REFUGE

STUDIES IN PSALMS 1-12

Sunday Evenings July-September 2023

In our summer evening series we are going to be considering how to navigate the various challenges of life with wisdom and with God as our refuge. The first twelve Psalms address many of these issues and give us the assurance that God is our strength and help as we seek to live for Him.

Recommended resources for this series

The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life
In the opening pages of the Psalms, believers discover foundational truth for right living–and great delight–as children of God. Trusted theologian Dale Ralph Davis leads readers through a careful study of Psalms 1–12 with clear application for daily life.

The Psalmist begins with the most essential truth for mankind, Davis explains: “Nothing is so crucial as your belonging to the congregation of the righteous.” And it is the Word of God that provides the direction for the believer’s life. It is here, Davis points out, that “the righteous man gets his signals for living.” The delight of the righteous is in the “law”–the teachings–of the Lord. Indeed, for those who belong to Him, meditating on God’s Word is “the pursuit of pleasure”! And the Psalms are a treasure trove for such a pursuit.

As the first 12 Psalms continue, we see basic principles unfold with great clarity. Much like our troubles today, the Psalmist endured wickedness all around, a world hostile to the true God–and on a very personal level–deceit and persecution from his enemies. Readers are pointed toward the glorious rule of the Messiah, to whom the whole world belongs. In light of this realization, we are prepared to face all kinds of troubles that cause despair. The righteous rely on God, and the Psalms teach us how. This book is ideal for use by small groups, as a teaching guide or for reference.
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Psalms For You -How to pray, how to feel and how to sing
Christopher Ash shows us how to read and apply the book of Psalms. He takes us through 15 pairs of psalms that represent various ‘types’—including some that are very familiar and some that are often ignored.

He helps us to see how they are fulfilled by Jesus and therefore point to Jesus first and foremost, transforming how we read them, enjoy them and sing them.

Christopher Ash comments that this understanding of the Psalms "can shape the dynamics of our Christian lives in ways that neither a dry and arid intellectualism nor a rootless emotionalism can do. The Psalms can make us Christians with deep feelings, deep emotions, deep thoughts, and deep desires." Get the book

WonderFull -Ancient Psalms Ever New

Your children may know of the Psalms, but with WonderFull by best-selling author Marty Machowski, young readers learn to use the whole book of the Psalms to pray and find help through the challenges life is certain to bring.
Oliver and his grandfather spend days sitting in front of an old oak tree, reading through the book of Psalms together. As Oliver’s curiosity about God evolves into a deep and abiding faith, his grandfather continues to read to him and pray with him, discovering together the beauty of the Psalms.
Even when Oliver’s grandpa is no longer able to read with him, Oliver continues to cherish the Psalms—especially in times of trial— and he imagines what it will be like to see God face to face and his grandfather again in heaven.
Ancient psalms are made ever new in this beautifully designed children’s book, and kids will grow to love and appreciate this book of the Bible.
As a best-selling author to numerous books and curricula for kids, Marty Machowski draws on over thirty years of experience as a pastor to provide Scripture-based truth and hope for young readers. Machowski doesn’t just help kids become familiar with the Psalms. He helps them apply what they are learning to their own lives, which is a gift that will continue to deepen their walk with Christ as they grow older.

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8-11s

Psalms for My Day -A Child's Praise Devotional

The Psalms tell us how wonderful God is and help us to praise and worship Him. The Psalms help us to pray to God – telling him about our troubles and worries. The Psalms give us comfort and guidance. Some Psalms point to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God who came into this world to suffer and die for the sins of his people. Some Psalms tell about our sin and how the Lord has dealt with it. Other Psalms express our joy and thanksgiving.
Using Alec Motyer’s translation, this day–by–day devotional encourages children to explore the Psalms for themselves. The 31 short devotionals include a short prayer, and beautiful colour illustrations.

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Recommended for families

2-6s

Wonder and Wisdom -Everyday Reminders from Psalms and Proverbs

Tiny Truths Wonder and Wisdom draws on the timeless wisdom of the Psalms and Proverbs to remind young readers who God made them to be and how to live their lives. With vibrant illustrations and engaging text that focuses on these two books not typically included in most illustrated Bibles, this is the perfect new addition to your child’s library

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4-7s

God, You Are -20 Promises from the Psalms for Kids

20 Psalms and Devotions to Help Children Learn More about Who God Is
The Psalms are full of “You Are” statements—like “You are my rock and fortress” found in Psalm 31. For generations, Christians have used these phrases to praise God for who he is and what he has done for his people. These short, simple statements provide wonderful opportunities for parents to teach their children about the character of God and reflect on who he is in powerful ways.
In this book, professor, pastor, and father William R. Osborne presents short devotionals around the 20 “You Are” statements found in the Psalms. Each devotional is followed by a short prayer that families can pray together as they read. Using a clear and warm style, Osborne provides a distinct connection between the gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s goodness, holiness, and mercy as they are illustrated in the Psalms.
Helps Young Readers Learn to Read the Psalms: Each devotion shows how the Psalms point to the New Testament, showing the connections between Old and New Testaments
Encourages Children to Pray: This book offers simple prayers that parents and children can read and say together as they echo the words of the psalmist
Scripture Memorisation: Great tool to help children memorise scripture about the character of God