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March 21 - Psalm 124

3/19/2015

Photo ©2015 Rebekah Hamblett

It is amazing that every time we read the Bible we come across a message that can be applied to whatever we are going through. I believe that Psalm 124 is one of those messages.

We don’t know for certain all the problems that were disturbing the people involved in this message. We do know that life appeared to be very difficult for them. It appears that they didn’t know which way to turn, but David was willing to try and give them an answer to their problems. He told them that no matter how difficult things were, they did have someone to turn to who understood what they were facing. He told them that God our Heavenly Father was there to be their guide and strength if only they would call on Him.

This is a very short Psalm, only 8 verses, but it has a very strong message for us today as it did for those people back then. The first five verses speak to their problems, while the last three speak of a comforter – God – who will always be with them during their time of need. Although this Psalm was written a long time ago, its message is relevant to us today.

We are living in difficult times. We have wars, lawlessness and discouragement facing us. We have people forsaking God and seeking to have His Name wiped from our vocabulary. Although it appears they are succeeding, don’t believe it. We have the very same option that the people back then had. We need to call on our Heavenly Father to comfort and guide us through these difficult times. God does hear and answers prayers. He sent His Son Jesus to Show us the way to cope with our problems.

Verses 6-8 tell us what we should do: Call on God to be our guide and strength during these times. We need to follow the teachings of Jesus and we will find the leadership to cope with all our problems.

God will always be with us. He made that promise to us in Hebrews 13:5 when He said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” This is His promise to us today, tomorrow and forever.

- Henry Fleming, Sr.

Click Here for Psalm 124

Today pray for:
Gilmanton Community Church and their pastor Christopher Stevens
Goffstown Christian Fellowship and their pastor Ed Young
Goshen Community Church and their pastor Ed Condict

March 20 - Psalm 123

3/19/2015

Photo ©2015 Stephen Payne

In Psalm 123, the writer is looking up to heaven and asking God for help. The people need compassion from God because of their oppressors. They are watching and waiting for a sign, a word from God. The people have been beaten down by the rich, arrogant bullies and are asking God’s mercy to stop the torment.

The Israelites in the Old Testament believed God was in heaven and decided who would receive mercy. They believed God alone held the power to make the oppressors behave differently. When Jesus came, He gave us the teachings to get off our knees, stand up and in our God-given power to make changes in ourselves and in the world.

Jesus said, Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.

Jesus gave mercy freely to sinners and those sinned against. He forgave Peter for running away in fear and denying their friendship. In his last moments before his death he forgave a murderer and those responsible for his death. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” His last lesson as teacher, friend and Son of God - MERCY.

Forgiveness is a choice. It sounds so simple, yet can also be complicated. How do we forgive and forget a grave injustice or a personal hurt that is so painful? We don’t have to forget to forgive. We see injustices all around us and it is true that there are wrongs that are done to us. Yet, God sees all. By forgiving someone else, we heal ourselves. By being compassionate and forgiving others who have hurt us, we receive the blessing as well.

If we give mercy, we will receive mercy in return; at some time, in some way, from someone. That is how life works. What we give, we get back in return. We never know when or how or who will be the giver. It is a small miracle!

I believe Shakespeare was referring to the Bible when he wrote this beautiful passage:
The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath.
It is twice blessed: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
…It is an attribute to God himself.

Mercy, compassion, kindness - all of this is love. When we give these precious gifts to others, we will know we have also received a gift by the feeling we get. We will feel the love and grace of God.
- Donna Dia Colletti-Lowre

Donna has composed a chant for this day’s reflection titled, “Mercy, Compassion and Kindness.”

Click Here for the Chant

Click Here for Psalm 123

Today pray for:
Georgia Plain Baptist Church
Gilford Community Church and their pastor Michael Graham
Isabel Rivera, Second Vice-President, ABC/VNH

March 19 - Psalm 122

3/19/2015

Photo ©2015 Malcolm Hamblett

The psalmist reveals the joy that she or he feels in responding to the invitation, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” (v. 1.) Today, as I hear that invitation, I am reminded of the invitation of Jesus who charges us to “seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). I sense his joy as he further assures us that as we do make that our first priority, then “all things shall be yours as well.”

The Kingdom of God is indeed our true home. And as we fully awaken to the truth of who we are as the very children of God, then we discover that we are indeed exactly as we were created to be. We are precisely and exquisitely created to be the very face of God in human form. Indeed, when we expect to find and then see the face of Christ in our sister and brother, then we recognize the Christ in ourselves. This is the consequence of seeking first the Kingdom of God, whose very nature is Love. Every thought of love reveals the presence of God. Every act of forgiveness extends the Love of God. And as we embrace this truth of who we are as the very children of God, that eternal joy of Heaven is added unto us by way of remembering who we really are.

Herein we recognize that all of humankind is one family. Herein we may rejoice with the psalmist who declares, “For my brethren and companions’ sake I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’ For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good” (vv. 8-9).

- Kenneth Fiery

Click Here for Psalm 122

Today pray for:
United Church of Fairfax and their pastor Katherine Arthaud
Community Church of Christ, Franconia and their pastor Barry Jacobson
The Baptist Church, Franklin and their interim pastor Gary Andy

March 18 - Psalm 121

3/19/2015

Photo ©2015 Esther Martindale

Click Here for Psalm 121

Psalm 121 is the second Psalm of “Ascent”. Psalms, many believe, were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the celebration of a holiday. This Psalm is a reflection of an individual as “he” walks toward the mountains.

The individuals of ancient times viewed the mountains in many ways. There were bandits hiding in the mountains; ancient pagan religions built their shrines on mountains; and for Israel, Jerusalem was built on the mountains; Jerusalem the “Holy City”.

The traveler’s reflections quickly turn from the mountains to God, whom he acknowledges is the only one who can provide protection everywhere. The traveler therefore places his trust in God.

He then goes on to state that God’s protection is even in the smallest of things: “He will not let your foot slip.” This protection is constant as God never sleeps; here the reflection speaks to the pagans who thought their “gods” often dozed off.

In verse four the traveler moves the idea of the protection to Israel, that is, to God’s people. What is first ex-pressed in individual terms now turns to the fellowship of believers. Here we also see again a strong emphasis on God’s protection, as expressed with the word “watch” being repeated three times in verses 3, 4, and 5. Finally, the Psalm closes by moving into the future: God’s protection will always be present.

As Christians, the reading of this Psalm should provide an assurance that God is with us in all our circumstances of life. While it is not a guarantee that nothing will harm us, it is an assurance that in those difficult situations of life, “God is with us.” As Christians, in reading this Psalm, we can affirm that God’s grace and love are present in countless ways. Ultimately, His protection extends to all of life so that we do not succumb to the seduction of Satan.

- George Faul

Today pray for:
Union Church, Community in Christ, East Westmoreland, a new church start, and their pastor Donna Gage
First Baptist Church, Exeter and their pastor Dee Swilling
Rich Warren, First Vice-President, ABC/VNH

March 17 - Psalm 120

3/15/2015

Photo ©2015 Esther Martindale

The first of fifteen 'songs of ascents' as pilgrims traveled up to Jerusalem ... perhaps as they moved up steps. The Psalms were usually memorized. The next two Psalms suggest a journey that ends in Jerusalem. The speaker in the Psalm may even have been outside the land.

As the Psalm begins, the author talks about his frequent distress, both personal and on behalf of the community. He is speaking from his own daily experience... and also those of others... lying lips and deceitful lives.

Verses 3 and 4 call for justice to be done... arrows and coals visited upon them.... the deceitful, perhaps even upon me, in my failing journey toward peace. Meschech... Ezekiel 32:26, and Kedar... Isaiah 21:16-17, represent all those who really hate peace.

Distress and deceitful enemies are made personal with questions that end in proclamation of the promise of justice. There is a sense of us and them, as families have gathered as the larger, self-anointed family of God, even the chosen ones. They may be claiming their need for God after returning from exile. The words of the Psalm are both present and future.

Questions for discussion
1. Where am I in this Psalm?
2. What are the signs of my lies and deceit?
3. Describe the deceitful tongue.
4. Who are the liars today?
5. Do we really want justice?
6. What will that justice look like?
7. What would that justice accomplish?
8. Define and describe peace.
9. Who are those in my family, community, nation who hate peace?
10. Why have I lived among the peace-haters?
11. Why are they for war?
12. How do I, alone and with others, build peace?

- Richard Dutton

Click Here for Psalm 120

Today pray for:
East Hampton Union Church and their pastor Paul Sweet
East Washington Baptist Church and their pastor John Ward
Preparations for the Annual Gathering

March 16 - Psalm 134

3/15/2015

Photo ©2015 Stephen Payne

The Blessing of the Lord Continually

Before I was a pastor I was a worship leader at a church in Brattleboro, VT. We used to sing Psalm 134 and I thought, "This has to be the best job in the world. Being hired to serve the Lord in His house all night long, just worshiping God, singing and playing my guitar, lifting up my hands in the sanctuary and blessing Him in praise and worship”

The Message Version of Psalm 134 calls it "A Pilgrim Song" This is the last of the Psalms or Songs of Accent. This was probably the closing song of worship. It’s a wonderful exhortation to “bless the Lord.” One can picture the Israelites as pilgrim travelers singing as families journeyed out of the sanctuary and on to the dusty roads heading home to the villages of Israel. They had spent time in festive worship at one of their annual feasts, Passover, Pentecost or Tabernacles, in Jerusalem. They would be sad to leave the fellowship of families and friends but also joyful having been spiritually filled being in the holy city, Jerusalem, and in the house of the Lord. They would go back to their homes, to their work of farming or fishing or carpentry, and raising their families in the ways of the Lord.

Psalm 134, as I see it, is a two-fold exhortation. I can see the Pilgrims going by the sanctuary at night, seeing through the window holes the servants or priests whose job it was to remain in the holy place and spend the whole night in worship of the Lord. They knew the worship of God must continue day and night to call down the blessing of the Lord. The Pilgrims would sing and shout to them inside, “Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.” This would encourage and exhort the priests to keep up the prayer, praise and worship of God and not let their hands down. “Keep it up men! Don’t fall asleep on us! You need to bless the Lord at all times, night and day! Then we will have the blessing of the Lord upon us and God will be pleased!”

Sort of a similar word is found in Hebrews 13:15-16, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

Now upon hearing those words from outside the priests would shout back a blessing upon the pilgrim travelers;
“The LORD who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion!” It was as if those inside were saying, “Don’t worry, we will. We’re blessing you back with our benediction for you!”

This Psalm exhorts us in the pews and pulpits to “Bless the Lord!” As David said, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Through the cross and our High Priest, Jesus, we have access continually into the very presence of God in His throne room anywhere we are. No traveling required. God will respond to our continued praise, prayers and worship. The blessing of the Lord’s presence and power will be upon us. Never underestimate the power of prayer, praise, giving thanks and worship.

As we make our accent to Rutland and the Annual Gathering this year and return home to the towns and villages of Vermont and New Hampshire, let’s remember to “Bless the Lord” continually and bless each other to bring down the blessing of “the Lord who made heaven and earth.”

- John Brigham

Click Here for Psalm 134

Today pray for:
Danville Baptist Church and their pastor David Hammer
First Baptist Church, Derry and their pastor Malcolm Widness
Edie Brigham, President, ABC/VNH

March 15 - Psalm 133

3/15/2015

Photo of Mt. Hermon ©2015 Stephen Hammond

This short, 3 verse Psalm reminds me of the song of racial equality, “We shall overcome,” especially the verse, “We’ll walk hand in hand.” It is a vision and a celebration of God's promises.

Some commentaries suggest that David may simply be celebrating and promoting the unity within the kingdom when he was anointed king. Others suggest that maybe he is celebrating the renewed unity after the division caused by the revolt of his son Absalom. Still others suggest that by starting with the word "Behold," David is recognizing a contrast between what is desired and the reality of the divisions that still need healing within his kingdom. The fact that this Psalm was considered important enough to include in the book of Psalms indicates that in any case this was a song that resonated with the people and their desire for unity.
Perhaps, in the gathering of people walking together to a festival at the temple in Jerusalem, David saw an example of what he hoped his kingdom would eventually be like - everyone walking in the same direction, with the same purpose and goal. Perhaps the people also felt this desire for the perfect unity that God desires for us. Even today we can identify with this desire for a more complete unity.

In order for us to overcome the world and establish the kingdom of God, we need to show the world that we can work together as one body of Christ. We need to embrace our differences as to what makes us able to be more effective as the body of Christ. With our differences we can reach out to more people in many differ-ent situations and in many different cultures. As the body of Christ, we recognize one head, Jesus Christ, and we must work together to be the eyes, ears, hands, feet, and voices to do the work that Jesus calls us to do. It is in the unity of the Holy Spirit that we are called to coordinate our words and actions so that we can walk and work together as the body of Christ.

In the second verse, the mention of the anointing oil that is poured out on a king or a high priest reminds us of the blessings that God has provided for each of us. These words evoke the feeling of God’s blessings flowing down over our heads and faces, and even our clothes, to drip on our feet. We are blanketed with the warmth of God’s love as the blessings rain down upon us. Isaiah 61:3 refers to the anointing oil as the “oil of joy.”
Commentator Albert Barnes suggests that “the whole man was consecrated, or was ‘united’ in the consecration. It was not merely the head, but the beard, the raiment, the entire person, that partook of the fragrance of the anointing oil. Thus love in a Christian community is so abundant - so overflowing - that it spreads over all the spiritual body, the church; the same sweet and holy influence, represented by the oil of anointing, pervades all, and combines all in one.”

And in the third verse we are filled with joy at the knowledge that living in unity and enjoying God’s blessings provide life for us - real life, eternal life, fulfilling life.

The dew on Mount Herman is said to be a heavy dew that waters the plants each day. Dew is not heavy handed or overpowering. Dew arrives gently, refreshing, and revitalizing the plants on the mountainside. This is a physical as well as a spiritual renewal that we seek.

Water draws us together and where the dew is abundant, plant life flourishes. We all need water and without water we will not survive. Where the Lord bestows his blessing of the “Living Water” of the Holy Spirit, our spiritual life flourishes and we can live in unity as children of God, even into eternal life with God.

- George Keeler

Click Here for Psalm 133

Today pray for:
United Baptist Church, Concord and their pastor David Denis
United Church of Cornish and their pastor Dale Louise Nicholas
United Church of Danbury and their interim pastor Henry Frost

March 14 - Psalm 132

3/10/2015

Photo ©2015 John Brigham

Psalm 132 presents a dramatic picture of God’s People coming into his Presence in the Temple in Jerusalem to worship Him. There is an enthusiasm in the scene, and an excitement in the actions of the pilgrims coming before God. This Psalm reflects an activity familiar to the readers; they themselves had made this journey many times to come into God’s Presence.

Over many years, and many such journeys, they had learned the words, the accompanying tunes, the actions and reactions programmed into the event. With dignity and precision they sang and danced their way to worship. Woven into the rituals were their feelings of excitement and joy, their assurance that God was there, waiting for them, that He might bless them when they came before Him.

King David (vv. 1-5) was determined to find a place for God within his nation, among his people, that they might come there to worship Him. He made a pledge that this was his one priority. Part two (vv. 6-10) spreads the word to all who will hear, that they are to go with joy to gather together before God’s priests, in worship. “The Lord has chosen Zion” (vs.13) affirms that this is all clothed in the vows between God and David, reflecting, as stated elsewhere, that “He would be their God, and they would be his people” (Leviticus 26:10).

The focus then moves from David to God, from the Old Testament God to the promised Messiah, our Savior and Lord. He will wear the crown and the people will be strong and joyous in their response.

We come, many centuries later, not on foot, travelling to Jerusalem, not to an earthly king, but to the King of Kings, who is with us. “Where two or three come together in my Name,” He has promised, “there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

Mathew’s Gospel concludes with the words of Christ at the end of his earthly visit: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (28:20). Wherever the place, whenever the time, whatever the occasion, we make our way to God through Christ, with praise and joy, with enthusiasm and delight – just as the pilgrims from David’s day had done! Let us praise this ever-present God of all the ages! Amen!

- Russell Petrie

Click Here for Psalm 132

Today pray for:
Grace River: A Life-Giving Church, Claremont and their pastor David Crosby
United Church of Colchester and their pastor Joshua Steely
Region Staff: Joy Choquette, Assistant for Communications and Development

March 13 - Psalm 131

3/10/2015

Photo ©2015 John Brigham

O Yahweh, my heart, my first reaction as I come to pray this Psalm is a question: If one claims to have learned not to be proud and haughty, have they really learned it? I am reminded of a dear sister in Christ who used to jokingly say: “Humility is my best virtue.”

Dear loving Father, let the opening words of this Psalm, for me, be a plea rather than a proclamation. Lord, help me surrender my proud heart and haughty eyes, trusting absolutely in Your plans and purposes. I pray as George Whitefield prayed for humility: “Lord, help me begin to begin.”

Oh, that I could trustingly rest in your presence as the contented child in her mother’s arms. The Jerusalem Bible puts it this way: “Enough for me to keep my soul tranquil and quiet like a child in its mother’s arms, as content as a child that has been weaned.”

Help me rely totally on You “now and for always!”

I am reminded that Spurgeon said of Psalm 131: “One of the shortest psalms to read, but one of the longest to learn.”

- Carolyn Clarke

Click Here for Psalm 131

Today pray for:
Congregational-Baptist Church, Chester, NH, and their interim pastor Duke Gray
First Baptist Church, Chester, VT, and their pastor Tom Charlton
Chocorua Community Church and their interim pastor Cliff Vendt

March 12 - Psalm 130

3/10/2015

Photo ©2015 John Brigham

A Cry from the Deepest Depths

I suppose that by definition a Song of Ascent doesn’t start on the mountaintop. To ascend, one must commence from a low place: a lowland valley perhaps, or at least the shoulder of the mountain. Yet at the start of Psalm 130, the author isn’t ascending. He is drowning. Drowning, and sinking down – deep, down where all is dark and cold and seemingly both helpless and beyond help.

It’s a fearful thing, that sense that you are drowning. Panic takes hold, the heart pounds, and fear rules as the waters close over you and everything starts to go black. So you kick and splash and scream with a raging and reckless desperation. Neither dignity nor shame matter. There is only grasping at the hopeless hope of survival, because you can only be saved if someone hears you and comes from above to rescue you.

I recall one April morning when I tipped a canoe in the snow swollen Pemigewasset River. In spite of a life jacket, I barely kept my head out of the frigid water as waves and rocks sent me tumbling. Just as the full seriousness of my situation began to sink in, I was able to splash my way to the shore. I felt that fear then.

Much later in life, I found myself at the edge of a personal crisis brought on by business breakdown, financial failure and the threat of ruined relationships. I was in danger of losing the most important things in my life. About all I could do was cry out to God, even as I watched myself going under. I was a drowning watchman.
At that moment someone came to me to remind me that God does not keep an account book of our iniquities. In place of tallies, sums, and balance sheets, God stamps “FORGIVEN” on the page of our lives, in the red ink of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, we can be sure that God hears our cries. Because of Christ, God’s redemption is indeed plentiful. In Christ, God has demonstrated his steadfast love.

I was not instantly dry after crawling out of the river, but I was safe. Likewise, I lived with the results of my life crisis for years after the worst was over – indeed, I’m still living with it, still pulling barnacles out of my britches. But because of the grace and mercy available through Jesus Christ, I knew that I have never been utterly lost.

So I understand the strange thing the psalmist says, “…there is forgiveness that you may be feared.” The rescued certainly feels a kind of awe for the rescuer. Forgiveness wielded like this is fearsome in its beauty. Accusations (“You got yourself into this…”) create defiance. Indictments (“It’s your fault…”) generate defensiveness. Unexpected and extravagant mercy engenders gratitude so profound that fear might not be too strong a word. Ordinary fear paralyzes and kills. The mercy of God causes a holy fear that frees us, gives us life and raises us up to high and holy places.

And so our redemption is indeed plentiful. Praise God for his steadfast love.
- David Denis

Click Here for Psalm 130

Today pray for:
Community Church of Sandwich, Center Sandwich and their pastor Marshall Davis
Third Baptist Church, Center Strafford and their pastor Harold Muzzey
Region Staff: Kathleen Blackey, Media Coordinator