With the help of God’s prayer book, The Psalms, we are going to help one another give thanks for the next 21 days, ending on Thanksgiving Day. (I will return to posting on Sundays on the first Sunday of Advent.)
So often our prayer life is weak and our thanksgiving sparse. The psalms can help us strengthen our prayer life the same way a diving board can help us jump higher. My prayer life improved significantly when I started praying through the psalms daily..
Many of you are familiar with Ann VosKamp’s book One Thousand Gifts. She took the challenge of making a list of a thousand things for which she was thankful. That catapulted her from the depths of sadness to real joy. Once when she was at a friend’s home helping her set up for a meal, her friend asked:
“You’ve changed….It’s that list you’ve been making, isn’t it?”
I concentrate pouring the water steady into each empty cup. A fly cuts the surface of one full glass. I can see it. The wounding of the water.
“Yes.” There. A moment. “It’s the list.”
The wound of the water smooths…fades…heals.
The reason God commands praise of Himself, C. S. Lewis explains, is for us.
It heals our wounds.
This week we’ll get leverage help from the glorious Psalm 8.
I’ve always compared this question of David to Mary’s praise in her Magnificat, which she sang upon visiting Elizabeth:
He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant!
Can you think of a time when you, like Mary, felt the absolute amazement that the God who set the stars in place had been mindful of little you? I look back in my life to one time when I was a young Christian and prayed boldly, almost impertinently, for God to give Steve and me a daughter, but not just that, but that unless He had a better idea, that she would have a tender heart for Him, talents she could use for Him, be winsome like her dad, even look like him: fair, tall, blue-eyed; and be born on the day that Steve would be able to be with me: April 27th. When she was born, on April 27th, Steve shouted: “God gave us a girl and she looks just like me!” Everyone in the delivery room laughed — but indeed, that is what God did — and, in time, we knew He had answered every request though we were sinful, undeserving, and so immature. When she was born, I trembled, thinking:
Who am I to be so bold with such an awesome God — and how is it that He would be mindful of one as sinful as me?
Sally and Steve
But our God gives us what we do not deserve. Perhaps in His mercy, as He knew He was going to take Steve early, left me Steve’s “clone.” And I’ll never stop thanking Him for that. And of course the greater truth: He has rescued us from our sin, though we did not love Him or choose Him. We love Him because He first loved us.
Click here to hear this week’s short message from Tim Keller:
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/maker-of-heaven-and-earth-1643738749/
Thursday: Overview of The Text
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Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him.
2. Read Psalm 8:1-2
A. When David looked at the heavens, what did he really see, beyond the stars? (Verse 1)
B. God often uses the weak to shame the strong. How do you see this in verse 2? How have you observed this — can you give a specific illustration?
3. Read Psalm 8:3-4
A. Compare “the work of your fingers” to Psalm 139:13. What do you see?
B. What question did David have? How do you interpret what he was feeling?
B. Look back over the last week. What are some specific ways God may have been mindful of you?
4. Read Psalm 8:5-9
A. What do you learn about how God made man?
B. How does the psalm end as it began? Meditate on the word “majesty.” What thoughts do you have?
5. Now use this psalm as a springboard for giving thanks.
Friday: What David Saw
Prepare your heart with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKUpAXs63Ls
Listen to the above podcast from Tim Keller for about the first thirteen minutes — until he gets to “What David Felt.”
6. What does the word “theology” mean?
7. How does the universe speak to you about the reality of God? Be specific.
8. Why do atheists work so hard to refute that belief that we have a Creative Designer?
9. Keller recounts an incident he had at a youth camp. What was his point? How does this speak to you?
10. Jonathan Edwards exemplified “holiness” because he saw the entire world belonging to God and shot through with his glory. Do you feel you are at that point or not? Explain.
11. What else stood out to you from Keller’s opening?
12. My father used to tell me: “Dee Dee — be alert to be amazed.” Be alert today — and then come back and share what you saw that helps you give glory and thanks to God.
Saturday: What David Felt
Listen to Keller a little past minute 23 when he says What David Learned”
13. What did Keller think David meant by his question in verse 4. Do you agree or not? Explain.
14. Our secular culture doesn’t think God cares, that we are here by accident. What examples did Keller give?
15. How do you know He cares from Scripture or life. List the reasons and for each one, give thanks.
16. What else stood our to you from this section and why?
God Hunt Sunday
17. How have you experienced the Lord in Scripture, unusual timing or circumstances, the sense of His presence, or answered prayer this week?
Monday/Tuesday: What David Learned
18. Listen to the end of Keller’s Message
A. Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this?
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for:
1) Our value to God
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point.?
3) What ramifications are there for abortion?
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God?
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you.
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? Why do you think He does this?
22. Give thanks to God for the evidence given in this psalm that He cares for you, and that you are not junk!
23. What else stood out to you from this message? Why?
Wednesday:
24. What is your take-a-way and why?
There are other passages that tell us man is accountable for believing there is a God just because of creation.
Thursday: Overview of The Text
- Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him.
2. Read Psalm 8:1-2
A. When David looked at the heavens, what did he really see, beyond the stars? (Verse 1)
B. God often uses the weak to shame the strong. How do you see this in verse 2? How have you observed this — can you give a specific illustration?
3. Read Psalm 8:3-4
A. Compare “the work of your fingers” to Psalm 139:13. What do you see?
B. What question did David have? How do you interpret what he was feeling?
B. Look back over the last week. What are some specific ways God may have been mindful of you?
4. Read Psalm 8:5-9
A. What do you learn about how God made man?
B. How does the psalm end as it began? Meditate on the word “majesty.” What thoughts do you have?
5. Now use this psalm as a springboard for giving thanks.
Friday: What David Saw
Prepare your heart with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKUpAXs63Ls
Listen to the above podcast from Tim Keller for about the first thirteen minutes — until he gets to “What David Felt.”
6. What does the word “theology” mean?
7. How does the universe speak to you about the reality of God? Be specific.
8. Why do atheists work so hard to refute that belief that we have a Creative Designer?
9. Keller recounts an incident he had at a youth camp. What was his point? How does this speak to you?
10. Jonathan Edwards exemplified “holiness” because he saw the entire world belonging to God and shot through with his glory. Do you feel you are at that point or not? Explain.
11. What else stood out to you from Keller’s opening?
12. My father used to tell me: “Dee Dee — be alert to be amazed.” Be alert today — and then come back and share what you saw that helps you give glory and thanks to God.
Saturday: What David Felt
Listen to Keller a little past minute 23 when he says What David Learned”
13. What did Keller think David meant by his question in verse 4. Do you agree or not? Explain.
14. Our secular culture doesn’t think God cares, that we are here by accident. What examples did Keller give?
15. How do you know He cares from Scripture or life. List the reasons and for each one, give thanks.
16. What else stood our to you from this section and why?
God Hunt Sunday
17. How have you experienced the Lord in Scripture, unusual timing or circumstances, the sense of His presence, or answered prayer this week?
Monday/Tuesday: What David Learned
18. Listen to the end of Keller’s Message
A. Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this?
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for:
1) Our value to God
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point.?
3) What ramifications are there for abortion?
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God?
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you.
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? Why do you think He does this?
22. Give thanks to God for the evidence given in this psalm that He cares for you, and that you are not junk!
23. What else stood out to you from this message? Why?
Wednesday:
24. What is your take-a-way and why?
There are other passages that tell us man is accountable for believing there is a God just because of creation.
137 comments
Donna here for some much needed prep for more insight on thankfulness
And I’m so glad! Welcome Donna!
Welcome Donna!
Oh, Dee! God is very mindful of us and today was evidence of His personal mindfulness of me!
Thursday: Overview of The Text
1. Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him. I woke up early enough to take a pill that required not eating for half an hour (Smile). the Lord has been prompting me to use this month to be more intentional with my thanksgiving. At the regular meeting with my PEO organization last Monday, the person in charge of the program backed out because she was sick. The thought of a little activity on thanksgiving came to mind so I quickly put together a coloring sheet titled, 5 things I am thankful for with different kinds of leaves to write on. I told the ladies there is a twist, though. They have to write something according to the criteria I will give them. So what do I grab? AV’s Joy Dare list! I heard a groan across the room when I said” what is one hard thing in your life that you can be thankful for?” I looked around the room and I saw women bent over their papers, some seriously pondering this. It was one of those times, I knew God led me to this quick idea to minister to my women friends. And this morning, I opened AV’s joy dare list again and answered what is for today: 3 gifts found in Bible Reading. And what do you know? I also have a guide for reading through the Psalms and for today, it can be from any of the 5 chapters listed, and today, I picked Psalm 40. Thank you God for the gift of your kiss today; you knew Dee will lead us with this wonderful exercise of the practice of thanksgiving. And you have steered me toward it as well at your perfect time. I praise you for being mindful of little me.
What a great example of God’s mindfulness of us, Bing!
Oh Bing, He is so good isn’t he?
Oh, Bing! I love how God sees all that we need, before we even ask! What a sweet kiss from the King.
Thursday: Overview of The Text
Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him. – This time will always be with me as it was a big struggle being a single mom of 2 boys. I was living paycheck to paycheck and at times had to alternate what got paid in the month. I was at the end, so discourage, I took my check book and held it up to and cried out to God, see this balance, I don’t have enough I need your help. I can’t do this on my own. God came through for me and it made me realize just how powerful our God is. He is there for us, but I think he is just waiting for us to ask him for help.
2. Read Psalm 8:1-2
A. When David looked at the heavens, what did he really see, beyond the stars? (Verse 1) – He saw God’s glory above it all.
B. God often uses the weak to shame the strong. How do you see this in verse 2? How have you observed this — can you give a specific illustration? – I see children and infants being open and honest though at times they don’t even know they are convicting us. I was arguing with my older son years ago when he was 8, he was my child that took the divorce very hard and acted out a lot, but as I was arguing with him, my youngest at 3 from the bottom of the stairs says, “Mom, Miss Dawn (his Sunday School Teacher) said we need to love on to one another” OUCH! It made me realize just how powerful our words can be to those who are watching and listening though we think they are not.
3. Read Psalm 8:3-4
A. Compare “the work of your fingers” to Psalm 139:13. What do you see? – He created my inmost being and knitted me together in my mother’s womb. Again, the intricate detail of knitting and creating all of me that is so detailed that no big bang could have ever done. It takes time and thought to create our bodies the way they function so perfectly.
B. What question did David have? How do you interpret what he was feeling? – He is asking, after seeing the glory of God above the heavens, how we as sinful people could even compare to the majesty he created in the heavens. How after all of that beauty he still wanted us to be a part of his creatiion.
B. Look back over the last week. What are some specific ways God may have been mindful of you? – God has seen the struggles at work lately with my boss on FMLA and having to do her job, plus mine for the last 10 months. I’ve gotten a $2 raise and a $250 Amazon Gift card for the efforts. He has given me a bolder attitude, not sure why that will be a good thing, but I’ve spoken up not just for me, but for the whole Accounts Payable team of how frustrated and tired we are. The rest of the team also got a raise and $150 gift card. God hears us even for the smallest things.
4. Read Psalm 8:5-9 –
A. What do you learn about how God made man? – He made us with authority, that we are not just a speck on the earth, but we are over things he created and a bit lower than the majesty of the heavens.
B. How does the psalm end as it began? Meditate on the word “majesty.” What thoughts do you have? – It ends with awe and amazement like it started. It’s hard for me to grasp just how awesome God is. I stand outside at night and just gaze at the stars in the shy. What beauty he has created and with our view at our new home in Tennessee the vastness of the mountains around us. It just amazes me each day I look outside. He is an amazing artist and has done this for our enjoyment.
5. Now use this psalm as a springboard for giving thanks. – Lord, you are magnificent. There are not enough words that can describe just how all that you created is around us and is for our enjoyment. Help me Lord to always appreciate the little things I see. From the huge mountains to the birds outside my window in my tree. Thank you for the time you took to create this all for me. I love you Lord!
Love your desperate prayer and how He came running!
Thank you for sharing your time as a single mom, Julie. I love your faith and your story! It is pure joy to see where he has led you and how He has continued to care for you! So wonderful that you see His heavenly handiwork right where He brought you to your new home.
Grateful to be here😊
So very glad to have you, Paula!
Welcome, Paula!
Welcome Paula!
Thursday
1. Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him.
When I was 12 and living in the Congo, I climbed an active volcano with my Dad, a missionary doctor and several other kids my age. We started early in the morning and got to the top just before the sun went down. Everybody ran to the edge of the crater which was about 400 feet down, except me…I walked up close and then got down on my belly and crawled to the the edge and peered in. Wow! It was glowing red, lava was spewing up and about every 2 minutes there was a big boom, like a canon going off. I remember looking back, how awe struck I was by this amazing sight and thinking here’s little me gazing on such a wonder that God created! I really thank the Lord for this experience as it showed me His Power, His Majesty, His Sovereignty and that He is mindful of me…little me!
2. Read Psalm 8:1-2
A. When David looked at the heavens, what did he really see, beyond the stars? (Verse 1)
He saw God’s glory.
B. God often uses the weak to shame the strong. How do you see this in verse 2? How have you observed this — can you give a specific illustration?
He taught children and infants to tell of His strength, silencing His enemies and all who oppose Him.
1 Corinthians 1:27b “He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.”
An example of how God reverses things, turns them upside down so we can see, right side up, that He is in control. I think of David and Goliath…who’d thought a young boy with just a sling and five stones could kill a giant! God definitely showed the Philistines through David, who was in control.
3. Read Psalm 8:3-4
A. Compare “the work of your fingers” to Psalm 139:13. What do you see?
The work of His fingers made all the delicate inner parts of me and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
B. What question did David have? How do you interpret what he was feeling?
“What are mere mortals that You should think of them, human beings that You should care for them?”
In comparison to the greatness of God, why should He even consider or care about me.
B. Look back over the last week. What are some specific ways God may have been mindful of you? His faithfulness in answered prayer, working in my heart to see others through His grace and love.
4. Read Psalm 8:5-9
A. What do you learn about how God made man?
He made them a little lower than God and crowed them with glory and honor.
Gave them charge of everything He made, putting all things under their authority.
B. How does the psalm end as it began? Meditate on the word “majesty.” What thoughts do you have?
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.”
I love this story! What a childhood you had, Sharon!
You have had the most interesting life, Sharon! What amazing experiences of God’s care, love and power and majesty you have seen!! Thank you for sharing!
Just finishing your book, The Jesus Who Surprises. Love it. Thank you!
Thank you, Kimberly. So very glad to have you here!
1. Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him.
I know I have mentioned this many times before, but God met me when I was 12, at my fathers deathbed. He told me it would all be okay, the He would always be my Father. Thank You Lord for always being with me and taking care of me.
2. Read Psalm 8:1-2
A. When David looked at the heavens, what did he really see, beyond the stars? (Verse 1)
God’s glory!
B. God often uses the weak to shame the strong. How do you see this in verse 2? How have you observed this — can you give a specific illustration?
He uses children and infants here.
What about missionaries? Or Mother Teresa? They are humble and are the hands and feet of Jesus.
I love this so much, Laura! Thank you for sharing it again. Such a good reminder. “He told me it would all be okay, the He would always be my Father. Thank You Lord for always being with me and taking care of me.”
I love that He did that for you, Laura.
LOVE that we are doing this and I LOVE the picture of Steve and Sally
1. Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him.
What came to mind was a time a few years ago. I was in a really difficult season and I took a day to be alone in prayer. So I went to a local seminary that had a tiny prayer room. It was empty so I went in and started journaling my prayers. After about an hour, 3 women came in filling the room. They had a regular prayer group then so I stood to leave but they begged me to stay so they could pray over me. I only gave them my name. They prayed over me for more than 30 minutes, detailed, beautiful prayers, lifting me up. The prayers they said, the words, I just sat in the middle of them and tears flooded. I cried harder then than I had in years or have since. It was one of the most tangible and personal ways I have felt Him pour out His love into my heart.
That’s such a beautiful way God met you, Lizzy!
Lizzy, This is so beautiful and it brings tears to my eyes. The goodness of God is beyond all understanding. He sees us, He hears us, He responds in such lovely ways.
Wow.
Thanks Dee. I’m looking forward to doing this Thanksgiving study with you. My husband and beyond best friend Wayne died three months ago and I’m in the depths of grief. I remember how hard it was for you after your Steve passed. Never have I experienced anything this difficult. Only God gets me thru each hour. How did you ever do it?
Regards,
Judith Rolfs
Judith — such a hard time for you, so glad you have come — these wonderful sisters will embrace you!
Dear Judith, precious sister in Christ, how I will pray for you. It is good to have you here. These friends will hold you to their hearts and love you. I pray right now that you will experience God’s love surrounding you in every aspect of your life. May He give you His comfort and peace in the midst of your pain.
Judith, this is a good place for you to be. I am reading the book Dee wrote after her husband’s death. It is called, “The God of All Comfort.” I am praying for your peace. 🙏🙏♥️
Welcome Judith! I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. My husband has been with the Lord for 10 years now. It is a very difficult journey, lean in to Jesus, He wants to give you His Comfort. Our Redeemer is faithful and true!❤️🙏❤️
I’m praying for you Judith. Thank you for sharing and giving us this opportunity.
Oh Judith. I am so sorry. Thankful the Lord brought you here.
Judith,
You have found a safe place to be with your incredibly deep sorrow. We truly do need each other.
Judith, sending you my love and prayers. Praying God to keep you close in his everlasting arms.
1.Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him. My earnest search for God began right after my first marriage ended. I had to face my many mistakes and sins against God. Even in my lost condition I could feel Him pursuing me and I knew he would not give up on me eventhough I felt so worthless. As soon as I repented a heavy weight fell off my heart and I knew I was moving in the right direction. This lesson taught me that God never gives up on me. Thank-you Jesus that “You sought me and You bought me with Your redeeming Blood”!
Beautiful testimony Lydia.
All because of Jesus! I praise Him every day.
Thank you for sharing your tender and sweet testimony, Lydia. Love that He seeks us out and I am so thankful that He never gives up!
3. Read Psalm 8:3-4
A. Compare “the work of your fingers” to Psalm 139:13. What do you see?
The Creator makes the humongous heavens and the very tiny parts of the body. It refers to His hands forming both. How sweet! I am crocheting a winter hat right now and it really hits home; the care in making sure it is done correctly.
B. What question did David have? How do you interpret what he was feeling?
He wants to know how the “Master” can have any regard for we humans. He was feeling oh so small. This make me think of my favorite YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/kBkNhMfrxuk
B. Look back over the last week. What are some specific ways God may have been mindful of you?
Good question! I’m not sure. I was thinking how when I was in college and a young adult, and very far from Him, I never even felt Him press on me once. I wondered why. Didn’t He care? I know He does, but I think it is weird that I never felt Him that I can remember. What about finding that one lost sheep? It took me having my first baby to bring Him back to me.
This week has not been one that I have felt Him either. I pray and prayers are not answered. Or, they are answered in a way that seems wrong or saddens me. Here’s an excerpt from an email I received that might be the closest thing to answered prayer from God this week:
“Last night, pro-life Americans were–once again–reminded that politics is an unreliable way to end abortion at the local level.
The midterms further proved nothing is more effective at closing an abortion facility than standing outside it, as nearly half of all abortion facilities we’ve closed were in blue states.
“…here’s a breakdown of what DID happen:
Strong and unapologetic pro-life candidates won (and won big), including Governors DeSantis, Kemp, DeWine, and Abbott;
Weak, cowardly pro-life politicians lost;
Politics proves once again to be an unreliable way to end abortion at the local level;
Abortion supporters were more motivated to vote than they’ve ever been before;
But there’s no time to whine…we’re going on offense.”
And,
“Politics failed us…but prayer never fails. That’s why:
Nearly half of the abortion facilities to go out of business following a 40 Days for Life campaign were located in blue states;
The no-show rate for abortion appointments goes as high as 75% when somebody is outside praying and witnessing.
In spite of last night, we have NEVER been closer to ending abortion.”
I guess the one place I think I have felt Him this week is with my job. I am at peace there for probably the first time ever. I have sweet students, I am not stressed with the overwhelming amount of work that comes with teaching, and I’m not worried about it either. Thank You Jesus!
4. Read Psalm 8:5-9
What do you learn about how God made man?
He made man “…a little lower than God.” They were crowned with glory and honor.
B. How does the psalm end as it began? Meditate on the word “majesty.” What thoughts do you have?
It ends with “Your majestic Name fills the Earth.”
Majesty is a title for a king. It conjure up thoughts of pomp and circumstance to me. A ruling word. Important. Regal.
5. Now use this psalm as a springboard for giving thanks.
Thank You God for the beauty of Earth. Thank You for the intricacies of the human body. Thank You for how Earth naturally repairs herself and how bodies can endure broken-ness and “knit” themselves back when needed. It is amazing for sure. Each and every detail has been thought of in detail. The human eye; wow. It amazes me! Thank You Lord.
Good questions, Laura. Eager to see how these sisters respond.
Laura, I’ll be praying for you.
You can always go to God with your disappointments about how He did or didn’t answer your prayers.
As far as your college days, my thought is when we are far from God we are spiritually blind and cannot see what He is doing or even perceive that He’s doing anything. Thankfully He opened your eyes when you became a mother.
Laura I loved: “Politics fail us but prayer never does.” Lots of wisdom there to show us where we should spend our time and hope!
Oh, Laura! Thank you for sharing that amazing video. It is perfect for this lesson.
Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him.
We were in a transition time, looking for a college for my husband to attend for a Masters in Education, in Oregon or Washington. We were living with his parents and our small children in San Jose, California. I had been praying that we would be able to find a church, as we all needed the Lord’s direction. I grew up in the church, but my husband only attended sporadically. A week before Easter, the pastor of a local church came to our door and gave me a program and invited us to come to the nearby church. We both knew, we needed to do this. But we had no idea that when we went to that Easter service, our lives would be forever changed, in a wonderful way. An older gentleman and his wife befriended us immediately. This man was the Superintendent of Schools in San Jose. He wanted to hire my husband, but the state rejected his application because he lacked two units of student teaching. This sweet man, Don, and his wife invited us to their home and told us about Seattle Pacific College. Washington did not require the extra student teaching credits. We knew that the Lord was speaking to us. We knew this was where He wanted us. We drove to Seattle a few days later. Don’s daughter and son in law helped us to find student housing. Ron got a temporary job three days later. He received a teaching contract three weeks later. We found a wonderful church with a “young marrieds” class. Looking back, it taught me that He sees everything and He had a plan. He opened our hearts to see, that after many doors closed for us, He opened the right door and the right moment and gave us the wisdom to be obedient to His voice.
2. Read Psalm 8:1-2
A. When David looked at the heavens, what did he really see, beyond the stars? (Verse 1)
David saw the majestic Sovereign power of God, displayed by His creation of all of the heavens.
B. God often uses the weak to shame the strong. How do you see this in verse 2? How have you observed this — can you give a specific illustration?
The innocent and weak, who have pure motives, can see God is the simple things in life. Their wisdom is simple and pure.
Patti, love the story of how God worked in your lives. He does see everything and He wants what is best for us! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank-you for sharing your story of God’s faithfulness! He is always at work on our behalf.❤️🙏❤️
Patti — I never knew that great story! How wonderful God provided that couple. Happy for me too as I met you.
Dee ~ yes, I met you about a year later in Bible Study with Clarice! ( her son and Her daughter in law are the couple that helped us find student housing.) So many miracles that year. How majestic is our God!
So interesting, Patti.
Patti – Love this story. How we should all step back and just wait. The Lord shuts so many doors for all of us that we should know there is something better coming, but the control we want over our lives makes us think he is rejecting us in a sense. LOVE IT!
Sweet story, Patti! God provides and his faithfulness is new every day!
Share a time when you absolutely knew the God of the Universe had been mindful of you and it put you in awe. Then give thanks for what it taught you about Him. My husband and son have been feuding Neither one willing to forgive Tuesday afternoon son came over and stayed 90 minutes It was pleasant neither had a wall up That was answer to prayer How great is our God and He sees our anguish over broken relationships Thank You Lord You know I’ve been in awe of what You have done
2. Read Psalm 8:1-2
A. When David looked at the heavens, what did he really see, beyond the stars? (Verse 1) God s glory and work in His creation
B. God often uses the weak to shame the strong. How do you see this in verse 2? How have you observed this — can you give a specific illustration? I’ve seen it in a woman with disability in Sunday School whose faith is childlike and she never fails to give God glory
3. Read Psalm 8:3-4
A. Compare “the work of your fingers” to Psalm 139:13. What do you see? We are God s creation intimately made by Him
B. What question did David have? How do you interpret what he was feeling? What is man that you are mindful of Him I go back to pictures from Webb telescope The God who is creating all that cares about me and my concerns and hurts
B. Look back over the last week. What are some specific ways God may have been mindful of you? Last night going to church after dark there was a truck parked facing me my lane with no lights on vehicle at all With oncoming headlights I could have easily missed seeing the truck until too late but God brought to my attention I had a lot of things come up at last minute but God kept me calm and got be through it all
4. Read Psalm 8:5-9
A. What do you learn about how God made man? Made a little lower than heavenly beings and crowned with glory and honor Made to rule over animal kingdom
B. How does the psalm end as it began? Meditate on the word “majesty.” What thoughts do you have? How majestic is Your name in all the earth Majesty is awe inspiring and greater than what I can aspire to Its also beauty
5. Now use this psalm as a springboard for giving thanks. Lord. I thank you. You are our Creator and yet You are interested in us. Thank You for creating leafing and guiding me.
So good to be aware of His mercies like that, Judy.
Friday
6. What does the word “theology” mean?
God reasoning, God words, reasoning about God and thinking about God, trying to understand who God is.
7. How does the universe speak to you about the reality of God? Be specific.
I loved photographing sunsets cause each one is so unique in color, cloud formations, lighting, silhouettes made from objects in front of them and also seeing the changes while the sun is setting is just fascinating. In them I see the artistry of God’s handiwork…amazing!
8. Why do atheists work so hard to refute that belief that we have a Creative Designer?
Because so many people see the world and say that it just didn’t happen by itself!
9. Keller recounts an incident he had at a youth camp. What was his point? How does this speak to you?
His point is, if we have a God who created the universe with just His fingers, such great power…how can we ask Him into our lives to just be our assistant? He is to be regarded as King, center of life and Majesty!
My response to this is, Wow! Why would He even be interested let alone love me? But He does!
10. Jonathan Edwards exemplified “holiness” because he saw the entire world belonging to God and shot through with his glory. Do you feel you are at that point or not? Explain.
Yes, honestly it is quite humbling and brings me to my knees. I would of loved to of know Jonathan Edwards as God’s creation just fascinates me and one thing I liked to photograph was spiders…such detail and so many beautiful colors and their webs are intricately made and differ according to the type of spider.
11. What else stood out to you from Keller’s opening?
I did not know that every other ancient account, before the Bible has the world being created out of a battle!! But not the Bible, it says our God is so powerful that He made the world, in Edwards’s words, as an artist.
12. My father used to tell me: “Dee Dee — be alert to be amazed.” Be alert today — and then come back and share what you saw that helps you give glory and thanks to God.
Amen. My Dad taught me that all the beauty we see is one reason to praise the Creator❤️
I remember your fascination with spiders. I’m guessing you don’t have a fear of spiders — except for a healthy fear of poisonous ones! I have asked God to deliver me of my fear of mice, but neither do I want to study them even though maybe that would help. I thank Him all the time that I haven’t had one in the house since the Christmas before Covid.
Yes, Dee a healthy fear. I hope that mouse found someplace else to live. We had rats in our attic in Africa and it’s where my Dad kept bags of potatoes…you could hear them moving these bags!! I raised guinea pigs there and learned that rats don’t like the smell of them so my dad would put the guinea pigs in a box up in the attic during the night…no more rats!!
Amen! My Father was a farmer and he used spiders in the walnut orchards to contol pests. He taught us to appreciate all of Nature as God’s perfect design and provision.
I love photographing spiders, we have some unusual species here in West Virginia. “This is my Father’s world and to my listening ear, all nature sings and ’round Him rings, the music of the spheres…” one of my father’s favorite Hymns. I can still hear him singing in the orchard.❤️🙏❤️
Oh Lydia, I can just hear your father singing that song in the orchard😊❤️❤️
Hoping to re-join the conversation here in these weeks before Christmas. I’ve missed you all.
I was reading Psalm 8 in The Message version here this morning. Verse 2 gripped me again:
“Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you, toddlers shout the songs that drown out enemy talk and silence atheist babhle.”
For the past two and a half years we have had two of our grandchildren and their daddy living with us. (mama abandoned them when they were 4 months and 2 years). They are now ages two and four and their hearts are so tender and they surprise me with their words at times. Yesterday this precious four year old granddaughter said, “Thank you for everything you do, grandma.” Spoken from a true heart of gratitude. She innocently arrested my grumbling heart. How God can use the little ones to interrupt the “enemy talk” going on in my head and encourage me.
So sweet Nila! Glad you are back. I’ve missed you too 😉
Welcome back, Nila!
What a sweet four-year-old! Glad to have you back, Nila.
nila, glad you are back and thanks for sharing about your granddaughter as well as The Message version of Psalm 8:2. I was just thinking of you this past week so I am so glad to see you here.
Welcome back, Nila! Sweet and genuine love from your granddaughter’s heart. What a blessing you are to your son and your grandchildren. Their lives will be forever better because of your love and your example of a godly grandma.
Friday: What David Saw
Listen to the above podcast from Tim Keller for about the first thirteen minutes — until he gets to “What David Felt.”
6. What does the word “theology” mean? – God Reasoning, reasoning about and thinking about God and who He is.
7. How does the universe speak to you about the reality of God? Be specific. – The heavens show us the magnificent works of God’s fingers. Everything is tiny compared to God. He has created everything.
8. Why do atheists work so hard to refute that belief that we have a Creative Designer? – Because so many people do believe in God, they have to write something to try and convince people he is not real.
9. Keller recounts an incident he had at a youth camp. What was his point? How does this speak to you? – Do we ask God to be our assistant? His majesty makes us be his assistant at best and should not be the other way around. He needs to be King of our life. We should not have a relationship with him thinking he is going to be our assistant. I’m not really sure how to take what Tim Keller said. I don’t think I ever thought God was my assistant, but when we go to him in prayer with our requests is that making him like our asisstant?
10. Jonathan Edwards exemplified “holiness” because he saw the entire world belonging to God and shot through with his glory. Do you feel you are at that point or not? Explain. – Everything of this world should be showing us the glory of God. God is an artist; we can look anywhere and see his beauty. I’m always in awe of what God created and know the brilliance of God’s creation, but as I was listening I thought I don’t think I hold everyone he created in awe like I do the stars and the mountains or the beauty I see around me. Something I definitely need to work on.
11. What else stood out to you from Keller’s opening? – With all creation made by God’s fingers, I don’t know how anyone can think he is not real. There is no way everything that we see around could have just fallen into existence.
12. My father used to tell me: “Dee Dee — be alert to be amazed.” Be alert today — and then come back and share what you saw that helps you give glory and thanks to God. – In the world we live in today, I’m sometimes amazed at how kind people are to us in our new town. We went to a craft fair this morning, and everyone was so friendly and gave information to me and my husband Joe and didn’t worry about how it might affect their little creative business they have.
Julie, how I took the story Keller was saying about thinking of God as being our assistant was He isn’t just there for us to call on only when we need His help.
Some people do try to use God that way.
So true, Dawn.
I have had this same thought, Julie! I don’t think I ever thought God was my assistant, but when we go to him in prayer with our requests is that making him like our asisstant? I feel that our requests are part of our conversations with God. This always helps me: Philippians 4:6 Be Anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known to God. And, also the guidance of the Lord’s prayer. I used to tell my children that God is not Santa God, He is a relationship God. Our requests are part of our conversations, ~ as He already knows the needs of my heart, but He wants me to come to Him to talk about them. I try to always include “in Your will Lord.” 🙂
6. What does the word “theology” mean? Reasoning about and thinking about God learning who God is
7. How does the universe speak to you about the reality of God? Be specific. Standing on shore and looking at vastness of ocean then in evening seeing vastness do night time skies and picking out planets Glorious sunsets A newborn baby s cry The miracle of birth
8. Why do atheists work so hard to refute that belief that we have a Creative Designer? Because of overwhelming evidence in creation there is a real God
9. Keller recounts an incident he had at a youth camp. What was his point? How does this speak to you? To give us a better understanding of the vastness of what God created It reminds me to think of the incredible pictures from Webb telescope I am in awe of what God does
10. Jonathan Edwards exemplified “holiness” because he saw the entire world belonging to God and shot through with his glory. Do you feel you are at that point or not? Explain.No He is God and I am a clay vessel and come no where close to be able to shine with His glory
11. What else stood out to you from Keller’s opening? Do I ask Him into my life to be my assistant, my consultant. Recognizing the mightiest of God and the position He should have in my life He needs to be King Everything about this world should be telling us about God
12. My father used to tell me: “Dee Dee — be alert to be amazed.” Be alert today — and then come back and share what you saw that helps you give glory and thanks to God. The beauty of new fallen snow. Laughter with friends. Grand child s smile and greeting.
6. What does the word “theology” mean?
The study of God. God reasoning.
7. How does the universe speak to you about the reality of God? Be specific.
I think it’s amazing that we have observed so much of our solar system and even into deep space. We have found over 5000 exoplanets. We have found sun like stars in size and mass. We even have found planets in what is called the “habitable zone” like our Earth. BUT, we have never found another planet like Earth! It makes me think we are here just because He wanted us here. We are special. We are the art in His creation.
8. Why do atheists work so hard to refute that belief that we have a Creative Designer?
‘’Because SO many people believe there is. So many intelligent people have made compelling argument for an ultimate Creator.
9. Keller recounts an incident he had at a youth camp. What was his point? How does this speak to you?
The woman speaking defined a scaled model of the universe. She asked if a God so great made all these things, would you ask Him to be your assistant? Or would He be your king and you would be the assistant?
10. Jonathan Edwards exemplified “holiness” because he saw the entire world belonging to God and shot through with his glory. Do you feel you are at that point or not? Explain.
I do think about all that I see being His. But, I will say that when I see ugliness in the world, I wonder why He made that also? The pain of the world…
11. What else stood out to you from Keller’s opening?
Keller is so good! I love that he is speaking about the universe and science.
12. My father used to tell me: “Dee Dee — be alert to be amazed.” Be alert today — and then come back and share what you saw that helps you give glory and thanks to God.
I saw the markings on a monarch butterfly. How intricate and beautiful!
This may make you shake your head. I was trying to find the Facebook page that a couple of sisters who are no longer with us set up for prayer and couldn’t remember the address. Somebody help me!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DeesBibleStudy
Thank you Dawn!
God Hunt Sunday:
Excited about a gal from pickleball who seems hungry — had a good one on one first meeting with her and will meet with her again today. I know the enemy would want to discourage her, so please pray. I love how God woos people to Himself!!!
I found out Paige is beginning another study Jan 11th — need prayer if we should do it here.
Praying for your friend from pickleball. Praying that you find the sisters on fb. 🙂
God Hunt Sunday
17. How have you experienced the Lord in Scripture, unusual timing or circumstances, the sense of His presence, or answered prayer this week?
Scripture: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts”. Isaiah 55:8-9
I would generally see things that do not go as expected as disappointments. Even as I typed this, I received a text that I could consider one. But God is continually and slowly helping me learn to accept disappointments as His appointments. His timing is always perfect and I can trust that all is well.
Answered prayer: I was looking through several possible options for a textbook for my students next semester. They all had good features but I can only choose one. Through the advice of colleagues and careful consideration, God provided wisdom and guidance for the right one. And my boss approved its adoption as our program’s text!
Thank you for sharing this scripture today, Bing. Such a good reminder. Thankful for your answered prayer. He knows our every need.
“But God is continually and slowly helping me learn to accept disappointments as His appointments. His timing is always perfect and I can trust that all is well.”
I love this, Bing.
That’s interesting about the disappointments and the text Bing. I haven’t thought of that before. His timing is perfect. But, I thought you retired?!
Laura, I retired last year but have been asked to help start a health occupations class (nurse aide) at a small private institution in a neighboring town. It is a 15-minute drive from our house. I work 10 hours a week. I love it! I sent you a FB note asking for some info. No hurry-I realize you must not go there often.
Listen to the above podcast from Tim Keller for about the first thirteen minutes — until he gets to “What David Felt.”
6. What does the word “theology” mean?
God words, God reasoning
7. How does the universe speak to you about the reality of God? Be specific.
The universe takes my breath away. The patterns of God’s creation are amazing. Seeing the majesty and power of the limitless sky filled with stars. God has created amazing art in everything in this world. The human body, the tree, each flower, fruit, sea creature, animal, the human heart, the eye and absolutely everything He created is a miracle! I have two amazing books that show how everything in creation is based on the golden triangle, the golden rectangle and the golden spiral. Another great book, The Privileged Planet by Jay Richards. Our earth, itself, is a miracle beyond our understanding.
8. Why do atheists work so hard to refute that belief that we have a Creative Designer?
I do not have any idea! Perhaps, they need to feel they are somehow in control.
9. Keller recounts an incident he had at a youth camp. What was his point? How does this speak to you?
We are just a speck in the universe. If God created all of this with His fingers and a Word of His power, How great is out God! We cannot even comprehend a small part of His creation, much less the entire expanse. This speaks to me of a God, who is the King of the Universe and I want Him in my life, so that I may worship and adore Him. That I may live for Him. He is not someone that you ask to be your assistant or go to when you are in a bind. It is a marriage to a King, who loves you more than any human can. Because of His love for us, we want to express our love, worship and adoration of Him. It is pure joy to give up all that we cannot keep, for His gift that we cannot lose.
Timothy 2:11; “He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose”
10. Jonathan Edwards exemplified “holiness” because he saw the entire world belonging to God and shot through with his glory. Do you feel you are at that point or not? Explain.
I feel that the entire world and universe belong to God and are filled with His glory. It is our privilege to be living as part of His creation! God made all thing for His own glory and I pray that I can live in service to Him. God is all powerful, His is King, He is the Center of all of Life.
11. What else stood out to you from Keller’s opening?
If God made everything with His fingers, how should we regard God? We should be in awe of our Heavenly Father and humbled to be present to see His handiwork. God made all thing because of His love and delight of doing it.
12. My father used to tell me: “Dee Dee — be alert to be amazed.” Be alert today — and then come back and share what you saw that helps you give glory and thanks to God.
I see God in the early morning, just as the sun comes over the hills; I see Him in the stars a night that He has named; I see Him in the people I meet each day. I see Him holding a friend, who just lost her husband. I see Him in the joy of my grandchildren.
Patti — I think this is why atheists have so much work to do to fight against the belief that there is an Intelligent Designer:
I see God in the early morning, just as the sun comes over the hills; I see Him in the stars a night that He has named; I see Him in the people I meet each day. I see Him holding a friend, who just lost her husband. I see Him in the joy of my grandchildren.
Amen, Dee!! They look but they do not see!
17. How have you experienced the Lord in Scripture, unusual timing or circumstances, the sense of His presence, or answered prayer this week? It may seem kind of silly, but I have been sick since Friday evening. I’m starting to feel somewhat better today. I’m glad that the timing of this illness was on the weekend because we are at our busy season at work with everyone working overtime and one person not coming in makes it extremely hard on the rest of the team.
That is not silly at all! What a thoughtful heart you have, Dawn. I pray that you will rest and feel much better soon.
Sunday
17. How have you experienced the Lord in Scripture, unusual timing or circumstances, the sense of His presence, or answered prayer this week?
Today, a man of 20, Samuel, preached a wonderful sermon in our church. I have known Samuel for 20 years, yes, since he was born and his mom is a good close friend that I used to meet with on Saturday mornings to pray together for our kids. To hear the message that the Lord spoke through him was a definite answer to many fervent prayers while he was growing up and I just praise the Lord!
Warms my heart to read this. God answering the prayers we pray for children
Thank you Judy…exactly how I felt, “warmed my heart!”
That’s wonderful, Sharon. It is so exciting to see people God has allowed us to impact impacting others!
Amen Dee…so well put!! ❤️
What a beautiful blessing for you and for Samuel’s mother. God’s plan and your prayers fulfilled.
17. How have you experienced the Lord in Scripture, unusual timing or circumstances, the sense of His presence, or answered prayer this week?
I’m studying the book of James and in an upside down way this past week, God is encouraging me that the Gospel is what true perseverance looks like. Jesus persevered through being ripped apart from God for the joy set before Him – having us. So simply laying in or drudging through trials hoping they will pass soon isn’t where God wants me. Hanging in there isn’t anywhere close to what God is unveiling about Himself in James. It isn’t the trial, it’s in persevering in trust and pressing into God instead of backing away. Do I trust Him and make myself happy in Him each morning, or do I let my trials drown me, and just hang in there. So He’s helping me change my focus from crying out to fixing my son and someone else in my life, to persevering in trust, pressing in and in desiring His presence more than hiding in the cleft or succumbing to self pity. I wish that wasn’t a battle so I hope as I mature it won’t be. If in God’s sovereign plan the hard is how He’s helping me grow more and more into the image of Christ to attract others to Him, then as tough as it is, hallelujah! If I were God I would’ve given up on me. I don’t know why God hasn’t, but He hasn’t and I’m glad! So with His help I’m going to trust Him today.
Rebecca, this spoke to me “If I were God I would’ve given up on me. I don’t know why God hasn’t, but He hasn’t and I’m glad! So with His help I’m going to trust Him today.” Yes, I am glad, too that He has not given up on me. and that He is God and I am not. So good to see you here.
Rebecca, It is so good to see you back. I love your entire post ~ every word! Amen to Bing’s comment. This is gold: If in God’s sovereign plan the hard is how He’s helping me grow more and more into the image of Christ to attract others to Him, then as tough as it is, hallelujah!
Good to see you here Rebecca! Also interesting thoughts about perseverance, as well as “enjoying” the trials. Hope you are well!
It is good to see you here, Rebecca! Persevering in trust. So good.
I miss you all here!
Dee, I really wanted to join you all in this Thanksgiving study. But, once again I cannot see the Tim Keller podcast. It must be my internet connection. So, Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I am thankful for all I have learned this year from you and the other participants in your Bible Study Blog. I will be praying for you during this Holiday Season. May God Bless and protect you and your families.❤️🙏❤️
Lydia, I sometimes have trouble with the links. If you go to the gospel in life website it should work for you. It’s a free download.
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/maker-of-heaven-and-earth-6087/
Hope you are able to join us!
Do you have more than one browser, Lydia? I find Chrome more reliable than some…also great solution from Laura. They aren’t always free – -but this one is.
Lydia, I’m sorry you’re having problems with the link…Laura is savvy with these things, so I hope you try her suggestion. I so appreciate your input and how you perceive things…would surely miss you!
Thank-you Sharon! I will try Dee and Laura’s suggestions. 🙏❤️🙏
Saturday
13. What did Keller think David meant by his question in verse 4. Do you agree or not? Explain.
When he looks at all that God made, His glory, it made him feel in comparison insignificant and worthless. He was asking, how do I know that the power behind the universe cares about me at all? This is a rhetorical question, not a philosophical one.
I do agree because I don’t think David was questioning the existence of God but rather His vastness and power and why would He care about me, why would I be of any significance or worth to Him?
14. Our secular culture doesn’t think God cares, that we are here by accident. What examples did Keller give?
He quoted the philosopher, Bertram Russell and he basically said that anything we do doesn’t matter as we can’t build our life on anything except “yielding despair.” Anything else is dishonest.
Quoting the authors who wrote Straw Dogs, Steven Pinker and John Graves. “Look, I know you feel like human beings have dignity, that there is such a thing as human rights, the fact is, if you believe science there’s no such thing as dignity or human rights.”
According to the playwright Samuel Beckett who did a 35 second play called “Breath,” we’re just trash.
15. How do you know He cares from Scripture or life. List the reasons and for each one, give thanks.
Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds…God takes care of them…are you not of more value than they are? Thank You Lord for providing my needs.
Matthew 7:7-11 Thank You for answered prayer.
Psalm 23:1 Thank You for being my Shepherd…I have all that I need.
Psalm 23:2 Thank You for letting me rest in green meadows and leading me beside peaceful streams.
Psalm 23:3 Thank You for renewed strength, guiding me along right paths for Your name’s sake.
Joshua 1:9 Thank You for being with me wherever I go, so I can be strong and courageous, not be afraid or discouraged.
Genesis 1:27 Thank You for creating me in Your image.
Great verses for speaking to your soul, Sharon.
Beautiful and concise verses, Sharon. Love these.
13. What did Keller think David meant by his question in verse 4. Do you agree or not? Explain.
He thinks that it is a rhetorical question. The glory and the vastness made him feel worthless and insignificant. He wonders how God could even care about man.
Funny, in 26 years of teaching I have never had a student be overwhelmed by the vastness of the universe until this year. I believe she must come from a totally secular family (she thinks she is a cat (?!)), and has to leave the room when I talk about the size of the universe (1 light year is about 6 trillion miles/10 trillion km, and some stars are more than 800 light years away). It’s crazy! I’ve never seen it before. I wish I could show her David’s “rant!” She is him, but he is in awe and she is bothered by it. Wow. She needs God.
I suppose I can understand what he is saying, but, I have always been told that “Jesus loves me,” so I don’t question that love.
14. Our secular culture doesn’t think God cares, that we are here by accident. What examples did Keller give?
Bertrand Russell asks does anything we do matter? His answer is no. Man is insignificant and just a “collocation” of atoms. How depressing! How unhopeful!
The 35 second play. We are just trash.
15. How do you know He cares from Scripture or life. List the reasons and for each one, give thanks.
“So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Matthew 10:31 NLT
Thank You God.
“And the very hairs on your head are all numbered…”
Luke 12:7 NLT
Thank You God.
Thank You Lord, for always providing for me.
Thank You Lord for my husband who takes care of me.
Laura — Mike Reeves little book on What does it mean to Fear the Lord says sinful fear causes you to run away from God, like Adam, and right fear causes you to run into His arms. May the Lord show her how good He is.
I have sorrow in my heart for your student. Praying that God will open the eyes of her heart.
13. What did Keller think David meant by his question in verse 4. Do you agree or not? Explain.
I think of these as a stream of consciousness. David is expressing his thoughts about God. In Keller’s words, “How do I know the power behind the universe cares about me at all?” A God who is so mighty and majestic that He has created this amazing universe. Yet, a God is so filled with this amazing and expansive love that He loves even a mere flawed human? And then he returns to the loving realization that our God designed each of us in His own image. What an amazing God.
14. Our secular culture doesn’t think God cares, that we are here by accident. What examples did Keller give?
Bertrand Russell was a philosopher, who felt that nothing you do in life makes a difference because the universe is blind and impersonal and doesn’t care. he believed that because there is no God nothing you do is going to make any difference in the end. You cannot build your life on anything other than unyielding despair.
Samuel Beckett who wrote a 35 second play that says “Life is trash”… Steven Pinker and John Gray: both said that if you believe science, there is no such thing as dignity or human rights.
15. How do you know He cares from Scripture or life. List the reasons and for each one, give thanks.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Thank you Lord for giving your beloved Son, Jesus, who never sinned, to us and for allowing Him to take on my sins and to die a horrible death on the cross for sins that I have committed. He paid the price for me.
Isaiah 43: 1 “But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. ” Thank you, Father, for adopting us and loving us. We are yours.
Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air, they they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father fees them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Thank you for loving us, Father. You love us not for what we do, but in spite of what we do and how we are.
16. What else stood our to you from this section and why?
I love the way David has things revealed to him as he writes the Psalm. Thing that show that God, the power behind the universe, cares for him. We are made in the image of God; we are not junk.
Patti — somewhere you said you felt like junk. Really, sister?
A. Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this?
David is recalling the words of Genesis in verses 5-8. That we are made in the image of God and we have been crowned with glory and majesty; made to rule over the works of God’s hands, have dominion over the animals.
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for:
1) Our value to God
We are created in the image of care is evidence that God does care. We have each been given a soul. We are moral, rational and self conscious.
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point.?
We are made in the image of God. We are not junk. Whether you are mentally handicapped or brilliant, you are in the image of God. Each person is precious and is of infinite worth and value. The way you treat another person has enormous implications.
3) What ramifications are there for abortion?
This life is precious and of infinite worth and value. Who has the right to destroy another person? no one.
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God?
God cares. Both verses are promises fulfilled. God came down and visited us. He redeemed us.
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you.
How I thank you Father in heaven that You sent Your only Son for our redemption. Proof that the power behind the universe cares.
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? Why do you think He does this?
God uses the gentle and lowly to deal with the evil of this world. He deals with evil and sin through weakness and suffering. It is easy to fall under the spell of beauty, wealth and power ~ to truly see God in the weak and lowly is the gift; it is genuine; it is the way. True beauty in from the heart, which is not evident to the eye.
22. Give thanks to God for the evidence given in this psalm that He cares for you, and that you are not junk!
Thank you for loving me, though I feel like junk, you see value in me and every single person you have created. All of my value is not from my accomplishments, but only from You loving me, just as I am. I love You Jesus. You are my all.
23. What else stood out to you from this message? Why?
A life of meaning and hope will make you a person that loves others and sees others through the eyes of Jesus.
seeing others through the eyes of Jesus. Yes, Patti. Help us all, Lord.
Monday and Tuesday: What David Learned
David was writing as things are revealed to him. It shows that God cares
18. Listen to the end of Keller’s Message
A. Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this?
We are crowned with glory and honor which are attributes of the character of God. In Genesis, we were created in His image.
Each human being is precious to Him.
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for:
1) Our value to God
He will take care of that which is His own. We are of great value to Him.
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point.?
The patient hated himself. The doctor was having a conference with the residents and talked about how they could help the depressed patient. One of them said, “we should show him that he is valuable and important.” And the doctor challenged them with a few questions. “How do you know that he is? What is the scientific reason for it.”
They were dumbfounded until one of the residents who was a Christian replied that the patient was made in the image of God so he is valuable and he is not trash nor junk; he needs to be treated with dignity. Tim Keller: God does care because He put his image on you.
3) What ramifications are there for abortion?
God is our Creator. Each fetus/baby He has created in His image. They are all sacred to God. Abortion is an affront to God the Creator and Maker of all. Abortion is wrong.
Dee, a while back, you shared a video from a Christian lady who explained the sanctity of life. She used scientific evidence and explained it (what is going inside the womb, etc.)where it made sense even to a non-Christian who was listening. You called her a very articulate person. Does this ring a bell? It has been a while. I would like to listen to her again.
Are you sure it was me? Maybe — but I’m afraid it doesn’t ring a bell. I did hear a good debate, but it was a man. Two points he made were was asking the other to define the magic moment when life began other than when the sperm met the egg. He couldn’t – for viability keeps changing. The other was “saying abortion is health care is like saying rape is lovemaking.”
Dee, no, I am not 100% sure it was you. I am praying I could find it because this Christian lady made an excellent presentation without using too much theological lingo. Kind of like Tim Keller in his book, “The Reason for God.” and it was awhile back.
Bing, I was thinking about when life “begins.” Wouldn’t it technically be the minute the umbilical cord begins to coarse oxygen through it to the baby, because the baby is technically breathing, not the detection of a heart beat? The definition of life includes metabolic activity. Doesn’t this qualify?
Is the moment of conception when sperm meets egg or when it is implanted in the uterus wall?
Dee, I have always believed life begins at conception, when the sperm penetrates the egg. There has even been scientific research that has recorded a flash of light when that occurs.
Interesting!
Laura, I have always believed that life begins when the sperm meets the egg because the process of life begins there. and that is what I teach to my students. Here is a quote from this pro-life website: shorturl.at/iyZ13
The official and public face of the medical profession insists that life begins at implantation — yet every embryology and fetology textbook in use today states that it begins at the instant of fusion between sperm and egg. For example, Essentials of Embryology says, “The zygote, formed by the union of an oocyte and a sperm, is the beginning of a new human being. And Langman’s Medical Embryology says, “Development begins with fertilization, the process by which the male gamete, the sperm, and the female gamete, the oocyte, unite to give rise to a zygote.
Thank you Bing. I appreciate this clarification.
Monday
18. Listen to the end of Keller’s Message
A. Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this?
Each passage tells how God made man…”in His image” and “made a little lower than God and crowned with glory and honor.”
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for:
1) Our value to God
Because we were made in His image we have morals, self-conscience, and a soul and therefore are infinitely precious. God cares about us and how we are treated.
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point.?
In response to how to help this depressed patient, who hated himself and was suicidal a female resident said he needs to be show that he’s a valuable person, not trash, not nothing. The leading doctor responded, “how do you know that? We’re scientists, what scientific basis is there for saying that?” This doctor was pushing these residents and it was making them uncomfortable as he was basically saying, “you have all these wonderful feelings about how everybody is valuable but what scientific evidence is there that human beings are worthwhile? The Christian resident who was not upset with the conversation and I think makes the point said, “But I know he was made in the image of God and therefore he’s not junk.”
3) What ramifications are therefore for abortion?
This reasoning that science says there’s no such thing as dignity or human rights gives, those who are “pro-choice” justification in making abortion ok. I found this quote from Women in Apologetics…”A secular culture that relies on a naturalistic worldview, which excludes a personal Creator that we are beholden to, can’t provide a logical answer as to where these rights come from. Practically, this plays out logically when people scream about human rights but exclude the rights of the unborn…”
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God?
It shows that He cared enough to send His only Son to die for our sins, redeem us, to bring us out of the darkness and into the light! As Zechariah said in Luke 1:68, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.” And in Luke 1:78-79, “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you.
I thank you Lord for showing Your love, mercy and care for me, by purchasing my freedom with the blood of Your Son and forgiving my sins, for taking me from darkness and into Your glorious light.
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? Why do you think He does this?
He is going to deal with evil through weakness and suffering, through the poor and out of the mouth of babes. The ultimate example of verse 2 is Jesus coming into the world as a baby, vulnerable and instead of taking power He lost it and in the end went to the cross. This is proof that we fill the mind of the Creator of the universe…little us!
22. Give thanks to God for the evidence given in this psalm that He cares for you, and that you are not junk!
I thank You God for creating me in Your image and because of the gospel I can know without a doubt that I’m not junk…nobody is!
23. What else stood out to you from this message? Why?
In seeing how the world, the trees, the fields, sing to us about His glory and joy, I can live a life of meaning and hope.
18. Listen to the end of Keller’s Message
A. Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this? The both affirm that God made man above all other creatures, but lower than God.
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for:
1) Our value to God We and every person are valued over all else.
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point? The depressed patient has worth because he is made in the image of God. It is the only worth that gives us hope, not our jobs, families, finances, etc.
3) What ramifications are there for abortion? Babies even in the earliest stages of development are still made in the image of God and are equally as important to him.
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God? He visited us, he came to us, he pursued us. He didn’t sit back and wait for us to come to him, we never would anyway.
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you. I did.
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? That God will use babies and children to give him praise and glory. Why do you think He does this? To show that he uses the weakest of the weak for his great purpose.
22. Give thanks to God for the evidence given in this psalm that He cares for you, and that you are not junk! I did
23. What else stood out to you from this message? Why? His description of the vastness of the universe. It usually makes me feel insignificant, but in light of these verses, it actually boosts confidence that God cares for me.
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God?
Jesus was mindful of us when He obeyed the Father to come down from Heaven and to find us. The ultimate proof that God cares is that His Son visited us so He can redeem us.
The Creator God became our Incarnate Savior. I was just reminded of the song:
Down from His glory, ever living story, My God and Savior came, and Jesus was his name
Born in a manger, To His own a stranger A man of sorrow, tears, and agony.
Oh, how I love Him! How I adore Him!My breath, my sunshine, my all in all;The great Creator became my Savior,And all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him.
Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this?
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for: glory, honor, dominion, crowned
1) Our value to God every human being is precious God cares about them and how they are treated
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point.? Christian was able to point out that we are made in the image of God and thus have worth and value We are not junk and we need to be treated with dignity Never treat any one with disdain
3) What ramifications are there for abortion? That baby has been created in the image of God How it must grieve Him when life is aborted
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God? He came to us and now through the Holy Spirit is in us
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you. Thank You Father That JESUS humbled Himself and came to us To show us what You are like and to save Your people from their sin
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? Why do you think He does this? Because everyone is wanted by God He works through the weak. God sent His Son JESUS as a baby who defeated evil Jesus did this because He was mindful of us
22. Give thanks to God for the evidence given in this psalm that He cares for you, and that you are not junk! Thank You Who am I that You love me And yet You chose to send Your Son to pay for my sin
18. Listen to the end of Keller’s Message
A. Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this? We are made in God’s Image (a little lowerthan the heavenly beings) and entrusted with the care of God’s Creation.( crowned him with glory and honor.)
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for:
1) Our value to God He must love us very much to honor us by making us in His Image.
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point.? One female resident felt they must assure this patient of his worth, the doctor disagreed. He said we are scientists and must view him through that lens, therefore his life is of no value.
3) What ramifications are there for abortion? Life loses it’s value with our acts of deciding who should live and who should die.
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68( Our Lord came and redeemed us) and Luke 1:78-79(because of God’s tender mercies towards us, He made a path for us to peace in Christ Jesus, His Son).What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God? For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shiuld not die but have Eternal Life in Him.
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you. Thank-you Lord Jesus that You became my sin on the cross and bore the weight of all sin and conquered it’s power over me and all humanity! I could never earn this gift, but You give it freely to anyone who will believe in You. I am forever thankful to You my Blessed Redeemer and Dearest Friend! Hallelujah!
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? God uses the most unlikely and lowly of society to proclaim His truth. Why do you think He does this? As He says, ” My ways are not your ways.” God has a totally different perspective on this life than we do, even His view of time as we know it, is irrelevant to Him.
22. Give thanks to God for the evidence given in this psalm that He cares for you, and that you are not junk! (I praise You and thank You Lord God, that You see even the tiny speck of dust, me! Glory to Your Name!)
23. What else stood out to you from this message? That I am made in His Image. Why? I have struggled with low self- esteem and depression off and on since age 12. I never thought of it this way,but I am disrespecting God by my attitude toward myself…Lord help me!
Oh lydia == how I agree with your prayer
I have struggled with low self- esteem and depression off and on since age 12. I never thought of it this way,but I am disrespecting God by my attitude toward myself…Lord help me!
REPLY
Lydia, what a thought for me to ponder “I have struggled with low self-esteem and depression off and on since age 12. I never thought of it this way, but I am disrespecting God by my attitude toward myself…Lord help me!” I need to remind myself all the time that God is mindful of me and that He loves me and I should live confidently because I am His!
REPLY
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God?
I plan to listen to Keller this morning on my way to work so I’ll do my best to answer. Can’t wait to listen!
That He comes to us to give us in His tender mercy, for He is so passionate for us that He redeems us from darkness. Whoa, His mindfulness is way more than our interpretation of “mindfulness”.
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you. God I don’t even deserve to read your word let alone capture your heart from before I was born that you would be mindful of me. Who am i? Especially compared to you! Yet you shower me with your mercy and love, and lowered yourself so that you could crown me and clothe me in your righteousness and I don’t deserve it and did nothing to earn it. Amazing is your love!!!
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? Why do you think He does this?
God doesn’t reveal Himself through the prideful, but through the humble. Children and babes are about as humble as you can get. He works contrary to how we work for we work the opposite-the stronger and more powerful are first, the weaker is last.
I have to add regarding question #22. I have to fight daily with not beating myself up. I am so much more than the lies I tell myself, because He made me and He redeemed me and is still redeeming me from my sin. So the more thankful I become for that, the more God will replace my lying thoughts with truth. I don’t want to tell God He didn’t know what He was doing when He made me, wooed me and redeemed me. I need to quit elevating my evaluation of myself above God’s. I’m precious in His sight. I’m His princess and I matter so much to Him that He gave up everything to have me. Whoa. even when I mess up. Even when I’m unfaithful to Him. He’s not a fool! When He reminds me of this, it helps me to turn and trust Him but I need to daily ask him to help me for how I see myself in a bad light is so engrained!
Good talking to your soul
24. What is your take-a-way and why?
Maybe I have gotten my relationship with God all wrong, these many years? He is not just my “assistant”, I need to be ever mindful of what He is using me for. I feel like I am beginning to truely know Him and trust Him more and more.
1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
18. Listen to the end of Keller’s Message
A. Keller says Psalm 8:5 recapitulates Genesis 1:26. How do you see this?
Humans are made in the image of God and have dominion over the animals.
B. What ramifications does “Imago Deo” or being made in the image of God have for:
1) Our value to God
He loves us so much because we are His; like Him!
2) Our hope? (Keller shared an incident with a doctor, residents, and a desperately depressed patient.) What was it and what was the point.?
The dr asked the students how they would respond to someone who wanted to commit suicide. They said they should tell him how valuable he is. No one had a truly good answer because they couldn’t “prove” it. There was no scientific evidence that he was valuable. The Christian dr professed that he would tell the person that he was valuable to God because he was made in His image; just like Him. He’s not junk for that reason.
We have value to Him. That give us hope.
3) What ramifications are there for abortion?
If we take the life He created then we are disrespecting Him. We are taking His artwork and trashing it. We are playing God when it’s His creation.
19. The KJV translates verse 4 “What is man that Thou art mindful and the son of man that Thou visiteth him?” Compare this to Luke 1:68 and Luke 1:78-79. What do these passages show mindfulness of us by God?
He came and visited us! He wants to guide us. He cares about us.
20. Give thanks for both of these demonstrations of mindfulness by God of you.
Thank You God for sending Jesus, a baby, to show us how we should love one another. Thank You for caring for us. Thank You for Your love,
21. Compare Psalm 8:2 with Matthew 21:14-16. What point are these Scriptures making about how God works? Why do you think He does this?
He uses the least to teach the lesson. So there’s no threat to us? So it’s believable?
22. Give thanks to God for the evidence given in this psalm that He cares for you, and that you are not junk!
Thank You God for being the artist who formed us. Your beauty is apparent in the work! Thank You for taking care, with each stroke to create our beautiful eyes, the fascinating body cells, and the amazing brain to control all. Thank You for visiting us so those who were privy could spread the Word.
23. What else stood out to you from this message? Why?
I’ve been pondering this idea of His love for us all day! I even witnessed to my boss today because we have had suicide training to take and the student I have who finds the whole expanse of the universe overwhelming could sure use what Keller has to say about how we were crafted and how God loves us. It’s so wild how he manages to connect different parts of our lives! I love it when that happens! Keller is SO good. Any idea about his health?
17. How have you experienced the Lord in Scripture, unusual timing or circumstances, the sense of His presence, or answered prayer this week?
I’m going to have to go with the story I told above about discussions around suicide and my student needing to know Jesus to calm her fears. The suicide prevention video said to say to the person things that were kind of un-natural to me. I told my boss I would tell them about Jesus and deal with the fallout from that afterwards. I’m not going to risk someone taking their life because I’m too afraid to mention our glorious Lord!
Amen! I am praying for you Laura, as you speak the truth of God in love. Your students are so blessed to have you!🙏❤️🙏
♥️