The Simple Not Shallow Podcast

Have you ever been reading along in the Bible and suddenly you find yourself wanting to say something that you normally say to that one good friend who kicks you in the rear-end to get you moving in the right direction? You know, “Shut up.” Well, can I just say that this is what happened to me as I was reading the Psalm for this episode, Psalm 37? This is especially true of verses 1-9. Where it sa...

Can I just say that for this episode, number 64, there was so much to talk about? There is the basis for a compassionate view of the one without God in his life, not of sin or of evil, but of the individual. There are parallels between this psalm, number 36, and Psalm 1, how God’s graciousness is the protection he provides, and many more besides. It was hard to choose just one topic. But here we g...

Can I just say that this is the hardest Psalm, so far, for me to talk about? I mean, in each Psalm Tuesday episode, I share one thing that I learned or found to be profound. Yet, here in this Psalm, number 35, even after spending hours praying about it and pondering what to say… I was coming up blank. I was left wondering just how did this make it into a worship service, as the Psalms were origina...

In this episode, the Psalmist is praising God for his goodness. But how does he know God s good and worthy of praise? Well, the Psalmist states it rather plainly at a little less than halfway through the psalm. He says it’s all about perceiving this through actual experiences with God. Isn’t that rather profound? Perceiving through and understanding based upon actual experience. A beautiful way to...

Have you ever been reading the Bible, and then all of the sudden have something simply jump off the page at you? Something that just demands your attention? This is what happened to me during the preparation for this particular episode. I was recording Psalm 33, which we’ll hear in just a moment, and all of the sudden, this one phrase in the very middle of the Psalm, well, approximately the middle...

In this episode, the Psalmist speaks of being protected, delivered, and surrounded with protective shields. I know, what’s new from the Psalms, right? This is what is new. This time, he is speaking in reference to himself. Yes, himself. Specifically, about the evil found within him. His obstinate refusal to admit his sins and ask forgiveness for them was the source of his torment from which he nee...

In this Psalm, the Psalmist shares something profound. He shares that trusting God involves doing so even when your emotions have turned you upside-down. It involves telling God you know he is in control and that he has your back, and, at the same time, telling him that everything is not good. That, as things stand, they are depressing and a source of great grief. And asking him to change the situ...

In this Psalm, we get a look at an all too human trait. Our need to be delivered from ourselves. We have a tendency to make the blessings of God a substitute for God. When this happens, we have placed the good things God gives in the way of our relationship to God. And in this psalm, in which the Psalmist is thanking God, he praises God for also delivering him from himself. Well, my name is Charle...

Have you ever noticed God’s presence in nature? Not that God is nature, but that nature reflects aspects of who its creator is. Haven’t you seen things in nature that remind you of God? In this episode, the Psalmist has and he relates this to us in a most eloquent and poetic manner. He shares how a dark and violent storm at sea reminds him of the power of God, of the voice of God. How he finds, in...

In this episode, David provides us with a beautiful example of how to pray. Granted, he doesn’t say, “This is how you should pray.” But he does offer us an example of simple, pure, and honest communication with God. It starts by acknowledging who God is and who he, David, is and is not. He then asks for God to stay close by. Because, otherwise, David will become like the dead, like wicked ones. An...

In this episode, the Psalmist makes a bold claim. He says, because God is his light, deliverance, and refuge he will not be afraid; that he will not fear or dread anyone. How is this even possible. Yeah, anyone can say this. But how does one make this a reality? The Psalmist says… well, that is getting ahead of ourselves, isn’t it? We’ll talk about it after the reading.   My name is Charles, Charl...

In today’s Psalm, I heard something very cool. Here we hear a song of praise that involves the Psalmist asking God to refine his emotions, character, and mind. Praising God, asking God to refine him even further, and this because God’s kindness and graciousness are his focus. What an amazing thing! That trust in God will lead to asking for an even deeper connection with him. And doesn’t this remin...

It has been said, one thing which sets Christianity apart from all other religions is grace. God, loving us so much, despite choices we have made or things we have done, that he offers us forgiveness of it all in order to establish a relationship with us. If we but choose to accept his offer. Divine grace, that which answers fully the demands of divine justice. The psalm in this episode, Psalm 25,...

In this episode, the Psalmist tells us who it is that is able to approach and stand before God. The one clean of hand and pure of heart; the one who humbly consults with God.  Those who search for him. How is this done? The Psalmist says something interesting; he says to open the gate and let God in. Open the gate to let Almighty God in… how intriguing. Well…? Hello. My name is Charles, Charles Ye...

There is perhaps no Psalm that is more popular than this one, the 23rd Psalm. Sometimes called The Shepherd’s Psalm. You know it, right? “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” We love the phrases: I shall not want, green pasture, still water, he restores my soul, preparing a table. What wonderful promises for us…? Yet, what if they are not promises to us at all? What if this Psalm is not abou...

God, where are you? Have you ever asked this question? If you’re like me, then you have… at least once. And the good news is that we are not alone. In this episode, we hear the Psalmist ask the very same thing. Indeed, we are privileged to get a glimpse into the journey he takes from despair, through reflection on God, on to an honest pouring out of his heart concerning his plight, and then, arriv...

What comes to mind when you think of someone being majestic and full of dignity? One who is well dressed, powerful, and highly influential? In this episode, the Psalmist gives us an unexpected insight into what a life of majesty and dignity truly is. It is a life that is a continual source of blessing for others. Being a blessing to others is part of the majesty of God; a majesty he imparts to tho...

In this episode, the Psalmist shares with us an interesting insight into what one aspect of praising God looks like. Actually pronouncing a blessing on others is a way of praising God. Who knew?  Well…. Hello. My name is Charles, Charles Yerkes and this is Psalm Tuesday here on the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. This is a podcast for those who want a deeper faith and not an aggressively mediocre one....

In this episode, the Psalmist shares how God’s teachings and commands are good things; how they bring what Jesus will call an abundance of life. Let’s listen to how the Psalmist describes them as life-giving, joy bringing, and life-enhancing. Why they are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey off the comb. And,  What’s more, By them, your servant is made alert. By them, your servant can...

In this episode, the Psalmist says many things. But there are two things which stand out to me: 1st    With the strong, and the blameless, and the honest man, You prove yourself blameless and honest. Yet, to those who are violent,  You will act violently. And with the twisted and the false, You prove full of twists and turns. For you help the humble, But the arrogant you humiliate. That God treats...

Can I just say that this psalm is an example of keeping it both simple and deep? What am I finding to be this height of Simple Not Shallowdom? An honest prayer. You might ask, “What other type of prayer is there?” I’m so glad you asked. But before getting into this, let’s first hear the psalm, shall we? Then we can chat about it. Also, before beginning, I am proud to say that this podcast is now s...

Can I just say that the Psalmist says something quite profound? While addressing God, he says, “My happiness and well-being are not valued more highly than you are.” Valuing someone more than your own happiness… and this being his inheritance, his fate, and blessing. One that he is very delighted with. Isn’t that a profound way to state how he loves God with his entire being?   Well, tell you what...

Can I just say that if you ever wondered just who, exactly, is the person that is rightly related to God, what does the person looks like and how they behave? This is the Psalm for you. For here, the Psalmist explores this. He gives us some concrete examples of what living for God, living from love, we could even say, abiding in Christ looks like. I know, right? Well, let’s first hear the psalm. T...

Can I just say that one of the things I love about the Bible is how subtle connections are often made between things? For instance, in this Psalm, acting prudently, with insight, is equated with searching intently for God. This also connects doing deeds in a loathsome and heinous manner with any deed done while not intently searching for God, which offers a connection to both Psalm 1 and the way o...

Have you ever felt forgotten by God? Ever wonder how long he will keep hiding himself from you? The Psalmist in this episode absolutely felt this way. His response is both brutally honest and also full of hope.  Hello. My name is Charles, Charles Yerkes and this is Psalm Tuesday here on the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. This is a   podcast for those who want a deeper faith and not an aggressively me...