A song of confidence in God's judgement of the wicked and blessing of the upright.
The title references a story found in I Samuel 21 and 22. David is fleeing from king Saul, who seeks to murder him. He flees to Nob, a city of priests and is given food and provisions (long story short!). He doesn't realize that Doeg, the Edomite, a servant of Saul is there also, witnessing the transactions. David leaves there and flees to Gath (where he has to pretend insanity to escape them! and writes Psalm 34 in memory of that!)
After David's departure, Doeg tells Saul what he saw. Saul then proceeds to have, at Doeg's hand, 82 of the priests murdered, as well as men, women, infants, children and animals in the city of Nob.
Surely David hears of this. And thus we have Psalm 52. While applicable to the particular situation, it has more extensive application also.
Why do you boast of evil, and love it? You are deceitful and destructive. (recall Psalm 50....God will not overlook sin). He will deal harshly with you! When He does, the righteous will see it and will 'fear'. 'Fear' refers to learning from the example, which elicits awe and reverence for God. They will laugh.....because they boasted in their own strength and ability rather than trusting in God, which results in their demise.
Whereas the wicked will be 'torn from (his) tent and be uprooted from the land of the living', the righteous is compared to an olive tree.....which can live for hundreds of years, producing much fruit. The righteous place their trust in God, not in themselves, and live(eternal life). But the wicked trust in their own devices and die(eternal death).
This knowledge is cause for much praise of the Almighty God!
I wish we had the rest of the story for Doeg. But I don't think it is recorded.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Psalm 51
I find it interesting that the previous Psalm was about God as Judge.....who will not overlook sin, nor keep silent about it.........
King David. The mighty warrior king of Israel, and at the same time the Sweet Psalmist of Israel.....has fallen. In a lapse of personal discipline (he didn't go out to fight with the army), he found himself tempted and didn't flee from it. He has not only committed adultery with Bathsheba, but he has murdered her husband. And he covered it all up.....hid it in his soul.....and perhaps thought he'd gotten away with it.
Ah......but God will not overlook sin or keep silent.
Along comes Nathan the prophet with a message from God, a story for the king. A rich man with large herds of sheep has a guest. He wants to feed the guest well, but instead of sacrificing one of his own animals for the meal, he steals the one pet ewe lamb of his very poor neighbor.....the family pet, and slaughters it for his guest.
David is incensed! How horrible! He will not allow this behavior in his kingdom! In his anger he declares that man will pay back the loss of the lam 4 fold, and he deserves to die.
Can you imagine his look, the painful stab in his heart, the intense shame in his soul, when Nathan says, "you are that man!" He then speaks God's judgement on David for his sin....the sword will never depart from his house, and indeed evil will rise up from within his house, doing to his own wives in the open for all to see what he did in secret.
David confesses. God forgives. But the consequences remain.
And we have Psalm 51, David's song of penitence after his rebuke.
He acknowledges God as Judge first and foremost. He knows God's steadfast love and pleads for mercy. God is just and blameless in His judgements, and David will submit.
He acknowledges his sin. No excuses. No blame. No defense. No covering it up. He claims no goodness in and of himself.....born a sinful creature. But God has written His law on David's heart. Verse 6 basically means, "I knew better." He owns his sin, and grieves over it, knowing that the hideousness of it is that it grieves God's heart.
The cleansing from God alone can make one truly clean. Only He can give us a clean heart and renew our spirits to be right.....steadfast and unwavering.
Replace the grief over my sin with joy and gladness!
Please don't treat me as I deserve! Don't forsake me!
Restore my Joy
Help me.
With a humble, transparent heart, David declares himself to be the example to others. God will restore him, and he will open his mouth wide and teach others about the nature of sin, and of God.
He asks God to deliver him from bloodguiltness. It is not mentioned in study notes, but I wondered if he is asking God to releive him of the consequences of his sin, pronounced by Nathan. We know that he is forgiven, but we also know from the historical books that the consequences remained.
Nonetheless, God will be praised! As in Psalm 50, God delights in the thanksgiving born from a heart that is broken because it has hurt God, and desired healing.
Verse 18 and 19 seem out of place.....not in keeping with the tone of the rest of the Psalm.
Without reading the study notes, I wondered if he is asking God to not hold his sin against the nation. Or perhaps he is asking that his example (of confession and submission, praise and thanksgiving) might spur the nation to a right attitude in worship.
NKJV study notes state that "the restoration of the king leads to blessing for the people."
RSB study notes: " David recognizes that his sin has injured not only himself, but his city and nation as well. He asks God to deal with those broader damages."
I love the examples God has laid out in His word for us of godly men and women who sinned. But I am glad that the example doesn't stop there. We see open, honest confession, transparency, and broken and contrite hearts, broken over the knowledge of their sin. And we see the love of God, not only in confronting the sin in us, but in forgiving and restoring.
King David. The mighty warrior king of Israel, and at the same time the Sweet Psalmist of Israel.....has fallen. In a lapse of personal discipline (he didn't go out to fight with the army), he found himself tempted and didn't flee from it. He has not only committed adultery with Bathsheba, but he has murdered her husband. And he covered it all up.....hid it in his soul.....and perhaps thought he'd gotten away with it.
Ah......but God will not overlook sin or keep silent.
Along comes Nathan the prophet with a message from God, a story for the king. A rich man with large herds of sheep has a guest. He wants to feed the guest well, but instead of sacrificing one of his own animals for the meal, he steals the one pet ewe lamb of his very poor neighbor.....the family pet, and slaughters it for his guest.
David is incensed! How horrible! He will not allow this behavior in his kingdom! In his anger he declares that man will pay back the loss of the lam 4 fold, and he deserves to die.
Can you imagine his look, the painful stab in his heart, the intense shame in his soul, when Nathan says, "you are that man!" He then speaks God's judgement on David for his sin....the sword will never depart from his house, and indeed evil will rise up from within his house, doing to his own wives in the open for all to see what he did in secret.
David confesses. God forgives. But the consequences remain.
And we have Psalm 51, David's song of penitence after his rebuke.
He acknowledges God as Judge first and foremost. He knows God's steadfast love and pleads for mercy. God is just and blameless in His judgements, and David will submit.
He acknowledges his sin. No excuses. No blame. No defense. No covering it up. He claims no goodness in and of himself.....born a sinful creature. But God has written His law on David's heart. Verse 6 basically means, "I knew better." He owns his sin, and grieves over it, knowing that the hideousness of it is that it grieves God's heart.
The cleansing from God alone can make one truly clean. Only He can give us a clean heart and renew our spirits to be right.....steadfast and unwavering.
Replace the grief over my sin with joy and gladness!
Please don't treat me as I deserve! Don't forsake me!
Restore my Joy
Help me.
With a humble, transparent heart, David declares himself to be the example to others. God will restore him, and he will open his mouth wide and teach others about the nature of sin, and of God.
He asks God to deliver him from bloodguiltness. It is not mentioned in study notes, but I wondered if he is asking God to releive him of the consequences of his sin, pronounced by Nathan. We know that he is forgiven, but we also know from the historical books that the consequences remained.
Nonetheless, God will be praised! As in Psalm 50, God delights in the thanksgiving born from a heart that is broken because it has hurt God, and desired healing.
Verse 18 and 19 seem out of place.....not in keeping with the tone of the rest of the Psalm.
Without reading the study notes, I wondered if he is asking God to not hold his sin against the nation. Or perhaps he is asking that his example (of confession and submission, praise and thanksgiving) might spur the nation to a right attitude in worship.
NKJV study notes state that "the restoration of the king leads to blessing for the people."
RSB study notes: " David recognizes that his sin has injured not only himself, but his city and nation as well. He asks God to deal with those broader damages."
I love the examples God has laid out in His word for us of godly men and women who sinned. But I am glad that the example doesn't stop there. We see open, honest confession, transparency, and broken and contrite hearts, broken over the knowledge of their sin. And we see the love of God, not only in confronting the sin in us, but in forgiving and restoring.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Psalm 50
God the Judge.
He never sleeps or slumbers. He's on the job 24/7, ruling righteously from His throne.
He will not overlook sin.
To the faithful, He says this: Do not be content to simply honor or perform all of the sacrificial laws. God desires obedience, yes, but that which overflows from a heart that loves Him. He doesn't need the sacrifices.....He doesn't eat, and if He did, He owns them already.
Study notes point out the the pagan belief was that their gods did eat the sacrifices offered to them, and when they didn't get enough, they were hungry and punished the worshipers. God, however, didn't desire the animal sacrifices for His own satisfaction, but to teach them of their sin, and need for atonement. One who performed he sacrifices out of blind habit, without understanding, was displeasing to God.
Not only does He desire obedience, but our thanksgiving. He desires our trust. He desires relationship, and will respond to our obedience, thanksgiving and trust with deliverance.
We will praise Him when we call upon Him in the day of trouble and He delivers us!
But to the wicked: Why do you give Him lip service? Why know the law of God, for you do not do it! You indeed despise it, delighting in evil in your hearts.
"I have been silent,"......I think of God's great patience with us. Other passages speak of Him as being 'slow to anger." Verse three says He will NOT be silent. In other words, He is so patient with us! But His judgement is sure, and is coming like a consuming fire. His patience may seem like silence, but it is not. He will NOT overlook sin.
Verse 22 warns those who 'forget'.....not meaning that they have a lapse of memory but in lifestyle, living as though God doesn't exist (RSB study note), There will be no deliverance for you!
But the one who offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving from a heart full of the knowledge of God will know the salvation of God!
What are parallels to today? We don't practice the sacrificial system, since Christ has offered Himself up once and for all as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He effectively eliminated that system, or fulfilled it. We do, however, fall into the trap of paying lip service to God, or participating in a works mentality that gives us false assurance of salvation and God's pleasure in us if we do certain things......like go to church (often), perhaps read our Bibles daily (check that off the daily list), perhaps jump on a moral bandwagon like feeding the poor or providing shoes for the children of third world countries. These are all good things, but what is our demeanor when we do them? Do we go to church out of an intense desire to worship Him, hear His Word, and fellowship with the saints? Do we delight to be in His house? Do we read His Word with a deep desire to know Him more and to obey it? Do we participate in good works project with a desire to fulfill the great commission.......to make disciples for Him?
May we offer proper sacrifices to Him.....that please Him!
And may we not 'forget'.....living as though He doesn't see, hear, and know, but indeed may we live as those who know and love Him, trusting in His sovereign will, and resting in His great love for us!
He never sleeps or slumbers. He's on the job 24/7, ruling righteously from His throne.
He will not overlook sin.
To the faithful, He says this: Do not be content to simply honor or perform all of the sacrificial laws. God desires obedience, yes, but that which overflows from a heart that loves Him. He doesn't need the sacrifices.....He doesn't eat, and if He did, He owns them already.
Study notes point out the the pagan belief was that their gods did eat the sacrifices offered to them, and when they didn't get enough, they were hungry and punished the worshipers. God, however, didn't desire the animal sacrifices for His own satisfaction, but to teach them of their sin, and need for atonement. One who performed he sacrifices out of blind habit, without understanding, was displeasing to God.
Not only does He desire obedience, but our thanksgiving. He desires our trust. He desires relationship, and will respond to our obedience, thanksgiving and trust with deliverance.
We will praise Him when we call upon Him in the day of trouble and He delivers us!
But to the wicked: Why do you give Him lip service? Why know the law of God, for you do not do it! You indeed despise it, delighting in evil in your hearts.
"I have been silent,"......I think of God's great patience with us. Other passages speak of Him as being 'slow to anger." Verse three says He will NOT be silent. In other words, He is so patient with us! But His judgement is sure, and is coming like a consuming fire. His patience may seem like silence, but it is not. He will NOT overlook sin.
Verse 22 warns those who 'forget'.....not meaning that they have a lapse of memory but in lifestyle, living as though God doesn't exist (RSB study note), There will be no deliverance for you!
But the one who offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving from a heart full of the knowledge of God will know the salvation of God!
What are parallels to today? We don't practice the sacrificial system, since Christ has offered Himself up once and for all as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He effectively eliminated that system, or fulfilled it. We do, however, fall into the trap of paying lip service to God, or participating in a works mentality that gives us false assurance of salvation and God's pleasure in us if we do certain things......like go to church (often), perhaps read our Bibles daily (check that off the daily list), perhaps jump on a moral bandwagon like feeding the poor or providing shoes for the children of third world countries. These are all good things, but what is our demeanor when we do them? Do we go to church out of an intense desire to worship Him, hear His Word, and fellowship with the saints? Do we delight to be in His house? Do we read His Word with a deep desire to know Him more and to obey it? Do we participate in good works project with a desire to fulfill the great commission.......to make disciples for Him?
May we offer proper sacrifices to Him.....that please Him!
And may we not 'forget'.....living as though He doesn't see, hear, and know, but indeed may we live as those who know and love Him, trusting in His sovereign will, and resting in His great love for us!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day April 27, 2014
Psalm 119:25-40 Sunday School
"my soul clings to the dust..." Depression? Illness? Conviction of sin? Weary of the uselessness of living life according to his own designs?
At any rate the Psalmist knows the answer to the problem: In the first section (Daleth) he confesses it to the Lord. He is praying for relief, and begs God for more of Himself. Teach me of Yourself! Help me understand You? You are my only help......I cannot save myself. I choose You! and will study Your Word to find life.
"Put false ways from me".......where do we run when in trouble? Our 'stuff'? Friends?, Self help guru's (Oprah, Dr. Oz? False teachers)? Or do we run to the Word of God? "False ways" are no help in the end. The only help in life is from God.
In the second section (He) he continues to ask God for help in understanding the Word and in keeping the law. He asks for help to be faithful to study the Word of God, to understand it, and to do it. I am reminded of James 1:22....be doers of the word, not hearers only.
He then asks God to help him not to put hope in worthless things.....like the 'false' ways listed above. He wants to long only for God's Word, and the wisdom found there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon text: Mathew 27: 45-61 (Bart preaching)
Jesus Death and Burial.
Looking at this passage again several points jumped out at me (again).
Imagine that scene...Crucifixion was a fairly common occurrence from what I understand. But this was different.....by far! I imagine there was much more drama surrounding this one....high emotion and tempers. Then.....the darkness that covered the land. This wasn't a common occurrence. Did the onlookers associate the two at the time? Or did they connect the dots later after word of the raising of some of the dead, the earthquake, and the torn veil was known?
Darkness = judgement. Christ was receiving in Himself the judgement.....God's wrath....for the sins of His chosen ones.
The physical suffering that Jesus endured pales in comparison to the spiritual suffering.....receiving the full wrath o His Father,.......Christ......the innocent.....treated as guilty so that we......the guilty.....could be treated as innocent.
Imagine the anguish that would cause a man to cry out-----"My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?!"
Too often we don't really appreciate that anguish. It was't the physical as much as the spiritual that birthed this cry.
I wonder.....if the centurion and others that said, after witnessing these Truly this was the Son of God!" were just acknowledging Him in the wake of these events, or if they ever did place their trust in Him?
I'd never really thought of this before.......but the apostles and disciples, who were open followers of Him, almost all deserted Him in this final hour. The women stayed. And 2 who followed Him in secret out of fear of their own kinsmen, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (see John's gospel) now step forward, "taking courage" as one gospel puts it, and openly confess their trust in Jesus by taking His body for burial, in Joseph's own tomb.
One more thing......I've often thought that I would love to know what sort of scene ensued at the Temple the moment the veil was torn in half. I understand it wasn't some flimsy material.....more like a tapestry, and it tore from top to bottom....indicating that no one could have done it. Surely people were there......especially some priests. Did they run screaming in fear, fearing for their lives because the Holy of Holies had been exposed? Did they scramble to fix it? Just one of the things I wish the Scriptures gave us.
But what we have is enough. Christ, the great High Priest, superior by far to he old priestly system (see Hebrews) eliminated the need for the Holy place for God to dwell. He now makes His temple in our hearts. We have direct access to God the Father, through Christ the Son, the perfect sacrifice, priest, and mediator.
Oh what thanks of praise meditating on this passage brings!
"my soul clings to the dust..." Depression? Illness? Conviction of sin? Weary of the uselessness of living life according to his own designs?
At any rate the Psalmist knows the answer to the problem: In the first section (Daleth) he confesses it to the Lord. He is praying for relief, and begs God for more of Himself. Teach me of Yourself! Help me understand You? You are my only help......I cannot save myself. I choose You! and will study Your Word to find life.
"Put false ways from me".......where do we run when in trouble? Our 'stuff'? Friends?, Self help guru's (Oprah, Dr. Oz? False teachers)? Or do we run to the Word of God? "False ways" are no help in the end. The only help in life is from God.
In the second section (He) he continues to ask God for help in understanding the Word and in keeping the law. He asks for help to be faithful to study the Word of God, to understand it, and to do it. I am reminded of James 1:22....be doers of the word, not hearers only.
He then asks God to help him not to put hope in worthless things.....like the 'false' ways listed above. He wants to long only for God's Word, and the wisdom found there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon text: Mathew 27: 45-61 (Bart preaching)
Jesus Death and Burial.
Looking at this passage again several points jumped out at me (again).
Imagine that scene...Crucifixion was a fairly common occurrence from what I understand. But this was different.....by far! I imagine there was much more drama surrounding this one....high emotion and tempers. Then.....the darkness that covered the land. This wasn't a common occurrence. Did the onlookers associate the two at the time? Or did they connect the dots later after word of the raising of some of the dead, the earthquake, and the torn veil was known?
Darkness = judgement. Christ was receiving in Himself the judgement.....God's wrath....for the sins of His chosen ones.
The physical suffering that Jesus endured pales in comparison to the spiritual suffering.....receiving the full wrath o His Father,.......Christ......the innocent.....treated as guilty so that we......the guilty.....could be treated as innocent.
Imagine the anguish that would cause a man to cry out-----"My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?!"
Too often we don't really appreciate that anguish. It was't the physical as much as the spiritual that birthed this cry.
I wonder.....if the centurion and others that said, after witnessing these Truly this was the Son of God!" were just acknowledging Him in the wake of these events, or if they ever did place their trust in Him?
I'd never really thought of this before.......but the apostles and disciples, who were open followers of Him, almost all deserted Him in this final hour. The women stayed. And 2 who followed Him in secret out of fear of their own kinsmen, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (see John's gospel) now step forward, "taking courage" as one gospel puts it, and openly confess their trust in Jesus by taking His body for burial, in Joseph's own tomb.
One more thing......I've often thought that I would love to know what sort of scene ensued at the Temple the moment the veil was torn in half. I understand it wasn't some flimsy material.....more like a tapestry, and it tore from top to bottom....indicating that no one could have done it. Surely people were there......especially some priests. Did they run screaming in fear, fearing for their lives because the Holy of Holies had been exposed? Did they scramble to fix it? Just one of the things I wish the Scriptures gave us.
But what we have is enough. Christ, the great High Priest, superior by far to he old priestly system (see Hebrews) eliminated the need for the Holy place for God to dwell. He now makes His temple in our hearts. We have direct access to God the Father, through Christ the Son, the perfect sacrifice, priest, and mediator.
Oh what thanks of praise meditating on this passage brings!
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Psalm 49
A song in keeping with the wisdom literature, this Psalm speaks to the problem of trusting in wealth.
In previous Psalms, David raised the issue of the prosperity of the wicked, and his own bewilderment about it. Why did God let them prosper? And why is life hard for the righteous? David came to the conclusion that the wicked would enjoy their wealth and prosperity here and here only.....it won't follow them to their grave. Indeed, once they die, there is no hope for them, as their hope was in their riches, and not in God. He will not receive the wicked into His heaven for eternity.
Here, the sons of Korah contemplate the same issues.
Why fear when trouble comes? The enemy, the wicked, who trust in their wealth and riches,
cause much trouble for the righteous. We should not fear, for the Lord will deal with them....in His time. The point is made tat the price of life cannot be paid. No one can buy life for another, nor can one purchase his own life from God. One thing is sure, we will all see physical death (unless Christ comes first!).....rich, poor, wicked or righteous.
We will all leave behind our 'wealth' for those that come behind us. For the wicked, that is it.....they may be spoken well of after their death, ut their soul will know none of it. They will be 'consumed' in Sheol (the grave). But the righteous will be ransomed by God! Per the RSB study notes, "God doesn't accept ransom, but provides it. Only He can pay the price for our lives, and 'receive' us into eternal life.....where our earthly stuff will be forgotten.
(per NKJV notes, 'receive' is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 5:24 when God 'took' Enoch.)
Take hope in this when you see the wicked prosper and flourish. And also when you feel cheated in lacking ease in life. It is temporary and vain, for without understanding any hope and trust that one puts in earthly wealth is very foolish.
In previous Psalms, David raised the issue of the prosperity of the wicked, and his own bewilderment about it. Why did God let them prosper? And why is life hard for the righteous? David came to the conclusion that the wicked would enjoy their wealth and prosperity here and here only.....it won't follow them to their grave. Indeed, once they die, there is no hope for them, as their hope was in their riches, and not in God. He will not receive the wicked into His heaven for eternity.
Here, the sons of Korah contemplate the same issues.
Why fear when trouble comes? The enemy, the wicked, who trust in their wealth and riches,
cause much trouble for the righteous. We should not fear, for the Lord will deal with them....in His time. The point is made tat the price of life cannot be paid. No one can buy life for another, nor can one purchase his own life from God. One thing is sure, we will all see physical death (unless Christ comes first!).....rich, poor, wicked or righteous.
We will all leave behind our 'wealth' for those that come behind us. For the wicked, that is it.....they may be spoken well of after their death, ut their soul will know none of it. They will be 'consumed' in Sheol (the grave). But the righteous will be ransomed by God! Per the RSB study notes, "God doesn't accept ransom, but provides it. Only He can pay the price for our lives, and 'receive' us into eternal life.....where our earthly stuff will be forgotten.
(per NKJV notes, 'receive' is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 5:24 when God 'took' Enoch.)
Take hope in this when you see the wicked prosper and flourish. And also when you feel cheated in lacking ease in life. It is temporary and vain, for without understanding any hope and trust that one puts in earthly wealth is very foolish.
Friday, April 25, 2014
How Great is our God!
He has established His dwelling place in Jerusalem....and has shown Himself to be the one true and living God, all powerful, to the surrounding nations.
Study notes speak of pagan nations' belief that their gods ruled from a mountain in the far north. The same language, "Mount Zion, in the far north", is used to portray Israel's God as reigning sovereign on a mountain that is visible to all. Indeed He made Himself known by His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and driving out the peoples that inhabited Canaan. And He has established His dwelling place for all to see.
He has chosen Israel, delivered, and established her.....and in so doing has terrified the nations. Their gods cannot compare. They have no power. The psalmist points out that His kingdom is forever......not even death can limit it. Yes, people will live, and they will die, but His kingdom will go on an on....into eternity.
All are urged to consider His greatness.....and tell it!
RSB study notes speak in detail of God's making Himself accessible to His chosen.
To summarize: Before the Fall, Adam and Eve had direct access to God. After sin entered into the picture, that direct access was denied. The patriarchs worshiped Him at alters and with sacrifices. After the Exodus, He established His dwelling place among the people in the tabernacle and then the temple,....but He was still separate from them. Then through Christ, His dwelling place became the hearts of His people....and we look to Heaven, where once again, we will 'know Him face to face."
No god of the people has love them like our God loves us! No other god has relationship with His people, like our God does with us!
Also, I was blessed by a reference in the RSB to I Chronicles 29:11 and a 'theological note' that appears there in this version. It is about the greatness of God.
"God is great.....greater than we can grasp. Theology states this truth by describing Him as incomprehensible.......our minds cannot contain Him, because He is infinite and we are finite............God tells us in the Bible that creation, providence, the Trinity, the incarnation, the regenerating work of the Spirit, union with Christ in His death and resurrection, and the inspiration of Scripture.....are facts, and we accept them on the strength of His word, without knowing how they can be. As creatures, we are unable to fully comprehend either the being or the actions of the Creator............We should never forget that the purpose of theology is doxology; we study in order to praise. The truest expression of trust in God will always be worship, and it will always be proper worship to praise God for being greater than we know."
I come from churches and situations where 'worship' was something that was manufactured. Music was changed and altered to effect better worship. Order of the service was altered to try to facilitate true worship. They were missing the point. Worship should flow from a heart that is prepared to worship not by music or 'atmosphere', but that knows of God's greatness from studying Him in His Word, and thus has an understanding of the great gap between Him and the created.
He has established His dwelling place in Jerusalem....and has shown Himself to be the one true and living God, all powerful, to the surrounding nations.
Study notes speak of pagan nations' belief that their gods ruled from a mountain in the far north. The same language, "Mount Zion, in the far north", is used to portray Israel's God as reigning sovereign on a mountain that is visible to all. Indeed He made Himself known by His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and driving out the peoples that inhabited Canaan. And He has established His dwelling place for all to see.
He has chosen Israel, delivered, and established her.....and in so doing has terrified the nations. Their gods cannot compare. They have no power. The psalmist points out that His kingdom is forever......not even death can limit it. Yes, people will live, and they will die, but His kingdom will go on an on....into eternity.
All are urged to consider His greatness.....and tell it!
RSB study notes speak in detail of God's making Himself accessible to His chosen.
To summarize: Before the Fall, Adam and Eve had direct access to God. After sin entered into the picture, that direct access was denied. The patriarchs worshiped Him at alters and with sacrifices. After the Exodus, He established His dwelling place among the people in the tabernacle and then the temple,....but He was still separate from them. Then through Christ, His dwelling place became the hearts of His people....and we look to Heaven, where once again, we will 'know Him face to face."
No god of the people has love them like our God loves us! No other god has relationship with His people, like our God does with us!
Also, I was blessed by a reference in the RSB to I Chronicles 29:11 and a 'theological note' that appears there in this version. It is about the greatness of God.
"God is great.....greater than we can grasp. Theology states this truth by describing Him as incomprehensible.......our minds cannot contain Him, because He is infinite and we are finite............God tells us in the Bible that creation, providence, the Trinity, the incarnation, the regenerating work of the Spirit, union with Christ in His death and resurrection, and the inspiration of Scripture.....are facts, and we accept them on the strength of His word, without knowing how they can be. As creatures, we are unable to fully comprehend either the being or the actions of the Creator............We should never forget that the purpose of theology is doxology; we study in order to praise. The truest expression of trust in God will always be worship, and it will always be proper worship to praise God for being greater than we know."
I come from churches and situations where 'worship' was something that was manufactured. Music was changed and altered to effect better worship. Order of the service was altered to try to facilitate true worship. They were missing the point. Worship should flow from a heart that is prepared to worship not by music or 'atmosphere', but that knows of God's greatness from studying Him in His Word, and thus has an understanding of the great gap between Him and the created.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Psalm 47
Our God Reigns!
This is a jubilant, joyful and happy song calling us to be be active in celebrating
the God who rules the earth, and who chose Israel and sustains her.
He is a great King over all earth. He is absolutely sovereign. He chose Israel as His people, a minority without a homeland, and He rescued them from a mighty nation (Egypt).He took them to a promised homeland and defeated the nations there for them. On their own, they could not have done any of it. Victory comes through God only.
He sits on his throne, established and unshakable. There is none that can challenge Him and win. He cannot be moved. From His eternal throne He rules all of the earth.
All will come before Him, whether voluntarily, or at the judgement when Christ returns......and all will exalt Him.
3 things I gain from this song:
First that I need to be mindful of how I praise Him for His greatness. Do I just think on it? or do I get excited about it? Usually, we talk about the things we are excited about. Hmmmmmm.....
Also, I am reminded to read Isaiah 40.....a wonderful chapter about God's greatness. This is a good chapter to pray through.....to set me in a mindset of rightful fear of the Most High.
Thirdly, I need to recall not only the story of Israel, and how God chose and established her.......I need to recall how He chose me, and has established me, and continues in His great mercy and love to mold me and make me into Christs character. He does indeed drive out my enemies before me, and provides for my every need.
Praise Him!
This is a jubilant, joyful and happy song calling us to be be active in celebrating
the God who rules the earth, and who chose Israel and sustains her.
He is a great King over all earth. He is absolutely sovereign. He chose Israel as His people, a minority without a homeland, and He rescued them from a mighty nation (Egypt).He took them to a promised homeland and defeated the nations there for them. On their own, they could not have done any of it. Victory comes through God only.
He sits on his throne, established and unshakable. There is none that can challenge Him and win. He cannot be moved. From His eternal throne He rules all of the earth.
All will come before Him, whether voluntarily, or at the judgement when Christ returns......and all will exalt Him.
3 things I gain from this song:
First that I need to be mindful of how I praise Him for His greatness. Do I just think on it? or do I get excited about it? Usually, we talk about the things we are excited about. Hmmmmmm.....
Also, I am reminded to read Isaiah 40.....a wonderful chapter about God's greatness. This is a good chapter to pray through.....to set me in a mindset of rightful fear of the Most High.
Thirdly, I need to recall not only the story of Israel, and how God chose and established her.......I need to recall how He chose me, and has established me, and continues in His great mercy and love to mold me and make me into Christs character. He does indeed drive out my enemies before me, and provides for my every need.
Praise Him!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
What a comfort! What a truth to dwell on when all seems to be in chaos and turmoil, and we find ourselves at the end of the proverbial rope. What wonderful hope these words ignite in my heart when I recite them to comfort my soul.
We can know that He is with us. He isn't distracted or absent. For those who trust Him....He doesn't have to be summoned, or appeased like pagan gods.
Because of this, we can live life without fear. Trouble seems overwhelming (note the cataclysmic language) like the turmoil of raging waters, but we know that our God is with us and will deliver.
Habakkuk knows this concept of peace in troubled times too. In his oracle, he is shown by God the drastic way He will deal with not only Israel, but her enemies also. Habakkuk is so overwhelmed by what he hears that his knees shake! Then he declares, ".....I will quietly wait,".
Though all that is normal around him should fail to be normal,he will rejoice in the Lord, and let Him be his strength, for He will place his feet on solid ground and guard his steps.
We know of a better life to come......where a peaceful, life giving river runs through a city where God dwells. We will have no fear of being 'moved', or shaken out of our place. In the end of time, God Himself will overwhelm the nations that rage with His great power, and the result will be quite cataclysmic! We, His people, will dwell in a new city where there is no turmoil, only the peace of living in God's presence forever.
"Be still, and know that I am God....." Stop fretting about the future. Stop worrying. Don't be anxious or fearful. Stop being self-sufficient and submit to Him! He, and He alone holds the future! God is God, and THAT will never change!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 46 is known as Martin Luther's psalm because it inspired him to write the well loved hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.
Our helper, he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still, our ancient foe doeth seek to work us woe;
his craft ad power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.
Were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he!
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same,
and He must win the battle.
And though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us.
We will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill; God's truth abideth still;
the kingdom is forever!
What a comfort! What a truth to dwell on when all seems to be in chaos and turmoil, and we find ourselves at the end of the proverbial rope. What wonderful hope these words ignite in my heart when I recite them to comfort my soul.
We can know that He is with us. He isn't distracted or absent. For those who trust Him....He doesn't have to be summoned, or appeased like pagan gods.
Because of this, we can live life without fear. Trouble seems overwhelming (note the cataclysmic language) like the turmoil of raging waters, but we know that our God is with us and will deliver.
Habakkuk knows this concept of peace in troubled times too. In his oracle, he is shown by God the drastic way He will deal with not only Israel, but her enemies also. Habakkuk is so overwhelmed by what he hears that his knees shake! Then he declares, ".....I will quietly wait,".
Though all that is normal around him should fail to be normal,he will rejoice in the Lord, and let Him be his strength, for He will place his feet on solid ground and guard his steps.
We know of a better life to come......where a peaceful, life giving river runs through a city where God dwells. We will have no fear of being 'moved', or shaken out of our place. In the end of time, God Himself will overwhelm the nations that rage with His great power, and the result will be quite cataclysmic! We, His people, will dwell in a new city where there is no turmoil, only the peace of living in God's presence forever.
"Be still, and know that I am God....." Stop fretting about the future. Stop worrying. Don't be anxious or fearful. Stop being self-sufficient and submit to Him! He, and He alone holds the future! God is God, and THAT will never change!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 46 is known as Martin Luther's psalm because it inspired him to write the well loved hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.
Our helper, he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still, our ancient foe doeth seek to work us woe;
his craft ad power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.
Were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he!
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same,
and He must win the battle.
And though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us.
We will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill; God's truth abideth still;
the kingdom is forever!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Psalm 45
A royal wedding song......both of the King and the Messiah.
The king is handsome and winsome. A mighty warrior characterized by truth, humility and righteousness. He is blessed by God 'forever', which reminds us of the promise that one of David's seed would be on the throne forever. (See II Samuel chapter 7). This is fulfilled in Christ. In verses 6-7 we see Messianic terms.....The scepter of righteousness will rule forever and ever, because God has ordained it so.
The king fights for Israel, as does Christ for His bride, the church. Both are successful.
The kingdom will be well established and far-reaching in scope. Forever is a long time!
Wedding finery is described as being very fine and grand. Royals from other countries are present. The decorations are beautiful. Their garments are lovely and not common. The celebration is intense.
The bride leaves her family and home to be made one of the king's family. He will now be her all in all. So the Bride of Christ, the church forsakes all for Him.
"in the place of your fathers shall be your sons.' Study notes speak of sons sitting on thrones that their ancestors have sat upon. Also presented is the idea that Christ as redeemer brings many sons into the kingdom.
My first thought on this verse was this: the focus before Christ seemed to have been the past. Yes, they were looking for a Messiah, but the focus was on the fathers and the promises made.
After Christ the focus would be on the future......the growing kingdom. Through the seed of David, (Christ), many sons will be brought in. Thus 'instead of the fathers, shall be your sons."
Father, perfect the Bride of Christ. As a part of that Church, perfect me.
Come quickly for us, Lord Jesus! We long for You!
The king is handsome and winsome. A mighty warrior characterized by truth, humility and righteousness. He is blessed by God 'forever', which reminds us of the promise that one of David's seed would be on the throne forever. (See II Samuel chapter 7). This is fulfilled in Christ. In verses 6-7 we see Messianic terms.....The scepter of righteousness will rule forever and ever, because God has ordained it so.
The king fights for Israel, as does Christ for His bride, the church. Both are successful.
The kingdom will be well established and far-reaching in scope. Forever is a long time!
Wedding finery is described as being very fine and grand. Royals from other countries are present. The decorations are beautiful. Their garments are lovely and not common. The celebration is intense.
The bride leaves her family and home to be made one of the king's family. He will now be her all in all. So the Bride of Christ, the church forsakes all for Him.
"in the place of your fathers shall be your sons.' Study notes speak of sons sitting on thrones that their ancestors have sat upon. Also presented is the idea that Christ as redeemer brings many sons into the kingdom.
My first thought on this verse was this: the focus before Christ seemed to have been the past. Yes, they were looking for a Messiah, but the focus was on the fathers and the promises made.
After Christ the focus would be on the future......the growing kingdom. Through the seed of David, (Christ), many sons will be brought in. Thus 'instead of the fathers, shall be your sons."
Father, perfect the Bride of Christ. As a part of that Church, perfect me.
Come quickly for us, Lord Jesus! We long for You!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Psalm 44
A history lesson, an interlude of praise and thanksgiving, and a bitter lament.
"A contemplation of the sons of Korah" per the NKJV study Bible.
Remember......
They'd heard stories all of their lives about the mighty things God had done for their ancestors.
How He'd called Abraham out of Ur to travel to a distant land. How He'd sustained him and promised him a son, and indeed descendants so great in number that they'd be like the sands of the shore. They'd been told of Isaac and Jacob.......and then of Joseph. They knew of Moses and the mighty way God rescued His chosen people from Egypt. They knew of the conquest of Canaan and how God Himself drove out the inhabitants of the land and established His people there. They knew........
And they give thanks for it. They continue to tell the stories and trust in God for help and strength. They realize that their own might comes to nothing in light of what He can and will do for them.
But remembering the past causes contemplation over the current situation, however.
Why doesn't God act in such a way now?
Now they are easily defeated. Now there is a crisis of faith. Now they are scattered instead of planted in a pleasant land. Now they question God.
It is a bold thing to challenge God the way the psalmist does here. The innocence of the nation as a whole is defended, and God is asked why He has done this. He is challenged with statements like, "you have rejected and disgraced us." "You have broken us." They say God has hidden His face and forgotten them.
They claim to have not worshiped idols, or forgotten God. They have not broken covenant.
So He is begged to act! 'awake! You must be sleeping! Rise up and help because of your steadfast love (covenant).
The RSB doesn't give any hope for placing a time frame on this psalm. There are many situations and events it could apply to. The NKJV study Bible seems to put it during the exile, because the prophets before that time clearly spoke by God of the people's sins of idol worship, neglect of God.
As I read, I wonder about denial. Could it be that they just are denying their sin, claiming that as God's chosen people they will automatically get the blessings He's promised? Perhaps they are guilty of national self-righteousness? NKJV study notes wonder if this is a post-exhilic proclamation?
At any rate, they can remember their history as a people, still thank Him and depend upon Him, and can still feel the pain of a national crisis.
What about us?
I know there are times when I could sit and tell you for hours all that God has done for me. Story after story of His rescue and provision. And I praise Him, and know that apart from Him I am nothing He is my substance.
Then I can, it seems, in a moment, be thrown into a tailspin. Sometimes the catalyst is obvious, but most of the time it is not.
And I find myself in the same boat as the psalmist here......defending myself and questioning Him.
Oh His patience! And love!
I wish there were another section to his psalm......it seems we are left hanging. Does God hear them and rescue? But......we are not given this because God didn't deem it necessary for us to know how the situation turned out. All we really need to know is this: It is good to recall His mighty deeds. It is good to depend upon Him in all things. And it is good to call out to Him in honesty. I believe He taught them a lesson through all of this. Perhaps as I said, pride and self-righteousness, denial, etc.
May I be willing to learn also.
"A contemplation of the sons of Korah" per the NKJV study Bible.
Remember......
They'd heard stories all of their lives about the mighty things God had done for their ancestors.
How He'd called Abraham out of Ur to travel to a distant land. How He'd sustained him and promised him a son, and indeed descendants so great in number that they'd be like the sands of the shore. They'd been told of Isaac and Jacob.......and then of Joseph. They knew of Moses and the mighty way God rescued His chosen people from Egypt. They knew of the conquest of Canaan and how God Himself drove out the inhabitants of the land and established His people there. They knew........
And they give thanks for it. They continue to tell the stories and trust in God for help and strength. They realize that their own might comes to nothing in light of what He can and will do for them.
But remembering the past causes contemplation over the current situation, however.
Why doesn't God act in such a way now?
Now they are easily defeated. Now there is a crisis of faith. Now they are scattered instead of planted in a pleasant land. Now they question God.
It is a bold thing to challenge God the way the psalmist does here. The innocence of the nation as a whole is defended, and God is asked why He has done this. He is challenged with statements like, "you have rejected and disgraced us." "You have broken us." They say God has hidden His face and forgotten them.
They claim to have not worshiped idols, or forgotten God. They have not broken covenant.
So He is begged to act! 'awake! You must be sleeping! Rise up and help because of your steadfast love (covenant).
The RSB doesn't give any hope for placing a time frame on this psalm. There are many situations and events it could apply to. The NKJV study Bible seems to put it during the exile, because the prophets before that time clearly spoke by God of the people's sins of idol worship, neglect of God.
As I read, I wonder about denial. Could it be that they just are denying their sin, claiming that as God's chosen people they will automatically get the blessings He's promised? Perhaps they are guilty of national self-righteousness? NKJV study notes wonder if this is a post-exhilic proclamation?
At any rate, they can remember their history as a people, still thank Him and depend upon Him, and can still feel the pain of a national crisis.
What about us?
I know there are times when I could sit and tell you for hours all that God has done for me. Story after story of His rescue and provision. And I praise Him, and know that apart from Him I am nothing He is my substance.
Then I can, it seems, in a moment, be thrown into a tailspin. Sometimes the catalyst is obvious, but most of the time it is not.
And I find myself in the same boat as the psalmist here......defending myself and questioning Him.
Oh His patience! And love!
I wish there were another section to his psalm......it seems we are left hanging. Does God hear them and rescue? But......we are not given this because God didn't deem it necessary for us to know how the situation turned out. All we really need to know is this: It is good to recall His mighty deeds. It is good to depend upon Him in all things. And it is good to call out to Him in honesty. I believe He taught them a lesson through all of this. Perhaps as I said, pride and self-righteousness, denial, etc.
May I be willing to learn also.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014
Last evening, my children and I sat outside after dark and read the Scriptures for church today in preparation for worship. That was a first for the family!
We didn't make it to Sunday School this morning, but we did read Psalm 119: 9-11
Only God's Law can help us keep our way pure. The way of the one who seeks God's Law, stores is up in his heart, and seeks wisdom from Him will be guarded by that Law. How do we store this Word up in our hearts? By speaking it, delighting in it more than earthly things, and meditating (thinking) about it much.
The godly will NOT forget God's Word. Nor will he neglect it.
The sermon text was John 20:11-18.....focusing on Mary Magdalene's response to the risen savior.
So many details that I have never really attended to in this passage, and the verses before!
I read back over verses 1-10 to get the context for the setting we find Mary in. She was at the tomb of Jesus early, and found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty! She rant to tell the disciples,, and Peter and John ran to check it out, and discovered it to be true. Not only that, but everything was in neat order.
Then,......the men go home. The didn't understand.
Mary, however, hung around. She was in such great sorrow! She was a close follower of Christ, as He had set her free from seven demons! She was there at the crucifixion, there for the burial, and now she weeps at the tomb. In her distress, she is seeking only one thing....the body. John doesn't tell us anything about her reacting to the fact that she was speaking to an angel, however other gospels do. Even still, she asks for only one thing......to know where they have taken Him. She didn't even recognize Jesus in her distress, when she faced Him. I wonder, though, if she even looked at him really. She was weeping, and I am sure her vision was blurry. Was it shameful in that time for women to cry in public, so perhaps she had her head down? At any rate, she assumed the gardener was before her, asking whom she sought, and replied that if he had taken Him, please tell her and she would take care of the body. It wasn't until He spoke her name, Mary, that she recognized Him!
I have always wondered about that word. Was it spoken in a loving, tender tone? Or in a powerful voice that commanded attention? It doesn't matter.....she recognized Him.
His next words to her about not clinging to Him have puzzled me at times. He doesn't want her to 'cling' to Him,.....and I have always pictured in my mind her reacting as any one would to seeing someone they loved, who'd been dead, now standing before them! I imagine she went to touch Him, to hug him, and not let go! But later, Thomas is encouraged to touch Him. What's the difference?
This morning I thought that maybe part of what Jesus was saying was that she didn't need to get attached to the idea of Him being there for long. He hadn't yet ascended to the Father, but He would. And when He did, they would SEE Him no more, but the Helper would come to dwell in them. Is that the sore of 'clinging' that He meant? Or perhaps He meant that she shouldn't stay there (who would want to leave?!), but to go and tell the disciples.
No matter.......He told her to go tell the disciples what she'd seen and heard, and she did. She didn't cling, or hold on to Him. She obeyed, immediately.
There have been times in my life that I have heard the Lord say my name.....not audibly, but in my heart. Usually at times of great distress and turmoil. The first time I recall that happened at a very troubling time for me, early in my marriage. I was very upset, and hurt, but felt like I had no one to turn to. Talking to anyone about it was out of the question, and I was weeping and mourning, feeling not only the hurt done to me, but also the intense loneliness. As I cried and wept, I heard the Lord say to me, "Linette, cry out to Me. I am here". I am ashamed to say that I didn't. At least not then.
there have been other times that I can't describe here. But I know Him by His voice. That I can say with certainty.
It was pointed out this morning that Mary was seeking a thing, while Jesus asked her WHOM she was seeking. She assumed him to be a corpse, yet He was alive, and a 'who', not an 'it'.
It seems to me there's a lesson there......Still today many see Jesus as an 'it'.....a historical figure, a religious icon, etc., etc. But we need to see Him as a "WHO". He is alive! And he intercedes for us with the Father!
Seek Him!
We didn't make it to Sunday School this morning, but we did read Psalm 119: 9-11
Only God's Law can help us keep our way pure. The way of the one who seeks God's Law, stores is up in his heart, and seeks wisdom from Him will be guarded by that Law. How do we store this Word up in our hearts? By speaking it, delighting in it more than earthly things, and meditating (thinking) about it much.
The godly will NOT forget God's Word. Nor will he neglect it.
The sermon text was John 20:11-18.....focusing on Mary Magdalene's response to the risen savior.
So many details that I have never really attended to in this passage, and the verses before!
I read back over verses 1-10 to get the context for the setting we find Mary in. She was at the tomb of Jesus early, and found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty! She rant to tell the disciples,, and Peter and John ran to check it out, and discovered it to be true. Not only that, but everything was in neat order.
Then,......the men go home. The didn't understand.
Mary, however, hung around. She was in such great sorrow! She was a close follower of Christ, as He had set her free from seven demons! She was there at the crucifixion, there for the burial, and now she weeps at the tomb. In her distress, she is seeking only one thing....the body. John doesn't tell us anything about her reacting to the fact that she was speaking to an angel, however other gospels do. Even still, she asks for only one thing......to know where they have taken Him. She didn't even recognize Jesus in her distress, when she faced Him. I wonder, though, if she even looked at him really. She was weeping, and I am sure her vision was blurry. Was it shameful in that time for women to cry in public, so perhaps she had her head down? At any rate, she assumed the gardener was before her, asking whom she sought, and replied that if he had taken Him, please tell her and she would take care of the body. It wasn't until He spoke her name, Mary, that she recognized Him!
I have always wondered about that word. Was it spoken in a loving, tender tone? Or in a powerful voice that commanded attention? It doesn't matter.....she recognized Him.
His next words to her about not clinging to Him have puzzled me at times. He doesn't want her to 'cling' to Him,.....and I have always pictured in my mind her reacting as any one would to seeing someone they loved, who'd been dead, now standing before them! I imagine she went to touch Him, to hug him, and not let go! But later, Thomas is encouraged to touch Him. What's the difference?
This morning I thought that maybe part of what Jesus was saying was that she didn't need to get attached to the idea of Him being there for long. He hadn't yet ascended to the Father, but He would. And when He did, they would SEE Him no more, but the Helper would come to dwell in them. Is that the sore of 'clinging' that He meant? Or perhaps He meant that she shouldn't stay there (who would want to leave?!), but to go and tell the disciples.
No matter.......He told her to go tell the disciples what she'd seen and heard, and she did. She didn't cling, or hold on to Him. She obeyed, immediately.
There have been times in my life that I have heard the Lord say my name.....not audibly, but in my heart. Usually at times of great distress and turmoil. The first time I recall that happened at a very troubling time for me, early in my marriage. I was very upset, and hurt, but felt like I had no one to turn to. Talking to anyone about it was out of the question, and I was weeping and mourning, feeling not only the hurt done to me, but also the intense loneliness. As I cried and wept, I heard the Lord say to me, "Linette, cry out to Me. I am here". I am ashamed to say that I didn't. At least not then.
there have been other times that I can't describe here. But I know Him by His voice. That I can say with certainty.
It was pointed out this morning that Mary was seeking a thing, while Jesus asked her WHOM she was seeking. She assumed him to be a corpse, yet He was alive, and a 'who', not an 'it'.
It seems to me there's a lesson there......Still today many see Jesus as an 'it'.....a historical figure, a religious icon, etc., etc. But we need to see Him as a "WHO". He is alive! And he intercedes for us with the Father!
Seek Him!
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Psalm 42 and 43
These 2 Psalms appear to be one, united by the same theme and refrain. I'll treat them as such.
Written by the sons of Korah......leaders in worship.
In OT times, Jerusalem was the place established by God for His dwelling place and it was where His chosen people were to worship Him. The people would go there to meet with God at established times appointed by Him. As they went, they were led in worship by song leaders, singing encouragement. (see the songs of ascent, Psalm 120-134). Today, we have direct access to God through the work of Christ.
The Psalmist is, for some reason away from Jerusalem for a time and is unable to participate in worship at the temple. He is experiencing an overwhelming depression because of this.....longing to be before God in His house, recalling days when he was there and led the people in procession up to God's house.
I love the expression of longing for God.....as the deer longs for life sustaining and thirst quenching water,
so his soul longs for God. As water is necessary for life, so being in God's presence is necessary for spiritual life.
He compares the tears he now cries to the shouts of joy and praise of worship in Jerusalem......
.....and he encourages himself with these words in the refrain of the song:
"Why are you cast down oh my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my Salvation and my God!".
Stanza 2 of the song begins in verse 5: He mourns his separation from God's presence, likening his turmoil to that of water in motion.....waterfalls crashing on the rocks, or the turmoil of great bodies of water meeting each other. But.....he acknowledges God's voice even in this, and asks the very honest human question, "Why? Why am I experiencing this great turmoil?"
He comforts himself once again with the refrain:
""Why are you cast down oh my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my Salvation and my God!".
Stanza 3 begins in Psalm 43. Here he uses legal terms asking for God's help: vindicate me and defend me.
God is his refuge, yet he feels forgotten and rejected by Him, resulting in his depression. He pleads for mercy, asking for God's Light and Truth to rescue him and return him to his prior station in Jerusalem......leading the people in worship, and indeed to be before God's presence himself!
Verses 4-5 express a theme we would all do well to fully understand and embrace.....and bring comfort to the Psalmist in his separation from the events and circumstances he longs for.....
Our joy and hope are not found in events or circumstances.
Our joy and hope are found in God alone.
Therefore:
""Why are you cast down oh my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my Salvation and my God!".
Would that we would all take this Psalm to heart, and remember it in times of turmoil!
Would that we would long for God like we thirst for life sustaining water!
Would that we would run to Him, not only in times of trouble but daily spend time at the feet of Jesus,
learning from Him as Mary was commended for she "chose that good part (sitting at Jesus feet), which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42 NKJB)
Written by the sons of Korah......leaders in worship.
In OT times, Jerusalem was the place established by God for His dwelling place and it was where His chosen people were to worship Him. The people would go there to meet with God at established times appointed by Him. As they went, they were led in worship by song leaders, singing encouragement. (see the songs of ascent, Psalm 120-134). Today, we have direct access to God through the work of Christ.
The Psalmist is, for some reason away from Jerusalem for a time and is unable to participate in worship at the temple. He is experiencing an overwhelming depression because of this.....longing to be before God in His house, recalling days when he was there and led the people in procession up to God's house.
I love the expression of longing for God.....as the deer longs for life sustaining and thirst quenching water,
so his soul longs for God. As water is necessary for life, so being in God's presence is necessary for spiritual life.
He compares the tears he now cries to the shouts of joy and praise of worship in Jerusalem......
.....and he encourages himself with these words in the refrain of the song:
"Why are you cast down oh my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my Salvation and my God!".
Stanza 2 of the song begins in verse 5: He mourns his separation from God's presence, likening his turmoil to that of water in motion.....waterfalls crashing on the rocks, or the turmoil of great bodies of water meeting each other. But.....he acknowledges God's voice even in this, and asks the very honest human question, "Why? Why am I experiencing this great turmoil?"
He comforts himself once again with the refrain:
""Why are you cast down oh my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my Salvation and my God!".
Stanza 3 begins in Psalm 43. Here he uses legal terms asking for God's help: vindicate me and defend me.
God is his refuge, yet he feels forgotten and rejected by Him, resulting in his depression. He pleads for mercy, asking for God's Light and Truth to rescue him and return him to his prior station in Jerusalem......leading the people in worship, and indeed to be before God's presence himself!
Verses 4-5 express a theme we would all do well to fully understand and embrace.....and bring comfort to the Psalmist in his separation from the events and circumstances he longs for.....
Our joy and hope are not found in events or circumstances.
Our joy and hope are found in God alone.
Therefore:
""Why are you cast down oh my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my Salvation and my God!".
Would that we would all take this Psalm to heart, and remember it in times of turmoil!
Would that we would long for God like we thirst for life sustaining water!
Would that we would run to Him, not only in times of trouble but daily spend time at the feet of Jesus,
learning from Him as Mary was commended for she "chose that good part (sitting at Jesus feet), which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42 NKJB)
Friday, April 18, 2014
Psalm 41
This Psalm is laid out in a very interesting way, I think.
David begins with a statement: Blessed is he who considers the poor.
(The poor: not referencing financial poverty necessarily. I think this describes the overall condition of ones state at a particular time.....whether it be physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, material. Basically it involves being helpless, unable to do anything about it, and possibly unable to care for oneself. Requiring outside intervention. )
Then describes how the Lord will deliver, bless, heal sustain and strengthen that one.
Ok........But then he abruptly changes tone and temper, launching into a lament.
I wonder if the beginning statements are made in a sort of hopeful attitude, as if to say "I have
considered the poor.....so I know God will consider me?"
One study note suggested that a priest may have spoken the beginning words to David as a form of comfort. That would make sense too.
It seems that David is ill....perhaps an illness that will result in death. This could also be a spiritual struggle of epic proportions. The language used is mostly physical. His first move is to confess his sin and ask God for mercy. Then he pours out his heart, describing the situation.
His enemies are watching, waiting for him to die. They visit, (some are even 'close' friends), but with false motives. They speak lies, and purpose to gain information to take out of the sick room to spread slander against David. They gossip among themselves about the cause of David's illness.
How discouraging! How painful!
But it is not so with his God. He is merciful.
David asks te be whole so he can repay his enemies. This sounds confusing to me in a way. It seems antithetical to other Scriptures. I wonder if his meaning is that he knows God will deal with the wicked, and just wants to know it in reality.....by seeing it....also. At best, he gives God credit ultimately for their demise. David takes no pride in himself as being the author of their fall.
At any rate, he will know God's pleasure when he sees his enemy fall and not triumph over him. He wants to see them confounded and put down.
He will not suffer harm permanently due to the slander of his enemies, for God Himself upholds his integrity.
Ending this song is a doxology......ending the first book of the Psalms.
God is from everlasting to everlasting, and will be praised! So be it!
David begins with a statement: Blessed is he who considers the poor.
(The poor: not referencing financial poverty necessarily. I think this describes the overall condition of ones state at a particular time.....whether it be physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, material. Basically it involves being helpless, unable to do anything about it, and possibly unable to care for oneself. Requiring outside intervention. )
Then describes how the Lord will deliver, bless, heal sustain and strengthen that one.
Ok........But then he abruptly changes tone and temper, launching into a lament.
I wonder if the beginning statements are made in a sort of hopeful attitude, as if to say "I have
considered the poor.....so I know God will consider me?"
One study note suggested that a priest may have spoken the beginning words to David as a form of comfort. That would make sense too.
It seems that David is ill....perhaps an illness that will result in death. This could also be a spiritual struggle of epic proportions. The language used is mostly physical. His first move is to confess his sin and ask God for mercy. Then he pours out his heart, describing the situation.
His enemies are watching, waiting for him to die. They visit, (some are even 'close' friends), but with false motives. They speak lies, and purpose to gain information to take out of the sick room to spread slander against David. They gossip among themselves about the cause of David's illness.
How discouraging! How painful!
But it is not so with his God. He is merciful.
David asks te be whole so he can repay his enemies. This sounds confusing to me in a way. It seems antithetical to other Scriptures. I wonder if his meaning is that he knows God will deal with the wicked, and just wants to know it in reality.....by seeing it....also. At best, he gives God credit ultimately for their demise. David takes no pride in himself as being the author of their fall.
At any rate, he will know God's pleasure when he sees his enemy fall and not triumph over him. He wants to see them confounded and put down.
He will not suffer harm permanently due to the slander of his enemies, for God Himself upholds his integrity.
Ending this song is a doxology......ending the first book of the Psalms.
God is from everlasting to everlasting, and will be praised! So be it!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Psalm 40
There are not enough word to tell of God's greatness and everlasting love. He is always true and faithful!
In this song, we are encouraged to recall and remember all He has done for us, and to anticipate all He will do when troubles come.
David likens God's rescue of him to being pulled out of a miry pit. Imagine walking in mire and clay. You must watch every step, picking your way carefully lest a misstep sink you! Each step is precarious. The path isn't straight...you zig-zag your way across as you try to get to more solid ground. It is messy and tedious. And falls are sure to happen.
Such is the way of life sometimes. We find ourselves in precarious situations that we must tread lightly through, often mis-stepping and falling headlong into the mess.
But David knew what to do. He kept on, and as he did, he trusted on and waited for the Lord, knowing that rescue would come. He didn't turn to others for help: friends, other gods, wealth, 'get out of jail free' schemes, etc. He trusted in God alone. Knowing that the offerings and sacrifices of the Hebrews were instituted by God, he still says they are useless without a heart that trusts and obeys. God's desire is for the sacrifice of a contrite heart and a broken spirit.....recognizing our helplessness before Him, and trusting Him. He wants our faithfulness, no matter what we face. He wants genuine repentance and faith.
Because of God's great love for him, David is committed to praising Him!
But then new troubles come. David notes both internal and external problems in verse 12. Evils surround him, and his sin overwhelms him. He asks God to act! He says, 'hurry up"! Please shame my enemies and put them down! Turn the tables on them!
But this isn't spoken by a man who is proud and self righteous. David isn't pleading for his rights, or because he thinks himself beyond treatment like this.
He humbly acknowledges that he is poor and needy........helpless to help himself, really.
But God can help! So David does not despair. But waits..........
In my life, I am often aware of the great paradox between trusting God and waiting for Him, yet childishly demanding that He do something! Recently there have been (and are!) several things that I prayed about for a long time.....years even. I didn't understand why He didn't answer (i.e. do what I wanted Him to do). Eventually, though, I had to come to the point of acknowledging His sovereignty, and all-encompassing knowledge of both me and my circumstances. I told Him that I trusted Him, yet acted like I didn't. I have learned to ask Him for what seems to me to be best, based on the limited knowledge I have, but in the same breath ask Him to act according to what HE sees and knows. Most of the time, my wants and desires seem to be not what He had in mind. But many times, when I can see how He is working, I see that it is indeed best, even better than what I'd had in mind!
But He is gracious and kind, even when His 'heavy hand' is on us. And He will do what is best.
So, I trust Him. And I will wait upon Him. For He is good, all the time.
In this song, we are encouraged to recall and remember all He has done for us, and to anticipate all He will do when troubles come.
David likens God's rescue of him to being pulled out of a miry pit. Imagine walking in mire and clay. You must watch every step, picking your way carefully lest a misstep sink you! Each step is precarious. The path isn't straight...you zig-zag your way across as you try to get to more solid ground. It is messy and tedious. And falls are sure to happen.
Such is the way of life sometimes. We find ourselves in precarious situations that we must tread lightly through, often mis-stepping and falling headlong into the mess.
But David knew what to do. He kept on, and as he did, he trusted on and waited for the Lord, knowing that rescue would come. He didn't turn to others for help: friends, other gods, wealth, 'get out of jail free' schemes, etc. He trusted in God alone. Knowing that the offerings and sacrifices of the Hebrews were instituted by God, he still says they are useless without a heart that trusts and obeys. God's desire is for the sacrifice of a contrite heart and a broken spirit.....recognizing our helplessness before Him, and trusting Him. He wants our faithfulness, no matter what we face. He wants genuine repentance and faith.
Because of God's great love for him, David is committed to praising Him!
But then new troubles come. David notes both internal and external problems in verse 12. Evils surround him, and his sin overwhelms him. He asks God to act! He says, 'hurry up"! Please shame my enemies and put them down! Turn the tables on them!
But this isn't spoken by a man who is proud and self righteous. David isn't pleading for his rights, or because he thinks himself beyond treatment like this.
He humbly acknowledges that he is poor and needy........helpless to help himself, really.
But God can help! So David does not despair. But waits..........
In my life, I am often aware of the great paradox between trusting God and waiting for Him, yet childishly demanding that He do something! Recently there have been (and are!) several things that I prayed about for a long time.....years even. I didn't understand why He didn't answer (i.e. do what I wanted Him to do). Eventually, though, I had to come to the point of acknowledging His sovereignty, and all-encompassing knowledge of both me and my circumstances. I told Him that I trusted Him, yet acted like I didn't. I have learned to ask Him for what seems to me to be best, based on the limited knowledge I have, but in the same breath ask Him to act according to what HE sees and knows. Most of the time, my wants and desires seem to be not what He had in mind. But many times, when I can see how He is working, I see that it is indeed best, even better than what I'd had in mind!
But He is gracious and kind, even when His 'heavy hand' is on us. And He will do what is best.
So, I trust Him. And I will wait upon Him. For He is good, all the time.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Psalm 39
This song was specifically sent to Jeduthun, a choirmaster. Read about him in I Chron. 16:41 and 25:1
Also, Psalm 62 and 77 reference him in their titles.
David laments the seeming futility of life in this song.
It seems he's been stewing to me......perhaps with thoughts of why the wicked prosper or are allowed to continue in their wicked ways. Perhaps he's just in one of those 'funks' we find ourselves in when all seems to be unfullfilling and meaningless. Who knows?
But we do know this from what David says.....he was determined to not sin with his tongue, especially in the presence of the wicked. He was finding it hard to keep silent, however, and the emotions he was struggling with boiled and festered within him until he had to speak. And his choice of audience was spot on.....GOD.
"Show me my end......and the measure of my days" sounds like a reverent challenge, if you will, to show him some meaning in life. It sounds like a "why?" question to me. RSB study notes speak of the godly comparing their own hard lives to the prosperity of the wicked and wondering perhaps if it was all worth it. I think we can understand this mentality today. I do. The writer of Hebrews understood it for those he wrote to who were considering returning to the old ways of Judaism rather than run the (hard) race with Christ
Holiness is hard!
Life is fleeting and vain (sounds like Ecclesiastes!) And God's "discipline seems too much for the fragility of life" (NKJB notes).
I hear a weariness in his voice. Weary of trying. Weary of persevering. Weary of watching others have an easier life because they don't fear God and keep His commandments.
Verse 7 is the pivotal point....."My hope is in You." Meaning!
It is as if he recognizes the folly of his thoughts and runs to God. He confesses his sin and transgressions, He asks God to remove His heavy hand of discipline so that he can smile again. He has passed now from anger to weeping. God's discipline is having its desired effect!
It is good to recognize the 'hand of the Lord" in our lives. I think of Hebrews 12.....the Lord chastens those He loves. If not chastened, consider yourself illegitimate! But like an earthly father, our Heavenly Father disciplines us, training us and exercising us to equip us to run the race with endurance.
I am so glad that He listens to our whining along the way though. Glad for his comfort even in His discipline. And glad for wisdom to see what He has accomplished in us through it.
Also, Psalm 62 and 77 reference him in their titles.
David laments the seeming futility of life in this song.
It seems he's been stewing to me......perhaps with thoughts of why the wicked prosper or are allowed to continue in their wicked ways. Perhaps he's just in one of those 'funks' we find ourselves in when all seems to be unfullfilling and meaningless. Who knows?
But we do know this from what David says.....he was determined to not sin with his tongue, especially in the presence of the wicked. He was finding it hard to keep silent, however, and the emotions he was struggling with boiled and festered within him until he had to speak. And his choice of audience was spot on.....GOD.
"Show me my end......and the measure of my days" sounds like a reverent challenge, if you will, to show him some meaning in life. It sounds like a "why?" question to me. RSB study notes speak of the godly comparing their own hard lives to the prosperity of the wicked and wondering perhaps if it was all worth it. I think we can understand this mentality today. I do. The writer of Hebrews understood it for those he wrote to who were considering returning to the old ways of Judaism rather than run the (hard) race with Christ
Holiness is hard!
Life is fleeting and vain (sounds like Ecclesiastes!) And God's "discipline seems too much for the fragility of life" (NKJB notes).
I hear a weariness in his voice. Weary of trying. Weary of persevering. Weary of watching others have an easier life because they don't fear God and keep His commandments.
Verse 7 is the pivotal point....."My hope is in You." Meaning!
It is as if he recognizes the folly of his thoughts and runs to God. He confesses his sin and transgressions, He asks God to remove His heavy hand of discipline so that he can smile again. He has passed now from anger to weeping. God's discipline is having its desired effect!
It is good to recognize the 'hand of the Lord" in our lives. I think of Hebrews 12.....the Lord chastens those He loves. If not chastened, consider yourself illegitimate! But like an earthly father, our Heavenly Father disciplines us, training us and exercising us to equip us to run the race with endurance.
I am so glad that He listens to our whining along the way though. Glad for his comfort even in His discipline. And glad for wisdom to see what He has accomplished in us through it.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Psalm 38
This is his song of remembrance of a time of "conviction, affliction, lonely suffering, and confident hope." (NKJV study notes).
Once again, as in Psalm 32, God's hand is heavy upon David. He has made him miserable in his sin.
Part of me wants to know what the sin is. But it doesn't matter. Any sin, whether that which is considered particularly heinousand open, or that which is usually concealed and happens in our hearts and minds, when unconfessed festers and multiplies, overwhelms and destroys.
David is miserable. He is overwhelmed. There is no way out unless the Lord save him. He recognizes that this misery is due to both God's indignation, and his own sin. The weight of carrying this sin and guilt has become so great that he cannot function any more.
The Lord sees. He knows. Indeed, He is behind this great suffering, and is using it to sanctify David.
David is lonely.....His friends are aloof, his family has turned away. There is no help.
His enemies are watching, waiting for the moment to snare him. Watching for him to fail. Waiting for him to perhaps denounce his God? Waiting for him to cave.
He has no answer. He is like a dead man, I believe. He can't even defend himself.
But........
He does the right thing and runs to God. He tells God all of it, confessing his sin and his weakness, hurt and instability. He, still, hopes in God, for he knows God's covenant promises. He recalls a prior prayer to not be ashamed, and for his enemies to not triumph over him.
I love verse 17 and ff......"I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me, for I will declare my iniquity." I am not sure if he is saying that he is ready to submit to the Father in total confession and dependence on Him, or if he is saying that he is just that weary and weighed down. Either way, he sees that his enemy is NOT weak, but 'vigorous' and strong. They are multiplied! He also realizes that they hate him because he seeks good......following the Lord.
I was struck with the humility here. Even in discipline, there is no anger, no self righteousness, or promoting of his own 'rights'. There are no 'buts'......just a humble dependence on God.
Verse 21 and 22 end it well.....I hear hope and renewal.....He has changed from describing his miserable state to calling on God to deliver. Help!
I can relate so much to the misery of sin, or of weariness so great that I thought I wouldn't make it (spiritually speaking, anyway. And, too few times, I must confess, I have known the renewed vigor when I realize the reason for my state and cry out to God instead of wallowing in my misery. I can vouch that He does indeed hear my cries! He forgives sin, when confessed and repented of. And He heals. yes He does. I am proof.
Once again, as in Psalm 32, God's hand is heavy upon David. He has made him miserable in his sin.
Part of me wants to know what the sin is. But it doesn't matter. Any sin, whether that which is considered particularly heinousand open, or that which is usually concealed and happens in our hearts and minds, when unconfessed festers and multiplies, overwhelms and destroys.
David is miserable. He is overwhelmed. There is no way out unless the Lord save him. He recognizes that this misery is due to both God's indignation, and his own sin. The weight of carrying this sin and guilt has become so great that he cannot function any more.
The Lord sees. He knows. Indeed, He is behind this great suffering, and is using it to sanctify David.
David is lonely.....His friends are aloof, his family has turned away. There is no help.
His enemies are watching, waiting for the moment to snare him. Watching for him to fail. Waiting for him to perhaps denounce his God? Waiting for him to cave.
He has no answer. He is like a dead man, I believe. He can't even defend himself.
But........
He does the right thing and runs to God. He tells God all of it, confessing his sin and his weakness, hurt and instability. He, still, hopes in God, for he knows God's covenant promises. He recalls a prior prayer to not be ashamed, and for his enemies to not triumph over him.
I love verse 17 and ff......"I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me, for I will declare my iniquity." I am not sure if he is saying that he is ready to submit to the Father in total confession and dependence on Him, or if he is saying that he is just that weary and weighed down. Either way, he sees that his enemy is NOT weak, but 'vigorous' and strong. They are multiplied! He also realizes that they hate him because he seeks good......following the Lord.
I was struck with the humility here. Even in discipline, there is no anger, no self righteousness, or promoting of his own 'rights'. There are no 'buts'......just a humble dependence on God.
Verse 21 and 22 end it well.....I hear hope and renewal.....He has changed from describing his miserable state to calling on God to deliver. Help!
I can relate so much to the misery of sin, or of weariness so great that I thought I wouldn't make it (spiritually speaking, anyway. And, too few times, I must confess, I have known the renewed vigor when I realize the reason for my state and cry out to God instead of wallowing in my misery. I can vouch that He does indeed hear my cries! He forgives sin, when confessed and repented of. And He heals. yes He does. I am proof.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Psalm 37
After taking my own notes regarding the overall theme of this one, I read the study notes in my NKJV and liked the way they worded it:
" ....its basic theme is to commend trust in God for everyday living in the face of wickedness and temptation, because despite temporary prosperity, the wicked must ultimately fail."
Fret: what does that mean. Without looking it up, I'd say it means to stew over something. To mull over something perceived as unjust, unfair or just plain wrong. To worry about things you have no control over and really do not affect you. To hang on to perceived injustices, refusing to let them go,.
Hmmmmm......I looked it up, and my definition is a bit wordy.....but I found something interesting. Two meanings: 1. to be visibly worried or anxious. 2.gradually wear away something by rubbing or gnawing.
See verse 8: "do not fret, it only causes harm." Fretting gradually wears away our joy and peace by rubbing and gnawing at our hearts, minds, and souls. Hmmmmmm......
Several times through the Psalm, David tells his reader to not fret over the wicked who seem to prosper and not receive the justice due him. It may look like he prospers now, but his demise is coming, of this David is sure. The wicked will: be cut down, wither, be no more, be laughed at by God (I like that one :-) ), fall by his own schemes, suffer from the weight of the burden he carries (arms broken), perish, and be cut off.
The one who delights in the Lord, however, will: inherit the earth, have his desires met, delight in abundant peace, be upheld by God, have his inheritance forever (contrast Psalm 17:14...the wicked have their portion in this life, leave it to their little ones, and then are no more), not be ashamed, be blessed, and will fall, but not permanently because God upholds him.
We are called to action.....not laziness and complacency. Note the action verbs: trust, dwell, delight, commit, rest, cease, forsake, wait, depart, ......do.
Don't fret. Do the things commanded. David has lived a full life, and knows the promises of God to be true.....He will not forsake the righteous, or his descendants.
When we learn God's law, and keep it in our hearts, our steps will be sure.(v 31)
When we wait on the Lord, and keep His way, He will exalt us o inherit the land. (v 34) and we will see the wicked cut off.
God is intimately involved with His own. He knows our ways, orders our steps, is our strength and upholds us in the day of trouble.
verse 39-49 end the song well: But the salvation of the righteous if from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.
So don't fret.
But instead, be busy about delighting in the Lord and His Word, living in full obedience to him no matter what you see going on around you. You take care of your own ways, and leave the wicked to Him.
" ....its basic theme is to commend trust in God for everyday living in the face of wickedness and temptation, because despite temporary prosperity, the wicked must ultimately fail."
Fret: what does that mean. Without looking it up, I'd say it means to stew over something. To mull over something perceived as unjust, unfair or just plain wrong. To worry about things you have no control over and really do not affect you. To hang on to perceived injustices, refusing to let them go,.
Hmmmmm......I looked it up, and my definition is a bit wordy.....but I found something interesting. Two meanings: 1. to be visibly worried or anxious. 2.gradually wear away something by rubbing or gnawing.
See verse 8: "do not fret, it only causes harm." Fretting gradually wears away our joy and peace by rubbing and gnawing at our hearts, minds, and souls. Hmmmmmm......
Several times through the Psalm, David tells his reader to not fret over the wicked who seem to prosper and not receive the justice due him. It may look like he prospers now, but his demise is coming, of this David is sure. The wicked will: be cut down, wither, be no more, be laughed at by God (I like that one :-) ), fall by his own schemes, suffer from the weight of the burden he carries (arms broken), perish, and be cut off.
The one who delights in the Lord, however, will: inherit the earth, have his desires met, delight in abundant peace, be upheld by God, have his inheritance forever (contrast Psalm 17:14...the wicked have their portion in this life, leave it to their little ones, and then are no more), not be ashamed, be blessed, and will fall, but not permanently because God upholds him.
We are called to action.....not laziness and complacency. Note the action verbs: trust, dwell, delight, commit, rest, cease, forsake, wait, depart, ......do.
Don't fret. Do the things commanded. David has lived a full life, and knows the promises of God to be true.....He will not forsake the righteous, or his descendants.
When we learn God's law, and keep it in our hearts, our steps will be sure.(v 31)
When we wait on the Lord, and keep His way, He will exalt us o inherit the land. (v 34) and we will see the wicked cut off.
God is intimately involved with His own. He knows our ways, orders our steps, is our strength and upholds us in the day of trouble.
verse 39-49 end the song well: But the salvation of the righteous if from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.
So don't fret.
But instead, be busy about delighting in the Lord and His Word, living in full obedience to him no matter what you see going on around you. You take care of your own ways, and leave the wicked to Him.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Lord's Day, Sunday April 13, 2014
It has been a beautiful day, although I am tired and not feeling well this afternoon.
Sunday School was on the first 8 verses of Psalm 119. One in the class brought up the repetitive, almost redundant nature of this long Psalm and wondered if there is enough material to carry a whole quarter of teaching. While I understood the notion, my immediate response was , "oh no! God's Word is alive, and active!" I am looking forward to the study of each section to see what God has there for us!
Blessing. Where is it found? We live in a society that tells us to 'follow your heart'. Do what seems best to you. Dream big, and make your dreams come true. We tend to see blessing as wealth, health, financial security, social status, etc., etc. But here in Psalm 119:1-8 we find that it is only found in God's approval.
We find this approval/blessing when we seek Him with our whole heart. Not half. No hypocrisy, not lukewarm, not sometimes, but with all of our heart, mind, strength and soul......all of our whole being...all the time. This requires activity and effort on my part. I have to know His Word, and to do that I must seek it. It is there that I begin to really know God, and knowing Him puts me in my place.....weak, sinful, and totally dependent on Him for everything, even the will to come to Him.
The Psalmist pleads for help in obeying the Law's of God. He cannot do it alone!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Sermon text: John 12:12-19. Palm Sunday. Parades. Anticipation. Disappointment. and the great Parade to come........
The same Jews who celebrated Jesus arrival in Jerusalem that day gathered as a mob and demanded His crucifixion a few days later. They anticipated a King who would overthrow the Roman rule over them. He didn't (at least not the way they expected). Hopes were dashed. Within days of this triumphal entry, Jesus was a one Man parade carrying a cross, with back laid bare, bleeding and dying. What contrast!
And someday......there will be another parade....when He comes back to collect His own. Oh how I long for that Day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Evening service was to be held @ a different location with another church. I wish I could have gone, but not feeling well, I decided to stay home. Spent some of the afternoon studying for 2 studies this week.
Reading in Hebrews 12.
I was struck by all of the commands to action. We cannot endure the race without intention. Lay aside, run, look, consider, remember, endure, strengthen, pursue. The race isn't won passively. It requires our effort.....diligent, ongoing effort. It also requires the efforts of our Father to 'chastise', 'discipline', or 'train' us. I have notes written in my Bible that the word 'trained' means 'exercised'. Just like a serious runner trains his body and mind for the race, so must we train for the spiritual race we run. God is like our coach, pushing and prodding us, teaching us our errors and weaknesses, then shoring us up, encouraging us, and teaching us the right techniques and moves to win the prize.
The Hebrews were being persecuted, and it was about to get way more intense for them. Some were returning to the 'safety' of the old ways, the law and the sacrifices, simply because there was familiarity and safety there. How we must beware of this! Father help me stand when the going gets tough! Teach me to see the roadblocks and discern their value....whether legitimate or not. And strengthen me to endure.
Sunday School was on the first 8 verses of Psalm 119. One in the class brought up the repetitive, almost redundant nature of this long Psalm and wondered if there is enough material to carry a whole quarter of teaching. While I understood the notion, my immediate response was , "oh no! God's Word is alive, and active!" I am looking forward to the study of each section to see what God has there for us!
Blessing. Where is it found? We live in a society that tells us to 'follow your heart'. Do what seems best to you. Dream big, and make your dreams come true. We tend to see blessing as wealth, health, financial security, social status, etc., etc. But here in Psalm 119:1-8 we find that it is only found in God's approval.
We find this approval/blessing when we seek Him with our whole heart. Not half. No hypocrisy, not lukewarm, not sometimes, but with all of our heart, mind, strength and soul......all of our whole being...all the time. This requires activity and effort on my part. I have to know His Word, and to do that I must seek it. It is there that I begin to really know God, and knowing Him puts me in my place.....weak, sinful, and totally dependent on Him for everything, even the will to come to Him.
The Psalmist pleads for help in obeying the Law's of God. He cannot do it alone!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Sermon text: John 12:12-19. Palm Sunday. Parades. Anticipation. Disappointment. and the great Parade to come........
The same Jews who celebrated Jesus arrival in Jerusalem that day gathered as a mob and demanded His crucifixion a few days later. They anticipated a King who would overthrow the Roman rule over them. He didn't (at least not the way they expected). Hopes were dashed. Within days of this triumphal entry, Jesus was a one Man parade carrying a cross, with back laid bare, bleeding and dying. What contrast!
And someday......there will be another parade....when He comes back to collect His own. Oh how I long for that Day!
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Evening service was to be held @ a different location with another church. I wish I could have gone, but not feeling well, I decided to stay home. Spent some of the afternoon studying for 2 studies this week.
Reading in Hebrews 12.
I was struck by all of the commands to action. We cannot endure the race without intention. Lay aside, run, look, consider, remember, endure, strengthen, pursue. The race isn't won passively. It requires our effort.....diligent, ongoing effort. It also requires the efforts of our Father to 'chastise', 'discipline', or 'train' us. I have notes written in my Bible that the word 'trained' means 'exercised'. Just like a serious runner trains his body and mind for the race, so must we train for the spiritual race we run. God is like our coach, pushing and prodding us, teaching us our errors and weaknesses, then shoring us up, encouraging us, and teaching us the right techniques and moves to win the prize.
The Hebrews were being persecuted, and it was about to get way more intense for them. Some were returning to the 'safety' of the old ways, the law and the sacrifices, simply because there was familiarity and safety there. How we must beware of this! Father help me stand when the going gets tough! Teach me to see the roadblocks and discern their value....whether legitimate or not. And strengthen me to endure.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Psalm 36
This is a song of contrast......
First, David describes the heart and life of the wicked.
The NKJV and ESV translate verse one differently.
ESV reads this way: "Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart."
NKJV reads: "An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked."
Either way, the truth is this: he does not fear God. Sin runs deep, from the very core of man. And in the heart of the wicked, it is not quenched. He has no fear of God. Recall that fear of Him is a proper awe, wonder and reverence of Him because of right understanding of Him. It is a recognition and acknowledgement of total dependence on Him. The wicked do not know this fear. Instead, there is no humility in him, he thinks much of himself. (again, recall that a proper understanding of God puts us in our place with a proper view of ourselves.) He thinks himself to be an island, independent of any, and with a heart invisible to even God (contrast Psalm 139 where David speaks the truth of God's very knowledge of him). His speech is unwise and deceitful, and creates trouble.
He is consumed with the evil in his heart, scheming even on his bed how he might act out this evil. (Contrast David, and other pslamists who speak of meditating on God's ways, singing joyfully, and are quiet on their beds, pondering God and His word and works. ) see Psalm 63:6, 4:4 , 149:5.
The ways of the wicked are trouble, for he does not reject evil.
After describing the wicked, you would think that he would now describe the righteous; the upright in heart. But no. Instead, he now describes the GOD of the righteous.....citing His attributes.
God's 'steadfast love' ......covenant love for His chosen, is so deep, vast andgreat that is it compared to the invisible heavens above (where He dwells), the visible heavens (skies), the mountains, and the deep (oceans). All of these seem so big and powerful to us, so vast and unmovable.
So precious is His love! We, who are so far beneath Him, and so undeserving, take refuge in Him! He overshadows us, providing safety and refuge, and he feeds us well. For me, this speaks of spiritual feeding. He refreshes our souls, and provides wisdom unsearchable.
This love is extended to 'those that know Him.....the upright of heart.' Oh let us not be arrogant like the wicked described above. Let us not think so highly of ourselves that we are self-sufficient and forget God.
Let our hearts not be frightened by, or overwhelmed by, or overcome by them. No, indeed, the wicked themselves will be driven away.....and will fall.
David doesn't need to contrast the righteous with the wicked. For we have our God as our refuge and Strength. He stands for us. And those who love Him, will emulate Him. There-in lies the contrast.
First, David describes the heart and life of the wicked.
The NKJV and ESV translate verse one differently.
ESV reads this way: "Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart."
NKJV reads: "An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked."
Either way, the truth is this: he does not fear God. Sin runs deep, from the very core of man. And in the heart of the wicked, it is not quenched. He has no fear of God. Recall that fear of Him is a proper awe, wonder and reverence of Him because of right understanding of Him. It is a recognition and acknowledgement of total dependence on Him. The wicked do not know this fear. Instead, there is no humility in him, he thinks much of himself. (again, recall that a proper understanding of God puts us in our place with a proper view of ourselves.) He thinks himself to be an island, independent of any, and with a heart invisible to even God (contrast Psalm 139 where David speaks the truth of God's very knowledge of him). His speech is unwise and deceitful, and creates trouble.
He is consumed with the evil in his heart, scheming even on his bed how he might act out this evil. (Contrast David, and other pslamists who speak of meditating on God's ways, singing joyfully, and are quiet on their beds, pondering God and His word and works. ) see Psalm 63:6, 4:4 , 149:5.
The ways of the wicked are trouble, for he does not reject evil.
After describing the wicked, you would think that he would now describe the righteous; the upright in heart. But no. Instead, he now describes the GOD of the righteous.....citing His attributes.
God's 'steadfast love' ......covenant love for His chosen, is so deep, vast andgreat that is it compared to the invisible heavens above (where He dwells), the visible heavens (skies), the mountains, and the deep (oceans). All of these seem so big and powerful to us, so vast and unmovable.
So precious is His love! We, who are so far beneath Him, and so undeserving, take refuge in Him! He overshadows us, providing safety and refuge, and he feeds us well. For me, this speaks of spiritual feeding. He refreshes our souls, and provides wisdom unsearchable.
This love is extended to 'those that know Him.....the upright of heart.' Oh let us not be arrogant like the wicked described above. Let us not think so highly of ourselves that we are self-sufficient and forget God.
Let our hearts not be frightened by, or overwhelmed by, or overcome by them. No, indeed, the wicked themselves will be driven away.....and will fall.
David doesn't need to contrast the righteous with the wicked. For we have our God as our refuge and Strength. He stands for us. And those who love Him, will emulate Him. There-in lies the contrast.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Psalm 35
This song is made up of 3 parts.....each begins with a complaint, or lament, then ends with a sure hope found only in God.
David uses war terms......fight, shield, buckler, spear.
And legal terms: contend (plead), witness, vindicate.
He asks God to step in and fight for him.....to stand for him as his defender and salvation. He asks God to make it boldly known that He is David's champion.
He describes in detail how he thinks their demise should look: shame and dishonor, confusion, retreat, instability, darkness (lack of 'light' or wisdom?), sudden destruction, and defeat.
In joyful anticipation of what God will do, He praises God for his salvation. Only He can rescue when the enemy is stronger than you!
In part 2, David describes false witnesses and false friends that have come against him. Things are told of him that 'he does not know'. He is innocent. The friends for whom he had 'sacrificially pursued...well being", now turn on him in his time of need. He had sympathized with them, come alongside them and supported them, but they turn malicious on him, setting traps with their words to undo him. They were relentless.
But, again, David cries to the Lord. this time in a different tone. He knows rescue is coming, and anticipates praising God for it. But, as the NKJB study note says, "he has no qualms about telling God He should have acted before now." But conversely, he has no qualms about whether God will act. There is no question in his mind about it. God will act! And David anticipates the opportunity to praise God's name to many people.
Part 3: Again, David bemoans the liars who have come against him. They falsely accuse, then swear that it is true. They are deceitful troublemakers, who do not seek peace. (recall last time David says to seek peace and pursue it? Psalm 34:14)
And once again, David, sure of His God's steadfast love and sure promises, declares that God sees it all and asks Him to act according to His righteousness. Act, and vindicate me! Let them not win!
David's words, " let them be ashamed......who exalt themselves against me," reminded me of the converse statement in Psalm 31:1, where he asked to never be put to shame. He is asking God, in 35, to shame the wicked by the failure of their own plans, schemes, and plots. But in 31, he is asking to never be put to shame himself, because he trusts in God, and has said so to many. He is asking God there to be true to Himself, so to speak, so that there will be no shame in failure.
In short, the plans of those who do not fear and obey God will fail, often by their own schemes. But if God is for us, who can be against us?
Praise Him for His faithfulness to His covenant of love with His children!
David uses war terms......fight, shield, buckler, spear.
And legal terms: contend (plead), witness, vindicate.
He asks God to step in and fight for him.....to stand for him as his defender and salvation. He asks God to make it boldly known that He is David's champion.
He describes in detail how he thinks their demise should look: shame and dishonor, confusion, retreat, instability, darkness (lack of 'light' or wisdom?), sudden destruction, and defeat.
In joyful anticipation of what God will do, He praises God for his salvation. Only He can rescue when the enemy is stronger than you!
In part 2, David describes false witnesses and false friends that have come against him. Things are told of him that 'he does not know'. He is innocent. The friends for whom he had 'sacrificially pursued...well being", now turn on him in his time of need. He had sympathized with them, come alongside them and supported them, but they turn malicious on him, setting traps with their words to undo him. They were relentless.
But, again, David cries to the Lord. this time in a different tone. He knows rescue is coming, and anticipates praising God for it. But, as the NKJB study note says, "he has no qualms about telling God He should have acted before now." But conversely, he has no qualms about whether God will act. There is no question in his mind about it. God will act! And David anticipates the opportunity to praise God's name to many people.
Part 3: Again, David bemoans the liars who have come against him. They falsely accuse, then swear that it is true. They are deceitful troublemakers, who do not seek peace. (recall last time David says to seek peace and pursue it? Psalm 34:14)
And once again, David, sure of His God's steadfast love and sure promises, declares that God sees it all and asks Him to act according to His righteousness. Act, and vindicate me! Let them not win!
David's words, " let them be ashamed......who exalt themselves against me," reminded me of the converse statement in Psalm 31:1, where he asked to never be put to shame. He is asking God, in 35, to shame the wicked by the failure of their own plans, schemes, and plots. But in 31, he is asking to never be put to shame himself, because he trusts in God, and has said so to many. He is asking God there to be true to Himself, so to speak, so that there will be no shame in failure.
In short, the plans of those who do not fear and obey God will fail, often by their own schemes. But if God is for us, who can be against us?
Praise Him for His faithfulness to His covenant of love with His children!
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Psalm 34
The background story for this song is in I Samuel 21:10-15. David has been warned by his good friend, Jonathan, Saul's son, that Saul is seeking to kill him. David flees, and makes it to the priest where he is supplied with weapons to fight with (the sword of Goliath, whom he'd killed in battle), and food to eat. He leaves there and flees to Gath, where the leaders recognize him as the war hero of Israel. David realizes that they may do him harm in fear of him, so he acts like an insane person in order to fool them. They send him away without harm.
The song begins with praise to God and a request to others to magnify (declare His greatness) the Lord with him. The primary purpose for the righteous is to glorify God.
This is a beautiful song about God's covenant love and care for His people. On our part, we are to actively seek Him. We are to have a proper attitude toward Him and to seek peace, do good, and intentionally turn away from evil. When we look to Him for help, our spirit is 'radiant', not downcast and sad, not ashamed, but hopeful, joyful, peaceful and calm. This describes the spirit of the one who trusts God.
David had reason to be downcast, afraid, and anxious. He had reason to be broken hearted and crushed in spirit. He describes himself as a poor man, lacking the resources to save himself. But God provided.
David does not boast in his own means or actions. He does not become self-sufficient and proud. Instead he claims God as his sole refuge and provider. When he cried out to God for help, God heard, and answered. Verse 7 reminds me of the story in 2 Kings 6, where God opens the eyes of Elisha's servant to see the army of God encamped around them against the Syrian army who'd come to capture Elisha.
I love verse 8.....Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Tell others of the greatness of God and invite them to come to Him! This invitation should flow effortlessly from a heart full of gratitude to Him for all He has done, and proper fear of Him because of his greatness.
God's eyes look toward the righteous......He is a covenant keeping God. He will always be with His own, in any situation. He redeems our very lives, and we will not be condemned. We will have afflictions, many of them, but He will deliver us! His face is against the wicked, however. What a scary place to be! The same afflictions that the righteous are rescued from, will 'slay' the wicked, for they have no help.They will b condemned.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
I am reminded of Psalm 51:17 ...God will not despise a broken spirit or a contrite heart.
And Isaiah 66:2b again.....God will look to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at his Word (a proper fear of Him).
What comfort! More and more I am learning to run to Him when I face 'afflictions', and more and more I can praise and magnify the Lord with David!
The song begins with praise to God and a request to others to magnify (declare His greatness) the Lord with him. The primary purpose for the righteous is to glorify God.
This is a beautiful song about God's covenant love and care for His people. On our part, we are to actively seek Him. We are to have a proper attitude toward Him and to seek peace, do good, and intentionally turn away from evil. When we look to Him for help, our spirit is 'radiant', not downcast and sad, not ashamed, but hopeful, joyful, peaceful and calm. This describes the spirit of the one who trusts God.
David had reason to be downcast, afraid, and anxious. He had reason to be broken hearted and crushed in spirit. He describes himself as a poor man, lacking the resources to save himself. But God provided.
David does not boast in his own means or actions. He does not become self-sufficient and proud. Instead he claims God as his sole refuge and provider. When he cried out to God for help, God heard, and answered. Verse 7 reminds me of the story in 2 Kings 6, where God opens the eyes of Elisha's servant to see the army of God encamped around them against the Syrian army who'd come to capture Elisha.
I love verse 8.....Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Tell others of the greatness of God and invite them to come to Him! This invitation should flow effortlessly from a heart full of gratitude to Him for all He has done, and proper fear of Him because of his greatness.
God's eyes look toward the righteous......He is a covenant keeping God. He will always be with His own, in any situation. He redeems our very lives, and we will not be condemned. We will have afflictions, many of them, but He will deliver us! His face is against the wicked, however. What a scary place to be! The same afflictions that the righteous are rescued from, will 'slay' the wicked, for they have no help.They will b condemned.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
I am reminded of Psalm 51:17 ...God will not despise a broken spirit or a contrite heart.
And Isaiah 66:2b again.....God will look to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at his Word (a proper fear of Him).
What comfort! More and more I am learning to run to Him when I face 'afflictions', and more and more I can praise and magnify the Lord with David!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Psalm 33
God is so worthy of praise and worship!
David's call here is for active (as opposed to passive) worship. Worship Him actively, visibly, audibly, creatively! His word is true. He is faithful and right. There is no corruption or deceit in Him. His love is sure and stands forever.
God spoke, and all things were made. He didn't think and ponder over it, and labor over it to make it just right. He spoke, and all that is came into being. He controls the great force of the all waters of the earth....they do His bidding at just the sound of his voice.
This great power should strike 'fear' and awe in us. This fear is love and reverence, honor, and obedience. Not fear as in anxiety and dread, but a proper knowledge of God's character and attributes that puts us in our place before Him.
He controls not only the creation, but history as well. He raises up kingdoms to accomplish His plans, and He tears them down. He thwarts the plans of kings and kingdoms so that they do not become reality.
God is not disinterested in mankind. He works in individual hearts that He has 'fashioned'.....considering each one's works. He more than made us, He is in relationship with us, molding us to His will and making us Christlike.
Anything on earth that we count on for protection, safety, or provision.......is vain hope, for these things will fail. Armies, strength and health, wealth,.....whatever......is in God's control, not ours. Nations come and go, wealth is lost in a moment, as is health. A study note in my Bible says this, "No resource less than God is adequate to meet human need." Well said.
God's counsel stands sure for all time. His plans will NOT be thwarted. Does it not make sense to trust and serve Him? He is in intimate relationship with those who fear him and hope in His steadfast love (covenant). e can and will deliver from even death (physical and spiritual). And He will keep us alive in famine (physical and spiritual).
I am almost speechless when I think that God, the only true and living God who created and sustains all things, desires intimate relationship with me, the created marred by sin, and that He went to such great lengths to see that it is possible.
Such a struggle between the knowledge that I have of Him, and the sinful heart that I am cursed with! Knowing who He is, and all that I can know through His word and creation, about Him, my heart still will rebel against Him, seeking to be in control of myself. How quickly I become self sufficient, and count on the plans I lay out. None of it is conscious, or planned or thought out, it just happens, so I know it is the sin that tries to own my heart.
Father, help me to rely solely on You. To trust you with a childlike faith.
Because I have trusted You, You have indeed delivered me! And I will praise You!
David's call here is for active (as opposed to passive) worship. Worship Him actively, visibly, audibly, creatively! His word is true. He is faithful and right. There is no corruption or deceit in Him. His love is sure and stands forever.
God spoke, and all things were made. He didn't think and ponder over it, and labor over it to make it just right. He spoke, and all that is came into being. He controls the great force of the all waters of the earth....they do His bidding at just the sound of his voice.
This great power should strike 'fear' and awe in us. This fear is love and reverence, honor, and obedience. Not fear as in anxiety and dread, but a proper knowledge of God's character and attributes that puts us in our place before Him.
He controls not only the creation, but history as well. He raises up kingdoms to accomplish His plans, and He tears them down. He thwarts the plans of kings and kingdoms so that they do not become reality.
God is not disinterested in mankind. He works in individual hearts that He has 'fashioned'.....considering each one's works. He more than made us, He is in relationship with us, molding us to His will and making us Christlike.
Anything on earth that we count on for protection, safety, or provision.......is vain hope, for these things will fail. Armies, strength and health, wealth,.....whatever......is in God's control, not ours. Nations come and go, wealth is lost in a moment, as is health. A study note in my Bible says this, "No resource less than God is adequate to meet human need." Well said.
God's counsel stands sure for all time. His plans will NOT be thwarted. Does it not make sense to trust and serve Him? He is in intimate relationship with those who fear him and hope in His steadfast love (covenant). e can and will deliver from even death (physical and spiritual). And He will keep us alive in famine (physical and spiritual).
I am almost speechless when I think that God, the only true and living God who created and sustains all things, desires intimate relationship with me, the created marred by sin, and that He went to such great lengths to see that it is possible.
Such a struggle between the knowledge that I have of Him, and the sinful heart that I am cursed with! Knowing who He is, and all that I can know through His word and creation, about Him, my heart still will rebel against Him, seeking to be in control of myself. How quickly I become self sufficient, and count on the plans I lay out. None of it is conscious, or planned or thought out, it just happens, so I know it is the sin that tries to own my heart.
Father, help me to rely solely on You. To trust you with a childlike faith.
Because I have trusted You, You have indeed delivered me! And I will praise You!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Psalm 32
David begins this song almost as a sigh of relief, it seems, as he remembers a time of chastening by the Lord for his sins.
Indeed, now he can speak of the peace of a heart whose sins are forgiven He knows the blessing of resting in in God's grace toward him, counting no iniquity against him.
But it hasn't always been so. David speaks of a time when there was 'deceit' in his spirit. He kept silent....resisting God. He was hiding, or covering up, and ignoring the sin in his heart. In modern terms we might say he was 'playing games'. Perhaps giving lip-service to the Lord and His ways, but not really keeping being obedient.
But the Lord will not let his children off the hook. Indeed, with a "heavy hand" he will deal with us.
Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
'Deceit' in the heart leads to misery. Overwhelming misery that threatens to undo us. It overtakes the day, the night, and all else in life, leaving us feeling very dry and empty.
Ah......but David recognized the cause and responds to the Lord's dealing with him. He confessed his sin to God (note not to himself, or his friends, or the priest, but to the only source of forgiveness.....to the One whom his sin offended.) He took responsibility for it (note that he didn't blame his parents, his upbringing, his nature, etc.) He became transparent.......as opposed to the hiding and covering up he had been practicing, and acknowledged his sin. He named it, and admitted it, or confessed it to the Father. No more games.
And God forgave.
I think of Isaiah 66:2b But on this one I will look; On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word."
David then adds an interesting note: that the godly should pray to God at a time when He may be found.
When God is faithfully dealing with us, chastising us with a 'heavy hand' as a loving Father, then is the time to respond....and quickly! I think of a parenting phrase I hear often, "delayed obedience is disobedience."
The same is true for God's children. He, because of His steadfast love, will pursue you relentlessly. And as David demonstrates, it doesn't always feel like warm fuzzies. But if we will respond, He will pour our blessings on us.
Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Indeed, now he can speak of the peace of a heart whose sins are forgiven He knows the blessing of resting in in God's grace toward him, counting no iniquity against him.
But it hasn't always been so. David speaks of a time when there was 'deceit' in his spirit. He kept silent....resisting God. He was hiding, or covering up, and ignoring the sin in his heart. In modern terms we might say he was 'playing games'. Perhaps giving lip-service to the Lord and His ways, but not really keeping being obedient.
But the Lord will not let his children off the hook. Indeed, with a "heavy hand" he will deal with us.
Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
'Deceit' in the heart leads to misery. Overwhelming misery that threatens to undo us. It overtakes the day, the night, and all else in life, leaving us feeling very dry and empty.
Ah......but David recognized the cause and responds to the Lord's dealing with him. He confessed his sin to God (note not to himself, or his friends, or the priest, but to the only source of forgiveness.....to the One whom his sin offended.) He took responsibility for it (note that he didn't blame his parents, his upbringing, his nature, etc.) He became transparent.......as opposed to the hiding and covering up he had been practicing, and acknowledged his sin. He named it, and admitted it, or confessed it to the Father. No more games.
And God forgave.
I think of Isaiah 66:2b But on this one I will look; On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word."
David then adds an interesting note: that the godly should pray to God at a time when He may be found.
When God is faithfully dealing with us, chastising us with a 'heavy hand' as a loving Father, then is the time to respond....and quickly! I think of a parenting phrase I hear often, "delayed obedience is disobedience."
The same is true for God's children. He, because of His steadfast love, will pursue you relentlessly. And as David demonstrates, it doesn't always feel like warm fuzzies. But if we will respond, He will pour our blessings on us.
Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
I find verse 9 to be amusing. God is speaking, telling us that He will instruct and teach us, and guide us. Basically, don't be a donkey. Don't be like a stubborn animal that has to be 'trained' or led, made to do the will of the master, with a painful bit in his mouth. "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked."
Be teachable! God deals harshly with the obstinate! Even the sorrow of His discipline is good because of His love for us. The sorrows of the wicked are compounded. They will not see the "joy in the morning", referenced in Psalm 30:5.
Be teachable! God deals harshly with the obstinate! Even the sorrow of His discipline is good because of His love for us. The sorrows of the wicked are compounded. They will not see the "joy in the morning", referenced in Psalm 30:5.
The the Lord's mercy will surround those who trust in Him,......giving us great reason to rejoice and shout for joy!
The discipline of the Lord is sweet, "yielding the peaceful fruit of righteousness' , and when it has had it's way with us, giving us reason to sigh with relief, as David did at the beginning of the psalm.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Psalm 31
Once again, David is vacillating between crying out to God for deliverance, and declaring God's saving nature.
I love the terms he uses to describe what God is to him: a refuge, a rock, a strong fortress. I love the way he declares these things to be true, because he knows them to be true, even when it looks quite different at a given moment. I would do well to learn to practice this more.
I saw something here this morning, that I don't think I have ever quite gotten before. David asks to never be put to shame. I always took this as somewhat of a 'face saving' plea for David's sake. But I think it is more that he has declared God's righteousness before all, and he want's God to be true to Himself, so that David's declarations about Him are not questioned. He is asking to not be ashamed for God's sake, not his own.
One study note put it this way: he is asking to not be "disgraced by the failure of the Lord Whom he has trusted."
Later, in verse 17, he asks that the wicked be put to shame.
I was thinking of this in comparison with verses 6-7. David expresses his 'hate' for those who pay regard to worthless idols, but declares his own trust to be in the Lord.
The gods of men show now love, they have no power, and have no relationship with people, thus are worthless.
God, however, demonstrates a sure, steadfast love to his people, He is all powerful, and has a covenant relationship with his people.
God has seen David's affliction, known his distress and has delivered him, putting him in a broad place.
David has known overwhelming grief and sorrow, rejection, loneliness, and the hatred of his enemies (some were even family!) He has known even the rejection of his friends and family because of the enemies that surround him, and no doubt his demeanor when struggling with it all. No one wanted to even be around him it seems.
But.......he trusted in God, even when it was very, very dark for him. In that covenant relationship, where God has expressed his love for David, David, in turn, states, "You are my God." He trusts God with his life, his times, and with eternity. God will take care of him through life, and after death.
a couple of Psalms ago, we looked at the words 'fear' and 'wait'.
"Waiting on God is more of an exercise in trust. Not our own timing or abilities, but complete trust and dependence on Him in all things."
"The fear of the Lord is reverence and awe toward God, not life disrupting anxiety." (study note in the RSB, Psalm 25.) Psalm 111:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Here they appear again toward the end of the Psalm. David sings of God's rich, rich love for him, and all that He has done for him. He will do this for all who 'fear' Him and 'wait' for Him.
I have been thinking all day about our silence regarding the God we are in covenant relationship with. I note that David was very vocal, it seems, about his God, and declaring His attributes and great love for him. Even as he was facing great distress, (quite obvious to all around him I am sure),crying out in very deep, raw, emotional terms, he was in the same breath speaking truth about all that God had done and would do because of who He is. Once again, it is stated as a sure TRUTH, not as a wishful sort of thing.
Do we do this? Not often I am afraid. How often am I bold enough to declare out loud who God is and what He will do based upon that......so vocally that I dare to ask God to be true to Himself, because if He isn't His name won't be glorified, and there will be disgrace? I am not advocating bribing God, or pushing Him into a corner to get him to act. Remember that our requests must be according to His will. But certain things He has promised to do, we should expect Him to do!. And be vocal about it! And certainly, in hindsight, when we can see that He was working mightily, even though it didn't look at all like we thought it should, Praise Him! Tell of it!
God, help me to trust You with my very life.....all of it.....like David did.
I love the terms he uses to describe what God is to him: a refuge, a rock, a strong fortress. I love the way he declares these things to be true, because he knows them to be true, even when it looks quite different at a given moment. I would do well to learn to practice this more.
I saw something here this morning, that I don't think I have ever quite gotten before. David asks to never be put to shame. I always took this as somewhat of a 'face saving' plea for David's sake. But I think it is more that he has declared God's righteousness before all, and he want's God to be true to Himself, so that David's declarations about Him are not questioned. He is asking to not be ashamed for God's sake, not his own.
One study note put it this way: he is asking to not be "disgraced by the failure of the Lord Whom he has trusted."
Later, in verse 17, he asks that the wicked be put to shame.
I was thinking of this in comparison with verses 6-7. David expresses his 'hate' for those who pay regard to worthless idols, but declares his own trust to be in the Lord.
The gods of men show now love, they have no power, and have no relationship with people, thus are worthless.
God, however, demonstrates a sure, steadfast love to his people, He is all powerful, and has a covenant relationship with his people.
God has seen David's affliction, known his distress and has delivered him, putting him in a broad place.
David has known overwhelming grief and sorrow, rejection, loneliness, and the hatred of his enemies (some were even family!) He has known even the rejection of his friends and family because of the enemies that surround him, and no doubt his demeanor when struggling with it all. No one wanted to even be around him it seems.
But.......he trusted in God, even when it was very, very dark for him. In that covenant relationship, where God has expressed his love for David, David, in turn, states, "You are my God." He trusts God with his life, his times, and with eternity. God will take care of him through life, and after death.
a couple of Psalms ago, we looked at the words 'fear' and 'wait'.
"Waiting on God is more of an exercise in trust. Not our own timing or abilities, but complete trust and dependence on Him in all things."
"The fear of the Lord is reverence and awe toward God, not life disrupting anxiety." (study note in the RSB, Psalm 25.) Psalm 111:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Here they appear again toward the end of the Psalm. David sings of God's rich, rich love for him, and all that He has done for him. He will do this for all who 'fear' Him and 'wait' for Him.
I have been thinking all day about our silence regarding the God we are in covenant relationship with. I note that David was very vocal, it seems, about his God, and declaring His attributes and great love for him. Even as he was facing great distress, (quite obvious to all around him I am sure),crying out in very deep, raw, emotional terms, he was in the same breath speaking truth about all that God had done and would do because of who He is. Once again, it is stated as a sure TRUTH, not as a wishful sort of thing.
Do we do this? Not often I am afraid. How often am I bold enough to declare out loud who God is and what He will do based upon that......so vocally that I dare to ask God to be true to Himself, because if He isn't His name won't be glorified, and there will be disgrace? I am not advocating bribing God, or pushing Him into a corner to get him to act. Remember that our requests must be according to His will. But certain things He has promised to do, we should expect Him to do!. And be vocal about it! And certainly, in hindsight, when we can see that He was working mightily, even though it didn't look at all like we thought it should, Praise Him! Tell of it!
God, help me to trust You with my very life.....all of it.....like David did.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, April 6, 2014
I love starting the Lord's Day out back with a cup of hot coffee.
This morning, it was raining, quit hard. I got all the buckets positioned under
the drips in the metal roof, and sat down to sip my coffee and pray. I was overwhelmed
by thankfulness to the Lord for all He has done for me, from saving my soul, to
leading me down paths for my good that I never would have taken on my own. He has
provided jobs, cars, food, health, healing, peace, and safety.He has 'set my feet in a broad place,"
to quote David in the Psalms. How I wish I could write of all the blessings He has bestowed on me.
There have been many trials, yes, but hindsight proves that they were all for my good......
and through them He was working me into being more Christlike. (that is a very scary thing for
me to say, for I know how far off the mark I am......but I also know that I am ever so slowly getting
closer. I think all of heaven perhaps just shook their collective heads and thought, "how far she has to go!")
Sunday School began a new quarter this morning, and I am excited to be studying the Psalm 119 there!
Today was just the intro, but what depth a little knowledge of the book will lend to it's full meaning!
I have always been amazed at the attention given to detail in this song. It appears to have been an intentional learning tool, structured in a way to foster memorization perhaps, or just to help remember it.
Tidbits from this morning's class:
The purpose of Psalm 119: "....to commend the serious and diligent study, and the steadfast belief and the constant practice of God's word, as incomparably the best counselor and comforter in the world, and as the only way to true blessedness." (Matthew Poole)
The various terms used for God's Word in this psalm are "used for the whole revelation of God, that the view of it's inexhaustible fullness might conciliate a more attentive regard to it's authority, and might add fresh strength to the obligation to read, believe, love and live in it." (Charles Bridges)
And to those who say the Book is old, outdated, ancient and not useful anymore: Society has changed much, but the heart of mankind has not. It is the same as it was when the Word was written. Neither has God's Word changed. His statutes are fixed, as is the plight of man, and are as applicable today as they ever were.
The sermon this morning was on forgiveness. Pastor Billy presented this in a way I've not seen before.
My words here will not do justice to it. He reminded us of Christ's suffering, for the sins of all who would trust in Him for forgiveness. When we forgive, it isn't about forgetting necessarily. But we suffer.......by not holding that grudge that we, in our sin, so desperately want to hang on to. By not taking vengeance, or even wishing for it. By loving the one who has offended, without ever bringing it up again. By bearing with one another. Typically people complain about being unable to forgive because they want it to be easy......they want the negative feelings to go away when they say, "I forgive." But it doesn't work that way. Forgiveness is work, and is hard. We can only really do this by God's help.
Tonight was the installation service for our supply pastor. I am so thankful for the leadership that God has given us. Coming from a different denomination where leadership was lacking, I am so very thankful for the leadership @ my church, and in the denomination I call my own now. The attention to teaching and training, examining, etc. is such a comfort and blessing to me.
Father......go with me through the week. Praise You for all that You are. That You are steadfast never wavering, unlike me. Give me strength for each day, to do all that You have called me to. Help me to delight in Your Word, and in the fellowship of believers. Help me to pray and study well.
This morning, it was raining, quit hard. I got all the buckets positioned under
the drips in the metal roof, and sat down to sip my coffee and pray. I was overwhelmed
by thankfulness to the Lord for all He has done for me, from saving my soul, to
leading me down paths for my good that I never would have taken on my own. He has
provided jobs, cars, food, health, healing, peace, and safety.He has 'set my feet in a broad place,"
to quote David in the Psalms. How I wish I could write of all the blessings He has bestowed on me.
There have been many trials, yes, but hindsight proves that they were all for my good......
and through them He was working me into being more Christlike. (that is a very scary thing for
me to say, for I know how far off the mark I am......but I also know that I am ever so slowly getting
closer. I think all of heaven perhaps just shook their collective heads and thought, "how far she has to go!")
Sunday School began a new quarter this morning, and I am excited to be studying the Psalm 119 there!
Today was just the intro, but what depth a little knowledge of the book will lend to it's full meaning!
I have always been amazed at the attention given to detail in this song. It appears to have been an intentional learning tool, structured in a way to foster memorization perhaps, or just to help remember it.
Tidbits from this morning's class:
The purpose of Psalm 119: "....to commend the serious and diligent study, and the steadfast belief and the constant practice of God's word, as incomparably the best counselor and comforter in the world, and as the only way to true blessedness." (Matthew Poole)
The various terms used for God's Word in this psalm are "used for the whole revelation of God, that the view of it's inexhaustible fullness might conciliate a more attentive regard to it's authority, and might add fresh strength to the obligation to read, believe, love and live in it." (Charles Bridges)
And to those who say the Book is old, outdated, ancient and not useful anymore: Society has changed much, but the heart of mankind has not. It is the same as it was when the Word was written. Neither has God's Word changed. His statutes are fixed, as is the plight of man, and are as applicable today as they ever were.
The sermon this morning was on forgiveness. Pastor Billy presented this in a way I've not seen before.
My words here will not do justice to it. He reminded us of Christ's suffering, for the sins of all who would trust in Him for forgiveness. When we forgive, it isn't about forgetting necessarily. But we suffer.......by not holding that grudge that we, in our sin, so desperately want to hang on to. By not taking vengeance, or even wishing for it. By loving the one who has offended, without ever bringing it up again. By bearing with one another. Typically people complain about being unable to forgive because they want it to be easy......they want the negative feelings to go away when they say, "I forgive." But it doesn't work that way. Forgiveness is work, and is hard. We can only really do this by God's help.
Tonight was the installation service for our supply pastor. I am so thankful for the leadership that God has given us. Coming from a different denomination where leadership was lacking, I am so very thankful for the leadership @ my church, and in the denomination I call my own now. The attention to teaching and training, examining, etc. is such a comfort and blessing to me.
Father......go with me through the week. Praise You for all that You are. That You are steadfast never wavering, unlike me. Give me strength for each day, to do all that You have called me to. Help me to delight in Your Word, and in the fellowship of believers. Help me to pray and study well.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Psalm 30
A song of thanksgiving and remembrance.
I love this Psalm....because it hits so pointedly on things that have become
very plain to me in the last several years.
David is looking back.....perhaps at a particular trial that he faced, or maybe at
the host of troubles that have marked his journey thus far.
At any rate, he remembers that when he cried to the Lord for help (the right source
for help!) he was saved from his enemies and healed. The phrase translated 'drawn up', or
'lifted me up', implies drawing up a bucket out of a well. God has lifted him up above the
foes that try to overtake him. David stands secure now....and praises the God who is his helper.
David speaks of being delivered from death......is he speaking literally, or figuratively? I am sure it
is probably both. David had real enemies, for sure. But surely he struggled with other, more internal,
foes at times. I have not been near death, but have had plenty of serious struggles: health issues, depression, overwhelming feelings of rejection, loneliness, fear, and feeling overwhelmed by circumstances around me that I have had to face alone, and had no idea how to do it.
David ran to the only sure source for help, as have I........at times. But when help comes, and the situation is either resolved, or is somewhat tempered into a manageable mess, I tend to grow a little self-sufficient, and begin to try to manage it all on my own again. Not consciously, just that ever present sin nature reeling it's ugly head. Or......lack of a true bond with God through prayer and seeking Him in His word. Sure, we all cry out to Him in our trouble, but when easy times come, are we still in close relationship with Him?
I found this quote recently, and it really hit home.
David, it seems had the same problem. "In my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved." When times are easy, or at least help has arrived, it is easy to spout phrases like that. But when the next trouble hits, how sure are we that we "shall never be moved?" Usually, it is when we are moved, as in shaken up, rattled, or wounded, that we cry, "help!".
David faced consequences for his self-sufficiency. God hid his face, and trouble returned, prompting yet another desperate plea for help.
God's anger is but for a moment, (and is always right and just).
Weeping is but for a moment also.
But God's favor is for life, and joy always returns to his beloved child.
The Lord has made David's heart glad, turning his mourning into dancing.
Father.......although it hurts when you pull me back to 'square one' after a series of successes,
I am thankful that You do.....out of Your great love for me. You see my self-sufficiency, when I am blind to it. And in Your loving kindness, You put me back into places where I have no choice but to depend upon You alone. And when I cry to You yet again, You indeed 'draw me up' and rescue me!
.
I love this Psalm....because it hits so pointedly on things that have become
very plain to me in the last several years.
David is looking back.....perhaps at a particular trial that he faced, or maybe at
the host of troubles that have marked his journey thus far.
At any rate, he remembers that when he cried to the Lord for help (the right source
for help!) he was saved from his enemies and healed. The phrase translated 'drawn up', or
'lifted me up', implies drawing up a bucket out of a well. God has lifted him up above the
foes that try to overtake him. David stands secure now....and praises the God who is his helper.
David speaks of being delivered from death......is he speaking literally, or figuratively? I am sure it
is probably both. David had real enemies, for sure. But surely he struggled with other, more internal,
foes at times. I have not been near death, but have had plenty of serious struggles: health issues, depression, overwhelming feelings of rejection, loneliness, fear, and feeling overwhelmed by circumstances around me that I have had to face alone, and had no idea how to do it.
David ran to the only sure source for help, as have I........at times. But when help comes, and the situation is either resolved, or is somewhat tempered into a manageable mess, I tend to grow a little self-sufficient, and begin to try to manage it all on my own again. Not consciously, just that ever present sin nature reeling it's ugly head. Or......lack of a true bond with God through prayer and seeking Him in His word. Sure, we all cry out to Him in our trouble, but when easy times come, are we still in close relationship with Him?
I found this quote recently, and it really hit home.
"Prayer, as the unconscious heart cry in times of distress, is the currency of all humanity; but prayer, as the deep and committed soul-bond in communion with almighty God, is an exceptionally rare and precious jewel."
(From an article titled Normal Prayer by George Grant on the Ligonier website)
David, it seems had the same problem. "In my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved." When times are easy, or at least help has arrived, it is easy to spout phrases like that. But when the next trouble hits, how sure are we that we "shall never be moved?" Usually, it is when we are moved, as in shaken up, rattled, or wounded, that we cry, "help!".
David faced consequences for his self-sufficiency. God hid his face, and trouble returned, prompting yet another desperate plea for help.
God's anger is but for a moment, (and is always right and just).
Weeping is but for a moment also.
But God's favor is for life, and joy always returns to his beloved child.
The Lord has made David's heart glad, turning his mourning into dancing.
Father.......although it hurts when you pull me back to 'square one' after a series of successes,
I am thankful that You do.....out of Your great love for me. You see my self-sufficiency, when I am blind to it. And in Your loving kindness, You put me back into places where I have no choice but to depend upon You alone. And when I cry to You yet again, You indeed 'draw me up' and rescue me!
.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Psalm 29
What a mighty God we serve!
I love the way that this song describes the greatness, strength and power of our God.
Per the study notes in the RSB.....David uses ideas from pagan religions to set God above their
gods. God is not just in the forces of nature, He is behind them, as in He causes and controls them.
Pagans believed Baal provided rain and fertility....but God alone created and controls nature.
I have always thought of these verses referring to God being over 'many waters' in a bit of a different way than perhaps is commonly understood. Think of the sound of water......many waters......like Niagra Falls, or a raging river in flood. The noise can be deafening. But our God can be heard above that sound. Indeed he can still the voice of the waters, and calm the raging storm. I think also of the soft sounds of the babbling brook, and am reminded of the still, small voice of the Lord speaking to me.
At God's voice, the mountains tremble and move! We can move mountains, too, but with much more time and effort. God but speaks.....and it is done. The great cedars of Lebanon are shattered at His voice.....such is the power in it.
With just His voice, He controls things we barely understand and cannot fully comprehend.
The Lord was on His throne when the great Flood happened, and indeed He is still there.....just as great and powerful. And He will be there forever.
And this great God............gives strength to His people. He who created and sustains all things; who with just his voice can move mountians and calm storms; who controls all forces of nature........stoops to give strength to this weak and sinful people.
May He, indeed bless his people with peace!
I love the way that this song describes the greatness, strength and power of our God.
Per the study notes in the RSB.....David uses ideas from pagan religions to set God above their
gods. God is not just in the forces of nature, He is behind them, as in He causes and controls them.
Pagans believed Baal provided rain and fertility....but God alone created and controls nature.
I have always thought of these verses referring to God being over 'many waters' in a bit of a different way than perhaps is commonly understood. Think of the sound of water......many waters......like Niagra Falls, or a raging river in flood. The noise can be deafening. But our God can be heard above that sound. Indeed he can still the voice of the waters, and calm the raging storm. I think also of the soft sounds of the babbling brook, and am reminded of the still, small voice of the Lord speaking to me.
At God's voice, the mountains tremble and move! We can move mountains, too, but with much more time and effort. God but speaks.....and it is done. The great cedars of Lebanon are shattered at His voice.....such is the power in it.
With just His voice, He controls things we barely understand and cannot fully comprehend.
The Lord was on His throne when the great Flood happened, and indeed He is still there.....just as great and powerful. And He will be there forever.
And this great God............gives strength to His people. He who created and sustains all things; who with just his voice can move mountians and calm storms; who controls all forces of nature........stoops to give strength to this weak and sinful people.
May He, indeed bless his people with peace!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Psalm 28
So many aspects of this song are reminiscent of the immediately previous ones.
As usual, David is sure of the Lord's steadfastness and salvation. He is the Rock upon
which we rest, that we run to for a stronghold and for refuge.
In verse 1, David's cry is for God to hear him and not be silent, for the opposite would be like death.
So great is the sure hope we have in Christ that to NOT have it, having known it, feels like death.
I am reminded of Psalm 27: 8-9, where David implores the Lord to not turn his face away....to not leave him or forsake him.. A study note says this: " For one who has known the intimate fellowship of God, the loss of it is unbearable."
In verse 3-5 he is asking God to not allow him to suffer the same fate as a sinner. He seems to be saying that the sinner doesn't always look like one. They speak peace in a neighborly way, but have evil in their hearts. This reminds me of 26:9-10. David knows that the only rescue from the fate of the sinner is to be
rescued by God, who delights in those who seek Him with their whole hearts.
David prays a very intense prayer for the wicked to be judged according to their deeds and hearts. In my experience, the more I have have grown spiritually, the more this prayer is difficult to pray without much humility on my own part. The closer to the Lord I come, the more I pray and read His Word, the more aware of my own sin I become. Every time I want to pray for God to judge another, I am convicted to ask Him to judge me also, according to the wickedness in my own heart. That always silences me for a time to ask Him to reveal to me my own sin, let me confess it, and praise Him for accounting to me Christ's righteousness. I am not so quick to pray so harshly for others!
David can pray this prayer in peace, though, because he continually comes before the Lord to ask for a clean heart, a right spirit, clean hands, and a pure heart. He searches his own soul, and invites God to do the same.
And David can rejoice, because God has heard, and will hear! Because God is his shield and strength, he is helped in the struggles of life, be it actual enemies in hot pursuit, or other, intangible foes like depression, etc.
As we trust fully in Him, we ARE truly helped.
Just this evening, I sat outside watching the dusk fall (my favorite time of day!), and praying. I was thanking God for hearing my cries in many different trials in life. I trusted Him, though I couldn't always see what He was doing. He has used many painful circumstances to bring me to 'broad places' as the Psalmist says. And I will praise Him!
Still, I must trust Him for more. Even as I was rejoicing this evening in all He has done, I went to tears, pleading with Him regarding issues that are current. He has told us to bring Him the desires of our hearts, But oh how sweet it is to be able to say to Him, "I trust You, Father. If what I think I need isn't what You know I need, I know that it is right and good, and best for me." He will not withhold from us what He knows we need, nor will He give us what we desire if it isn't good for us. I can rest peacefully in this.
As usual, David is sure of the Lord's steadfastness and salvation. He is the Rock upon
which we rest, that we run to for a stronghold and for refuge.
In verse 1, David's cry is for God to hear him and not be silent, for the opposite would be like death.
So great is the sure hope we have in Christ that to NOT have it, having known it, feels like death.
I am reminded of Psalm 27: 8-9, where David implores the Lord to not turn his face away....to not leave him or forsake him.. A study note says this: " For one who has known the intimate fellowship of God, the loss of it is unbearable."
In verse 3-5 he is asking God to not allow him to suffer the same fate as a sinner. He seems to be saying that the sinner doesn't always look like one. They speak peace in a neighborly way, but have evil in their hearts. This reminds me of 26:9-10. David knows that the only rescue from the fate of the sinner is to be
rescued by God, who delights in those who seek Him with their whole hearts.
David prays a very intense prayer for the wicked to be judged according to their deeds and hearts. In my experience, the more I have have grown spiritually, the more this prayer is difficult to pray without much humility on my own part. The closer to the Lord I come, the more I pray and read His Word, the more aware of my own sin I become. Every time I want to pray for God to judge another, I am convicted to ask Him to judge me also, according to the wickedness in my own heart. That always silences me for a time to ask Him to reveal to me my own sin, let me confess it, and praise Him for accounting to me Christ's righteousness. I am not so quick to pray so harshly for others!
David can pray this prayer in peace, though, because he continually comes before the Lord to ask for a clean heart, a right spirit, clean hands, and a pure heart. He searches his own soul, and invites God to do the same.
And David can rejoice, because God has heard, and will hear! Because God is his shield and strength, he is helped in the struggles of life, be it actual enemies in hot pursuit, or other, intangible foes like depression, etc.
As we trust fully in Him, we ARE truly helped.
Just this evening, I sat outside watching the dusk fall (my favorite time of day!), and praying. I was thanking God for hearing my cries in many different trials in life. I trusted Him, though I couldn't always see what He was doing. He has used many painful circumstances to bring me to 'broad places' as the Psalmist says. And I will praise Him!
Still, I must trust Him for more. Even as I was rejoicing this evening in all He has done, I went to tears, pleading with Him regarding issues that are current. He has told us to bring Him the desires of our hearts, But oh how sweet it is to be able to say to Him, "I trust You, Father. If what I think I need isn't what You know I need, I know that it is right and good, and best for me." He will not withhold from us what He knows we need, nor will He give us what we desire if it isn't good for us. I can rest peacefully in this.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Psalm 27
I love this song of confidence in the Lord and delight in God's house.
A major theme of this song is David's sure confidence in the Lord. Because of a firm, unshakable understanding of who God is, he can be certain of what He will do.
God is my light and salvation. He is the stronghold of life. I see no cracks in this armor. There is no "I hope (as in wish) God will save me." No matter the trouble, an adversary or an army, David knows beyond all shadow of doubt that he is safe in God's hands. And he doesn't just think that this is true, he acts like it. He talks about it, writes songs about it, speaks of it to others, and doesn't let anxiety, fear, worry or depression hold him for long. He is quick to run to the Stronghold.....to the Light of his salvation.
David is very active and not passive in seeking God. He talks to God (prayer), meditates (inquires), chooses to be in God's house. He sings to the Lord and about Him to the people, and asks for wisdom in the way. He confesses sin and asks forgiveness. He trusts. He waits. He believes.
He loves to be in God's presence (dwelling with God, being in His house).
There he finds sanctuary from the enemy, rejoicing and praise, knowledge and wisdom, acceptance and love.
I think of other passages that speak of God's pleasure in those who delight in his Word and keep the Sabbath, delighting in it. He does not love 'lip-service", or ritualistic formalism.
Oh that we would be a people that delight in the Lord like David!
How many love to spend time at Jesus feet in the Word or in prayer, or hearing the Word preached, sung, taught, prayed in His house? How many do these things because it is expected; something to check off a to-do list for righteousness (brownie points with God)? How many perform the rituals of Christianity (prayer, Bible reading, church attendance) , yet their hearts and minds are not at all transformed by these things.
I cannot judge, because I, too, spent most of my life in such a state. But God has been gracious to me, patient beyond understanding, and has established a joy in my heart in learning more of Him and a delight in being in His presence. I can say with David...."Your face, Lord, do I seek.".
I will wait on the Lord.
A major theme of this song is David's sure confidence in the Lord. Because of a firm, unshakable understanding of who God is, he can be certain of what He will do.
God is my light and salvation. He is the stronghold of life. I see no cracks in this armor. There is no "I hope (as in wish) God will save me." No matter the trouble, an adversary or an army, David knows beyond all shadow of doubt that he is safe in God's hands. And he doesn't just think that this is true, he acts like it. He talks about it, writes songs about it, speaks of it to others, and doesn't let anxiety, fear, worry or depression hold him for long. He is quick to run to the Stronghold.....to the Light of his salvation.
David is very active and not passive in seeking God. He talks to God (prayer), meditates (inquires), chooses to be in God's house. He sings to the Lord and about Him to the people, and asks for wisdom in the way. He confesses sin and asks forgiveness. He trusts. He waits. He believes.
He loves to be in God's presence (dwelling with God, being in His house).
There he finds sanctuary from the enemy, rejoicing and praise, knowledge and wisdom, acceptance and love.
I think of other passages that speak of God's pleasure in those who delight in his Word and keep the Sabbath, delighting in it. He does not love 'lip-service", or ritualistic formalism.
Oh that we would be a people that delight in the Lord like David!
How many love to spend time at Jesus feet in the Word or in prayer, or hearing the Word preached, sung, taught, prayed in His house? How many do these things because it is expected; something to check off a to-do list for righteousness (brownie points with God)? How many perform the rituals of Christianity (prayer, Bible reading, church attendance) , yet their hearts and minds are not at all transformed by these things.
I cannot judge, because I, too, spent most of my life in such a state. But God has been gracious to me, patient beyond understanding, and has established a joy in my heart in learning more of Him and a delight in being in His presence. I can say with David...."Your face, Lord, do I seek.".
I will wait on the Lord.
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