities.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, prepare us for our callings here in this life.  Lead us to make wise decisions concerning our future.  We give ourselves to You.

DAILY READING:  Ps. 77-80