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, Charles Yerkes and this is Psalm Tuesday here on the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. This is a podcast for thos...
Jun 15, 2021•10 min•Ep. 55
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 remind you of the Greatest Command ever given, to love God with our heart, soul, and mind? Well…? Hello. ...
Jun 07, 2021•7 min•Ep. 54
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, offers us a beautiful example of God’s grace in action. It is what allows one, who knows his guilt ...
Jun 01, 2021•10 min•Ep. 53
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 Yerkes and this is Psalm Tuesday here on the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. This is a podcast for those wh...
May 25, 2021•7 min•Ep. 52
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 about us at all? What if it is completely about praising God for what he has already done? I mean, don’t...
May 18, 2021•8 min•Ep. 51
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, arriving at a very interesting destination. Once God answers, the Psalmist is quick to let go of the desp...
May 11, 2021•16 min•Ep. 50
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 those who love him. How mind-blowing is that? Well…. Hello. My name is Charles, Charles Yerkes and this...
May 04, 2021•7 min•Ep. 49
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. Psalm Tuesday is a series in which, each Tuesday, we will listen to a Psalm being read in a manner t...
Apr 27, 2021•6 min•Ep. 48
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 hear and heed a warning. In observing them, In living them out, There is much that is gained. And wai...
Apr 20, 2021•9 min•Ep. 47
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 people for who they are. Isn’t that intriguing. And 2nd is that a life of faith is reliance on God whil...
Apr 13, 2021•18 min•Ep. 46
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 sponsored by our book, Psalms 1-72, A Simple Not Shallow Presentation. This book is a collection of t...
Apr 06, 2021•11 min•Ep. 45
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, let’s first hear the psalm. Then we’ll chat about this. Also, before beginning, I am proud to say th...
Mar 30, 2021•10 min•Ep. 44
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. Then we’ll chat about it. Also, before beginning, I am proud to say that this podcast is now sponsore...
Mar 23, 2021•8 min•Ep. 43
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 of the righteous and to a New Testament passage, 1 Corinthians 13 and the way of love. How intriguing...
Mar 16, 2021•9 min•Ep. 42
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 mediocre one. Psalm Tuesday is a series in which, each Tuesday, we will listen to a Psalm being read in a...
Mar 09, 2021•6 min•Ep. 41
What do you do when those you thought you could rely on disappear? Or worse yet, when you find out that instead of being a friend, they were a smooth-talking, double-dealing snake? The Psalmist in this episode sure did. His response offers a ray of hope in this otherwise very bleak situation. Now…. Well, let’s first hear the psalm. Then we’ll chat about it. Also, before beginning, I am proud to say that this podcast is now sponsored by our book, Psalms 1-72, A Simple Not Shallow Presentation. Th...
Mar 02, 2021•7 min•Ep. 40
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the evil that is in the world? Do you ever feel like packing it all in and just giving up? In this episode, the Psalmist tells us how he overcomes these thoughts. Hello. My name is Charles, Charles Yerkes and this is Psalm Tuesday here on the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. A podcast for those who want a deeper faith and not an aggressively mediocre one. Psalm Tuesday is a series in which, each Tuesday, we will listen to a Psalm being read in a manner that honor...
Feb 23, 2021•5 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, the Psalmist asks, “Why, my Lord, do you stay so distant? Why do you shut your eyes to times of need?” One of the beautiful things about the Bible is that it doesn’t candy-coat things. It is always brutally honest and candid. Join the Psalmist as he works his way through these questions, as he shares valid reasons for needing an answer, and then as he calls on God to act and fix things. Then follow on as his remembrance of who God is leads to a certainty of knowing that God isn’...
Feb 16, 2021•9 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, we hear how God is a loving judge. A loving judge? Yes. We must never forget that God is all-loving AND he is an all-righteous judge. He is both. What does this even look like? The psalmist shares insight into this in Psalm 9. "He will judge the inhabitants of the world. Because he is loyal to them, He executes judgment towards the people in fairness. And the Lord is also a haven for the oppressed, A shelter in times of need." Because he is loyal to the inhabitants of the world ...
Feb 09, 2021•9 min•Ep. 37
In this episode, we hear one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s love that I have found. And this is in the first verses of this psalm, Psalm 8. Check this out. You, Who have displayed your majesty in the heavens. You, Who have destined your defenses to be made Through the mouths of children and nursing babes; For the sake of your enemies. In order to remove those who are hostile and Those who are vindictive to you. Through the mouths of children and nursing babes in order to stop his ene...
Feb 02, 2021•6 min•Ep. 36
Personal choices, personal consequences, and fairness. Do you see how these go together? In our last episode, we mentioned the fairness of God in dealing with folks. In this one, the psalmist fleshes this out a little bit. In this psalm, Psalm 7, we see the weapons of God being equated with a person’s own choices; with the traps they lay for others. Isn’t that intriguing? And the Psalmist is content to let God manage the process. He asks God to take care of it and lets it go; trusting that God w...
Jan 26, 2021•9 min•Ep. 35
Honesty. Simple, bold honesty. Do you remember how wonderful it feels to be able to be completely honest with someone? To let them know how you are truly doing? To let them know your failings and still have them love you? In this episode, we hear one being this type of honest with God. An honesty that does not fear to admit failings, weaknesses, and fears. Being honest enough to be real with God; It is a beautiful thing. Well… Hello. My name is Charles, Charles Yerkes and this is Psalm Tuesday h...
Jan 19, 2021•6 min•Ep. 34
Here’s a question. Should we, as Christians, ask God to stop evil? If so, how are we to pray when asking? In this episode, I find the answer to be yes, we should ask and we are given a beautiful example of how to ask in this Psalm, Psalm 5. That example being, to ask in simple honesty. And not with a vengeful motive. That is, to be asking that it be done in fairness, in a way that is truly warranted and not in a way that simply makes us feel better. Profound right? Well… Hello. My name is Charle...
Jan 12, 2021•8 min•Ep. 33
Have you ever read a Psalm and wondered how it all fits together? For instance, in this Psalm, Psalm 4, the psalmist goes from asking God for help to encouraging others to scream and work things out in private. I’ve wondered how does all this tie together, especially for use in a worship service? But then, but then… I read verses 6-7 in light of what we heard in Psalm 3 last time. Specifically the part about being able to lie down, sleep, and awaken; I now see this is a whole new light. This is ...
Jan 05, 2021•6 min•Ep. 32
One of the most profound expressions of trusting God that I have ever found occurs in Psalm 3. “I lie down, sleep, and awaken because the Lord gives me the strength to do so.” Isn’t this amazing? In this episode, the psalmist shares how his enemies were increasing in number, he even calls them a vast horde. Yet, he will fear them not; instead, he is getting a good night’s sleep and awakens refreshed, secure in who God is. To knowingly trust and not fear; that is profound. Well… Hello. My name is...
Dec 29, 2020•6 min•Ep. 31
Do you find that, when given a choice between 2 life-altering decisions, it is of great importance to know which choice will have a positive result and which will have a negative one? In this episode, the Psalmist shares the results for a truly life-altering decision; to accept or reject God. Through the psalmist, God is sharing the result of each choice. He is making sure our choice to relate to him or to not do so, is an informed one. He wants us to know what we are getting into. What an amazi...
Dec 22, 2020•6 min•Ep. 30
What’s the secret of living life in the abundance that Jesus came to give? In this episode, the psalmist spells this out quite plainly. There is but one way. One amazingly simple and very straightforward way. Ready? 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. Psalm Tuesday is a series in which, each Tuesday, we will listen to a Psalm being read in a m...
Dec 15, 2020•6 min•Ep. 29
It seems like every few years we hear of a new scandal involving some Christian leader. Have you ever wondered why these folks stumble and fall? Though, if we want to be really honest about this, we need to look no further than ourselves to know that we Christian folks do stumble. That’s right, you, I, and every other person who follows Christ. Because we are human beings, none of us are guaranteed to never stumble. But, why do we do this, and is there a way not to stumble? In this episode, we a...
Sep 01, 2020•11 min•Ep. 28
In our last episode, there were a couple of things we just weren’t able to get to. In particular, the question of why God doesn’t just fix things. If he is the caring friend who is always with us, then why doesn’t he simply remove what is causing us pain? What if it is a result of his caring so much about us? And what if our going through the pain, with him by our side, is actually better for us than his merely fixing things? My name is Charles, grab yourself some coffee, and let’s talk about th...
Jun 02, 2020•13 min•Ep. 27
Have you ever asked yourself, where is God when you are hurting? Why is God hiding, why can’t you feel his presence? If you are like most of us, you have at least once or twice. Would it surprise you that Jesus knew this was an unfair world and that he gave us a heads up that we would experience trouble, be hurt, and even come to doubt him and our relationship with him? My name is Charles. Grab yourself some coffee and let’s talk Please tell me what you think about this. You can do this in the c...
May 26, 2020•14 min•Ep. 26
