I know.......it's been a while. I am reading I Peter every day, and will post my observations when I can sit down and organize my thoughts in a comprehensible manner.
Meanwhile......God is working (that seems so lame to say.....isn't He always?), well, at least I am seeing how He's working, and am delighting in the ways that He is dealing with me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday School I Kings chapters 19 and 20. Bart Lester
After the confrontation with the pagan prophets, Jezebel is told of the encounter, and that Elijah put all 850 prophets of baal and asherah. She sends a message to Elijah: "I will do the same to you by this time tomorrow."
Next line: "he was afraid....." It was pointed out the different versions translate this differently. Others state,"then he saw".......meaning that he observed that nothing was changed in Israel by the encounter with the prophets. God was revealed as the powerful God, but no change ensued.
I have always been taught that Elijah was afraid, and the meaning is that he is just like us all. And that the following encounter with God @ Mt Sinai was demonstrating God's gentle care for him, and encouragement. I've been taught that Elijah was pity-partying, and God set him straight.
But this morning it was pointed out, and makes more sense in keeping with the rest of Scripture, that Elijah was bringing an accusation against Israel to God. The accusation is that they are totally apostate, and only Elijah still serves God. He is not being self absorbed, but is concerned that God's Name is not glorified. God listens, then provides a little demonstration, in the wind, fire and earthquake......all dramatic events. But God was not found in them. Then, He is heard in the form of a small whisper.
The point: Don't look for God in the spectacular, but in the small, unnoticeable things. Elijah once again brings his accusation. And God's reply is to reveal His plan.....an ongoing plan that will span over a length of time. Elijah is given instructions to follow, along with the promise that there will be a remnant in Israel, 7,000 to be exact, who have not bowed to or served baal.
Elijah follows God's directions for him, including the call of Elisha to follow in his footsteps.
Elisha asks to be allowed to go home first and say goodbye to his family. Elijah obliges. I must admit that this has always puzzled me, in light of Jesus' words to the young man in the gospels who wanted to wait to follow Him until after he'd gone home to his family. But it was pointed out this morning that Elisha was burning his bridges......effectively eradicating anything that would lure him back. He sacrificed his oxen, their yokes, and severed ties with family. He was fully and wholeheartedly accepting God's call. He caught up with Elijah and served him.
Next we have the story of 2 encounters between Ahab and Ben-hadad of Syria. A prophet tells Ahab twice of upcoming battles with Ben-hadad, and wonder of wonders, Ahab listens. But the end is tragic.
Ahab is willing to listen to God when the prophecy benefits him. God says, twice, go and fight the Syrians, and I will win the battle for you. Ahab is all up on that and obeys willingly. But when he refused to do another thing God has said to do.....destroy (kill) the pagan kings, Ahab does what is right in his own eyes, rather than obey. He lets Ben-hadad live, and works out a plan for economic prosperity for himself and Israel. God isn't pleased and sends a prophet to tell him that his life will be taken for the life that he let go, when God had said destroy him. Ahab's reacton: he went home angry and sulking.
Another observation was this: Israel's decline can be noted in the ideas of the pagan nations regarding the God of Israel. Recall during the conquest of Canaan, that the kings feared Him greatly, and even acknowledged that the God of Israel was all powerful. Now, the surrounding nations have no clue, because of Israel's disobedience. They reduce Him to a god like theirs, who is limited in knowledge, power and scope. "He is the god of the hills, so thats why Israel won the battle the first time......we fought in the hills so their God was powerful. But if we fight them in the plains, he cannot help them." To me, this is a sad commentary on the state of God's people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon, Billy Joseph on the Woman at the Well, John 4:1-27
This was a wonderful take on this scripture.
Taken from the standpoint of evangelism, this is an example of how to present the gospel to outsiders. Note that the previous chapter was about dealing with insiders (Nicodemus). Never thought of it that way.
First, not the 'boundaries' Jesus crossed. While most Jews chose to cross the Jordan twice in order to get around Samaria, He chose to go straight through. He was a Jew, speaking to a Samaritan. Unheard of! Also, he was a male, speaking to a female in public, which was forbidden. Even more, He was asking to use her drinking utensil, which would make Him ceremonially unclean. Point: He met her on her turf, breaking all kinds of rules to do so. But, note this: He did not do so in a bold, brash, defiant, and public way. He wasn't parading His freedom or his breaking of the rules, but quietly meeting her where she was in order to communicate the Gospel to her.
He also revealed His weakness to her. When I heard that, my mind revolted! Jesus? Weakness? Never! But yes, He did. He was weak in that he was tired and thirsty, but He had no means to draw water. Sure, He, being Jesus, could have worked a miracle, but it is the Word that brings us to Him, not signs. She didn't need to see a sign. She needed the Word. And He gave it. Another way to see this is that He revealed the commonality between them. Though Jew and Samaritan, they both go hot, tired, and thirsty, and both needed the correct tools to get water.
Jesus opens the conversation in a normal way, asking for some water. She responds with questions about the cultural acceptability of His action. He responds with a leading question, "If you knew who was asking, you'd be asking ME for some living water." She takes the bait, reminding him that He has no means to draw any water, and anyway, where would one get this 'living water'.
Jesus then gives her a little more information about the benefits of the living water. She is interested! "Give me some, so I won't have to draw water anymore!" She wants it, but she is not quite understanding the spiritual nature of His words. He doesn't point this out to her directly, but gives a direction for her to go get her husband, to which she replies, "I have no husband."
Ah....there's the rub. Jesus acknowledges what she says, and even more, He reveals her sin. (He is God, remember, and CAN do that......we do not have such immediate knowledge, but must develop relationship in order to see it). She owns that, and her next speech reveals that more light is dawning on her. She asks, in a way, where she can learn more, or get such water, by pointing out that the place they are was once a place of worship. Jesus goes on to tell her that now it isn't about where you worship so much as how you worship......in wisdom and truth. She goes a step farther, indicating that she is aware of the prophecies about the Christ. And, moment of truth, He reveals Himself to her as such.
In the rest of the chapter, she goes and calls her townspeople to come out and meet Him, and many believe.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
I Peter 2:1-3
Peter keeps building and building.
Verse 3: we are begotten to a living hope....a sure inheritance, incorruptible.
Because of this, we can rejoice through the trials of life, knowing that our faith is grounded on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. We don't see Him now, but we believe. The prophets, and even angels long(ed) to know what we know now, but it wasn't given to them. Yet, they believed also.
Verse 13: Because of the hope that we have, and the sure inheritance, we need to get serious about our attitudes. We are to :
1) rest our hope on Him...not conforming to the world but...
2)be holy for He is holy (and we are joined to Him)
3) conduct ourselves in 'fear'.....understanding the gravity of the transaction made on our behalf.
4) love one another fervently with a pure heart, as we only can do because we are joined to Him. We, in and of ourselves are weak, but He is strong. We are finite, our lives are fleeting and momentary, but He is infinite.
Chapter 2:1 Because of the things above, now, do these things........As we can only do through Him....
No malice (slow, burning anger), deceit, hypocrisy (pretending and acting), envy, evil speaking.
Desire or crave, the Word of God. It is the source of our growth as Christians.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
I have no adequate words to thank Him enough.
He is teaching me many things, through His Word, which He has taught me over the last several years to crave.
Verse 3: we are begotten to a living hope....a sure inheritance, incorruptible.
Because of this, we can rejoice through the trials of life, knowing that our faith is grounded on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. We don't see Him now, but we believe. The prophets, and even angels long(ed) to know what we know now, but it wasn't given to them. Yet, they believed also.
Verse 13: Because of the hope that we have, and the sure inheritance, we need to get serious about our attitudes. We are to :
1) rest our hope on Him...not conforming to the world but...
2)be holy for He is holy (and we are joined to Him)
3) conduct ourselves in 'fear'.....understanding the gravity of the transaction made on our behalf.
4) love one another fervently with a pure heart, as we only can do because we are joined to Him. We, in and of ourselves are weak, but He is strong. We are finite, our lives are fleeting and momentary, but He is infinite.
Chapter 2:1 Because of the things above, now, do these things........As we can only do through Him....
No malice (slow, burning anger), deceit, hypocrisy (pretending and acting), envy, evil speaking.
Desire or crave, the Word of God. It is the source of our growth as Christians.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
I have no adequate words to thank Him enough.
He is teaching me many things, through His Word, which He has taught me over the last several years to crave.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday School, I Kings 17-18
Elijah comes on the scene right after the introduction of wicked king Ahab, who was more wicked than those before him, who at least gave a nod to God, though they developed a 'bootleg' religion. Ahab, on the other hand, outright worshiped Baal (I hate to even put that with a capital letter!), and refused to acknowledge God at all.
I won't re-iterate the entire story, but it is about the Word of God......received by the prophet, given to the appropriate person(s), and either received or despised by the hearer.
First, God's word comes to Elijah (received) to give to Ahab(despised): there will be no rain or dew even, until the Lord says so. An interesting note is that the pagan god baal was believed to be the god of lightning, rain and storm. This was an affront to his worshipers.
God tells Elijah to hide in the wilderness (received). He obeys and God provides for his needs by way of a brook and ravens. When the brook dries up, God sends Elijah to a widow, in of all places, the land of Sidon (enemy territory.....this is where Ahab's wife, Jezebel came from!) He obeys.
God's word comes through Elijah to the widow (received): feed me with what you think is the last of your stores, and God will provide. He does! When her son dies (apparently he is young, for she carries him in her arms) she questions Elijah, who prays and he is made alive by God's mercy. He blesses those who receive His Word.
Elijah is sent back to Ahab. On the way he meets Obadiah, who, though overseer of Ahab's household, is a servant of God and has hidden the prophets of God whom Jezebel is trying to kill. He receives God's word from Elijah (with a little hesitation at first). Elijah confronts Ahab again with his baal worship, and demands a confrontation with the prophets of baal.
Oh that wonderful story of that confrontation! Long story short, God wins, and baal is proven to be false and incapable. The prophets are put to death, as appropriate according to God's law. God now provides rain, after 3 and a half years of drought. Again, God wins.
It was pointed out that, although we tend to think more of the boldness of Elijah in proclaiming God's Word, he spend a lot of time on his knees in prayer. He prayed earnestly. How we need to learn this lesson! Also, Elijah was 'a man like us' according to James chapter 5. This will be more apparent in the next chapter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Worship. "How and Hope" Lamentations 3:1-24 Bart Lester
How timely this is for me!
Jeremiah's life has been altered by cataclysmic events: war, mistreatment(prison, beatings, rejected, mocked), famine, drought, seige, and finally the destruction of Jerusalem, the foundation for worship, the place where God chose to dwell among His people. Gone. And he asks the question: "How?"
Though God had spoken through him the warnings about obedience and the curses for disobedience, he did not rejoice in Jerusalem's fall, but mourned greatly over it. His grief is very personal, and very real. His suffering is intense. He is in despair, as described in such harsh language in the beginning of the passage. He views God as his pursuer, the source of his despair.
Verse 18 is the final word: "My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord."
Recall that 'hope' in the Scriptures isn't what we think of today. For us, 'hope' is something we wish for, or want to happen. "I hope my team wins," etc. Hope in the Word is a sure thing, a certainty that we know is there, but we can't yet see it or obtain it.
But.......then verse 19-20.....he recalls his circumstances, wrapping up the memory very neatly in terms like wormwood and gall, and how low he feels.
Then......he recalls 3 things that restore his hope. God's steadfast love, His unending mercy, and His great faithfulness.
God's steadfast love refers to his covenant with us. His Name and His character never change, and He will do all that He has said and promised. Judgement does not have the last word. God is both Judge and Redeemer. Neither will ever change. There is hope in the unending nature and character of our God, who is 100% faithful. Our hope is strengthened when we contemplate His faithfulness.
Jeremiah comes to the conclusion that "God is my portion." The word portion means inheritance. The physical inheritance of Israel had been taken away from them, but the spiritual cannot be taken away. See Romans 8:35 ff. NOTHING can separate us from the Love of God. Nothing.
Another pastor once used the word "substance' for 'portion. God is my substance. He is all I need. He has promised to provide what I need in this life. Where I get off track is when I think I need something He knows I don't need. Or, when, as part of his disciplining me, he does as mentioned in the last post...."refines my priorities by taking away things I value."
What comfort to recall and meditate on His love, mercy and faithfulness. Yes, indeed, there is
HOPE.
Elijah comes on the scene right after the introduction of wicked king Ahab, who was more wicked than those before him, who at least gave a nod to God, though they developed a 'bootleg' religion. Ahab, on the other hand, outright worshiped Baal (I hate to even put that with a capital letter!), and refused to acknowledge God at all.
I won't re-iterate the entire story, but it is about the Word of God......received by the prophet, given to the appropriate person(s), and either received or despised by the hearer.
First, God's word comes to Elijah (received) to give to Ahab(despised): there will be no rain or dew even, until the Lord says so. An interesting note is that the pagan god baal was believed to be the god of lightning, rain and storm. This was an affront to his worshipers.
God tells Elijah to hide in the wilderness (received). He obeys and God provides for his needs by way of a brook and ravens. When the brook dries up, God sends Elijah to a widow, in of all places, the land of Sidon (enemy territory.....this is where Ahab's wife, Jezebel came from!) He obeys.
God's word comes through Elijah to the widow (received): feed me with what you think is the last of your stores, and God will provide. He does! When her son dies (apparently he is young, for she carries him in her arms) she questions Elijah, who prays and he is made alive by God's mercy. He blesses those who receive His Word.
Elijah is sent back to Ahab. On the way he meets Obadiah, who, though overseer of Ahab's household, is a servant of God and has hidden the prophets of God whom Jezebel is trying to kill. He receives God's word from Elijah (with a little hesitation at first). Elijah confronts Ahab again with his baal worship, and demands a confrontation with the prophets of baal.
Oh that wonderful story of that confrontation! Long story short, God wins, and baal is proven to be false and incapable. The prophets are put to death, as appropriate according to God's law. God now provides rain, after 3 and a half years of drought. Again, God wins.
It was pointed out that, although we tend to think more of the boldness of Elijah in proclaiming God's Word, he spend a lot of time on his knees in prayer. He prayed earnestly. How we need to learn this lesson! Also, Elijah was 'a man like us' according to James chapter 5. This will be more apparent in the next chapter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Worship. "How and Hope" Lamentations 3:1-24 Bart Lester
How timely this is for me!
Jeremiah's life has been altered by cataclysmic events: war, mistreatment(prison, beatings, rejected, mocked), famine, drought, seige, and finally the destruction of Jerusalem, the foundation for worship, the place where God chose to dwell among His people. Gone. And he asks the question: "How?"
Though God had spoken through him the warnings about obedience and the curses for disobedience, he did not rejoice in Jerusalem's fall, but mourned greatly over it. His grief is very personal, and very real. His suffering is intense. He is in despair, as described in such harsh language in the beginning of the passage. He views God as his pursuer, the source of his despair.
Verse 18 is the final word: "My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord."
Recall that 'hope' in the Scriptures isn't what we think of today. For us, 'hope' is something we wish for, or want to happen. "I hope my team wins," etc. Hope in the Word is a sure thing, a certainty that we know is there, but we can't yet see it or obtain it.
But.......then verse 19-20.....he recalls his circumstances, wrapping up the memory very neatly in terms like wormwood and gall, and how low he feels.
Then......he recalls 3 things that restore his hope. God's steadfast love, His unending mercy, and His great faithfulness.
God's steadfast love refers to his covenant with us. His Name and His character never change, and He will do all that He has said and promised. Judgement does not have the last word. God is both Judge and Redeemer. Neither will ever change. There is hope in the unending nature and character of our God, who is 100% faithful. Our hope is strengthened when we contemplate His faithfulness.
Jeremiah comes to the conclusion that "God is my portion." The word portion means inheritance. The physical inheritance of Israel had been taken away from them, but the spiritual cannot be taken away. See Romans 8:35 ff. NOTHING can separate us from the Love of God. Nothing.
Another pastor once used the word "substance' for 'portion. God is my substance. He is all I need. He has promised to provide what I need in this life. Where I get off track is when I think I need something He knows I don't need. Or, when, as part of his disciplining me, he does as mentioned in the last post...."refines my priorities by taking away things I value."
What comfort to recall and meditate on His love, mercy and faithfulness. Yes, indeed, there is
HOPE.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Saturday 8/30/14
I have decided that I cannot continue to write every day about the Scripture passage I read. I still read, and study, and what a blessing it is! But I am struggling too much to write the things I am learning from His Word. So.....I will write periodically with insights, etc.
This evening I sat out on the patio continuing in I Peter. The study in the Psalms prepared me and taught me to think and meditate on the Word as I read. God is blessing obedience to be diligent about study.
It amazes me how 'alive' the Scriptures are. New every time I read. He told us so.....but it is so wonderful to find it true in those pages!
These chapters have made firm the teaching from chapter 7 of "the Hole in Our Holiness" by Kevin DeYoung, which we studied last week in D'group. I think I mentioned that in a previous post. I cannot put in words all that is on my mind. Bottom line: we CAN be holy because we are in Christ. There is hope! We have been 'born again .....through the word of God which lives and abides forever." Humanity is fleeting and weak. But His Word endures forever." We are weak, but made strong. We struggle, but He wins the battle for us.
What a comfort this is to me in my current struggles!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
In a letter to a friend talking about some issues that are at the root of a mild depression that I have struggled with, I said, "As for life changes, perhaps the Lord is teaching me about some idol worship? The loss of friends and/or things I loved has hit me hard. Several good friends have left, just moving on with life. Perhaps I relied a little too much on these temporary situations in life. I don't know. "
Yesterday, I was reading an article on the "Aquila Report" by Patsy Evans. She said it so well:
"God refines my priorities by taking away people and things I value."
Yes. Yes, He does. And it hurts. But He is good, and knows us better than we know ourselves, and has promised that He will make all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He knows what we need to root out sin and make us more and more Christlike.
And so, I wait.
Trying to wait patiently.
This evening I sat out on the patio continuing in I Peter. The study in the Psalms prepared me and taught me to think and meditate on the Word as I read. God is blessing obedience to be diligent about study.
It amazes me how 'alive' the Scriptures are. New every time I read. He told us so.....but it is so wonderful to find it true in those pages!
These chapters have made firm the teaching from chapter 7 of "the Hole in Our Holiness" by Kevin DeYoung, which we studied last week in D'group. I think I mentioned that in a previous post. I cannot put in words all that is on my mind. Bottom line: we CAN be holy because we are in Christ. There is hope! We have been 'born again .....through the word of God which lives and abides forever." Humanity is fleeting and weak. But His Word endures forever." We are weak, but made strong. We struggle, but He wins the battle for us.
What a comfort this is to me in my current struggles!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
In a letter to a friend talking about some issues that are at the root of a mild depression that I have struggled with, I said, "As for life changes, perhaps the Lord is teaching me about some idol worship? The loss of friends and/or things I loved has hit me hard. Several good friends have left, just moving on with life. Perhaps I relied a little too much on these temporary situations in life. I don't know. "
Yesterday, I was reading an article on the "Aquila Report" by Patsy Evans. She said it so well:
"God refines my priorities by taking away people and things I value."
Yes. Yes, He does. And it hurts. But He is good, and knows us better than we know ourselves, and has promised that He will make all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He knows what we need to root out sin and make us more and more Christlike.
And so, I wait.
Trying to wait patiently.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
I Peter 1:13-16
So much packed into so few words.......
"Therefore...." points us back to what's been said. So, because of the living hope we have in Christ Jesus, because He chose you and saved you, and you are assured of an inheritance with Him, now do this........
NKJV : "gird up your loins". RSB: "prepare your minds for action"
I have a note in my bible from group study: "get serious about your attitudes. Pursue Christ diligently. Act decisively by your will.
"be sober" or be self controlled.
"rest your hope": be worthy.
In other words, Peter is calling the reader to not be lackadaisical about their faith. Consider the truths mentioned before and because of this knowledge, make living for Christ the main thing. Be intentional about it. Don't get discouraged or be wishy-washy about your faith because of persecution, but let the foundations of your faith mentioned in the first verses steady you and keep you firm.
"be holy"......another intentional action. It takes effort. Be holy as He is holy.
I am currently studying the book "The hole in our Holiness" by Kevin DeYoung. Chapter 7 especially helped with the concept of our ability to live holy lives. Because of our union with Christ, we CAN.
If we are in Him, we CAN be successful in not conforming to the world as we once did, and in living holy lives. But only IN Him, can we do this.
"The pursuit of holiness is not a quixotic effort to do just what Jesus did. It's the fight to live out the life that has already been made alive in Christ." (page 100, The Hole in our Holiness, Kevin DeYoung)
We must put forth effort, but that effort only succeeds when we are in Christ.
"Therefore...." points us back to what's been said. So, because of the living hope we have in Christ Jesus, because He chose you and saved you, and you are assured of an inheritance with Him, now do this........
NKJV : "gird up your loins". RSB: "prepare your minds for action"
I have a note in my bible from group study: "get serious about your attitudes. Pursue Christ diligently. Act decisively by your will.
"be sober" or be self controlled.
"rest your hope": be worthy.
In other words, Peter is calling the reader to not be lackadaisical about their faith. Consider the truths mentioned before and because of this knowledge, make living for Christ the main thing. Be intentional about it. Don't get discouraged or be wishy-washy about your faith because of persecution, but let the foundations of your faith mentioned in the first verses steady you and keep you firm.
"be holy"......another intentional action. It takes effort. Be holy as He is holy.
I am currently studying the book "The hole in our Holiness" by Kevin DeYoung. Chapter 7 especially helped with the concept of our ability to live holy lives. Because of our union with Christ, we CAN.
If we are in Him, we CAN be successful in not conforming to the world as we once did, and in living holy lives. But only IN Him, can we do this.
"The pursuit of holiness is not a quixotic effort to do just what Jesus did. It's the fight to live out the life that has already been made alive in Christ." (page 100, The Hole in our Holiness, Kevin DeYoung)
We must put forth effort, but that effort only succeeds when we are in Christ.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
I Peter 1:1-12
Peter begins this letter with encouragement for those far away. Not much is known about these Christians in what is now Turkey . It appears they were facing some persecution, but the nature of that isn't known.
How comforting his words must have been to them, as they perhaps struggled with their faith. To be reminded that they are elect, chosen by God since before time began, sanctified by the Spirit, and saved by Christ's blood.
What blessed hope! not as in "I wish", but a sure knowledge of the unseen......the 'not yet'. We have been born again....to this hope.....that we have an inheritance that cannot be marred, altered, or taken away. It is a sure thing.....kept for us and us for it, by God the Father.
Because of this knowledge, we can rejoice in trials. Because of this knowledge, our faith, though tested, is revealed. We have not seen Him, but we love Him and know Him.
Surely they were encouraged, too, to think that the prophets who foretold these things by the Spirit wondered about the specifics....to whom were these things being promised? and when? They understood that their ministry was to those to come after them. Even angels long to understand these things!
~~~~~~~~~~~`
I thought of passages in the Psalms that speak of this hope we have, but more of those that speak of the lack of hope for those who do not fear the Lord or worship Him. They live their lives, they plan, they scheme, but when they die, their plans and schemes, possessions and accolades die with them.
But Christ has prepared a place for those who love Him, and the Spirit assures us of it's reality.
How comforting his words must have been to them, as they perhaps struggled with their faith. To be reminded that they are elect, chosen by God since before time began, sanctified by the Spirit, and saved by Christ's blood.
What blessed hope! not as in "I wish", but a sure knowledge of the unseen......the 'not yet'. We have been born again....to this hope.....that we have an inheritance that cannot be marred, altered, or taken away. It is a sure thing.....kept for us and us for it, by God the Father.
Because of this knowledge, we can rejoice in trials. Because of this knowledge, our faith, though tested, is revealed. We have not seen Him, but we love Him and know Him.
Surely they were encouraged, too, to think that the prophets who foretold these things by the Spirit wondered about the specifics....to whom were these things being promised? and when? They understood that their ministry was to those to come after them. Even angels long to understand these things!
~~~~~~~~~~~`
I thought of passages in the Psalms that speak of this hope we have, but more of those that speak of the lack of hope for those who do not fear the Lord or worship Him. They live their lives, they plan, they scheme, but when they die, their plans and schemes, possessions and accolades die with them.
But Christ has prepared a place for those who love Him, and the Spirit assures us of it's reality.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Psalm 150
A wonderful doxology to close out the Psalter.
I never really thought of this psalm this way. But after studying through all 150 Psalms in a daily study for that many days, I have come to see it as a whole, rather than just a gathering of poems or songs. There is order, reason, and a purpose in the layout.
This psalm seems to close the Psalms out like the last verse of Ecclesiastes closes out that book. After mulling over life and it's injustices and harsh realities, vanities and chasing after the wind, the writer simply states the end of the matter: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
The Psalms end on a similar note, in that the 'end of the matter' seems to be stated:
"Let everything that has life and breath praise the Lord!"
Praise Him with all that is at your disposal to do so, in every place that is. Let that praise be intentional and with understanding.....of all that God is and has done. Let that praise spill out from a heart that knows Him, not just about Him, and understands it's own weak and helpless position. Praise Him from a heart that trusts His sovereignty over all, and clings steadfastly to His promises. Praise Him from a soul that rests in the fear of the Lord, waiting patiently for His purposes to be accomplished in every thing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
When I began this blog, I did it because I felt the Lord leading me to be more intentional in daily Scripture reading.....to study, not just read and check it off the list. I'd always fought the notion of rising early to read, but God made it clear to me that I was to do this, and I committed to it, fully expecting it to be a struggle.
But it really hasn't been. It is a joy to read His Word first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee in my hand. The only hard part has been the writing. Some days it was just hard to find the time. Other days the 'want to' just wasn't there.
I will continue this routine, with a few exceptions. First I may not blog daily. There are some days that I will need to not push myself. But I will blog. Also, on Sundays, I may not always write about the sunday school study and sermon. We will see.
Tomorrow: I Peter.
I never really thought of this psalm this way. But after studying through all 150 Psalms in a daily study for that many days, I have come to see it as a whole, rather than just a gathering of poems or songs. There is order, reason, and a purpose in the layout.
This psalm seems to close the Psalms out like the last verse of Ecclesiastes closes out that book. After mulling over life and it's injustices and harsh realities, vanities and chasing after the wind, the writer simply states the end of the matter: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
The Psalms end on a similar note, in that the 'end of the matter' seems to be stated:
"Let everything that has life and breath praise the Lord!"
Praise Him with all that is at your disposal to do so, in every place that is. Let that praise be intentional and with understanding.....of all that God is and has done. Let that praise spill out from a heart that knows Him, not just about Him, and understands it's own weak and helpless position. Praise Him from a heart that trusts His sovereignty over all, and clings steadfastly to His promises. Praise Him from a soul that rests in the fear of the Lord, waiting patiently for His purposes to be accomplished in every thing.
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When I began this blog, I did it because I felt the Lord leading me to be more intentional in daily Scripture reading.....to study, not just read and check it off the list. I'd always fought the notion of rising early to read, but God made it clear to me that I was to do this, and I committed to it, fully expecting it to be a struggle.
But it really hasn't been. It is a joy to read His Word first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee in my hand. The only hard part has been the writing. Some days it was just hard to find the time. Other days the 'want to' just wasn't there.
I will continue this routine, with a few exceptions. First I may not blog daily. There are some days that I will need to not push myself. But I will blog. Also, on Sundays, I may not always write about the sunday school study and sermon. We will see.
Tomorrow: I Peter.
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