Truths to Transform 2015
Psalm 90
Skip Heitzig
Psalm 90 (NKJV™) | |
1 | A Prayer of Moses the man of God. LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. |
2 | Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. |
3 | You turn man to destruction, And say, "Return, O children of men." |
4 | For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night. |
5 | You carry them away like a flood; They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: |
6 | In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers. |
7 | For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. |
8 | You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. |
9 | For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. |
10 | The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. |
11 | Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. |
12 | So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. |
13 | Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. |
14 | Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! |
15 | Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil. |
16 | Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. |
17 | And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. |
New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.
Moses wrote Psalm 90 at a time in his life when he experienced great loss. As we study his words, we learn some simple yet powerful truths that can transform our year—if we put them into practice. Looking ahead, we can't predict what's coming up, but we can make our days count for eternity.
These special New Year's teachings focus on new beginnings and God's faithfulness at the time of year when we look to the future and anticipate all that God will do in and through us.
Prognosticators have once again made predictions for the coming year. But whatever may come, we are reminded in Psalm 90 that God is never-changing; He is always our Rock. This private prayer of Moses was written around one of two historic times for Israel: Numbers 13 or Numbers 20. In Numbers 13, Moses sent a troop of spies into the Promised Land, and because the people believed the bad report of the ten and not the good report of the two, they then wandered in the desert for forty years. Thirty-eight years later in Numbers 20, both Miriam and Aaron died, and Moses hit the rock twice out of anger and unbelief, resulting in God telling him that he would not enter the Promised Land. Both events represented great loss, sorrow, and disappointment for Moses, yet he still expressed some monumental truths about God. Let's look at these five truths.
First, God is big: magnify Him. The term dwelling place from verse 1 could be translated refuge or den—the comfortable place in a house where the family hangs out. Verse 1 could read, "Lord, You have been our family room." Are you at home with God? Do you feel comfortable in His presence? If God is your dwelling place now, then you will be in His dwelling place for eternity. Consider that Israel dwelt in tents for forty years when Moses wrote this, which makes it even more awesome that he considered God a warm family den, a secure refuge. Moses took a big God and, through his words, made Him bigger; he magnified the Lord. As a telescope makes a huge, faraway object look much closer, words that magnify God make our immeasurable God more visible. Read Philippians 1:20-21, Psalm 34:1-3, Luke 1:46, and Acts 19:17. How do these verses make God bigger? How do you magnify or speak of God in tough times?
Second, you are frail: rest in Him. Moses compared God's greatness to our frailty (see vv. 2-8), making it clear that God alone is in complete control. It's good that we make plans, but God holds the editing rights. Consequently, blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken. If we had been in control the past year, many things would have been different: no suffering, but also no growth from that suffering. We are frail and weak in our understanding, so we must trust in Him. How do you rest in God? Share some practical examples.
Third, life is short: live for Him. In this chapter, Moses spoke of the brevity of life; even to live seventy or 100 years simply postpones the inevitable (see vv. 9-12). Yet Moses asked God to help him number his days, not his years—in other words, to make each day count for God. If you are thirty-five, it is estimated that, after you take away time for sleep, work, eating, and all other necessary functions, you only have about 500 more days in which to do what you want. However, we shouldn't count time, but make time count. Here are the ABCs of doing so: A: Acknowledge that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. B: Breathe. Take life in smaller chunks, take breaks from your routine this year, and wait before taking on new responsibilities. C: Commit every single day to God. Release control to Him. Consider that this day could be your last, so live for Him. Which one of the ABCs—acknowledge, breathe, or commit—is the toughest for you? Why? What do you need to remember about God in order to help you make your days count?
Fourth, joy is possible: depend on Him. Keep in mind the context of this psalm: Moses was either about to march with whiners in the desert for forty years or be refused entrance into the Promised Land. Facing disappointment in either case, he prayed for joy (see vv. 13-15). Imagine it: for forty years, this lost generation had been burying people day in and day out, yet he was seeking the joy of the Lord. The word rejoice means to bring a ringing cry. Moses didn't have joy on his own or in his circumstances, but he was seeking God for it. Joy is a choice; it is an outlook that is determined by our uplook. Moses prayed for joy in proportion to what he had suffered. Why is this encouraging?
Finally, there's a plan: work for Him. Moses wrapped up his prayer by considering God's work (see vv. 16-17). Notice he referred both to "Your work" and ʺthe work of our hands." The secret to making sure your life is not a waste is to make your work God's work. God will bless the work of your hands when it is the work of His hands. Two of the most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you discover what you were born for—and only God can truly show you that. Human beings are a strange mixture of dust and divinity, frailty and foreverness, creatures of time and eternity. Let's make our time count for eternity, so that in eternity, we have a great time. How can you work for God in your life? How do you get involved in His work? What's your first step?
Adapted from Pastor Skip’s teaching
The BIG Idea
God is big; magnify, rest in, live for, depend on, and work for Him.
Figures referenced: Robert Dick Wilson
Hebrew words: maon
Cross references: Numbers 13-14; 20; Psalm 90; Luke 12:16-20; Philippians 1:20-21; 4:4; Hebrews 9:27
Date | Title | Watch | Listen | Notes | Share | Save | Buy | |
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1/1/1984 completed
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From Beginning to End Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary From Beginning to End from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/1986 completed
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New Year's Eve 1986 Skip Heitzig |
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1/1/1989 completed
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New Years: A Time for Rebuilding Nehemiah 2:11-20 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary New Years: A Time for Rebuilding - Nehemiah 2:11-20 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/1989 completed
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Facing the Future with Confidence Jeremiah 29:1-11 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Facing the Future with Confidence - Jeremiah 29:1-11 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/30/1990 completed
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Fulfilling the Task Joshua 13 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Fulfilling the Task - Joshua 13 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/1990 completed
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New Year Exhortation Matthew 5:13-16 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary New Year Exhortation - Matthew 5:13-16 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/1992 completed
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New Year's Eve 1992 John 4 Skip Heitzig |
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12/31/1993 completed
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New Year's Eve 1993 Calvary Pastors |
Info Message Summary New Year's Eve 1993 from our study New Year's Messages with the Calvary Pastors from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/1994 completed
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New Year's Eve 1994 Skip Heitzig |
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1/1/1995 completed
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Four Words for the New Year Philippians 3:12-14 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Four Words for the New Year - Philippians 3:12-14 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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1/4/1995 completed
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New Year's 1995 Psalm 20 Skip Heitzig |
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12/30/1995 completed
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New Year's Eve 1995 Skip Heitzig |
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12/31/1995 completed
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Trusting an Unknown Future to a Known God Skip Heitzig |
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12/31/1996 completed
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New Year's Eve 1996 Skip Heitzig |
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1/1/1997 completed
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New Year's 1997 Skip Heitzig |
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12/31/1997 completed
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The Untrodden Path of the Future Joshua 3:1-14 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary The Untrodden Path of the Future - Joshua 3:1-14 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/27/1998 completed
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The Best Way to Live Philippians 3:10-14 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary The Best Way to Live - Philippians 3:10-14 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/1998 completed
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New Year's Eve 1998 Skip Heitzig |
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1/3/1999 completed
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The Future: Inquiring Minds Want to Know Matthew 24; Luke 21 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary As a child I remember laying in bed wondering about the future. Questions like, "Where will I be in the year 2000?" or, "Will there be an end to the world?" would go through my mind. People have always had futuristic queries. Even the disciples did. What will happen? What should I know? How can I prepare? |
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12/26/1999 completed
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I know the plans I have for you Jeremiah 29:1-11 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary I know the plans I have for you - Jeremiah 29:1-11 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/1999 completed
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New Year's Eve 1999 Skip Heitzig |
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12/31/2000 completed
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New Year's Eve 2000 Skip Heitzig |
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12/31/2001 completed
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New Year's Eve 2001 Skip Heitzig |
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12/29/2002 completed
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How To Face the New Year Psalm 65:11 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary How To Face the New Year - Psalm 65:11 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/2002 completed
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New Year's Eve 2002 Skip Heitzig |
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12/28/2003 completed
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Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing John 15:1-8 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing - John 15:1-8 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/2003 completed
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New Year's Eve 2003 Skip Heitzig |
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12/26/2004 completed
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How To Face the New Year Psalm 65:11 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary How To Face the New Year from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/2004 completed
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New Year's Eve 2004 Skip Heitzig |
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1/2/2006 completed
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Facing the Future with Confidence Jeremiah 29:1-14 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Facing the Future with Confidence - Jeremiah 29:1-14 from our study New Year's Messages with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Albuquerque. |
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12/31/2006 completed
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A Clear Path in a Foggy Future Joshua 3:1-10 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Do you remember lying in bed as a child wondering what you would be doing in the future? Questions like, “Who will I marry? Where will I be living? How many kids will I have?” occupied our imagination. Everyone wonders about his or her future and, around New Years, such speculation is rampant. But as believers we can walk on firmer ground. With God at the helm, life’s journey can be an exciting adventure. And since we’re already assured of the destination of this earthly pilgrimage, let’s enjoy the ride! |
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12/31/2006 completed
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New Year's Eve Fiesta Skip Heitzig |
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12/30/2007 completed
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New Years Revolution! 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary This is typically the time of year we pause to take personal inventory. How far have we come? What goals have we met? How could we do things differently? This is the stuff that makes for New Years resolutions. But in making them, where should we aim? How high should we aim? What is the best way to live our lives in the coming year? I say we could use less resolutions and more of a revolution—i.e. radical change! |
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12/31/2007 completed
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Special New Years Eve Worship Service Skip Heitzig |
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12/31/2008 completed
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New Year's Eve 2008 Deuteronomy 1:1-46;Joshua 1:1-18 Skip Heitzig |
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12/27/2009 completed
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Holes in the Walls Nehemiah 2:11-18 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary With the coming of a New Year comes the evaluation of the old one. Today I'd like to speak candidly about some concerns that I see within the "Christian Camp" as we face the New Year. Picture your life like the four walls within an ancient city (Jerusalem in Nehemiah's time). For the city to be safe, productive, and thriving, the holes in the walls need to be closed and the gates carefully guarded. Consider carefully (and prayerfully) these four vulnerable areas in the coming year: |
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12/31/2009 completed
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New Year's Eve 2009 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary As we go forward into a new decade we'll remember the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ. Join us as we reflect on what the Lord has done, and look forward expectantly to the good works He has prepared before us. |
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12/31/2010 completed
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New Year's Eve 2010 Acts 6:1-4 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary As we embark on a new year, we seek the Lord and His vision for our church. We'll get a preview of our upcoming expound Bible study and express prayer ministry as we follow the example of the early church, and renew our excitement for prayer and the Word of God. |
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1/2/2011 completed
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The Amazing Race Philippians 3:12-16 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary Are you running to win? Or are you operating in cruise control? As we begin a new year, it's time to consider five essentials in our race toward Godly living. Let's explore what the apostle Paul had to say about the race laid out before us from this text in the book of Philippians. |
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1/1/2012 completed
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Where Are We Going? Philippians 3:12-16 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary As we look back in celebration of what the Lord has done this past year, it's tempting to rest on our laurels—to be satisfied with what has been accomplished. But the work is not complete. On the brink of the new year, let's consider these words of the apostle Paul, and apply some important principles that will help us finish the race well. |
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12/30/2012 completed
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Navigating Another Year Ephesians 5:15-17 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary What is the will of God? It can seem so elusive, but in this study, we learn five things that are the clear will of God for each of us. As children of God, as a church body, let's make a pact to preach to the lost, to be set apart for Jesus Christ, to be humble, to be submissive and honoring to the people around us, and to be thankful in all things. |
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12/31/2014 completed
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Sing In the New Year: Worship through the Ages Battle Drums Worship Team |
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12/30/2018 completed
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Glance Backward; Go Forward; Gaze Upward Genesis 16 Skip Heitzig |
Info Message Summary I like to use the week between Christmas and New Year’s to gain some needed perspective. I usually gather together an inventory of thoughts, plans, and projects—some I’ve completed and many I have not. I like to get nostalgic and recollect my life’s journey so far and then think about the future, including what friends and family I need to reconnect with. These exercises help me find meaning in my life’s journey as I submit them for heaven’s final approval. |
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