The Digital Guide includes the daily Bible Reading Plan as well as study guides to the weekly sermons.

We trust that the #SummerinPsalms series will be refreshing to your soul. Here are a few things great Christians

and Theologians have said about the Psalms:

Martin Luther, father of the Protestant Reformation, writes:

“The Psalms is the book of all saints, and everyone in whatever situation they may be, find in that situation psalms

and words that fit their case… that suit them as if the words were put there just for their sake, so that they could

not put it better themselves, or wish for anything better.” So many times as I read a Psalm I say, that is exactly

what I want to say.”

John Calvin, the great Reformed theologian writes:

“The Psalms are “an anatomy of all parts for the soul.” The Psalms are “a mirror in which each of us sees the

motion of our own souls.” So many times I read a line and say, “That is me alright.” Other times, I read and say,

“No…. that is not me” only to find out later in the day, “oh, yes it is!”

Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher, “The Prince of Preachers”, writes:

“The Psalms were the love songs of the people of God; could any others be as pure and heavenly? They are fit for

childhood and old age; they furnish maxims for the entrance of life, and serve as watchwords at the gates of hell.”

Spurgeon says of Psalm 119, the longest Psalm, that it mentors us in “the art of holy living.”

Contemporary author Philip Yancey writes:

“The Psalms “comprise a sampling of spiritual journals. They are personal letters to God, they are personal prayers

in the form of poetry, written by a variety of people in widely fluctuating moods.” Then he says, “I come to them

not primarily as a student wanting to acquire knowledge but rather as a fellow pilgrim wanting to acquire

relationship.”

Summer in Psalms – Psalm 1 | June 8th 2014

Introduction: During the months of June, July and August we’re reading and preaching through the Psalms. Visit

www.NorthStarKnox.com for study guides and the reading plan.

Opener: What are your favorite bands, musicians or songs? Why do you think we instinctively enjoy music?

Key Scriptures: Psalm 1

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Psalm 1. The very first ‘song’ in the Psalms sets the tone for the whole collection. There are

several contrasts and comparisons. Which ones do you see?

2. How do you think a Christian can avoid standing in the way of sinners and sitting in the seat of

mockers, but still be a witness for Jesus in the world? Read Matthew 5:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:11-12.

How do these passages relate to this question?

3. What do you think about when you hear the word "delight"? What are the delights in your life?

4. Give an example of how someone might meditate on the Word of God "day and night".

5. After looking at this Psalm, what is one specific action you need to take regarding your relationship to

the Word of God?

Moving Forward: Visit this helpful resource for further reflection on Psalm 1:

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/psalm-1-when-delight-overcomes-distraction

Summer in Psalms – Psalm 3 | June 15th 2014

Introduction: During the months of June, July and August we’re reading and preaching through the Psalms. Visit

www.NorthStarKnox.com for study guides and the reading plan.

Opener: What are your favorite memories with your father?

Key Scriptures: I Samuel 15-18, Psalm 3

Discussion Questions:

1. Read the title of Psalm 3. The title of the Psalms often indicates what the ‘story behind the song’ is.

Music and poetry often times communicate deep levels of emotional depth. What modern songs

connect with your story?

2. Brad said in Sunday’s sermon that we often romanticize people in the Bible. Do you agree? Were you

surprised by any of the details in David’s family life Sunday? Did it change the way you thought about

David? How can romanticizing or exaggerating the virtue of Biblical characters hurt our spiritual

growth?

3. Read I Samuel 16. How was David treated by his father as a young son? Do you think his childhood

baggage may have found its way into his life as an adult? How has yours?

4. At the conclusion of the message Brad challenged us to consider the phrase, “I am not the one, but I

know the One.” Meaning, that we can never be everything our children or spouse need – but we can

point them to the one who is more than enough to be there everything. How can you be specifically

be transparent & intentional this week, so to point those around you to Jesus?

Moving Forward: Check this music video – The One you need by: Shane and Shane Video:

Pointing our kids to Jesus seems easier on Sunday. We go to church. But what about Monday on the way to

school? What about Thursday when they get in a fight? In this 2 part video series Brian Smith and Brad Raby

discuss what it looks like to practically point our kids to Jesus Monday to Saturday.

Summer in Psalms – Psalm 37 | June 22nd 2014

Introduction: During the months of June, July and August we’re reading and preaching through the Psalms. Visit

www.NorthStarKnox.com for study guides and the reading plan.

Opener: What are some of things that make you anxious, stressed, or even angry? In a chaotic and broken world

how should our relationship and understanding of God effect how we live?

Key Scriptures: Psalm 37:1-8, 23

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the Bible commands believers not to “fret” when we are constantly fretting, what

does this say about our understanding of God? Is there a noticeable difference between what we say

we believe about God, in light of our fears and angers, and how these truths are lived out in our lives?

2. Why does the Bible tell us to trust only in God, why not our family and friends? As Pastor Scott

pointed out, when troubles come most people withdraw from doing good works; however, what does

it say about our trust in God when we choose to not quit serving during the trials in our lives?

3. Thinking back to our discussion on Psalm 1 and what it means to delight in something, if our delight is

only in the Father and we desire what He desires how should this effect our fretting?

4. In what ways can we commit ourselves to God in our day to day lives?

5. In light of the command to “rest” or “be still” and to “wait on the Lord” in a time when most people

feel uncertain about their future, what confidence does it bring knowing that God has “established

our steps”? Knowing that as Christians we our not to fret, but rather we are to trust, delight, commit,

and wait on the Lord, what are some ways we can live out these truths?

Moving Forward:

What “step” do you see yourself in right now? Maybe it’s a job that isn’t your dream job. Maybe you’re single,

but long for a meaningful relationship. Whatever your “step” is – write it down on a 3x5 card. Underneath it

write out Psalms 37:23. Carry the card around you – in your wallet, on your fridge, propped on your desk – as a

reminder to trust in the Lord and to delight in the step. Not because it’s the place you ultimately want to be, but

because the Lord is there with you.