NorMel House Devotions

Psalm 4 – Answer Me When I Call – See Below Once again, David calls out to the LORD in his distress. While the exact date of Psalm 4's composition is unknown, it makes sense that it follows Psalm 3. It, too, can be a response to his son Absalom’s betrayal and his supporters. David speaks of men who were spreading lies about him and trying to bring shame to his name. Absalom was a great source of stress and trouble for David; he turned many of the people against David and usurped the throne. Whether he was writing in response to this or not, we can understand how frustrating it is when the world around us believes lies instead of God’s truth. Satan earnestly seeks to destroy God’s people and tries to tempt us with many false gods, delusions, half-truths, and lies. When we are dealing with this type of attack, it can feel relentless at times, causing us to despair. David starts the Psalm with a plea for help, calling on God for relief. He recalls God’s faithfulness in the past ...

  Psalm 3 - See below David’s son, Absalom, loved his sister Tamar. When he found out that their own brother, Ammon, had violated her, he killed Ammon. Fearing his father’s wrath, he then fled to Geshu. When David allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem, he commanded him to stay out of his presence. This continued for 2 years (see 2 Samuel 14:28). After 2 years, Absalom “came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom” (2 Samuel 14:33). Absalom spent the next 4 years undermining David’s authority and “gaining the hearts of the people.” (See 2 Samuel 15). He sat at the city gates, charming them daily and turning them against David. After the 4 years, Absalom sent messengers throughout the tribes of Israel, planning a coup. In 2 Samuel 15, David flees to prevent a blood bath from Absalom’s takeover. In Psalm 3, David cries out to God because his own son rose against him and stole the hearts of the people. In verses 1 and ...

Psalm 2: The Reign of the LORD’s Anointed – see below When we looked at the first Psalm, it became obvious that the company we keep matters. In Psalm 2, we see what happens to those with whom we shouldn’t spend time: those who mock the Lord God and His people. Our society thinks that we all can have our own beliefs, and yet, it mocks Christians for believing in the one true God. God’s word gives us comfort because we see that, although evil may seem to prosper at times, God is in control and He will punish those who “plot in vain” against Him. David’s words in Psalm 2 are prophetic, describing the rebellion of the nations, but also the coming of the Messiah. In verse 7, he points forward to when God would say of Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). David also knew that God had anointed him to be king, and he trusted God’s promises. A Savior would come into the world through his own bloodline; true God, true Man, the only begotten Son of God....

Love is a choice.  I know some say you can't help who you fall in love with, but you choose who you stay in love with.  Love and marriage aren't always "sunshine and roses" (but stop and smell those when it is), sometimes love means staying and making up, compromising and working things out when you dont get along and listening when all you want to do is shake your head and walk away.  Love is a choice. Every single day you need to choose to love your spouse. Every single day you need to choose to do things that reflect that love and make your spouse feel loved. Not only in the ways that make you feel loved, but in ways that make them feel loved. Love languages are extremely important. Its easy to feel alone in a crowded room if no one ever shows you love the way your heart desires.  Love is being patient and kind when you want to be angry or annoyed. Love is letting go of pride and choosing to hold back the hair of your wife while she's sick, gross, pregnant and ...

Psalm 1 (see bottom). The book of Psalms opens with a profound, foundational truth: true joy is found in obeying God. As a collection of wisdom, poetry, and truth, the Psalms teach us how to live and remind us to turn to God in every situation. To walk in this joy, we must be mindful of our influences. The people we surround ourselves with shape our character and our faith. If we closely associate with those who mock God or ridicule His Word, their worldview can easily skew our own, tempting us to drift from the truth. Instead, we should actively seek friendships that build our faith—friends who encourage us to draw closer to God and walk in His ways. Following God requires knowing His heart, which comes from intentionally engaging with Scripture. Meditating on His Word, searching the Scriptures, and studying His commands allow us to apply biblical truth to our daily lives. Just as a tree soaks up water to bear good fruit, we must soak up God’s Word to align our minds and actions w...

"When it rains, it pours." Ever heard that expression? Ever felt like that expression describes your life? Sometimes in life, we get hit hard, and then it seems the hits just keep on coming. One thing after another.... after another... after another. Every time you try to "get back up" again, something else hits and keeps you down. It's like the shoe fell, but then more shoes just keep on falling! As Christians, we know that there will be trials and suffering in this life, but God's word is filled with comfort and promises to give us strength. Matthew 11:22-30      Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.    Isaiah 41:10      Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my ri...