Again, of Asaph.
A teaching poem, designed to teach future generations to remember God's works and goodness to Israel.
Remember! Remember what God has called you from, and brought you through, and promised for the future!
This song is intended to recount Israel's history in light of God's promises, works, and patience with them, so that future generations might set their hope in Him also, and not forget His works, or to keep his commandments. Remembering all He has done, will, hopefully, teach them not to rebel.
When God called Abram and established His covenant with him, He commanded that His laws and covenant should be handed down to future generations.
When Israel rebelled, and did not keep covenant with God, but forgot His works and wonders, they were defeated in battle.
Remember...how He rescued you from Egypt. He divided the sea for you to pass through! He led by day with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire. He brought water from a rock!
But they sinned.....testing God and seeking their own 'fancy' (NKJV v 18), or wants, rather than being satisfied with their needs being met. They questioned God's intent and ability. He was angry! but gave them 'angels food', the 'bread of heaven' (manna). He also sent them the meat they craved, literally dropping it in their laps. They ate, and their 'fancy' was satisfied.....but He struck them all with illness.
>>>sometimes our 'wants' aren't really what we need. <<<
They still sinned--resulting in wasted years in the wilderness.
At His discipline, they turned and sought Him again, but not with their whole hearts. Lip service; insincere and fake. Yet God, who knows all and sees all, still had compassion on them, forgiving them time and again.
I love verse 39.....and find great comfort in it when I am faced with an awe and proper fear of God because of His greatness and my insignificance in light of that.....
"For He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again."
They limited Him by not remembering His power, or how He had redeemed them. They forgot the plagues of Egypt and how God destroyed them, but saved His people. He brought them out miraculously and established them in Canaan.
Yet still......they provoked Him. They worshiped other gods, and bowed to carved images. God allowed them to b punished by other nations, defeated and ruled by them.
and yet again.....God, in His steadfast love and covenant, rescued them once more.....and established David, a man after his own heart to be their king.
A shepherd to shepherd His people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~````
Wow. So much to take away from this.
I have, many times, sought my own 'fancy' instead of being content with what God has provided. I am thankful for His discipline in that. He has taught me over and over again, that He knows best. So, I pour my heart out to Him, asking for my 'wants' when I can't see any biblical reason that they are sinful, yet in the same breath acknowledge that they are but just that.....wants.....and not needs.
yet how often I run back to the same place of not being content with what He's given.
And how often I have rebelled and paid Him lip service, knowing that He knows this.
And how often in His compassion has He forgiven and restored a right relationship with Him?
I will remember..........
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Psalm 77
Where's your focus?
Asaph is troubled......in anguish he longs for comfort in the night, reaching out to find God. I get the picture of someone groping through the dark, desperately reaching for something firm and sure.
No specific enemy is named. No sin exposed. The nature of his turmoil is really unknown. But it is intense.
Even thinking of God is not a comfort. He recalls times when his heart was full of song in the night......but not now! This is what he longs for though.
>>>> I am reminded of a phrase I hear quite often..."I'm just not feelin' it..." with regard to primarily petty things.....like Chinese for dinner, or going shopping, or playing a game, etc. But I also know from the testimony of others, and personally, the experience of 'just not feelin' it' with regard to a closeness to God. Prayer seems bland or forced.....or perhaps redundant. Worship is emotionless and flat. This song of Asaph's is a good place to go for those times......<<<<<<<
Asaph's situation seems severe. Again, there is no mention of enemies or specific sin......so I wonder if the problem is purely internal?
He asks 6 questions in his anguish......questions about God's character and committment.
All anticipate a 'no!' answer.
It seems he is spent. Cried out perhaps. Not the calm (yet anyway) that comes after the storm, but the silence after you've 'let it all out'.
And in that moment, he intentionally re-focuses from his own circumstances to who God is....in direct answer to the questions he just asked in those moments of intense emotion. Now he's thinking a little more than feeling.
He sets his mind to actively remember God's works and to meditate on them and to talk about them. (Remember......he's not 'feelin' it' so this is an intentional, forced action on his part.....probably not easy.) And as he does, it seems he begins to 'feel it' again.
Suddenly he is back at the point of expressing, "Who is so great as our God? You are the God who does wonders! You have redeemed and saved us!"
He recounts God's might and presence as if in a thunderstorm. Great and awesome, yet invisible. He treads the waters of the earth, but his footsteps are not seen.
and He has let His people like a flock.
~~~~~~~~~
Note that he doesn't revert back to focusing on himself and his 'feelings'. He stays focused on God. Note also that the next psalm is a 'parable', used to teach coming generations of all of God's great wonders. I wonder if he got the idea for the next psalm while going through the experiences of psalm 77?
At any rate.......there is so much to be learned from Asaph here. How often do I struggle with 'just not feelin' it'? I keep on doing what needs to be done, day after day, prayer after prayer, worship service after worship service, ministry after ministry, study after study....but I seem to be spinning my wheels. Or perhaps the problem is some heartache too deep to share, that I can sit and cry over day after day. Perhaps a trial that never seems to end. Whatever.
In these times, I need to stay focused on what I know to be True, and Right, and Eternal. There is nothing lost in expressing those feelings, provided I express them to the One who can make things right, and that I am not willing to stay there wallowing in self pity and despair.
Re-focus. Sometimes the hardest thing in the world to do. Make myself recall all that God has done. Think about them. Ponder them. And talk about them.
Mind you this isn't a magic formula that works in a *poof*. Sometimes it takes a l-o-n-g time to start 'feelin' it' again. But I must press on, focusing on the right thing.
In the end......I know beyond all shadow of doubt that all will be well. God has promised it. And when I don't see the 'well' like He does, I can trust Him. Even when I'm not 'feelin' it', because I can look back, and see His hand in all that has pertained to me.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Psalm 76
of Asaph.
God is known in Judah and Israel. They know His character and glory because He has chosen them, and loved them, and saved them. He has established His dwelling place among them at Salem (Jerusalem), and has defeated every foe there.
The finest, best and fiercest armies are no match for Him. When He comes against them, their skills become useless....for they are like dead men. When He speaks judgement it is a fearful thing. Who can stand? not one!
But He saves the humble.
"Surely the wrath of man shall praise You...." is difficult to comprehend. Study notes in the NKJB : Even man's hostility can be turned to serve the purposes of God. God will add to the judgement that man inflicts on himself.
RSB: God's wrath brings praise because it is directed against the wicked and unjust, who afflict the poor and vulnerable.
Because of His Name......that He has defeated all foes and saved you.....
Make your vows to Him and keep them. Be diligent to do them!
Serve Him who alone is to be feared!
God is known in Judah and Israel. They know His character and glory because He has chosen them, and loved them, and saved them. He has established His dwelling place among them at Salem (Jerusalem), and has defeated every foe there.
The finest, best and fiercest armies are no match for Him. When He comes against them, their skills become useless....for they are like dead men. When He speaks judgement it is a fearful thing. Who can stand? not one!
But He saves the humble.
"Surely the wrath of man shall praise You...." is difficult to comprehend. Study notes in the NKJB : Even man's hostility can be turned to serve the purposes of God. God will add to the judgement that man inflicts on himself.
RSB: God's wrath brings praise because it is directed against the wicked and unjust, who afflict the poor and vulnerable.
Because of His Name......that He has defeated all foes and saved you.....
Make your vows to Him and keep them. Be diligent to do them!
Serve Him who alone is to be feared!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Psalm 75
Again, of Asaph.
A song of thanks to God....because His wondrous works declare His Name (character and glory).
"I will judge at the proper time. I will judge uprightly and there will be no escape, for I established the earth and sustain it. You cannot hide. I have warned the boastful and the wicked against their pride and rebellion."
There is no other source for validation, whether of your sin or your righteousness.
God is the Judge. He raises up and he brings down. It is pointless to look to any other source.
Verse 8: "For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup....surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth drain and drink down." See Psalm 11:6. I love how the study note in the RSB reads:
"There is a cup of God's blessing as well as a cup of His wrath. The wicked will drink wrath to its dregs. Jesus Christ too His people's punishment upon Himself by drinking the cup of God's judgement."
Judgement is sure. Either you will face it yourself, or you will be saved by the One who faced it for you.
See also Isaiah 51:17 and following. Here the cup of God's wrath has been poured out on His people because of their sin....but the Lord removes it and promises salvation.
Asaph sings.......praises to God, because He will take down the wicked, and lift up the righteous!
A song of thanks to God....because His wondrous works declare His Name (character and glory).
"I will judge at the proper time. I will judge uprightly and there will be no escape, for I established the earth and sustain it. You cannot hide. I have warned the boastful and the wicked against their pride and rebellion."
There is no other source for validation, whether of your sin or your righteousness.
God is the Judge. He raises up and he brings down. It is pointless to look to any other source.
Verse 8: "For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup....surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth drain and drink down." See Psalm 11:6. I love how the study note in the RSB reads:
"There is a cup of God's blessing as well as a cup of His wrath. The wicked will drink wrath to its dregs. Jesus Christ too His people's punishment upon Himself by drinking the cup of God's judgement."
Judgement is sure. Either you will face it yourself, or you will be saved by the One who faced it for you.
See also Isaiah 51:17 and following. Here the cup of God's wrath has been poured out on His people because of their sin....but the Lord removes it and promises salvation.
Asaph sings.......praises to God, because He will take down the wicked, and lift up the righteous!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Psalm 74
Asaph is the author. Notes from both study bibles state the common belief is that this is about the destruction of the temple in 586 BC by the Babylonians.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Why? Why are You angry? Why have You allowed this?
We are Yours! You chose us and established us with mighty works! Remember us......remember the beautiful sanctuary build for Your dwelling among us.
Now see it. The enemy has destroyed it. They have worshiped their gods there. They came in like lumberjacks.....swinging axes and hatchets.....tearing down the carved wood, then setting fire to it. Their goal: to subdue Israel. Israel's strength was their God.....surely if they couldn't worship Him, they would become weak and fail.
And now....all seems lost. There is no prophet speaking and there are no mighty works.
How long will You let this be? How long will You allow them to revile You?
(God is pictured as standing with His hands stuck in His "pockets"....the folds of His robes, doing nothing.)
Remember Him, though......
Remember that He is from 'old'. Everlasting.Remember how He has worked salvation for us. He created and controls the sea and all that is in it. He causes springs to flow, or dries them up.
He rules the night, and the day, for He created their lights and established their circuits in the heavens. He created the earth and all in it. He made the seasons turn in their times.
Now remembering God's great love for them, Asaph petitions God to remember His covenant with them. Protect 'your dove' from the beasts......see how they revile Your name and scoffs at You.
Evil is lurking.....everywhere. But God sees.
Protect and save the downtrodden and needy.....let them praise Your name!
Arise O God and defend Your cause! Do not overlook them!
(See the next Psalm.......He judges.......)
~~~~~~~~~~~
Why? Why are You angry? Why have You allowed this?
We are Yours! You chose us and established us with mighty works! Remember us......remember the beautiful sanctuary build for Your dwelling among us.
Now see it. The enemy has destroyed it. They have worshiped their gods there. They came in like lumberjacks.....swinging axes and hatchets.....tearing down the carved wood, then setting fire to it. Their goal: to subdue Israel. Israel's strength was their God.....surely if they couldn't worship Him, they would become weak and fail.
And now....all seems lost. There is no prophet speaking and there are no mighty works.
How long will You let this be? How long will You allow them to revile You?
(God is pictured as standing with His hands stuck in His "pockets"....the folds of His robes, doing nothing.)
Remember Him, though......
Remember that He is from 'old'. Everlasting.Remember how He has worked salvation for us. He created and controls the sea and all that is in it. He causes springs to flow, or dries them up.
He rules the night, and the day, for He created their lights and established their circuits in the heavens. He created the earth and all in it. He made the seasons turn in their times.
Now remembering God's great love for them, Asaph petitions God to remember His covenant with them. Protect 'your dove' from the beasts......see how they revile Your name and scoffs at You.
Evil is lurking.....everywhere. But God sees.
Protect and save the downtrodden and needy.....let them praise Your name!
Arise O God and defend Your cause! Do not overlook them!
(See the next Psalm.......He judges.......)
Monday, May 26, 2014
Psalm 73
One of my favorite Psalms.
Asaph, one of David's chief musicians, is the author.
God is good. This is the conclusion.........
But Asaph recalls a time when he struggled with this.....pondering the prosperity of the wicked.....struggled to the point of it hindering his walk with God.
He observed that they live peaceful, long lives, free from trouble. They are proud and violent......this indeed is their whole life--they wear it openly like jewelry and clothing. They have all they could possibly want....living in opulence. They are in want of nothing.
They speak of oppression with no fear of God. They act, indeed, as if they own the earth.
They deceive themselves into believing that God does not see, or hear, or even have knowledge of their life.
That's just the way they are....and it isn't fair.
Here Asaph trips up......he becomes a little arrogant, speaking of and focusing on himself, after having focused for so long on the wicked. He feels that his commitment to godliness is in vain. His obedience to the laws of God, to keeping the commandments, lead to nothing. Why bother? when the wicked fare better than he? He dwells on this so much that it is eating him alive!
He was wise enough to not speak his mind on the issue.....so as not to mislead others, or cause doubt in them. (I think we all need to take a lesson in this! )
He tried to understand, to make sense of it.....but it was overwhelming and painful.
Until.......
He sought God. In His house. Then.....he got it.
Ultimately they will not prosper. No, God will destroy them. In His time, suddenly, they will be consumed. This is their fate....and they have no clue, and no hope.
Asaph realizes the foolishness of his struggle, confesses it, and acknowledges God's wisdom and everlasting love. God has not, and will not forsake Asaph! Where else can he find hope? Who, but God, can help?
I love verse 25:
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail; ("often!" is handwritten in my Bible)
But God is the strength of my heart an my portion forever. ("always" is handwritten here)
It is good to draw near to God.....and what else but the struggles of life to drive us there.
It is though knowing Him.....studying Him in His Word, and in prayer, that we come to know Him well. And knowing Him, we learn that we can trust Him.
And having experienced His love and help, we can declare Him to those around us!
Asaph, one of David's chief musicians, is the author.
God is good. This is the conclusion.........
But Asaph recalls a time when he struggled with this.....pondering the prosperity of the wicked.....struggled to the point of it hindering his walk with God.
He observed that they live peaceful, long lives, free from trouble. They are proud and violent......this indeed is their whole life--they wear it openly like jewelry and clothing. They have all they could possibly want....living in opulence. They are in want of nothing.
They speak of oppression with no fear of God. They act, indeed, as if they own the earth.
They deceive themselves into believing that God does not see, or hear, or even have knowledge of their life.
That's just the way they are....and it isn't fair.
Here Asaph trips up......he becomes a little arrogant, speaking of and focusing on himself, after having focused for so long on the wicked. He feels that his commitment to godliness is in vain. His obedience to the laws of God, to keeping the commandments, lead to nothing. Why bother? when the wicked fare better than he? He dwells on this so much that it is eating him alive!
He was wise enough to not speak his mind on the issue.....so as not to mislead others, or cause doubt in them. (I think we all need to take a lesson in this! )
He tried to understand, to make sense of it.....but it was overwhelming and painful.
Until.......
He sought God. In His house. Then.....he got it.
Ultimately they will not prosper. No, God will destroy them. In His time, suddenly, they will be consumed. This is their fate....and they have no clue, and no hope.
Asaph realizes the foolishness of his struggle, confesses it, and acknowledges God's wisdom and everlasting love. God has not, and will not forsake Asaph! Where else can he find hope? Who, but God, can help?
I love verse 25:
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail; ("often!" is handwritten in my Bible)
But God is the strength of my heart an my portion forever. ("always" is handwritten here)
It is good to draw near to God.....and what else but the struggles of life to drive us there.
It is though knowing Him.....studying Him in His Word, and in prayer, that we come to know Him well. And knowing Him, we learn that we can trust Him.
And having experienced His love and help, we can declare Him to those around us!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, May 25, 2014
Sunday School: Psalm 119:89-104 Hebrew letters Lamedh and Mem
Forever. Steadfast. Everlasting. Infinite. Immutable.....the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God's Word is all of the above.
It sustains me. Without it, I would perish. It saves me........by giving me life.
How? It is in God's Word that we learn that we are sinful creatures. The Law teaches us of our sin, It demonstrates that we cannot keep the Law of God, but points to the means He established from before time began to redeem and save us.....the atoning work of Christ.
I cannot turn from your Word, for it is my only hope. Enemies surround me, but I will hold to Your Word, for it is limitless in it's perfection. "Every other perfection has limits" (NKJV study Bible note on v. 96).
I love Your Word! I think of it all the time.....and consider all I do in light of it.
I love it, therefore I meditate on it....then I love it more.
"Familiarity breeds affection, and affection breeds familiarity." (quote by Spurgeon??)
The understanding it gives me makes sense of life in the broader sense of seeing life through spiritual eyes. Those who do not love the Word of God, do not have this perspective, and lack understanding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Sermon: Psalm 128 Henry Beaulieu
>>Truthfully, I went into this sermon questioning the meaning for me. I read the text last night, though already familiar with it. It makes me sad, in that I am NOT the wife of a godly husband. I really sort of felt 'left out' of God's blessing , though knowing this isn't so. So......I asked the Lord to speak His truth to me, and went in with wide open ears to hear. <<<
This is one of the songs of ascent....sung by pilgrims on the way to the temple in Jerusalem in preparation for worship.
"What is the good life?" Per our society, going, doing, possessions, wealth, personal contacts, who you know and where you go.....all not necessarily bad in and of themselves, but if you trust these things for a 'good life' filled with God's blessing, at the end of the day, you'll come up empty, for they are useless.
v 1. Blessed is the one who fears Jehovah (KJV) This name of God would conjure up memories of all of God's mighty acts.
**the fear of God is a prominent theme in the Scriptures. It is an awe filled reverence of God that stems from a right knowledge of Him. It stems from knowing Him.
This is a virtue that is primarily lost in our society. The wicked do not fear Him, because they do not know Him, but at the last Day....when He comes and they see Him....they will mourn and wail because of a different fear......fear of judgement.
The righteous does not know that kind of fear. Our fear is not of judgement and wrath,
for we know that the full wrath of God was poured out on a substitute for us......His only Son. THIS in and of itself elicits the proper fear of God in us.
I John 4:18 : ......perfect love casts out fear..... is about fear of judgement and God's wrath being eradicated in us by God's love.
Also.....a proper fear comes through the discipline of the one who loves us.
Henry used the illustration of his much beloved aunt switching him for disobedience, but he knew she love him, and he loved her.
See Ps 130:3. If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? (fear....crippling fear.) But there is forgiveness with you, That You may be feared.
It is knowledge of His great love and forgiveness of our sin, undeserved and unmerited, that makes us fear Him properly.
Meditation from the bulletin: Psalm 130:4b "That Thou mayest be feared." This is the fruitful root of piety. None fear the Lord like those who have experienced his forgiving love. Gratitude for pardon produces far more fear and reverence of God than all the dread which is inspired by punishment. If the Lord were to execute justice upon all, there would be none left to fear him; if all were under apprehension of his deserved wrath, despair would harden them against fearing him; it is grace which leads the way to a holy regard of God, and a fear of grieving him."
Charles H. Spurgeon.
V2.....Blessed...productive and benefits from it. All things balanced....work, family life, worship, etc. The one who fears Jehovah is happy. It is well. Joy is in the Lord, not the circumstances of life.
V3....The man who fears God and walks in His ways will find a godly wife, typically, who makes the home a joyful and pleasant place. Children as olive shoots.....means a blessing. Olive trees were a sign of abundance and prosperity. They provided sustenance for the present and the future in that they spread and continued to grow. The one who fears Jehovah will see his children as a blessing.....a legacy and posterity.
>>>>>>>>>> as I thought on this, I lost the feeling of being left out somewhat. The one whose wife I was did not fear Jehovah. He didn't see me and/or the children as blessings, but as hindrances to the life he chose to live outside of God's laws. As much as I wish I had the opportunity to be a godly wife for a man who fears Jehovah, I am not left out of the blessing of God. He takes care of the widow, and has indeed blessed me much with wonderful friends and family, and a church body where I am honored and loved, and cared for. <<<<<<<<<<<<
V5....There is national blessing when it is full of those who fear Jehovah.
V6....Long life and peace for that one who fears Him.
The man who fails to fear the Lord will not have any of these things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Sunday evening: Matthew 27:62- 28:15
Those who chose not to believe will go to great lengths to perpetrate proof of their lies.
Even after evidence (the guard's report) that Jesus had risen, the Jewish leadership broke their own laws by bribing them to lie about it.
quick notes:
The Jewish didn't keep their own laws of keeping the Sabbath, however the women did.
They didn't believe Jesus claims, but were still afraid. Were they really afraid that perhaps His claims were true? Or was it simply as they said, that they feared the disciples would pull off a hoax?
The Roman guards, no doubt, had seen some pretty gruesome things in their day as soldiers in the world's mightiest army at that time. But this......An earthquake, an angel, Christ risen from the dead.....put them down like dead men.
How is it that these Roman legionnaires were so easily bribed? To fall asleep on the job was a serious thing. The love of money.......
Note: only some of the guard went to the priests. Surely the others told everyone they met what had happened!
In conjunction with this passage, we read Romans chapter 6.
We need a new 1: record, 2: life, 3: body. The story of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is our assurance of salvation. Our record (sin deserving death) was put on Him so that He could bear God's wrath for us, while His record of sinlessness was accounted to us who believe. God was satisfied.....for He raised Him from the dead.
Forever. Steadfast. Everlasting. Infinite. Immutable.....the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God's Word is all of the above.
It sustains me. Without it, I would perish. It saves me........by giving me life.
How? It is in God's Word that we learn that we are sinful creatures. The Law teaches us of our sin, It demonstrates that we cannot keep the Law of God, but points to the means He established from before time began to redeem and save us.....the atoning work of Christ.
I cannot turn from your Word, for it is my only hope. Enemies surround me, but I will hold to Your Word, for it is limitless in it's perfection. "Every other perfection has limits" (NKJV study Bible note on v. 96).
I love Your Word! I think of it all the time.....and consider all I do in light of it.
I love it, therefore I meditate on it....then I love it more.
"Familiarity breeds affection, and affection breeds familiarity." (quote by Spurgeon??)
The understanding it gives me makes sense of life in the broader sense of seeing life through spiritual eyes. Those who do not love the Word of God, do not have this perspective, and lack understanding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Sermon: Psalm 128 Henry Beaulieu
>>Truthfully, I went into this sermon questioning the meaning for me. I read the text last night, though already familiar with it. It makes me sad, in that I am NOT the wife of a godly husband. I really sort of felt 'left out' of God's blessing , though knowing this isn't so. So......I asked the Lord to speak His truth to me, and went in with wide open ears to hear. <<<
This is one of the songs of ascent....sung by pilgrims on the way to the temple in Jerusalem in preparation for worship.
"What is the good life?" Per our society, going, doing, possessions, wealth, personal contacts, who you know and where you go.....all not necessarily bad in and of themselves, but if you trust these things for a 'good life' filled with God's blessing, at the end of the day, you'll come up empty, for they are useless.
v 1. Blessed is the one who fears Jehovah (KJV) This name of God would conjure up memories of all of God's mighty acts.
**the fear of God is a prominent theme in the Scriptures. It is an awe filled reverence of God that stems from a right knowledge of Him. It stems from knowing Him.
This is a virtue that is primarily lost in our society. The wicked do not fear Him, because they do not know Him, but at the last Day....when He comes and they see Him....they will mourn and wail because of a different fear......fear of judgement.
The righteous does not know that kind of fear. Our fear is not of judgement and wrath,
for we know that the full wrath of God was poured out on a substitute for us......His only Son. THIS in and of itself elicits the proper fear of God in us.
I John 4:18 : ......perfect love casts out fear..... is about fear of judgement and God's wrath being eradicated in us by God's love.
Also.....a proper fear comes through the discipline of the one who loves us.
Henry used the illustration of his much beloved aunt switching him for disobedience, but he knew she love him, and he loved her.
See Ps 130:3. If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? (fear....crippling fear.) But there is forgiveness with you, That You may be feared.
It is knowledge of His great love and forgiveness of our sin, undeserved and unmerited, that makes us fear Him properly.
Meditation from the bulletin: Psalm 130:4b "That Thou mayest be feared." This is the fruitful root of piety. None fear the Lord like those who have experienced his forgiving love. Gratitude for pardon produces far more fear and reverence of God than all the dread which is inspired by punishment. If the Lord were to execute justice upon all, there would be none left to fear him; if all were under apprehension of his deserved wrath, despair would harden them against fearing him; it is grace which leads the way to a holy regard of God, and a fear of grieving him."
Charles H. Spurgeon.
V2.....Blessed...productive and benefits from it. All things balanced....work, family life, worship, etc. The one who fears Jehovah is happy. It is well. Joy is in the Lord, not the circumstances of life.
V3....The man who fears God and walks in His ways will find a godly wife, typically, who makes the home a joyful and pleasant place. Children as olive shoots.....means a blessing. Olive trees were a sign of abundance and prosperity. They provided sustenance for the present and the future in that they spread and continued to grow. The one who fears Jehovah will see his children as a blessing.....a legacy and posterity.
>>>>>>>>>> as I thought on this, I lost the feeling of being left out somewhat. The one whose wife I was did not fear Jehovah. He didn't see me and/or the children as blessings, but as hindrances to the life he chose to live outside of God's laws. As much as I wish I had the opportunity to be a godly wife for a man who fears Jehovah, I am not left out of the blessing of God. He takes care of the widow, and has indeed blessed me much with wonderful friends and family, and a church body where I am honored and loved, and cared for. <<<<<<<<<<<<
V5....There is national blessing when it is full of those who fear Jehovah.
V6....Long life and peace for that one who fears Him.
The man who fails to fear the Lord will not have any of these things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Sunday evening: Matthew 27:62- 28:15
Those who chose not to believe will go to great lengths to perpetrate proof of their lies.
Even after evidence (the guard's report) that Jesus had risen, the Jewish leadership broke their own laws by bribing them to lie about it.
quick notes:
The Jewish didn't keep their own laws of keeping the Sabbath, however the women did.
They didn't believe Jesus claims, but were still afraid. Were they really afraid that perhaps His claims were true? Or was it simply as they said, that they feared the disciples would pull off a hoax?
The Roman guards, no doubt, had seen some pretty gruesome things in their day as soldiers in the world's mightiest army at that time. But this......An earthquake, an angel, Christ risen from the dead.....put them down like dead men.
How is it that these Roman legionnaires were so easily bribed? To fall asleep on the job was a serious thing. The love of money.......
Note: only some of the guard went to the priests. Surely the others told everyone they met what had happened!
In conjunction with this passage, we read Romans chapter 6.
We need a new 1: record, 2: life, 3: body. The story of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is our assurance of salvation. Our record (sin deserving death) was put on Him so that He could bear God's wrath for us, while His record of sinlessness was accounted to us who believe. God was satisfied.....for He raised Him from the dead.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Psalm 72
Title: 'of Solomon'. RSB study notes indicate some historical disagreement about whether Solomon is the author or the subject of the Psalm. I lean toward David being the author, writing about his son as king. I will explain later.
Either/or, this is a psalm with both present and future implications.
Recall, first Solomon's prayer and God's answer in I Kings 3:5-14. He asks not for long life or prosperity, but for wisdom to rule the people rightly. God is pleased and grants him this, telling him that there has never been one like him, nor will there ever be. He also grants him what he didn't ask for....riches and honor.
This prayer implores God to grant the king His wisdom....to rule in righteousness and justice. He is asking for divine intervention in a fallen human heart that is prone to sin. True righteousness and justice must come from God.
May the people dwell in peace, protected by a secure kingdom.
The king is responsible for the vulnerable in the land.....the poor and needy. He is to protect defend, and provide for them.
May his kingdom flourish in peace and prosperity, spreading to the ends of the earth! All kings will come before him in service, bringing gifts. (note the reference to the gold of Sheba....and the story in I Kings 10 of the queen of Sheba coming to bring gifts). He will be revered because of his treatment of the needy, providing for them.
May all oppressors fear the king--through all generations. This is "poetic overstatement" in an immediate sense, referring to Solomon, but carries eternal implications, as we know Solomon died.
Verses 5 and 7b, 11 and 17 particularly carry an eternal bent.....speaking of the king reigning forever, and his reign encompassing all the nations.
At the end of the prayer, the author bursts into an anthem of praise....recognizing God's mighty and wondrous works. Bless His Name forever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory!
~~~~~~~~~~~
I lean toward David as the author, writing about his son that will reign after him.
First, see the last verse of the psalm. "The prayers of David, the son of Jesse are ended."
I wonder if the Psalm is somewhat prophetic? Most of what was prayed here did happen. Solomon was wiser than any before him or after him, only because God gave him that wisdom.
He was also rich beyond comprehension, and provided well for his people. Many came to seek his wisdom and see his riches. God did, indeed, bless the king and grant peace and abundance during his reign.
But........
See I Kings 11:1-13. Solomon displeased the Lord in that he married many foreign women and followed after their gods. For this, God promises to rip the kingdom from him. Not, however , during his lifetime, because of his father David (this prayer?). No, he would sustain Saul, but after his death, the kingdom would be ripped in two leaving his line only one of the 12 tribes. All others would split off and become a different nation, and the two would be in civil war for a long time.
God gives, and He takes away......when we do not walk in His ways.
Either/or, this is a psalm with both present and future implications.
Recall, first Solomon's prayer and God's answer in I Kings 3:5-14. He asks not for long life or prosperity, but for wisdom to rule the people rightly. God is pleased and grants him this, telling him that there has never been one like him, nor will there ever be. He also grants him what he didn't ask for....riches and honor.
This prayer implores God to grant the king His wisdom....to rule in righteousness and justice. He is asking for divine intervention in a fallen human heart that is prone to sin. True righteousness and justice must come from God.
May the people dwell in peace, protected by a secure kingdom.
The king is responsible for the vulnerable in the land.....the poor and needy. He is to protect defend, and provide for them.
May his kingdom flourish in peace and prosperity, spreading to the ends of the earth! All kings will come before him in service, bringing gifts. (note the reference to the gold of Sheba....and the story in I Kings 10 of the queen of Sheba coming to bring gifts). He will be revered because of his treatment of the needy, providing for them.
May all oppressors fear the king--through all generations. This is "poetic overstatement" in an immediate sense, referring to Solomon, but carries eternal implications, as we know Solomon died.
Verses 5 and 7b, 11 and 17 particularly carry an eternal bent.....speaking of the king reigning forever, and his reign encompassing all the nations.
At the end of the prayer, the author bursts into an anthem of praise....recognizing God's mighty and wondrous works. Bless His Name forever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory!
~~~~~~~~~~~
I lean toward David as the author, writing about his son that will reign after him.
First, see the last verse of the psalm. "The prayers of David, the son of Jesse are ended."
I wonder if the Psalm is somewhat prophetic? Most of what was prayed here did happen. Solomon was wiser than any before him or after him, only because God gave him that wisdom.
He was also rich beyond comprehension, and provided well for his people. Many came to seek his wisdom and see his riches. God did, indeed, bless the king and grant peace and abundance during his reign.
But........
See I Kings 11:1-13. Solomon displeased the Lord in that he married many foreign women and followed after their gods. For this, God promises to rip the kingdom from him. Not, however , during his lifetime, because of his father David (this prayer?). No, he would sustain Saul, but after his death, the kingdom would be ripped in two leaving his line only one of the 12 tribes. All others would split off and become a different nation, and the two would be in civil war for a long time.
God gives, and He takes away......when we do not walk in His ways.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Psalm 71
A Psalm with no title. The language sounds a lot like David's other Psalms, but it really doesn't matter who wrote it.....the truths are the same.
This is the song of an old man, with gray hair, and many years. It is a quiet song of confidence in God's help.
I trust You.....let me never be put to shame. (in other words, show Yourself to be true to all of the rich promises that I have claimed personally and proclaimed to the people!)
Hear and save me. Be my refuge. I run to You continually (He is always there!).
You have already given the command to save me!
You are my Rock (steady and solid....unmovable), and Fortress (a safe place to hide).
I have trusted and hoped in You since my youth.....even at birth You kept me.
"I have become a portent to many" (ESV) (NKJV uses the word 'wonder')
(an exceptional or wonderful person or thing; a marvel, or a prodigy).
Perhaps the author is saying that others have idolized him or thought too highly of him?
But he gives God alone credit for his success, and long life.
Continue with me into old age.....for still I have enemies. (I suspect a weary tone here).
Hurry to help! Confound and confuse them! Cover them with reproach and dishonor!
I will increasingly trust and praise You. I have lots of stories to ell of Your greatness! You righteousness and salvation have no limit! You have led me and guided me from my youth. I will declare it to those coming up behind me.
Who is like You, God? You sustain us and train us through the many trials of life. And You will never let us go. You will deliver from every situation.
Praise His faithfulness!
Speak of all He has done!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
How often do we go so far as to think too highly of ourselves and praise our own abilities and strengths more than giving thanks and praise to the One who alone is our Help? I have been guilty. God has sustained me, provided for me, and led me through so many hard, hard trials. And I was so proud. I gave Him lip service, yes, but I reveled in the talk of others about how strong I was. God was faithful to teach me some hard lessons about that, and teach me that I am really weak and faltering. He alone deserves praise!
This is the song of an old man, with gray hair, and many years. It is a quiet song of confidence in God's help.
I trust You.....let me never be put to shame. (in other words, show Yourself to be true to all of the rich promises that I have claimed personally and proclaimed to the people!)
Hear and save me. Be my refuge. I run to You continually (He is always there!).
You have already given the command to save me!
You are my Rock (steady and solid....unmovable), and Fortress (a safe place to hide).
I have trusted and hoped in You since my youth.....even at birth You kept me.
"I have become a portent to many" (ESV) (NKJV uses the word 'wonder')
(an exceptional or wonderful person or thing; a marvel, or a prodigy).
Perhaps the author is saying that others have idolized him or thought too highly of him?
But he gives God alone credit for his success, and long life.
Continue with me into old age.....for still I have enemies. (I suspect a weary tone here).
Hurry to help! Confound and confuse them! Cover them with reproach and dishonor!
I will increasingly trust and praise You. I have lots of stories to ell of Your greatness! You righteousness and salvation have no limit! You have led me and guided me from my youth. I will declare it to those coming up behind me.
Who is like You, God? You sustain us and train us through the many trials of life. And You will never let us go. You will deliver from every situation.
Praise His faithfulness!
Speak of all He has done!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
How often do we go so far as to think too highly of ourselves and praise our own abilities and strengths more than giving thanks and praise to the One who alone is our Help? I have been guilty. God has sustained me, provided for me, and led me through so many hard, hard trials. And I was so proud. I gave Him lip service, yes, but I reveled in the talk of others about how strong I was. God was faithful to teach me some hard lessons about that, and teach me that I am really weak and faltering. He alone deserves praise!
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Psalm 70
The words of this Psalm are almost identical to Psalm 40:13-17.
Perhaps it was used as a chorus of sorts? A short thing to sing at particular times?
There is no specific trouble mentioned, but the plea is for quick help. Deliver me from those who seek my life! (David has a lot o those in his life!)
He asks that they be confused and shamed. Dishonored. Silenced. May they turn away from him in their shame. I have thought about this a lot today. Other psalms speak of David's enemies as being proud and arrogant, not at all ashamed of their sin. They say, "Who can see?" and deceive themselves into thinking that God either can't see them, or won't do anything. They are crafty with their schemes.......so imagine how it would be if suddenly things didn't go as planned (confusion). Their pride would be lowered, certainly (shamed). Surely their boasts would come to an end (silenced). And surely, surely, they would want to hide because all could see that their plans had failed (turn away.) And thus, David would be free of them. But note.....he doesn't try to confuse, shame, dishonor, or silence them himself. No. He calls on God for this task. His only comforter; his help, his deliverer, rock, provider, and shield. An ever present help in trouble.
Instead of being like the enemies....proud and arrogant.....David, poor and needy, will seek God and rejoice in His salvation. He has no fear of God in the sense of dread of judgement, but only fear as in awe and reverence. The enemy has the first sense of fear!
Forever, the righteous will speak of God's greatness.
Hurry, Lord!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hought about the 'hurry up and help me' mindset of this and other psalms today. I really believe this isn't 'hurry so You don't forget', or 'hurry because it is taking You too long'. It isn't a demand of God. No. It is a plea for God's greatness to be made manifest to all, so that praise will be praised. It is a call for His perfect justice to be served, rather than the psalmist taking things into his own hands and sinning in the process.
Also, I am reminded of Jesus' own example of prayer....."deliver us from evil'.
Yes, Father. Hurry. Deliver us from evil.
I might not have enemies that seek my life in the sense that David did, but we still live in a very morally bankrupt society. Also the sins that so easily beset me seem to suck my very life away sometimes.
Hurry! So that my life might exemplify Christ!
Perhaps it was used as a chorus of sorts? A short thing to sing at particular times?
There is no specific trouble mentioned, but the plea is for quick help. Deliver me from those who seek my life! (David has a lot o those in his life!)
He asks that they be confused and shamed. Dishonored. Silenced. May they turn away from him in their shame. I have thought about this a lot today. Other psalms speak of David's enemies as being proud and arrogant, not at all ashamed of their sin. They say, "Who can see?" and deceive themselves into thinking that God either can't see them, or won't do anything. They are crafty with their schemes.......so imagine how it would be if suddenly things didn't go as planned (confusion). Their pride would be lowered, certainly (shamed). Surely their boasts would come to an end (silenced). And surely, surely, they would want to hide because all could see that their plans had failed (turn away.) And thus, David would be free of them. But note.....he doesn't try to confuse, shame, dishonor, or silence them himself. No. He calls on God for this task. His only comforter; his help, his deliverer, rock, provider, and shield. An ever present help in trouble.
Instead of being like the enemies....proud and arrogant.....David, poor and needy, will seek God and rejoice in His salvation. He has no fear of God in the sense of dread of judgement, but only fear as in awe and reverence. The enemy has the first sense of fear!
Forever, the righteous will speak of God's greatness.
Hurry, Lord!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hought about the 'hurry up and help me' mindset of this and other psalms today. I really believe this isn't 'hurry so You don't forget', or 'hurry because it is taking You too long'. It isn't a demand of God. No. It is a plea for God's greatness to be made manifest to all, so that praise will be praised. It is a call for His perfect justice to be served, rather than the psalmist taking things into his own hands and sinning in the process.
Also, I am reminded of Jesus' own example of prayer....."deliver us from evil'.
Yes, Father. Hurry. Deliver us from evil.
I might not have enemies that seek my life in the sense that David did, but we still live in a very morally bankrupt society. Also the sins that so easily beset me seem to suck my very life away sometimes.
Hurry! So that my life might exemplify Christ!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Psalm 69
A personal lament that points to Christ's suffering. The second most quoted psalm in the NT (per NKJV study notes).
Save me! Floods and mire are used to describe the overwhelming impact of grief and suffering in David's life. He feels as if he is drowning; stuck in the mire that as a firm grip on him. He is struggling. He is weary. Tears overwhelm.
His many enemies would destroy him-- they require restitution for acts that he is accused of, but didn't commit.
David acknowledges his sin, and accepts discipline. He pleads that hisown shame not affect othe righteous ones, or bring them down. He is ostracized from family, friends and indeed is despised because of the displays of a contrite heart (sackcloth, weeping, fasting). Even the drunkards mock him. Yet he remains devoted to God's law and his house, and is deeply disturbed by those that dishonor God.
Despite his pain and suffering, he will not wallow in it, but comes with his complaints ad laments to the Father. Deliver me!, let me not sink! Save me from those who hate me! Let me not be overwhelmed or overthrown! He doesn't seek human comforters, for there are none. God alone can comfort him.
God is merciful, loving, and good. David calls for God to turn to him in His mercy.
God sees, He hears, and He knows.
He knows David's pain, and sees his enemies all around.
David launches into an imprecatory prayer against his enemies...Let tem be blind and fall by their own schemes! May they be terrorized by God's wrath against them! Blot them out!
Then once again he speaks of his own condition.....poor and sorrowful. He knows he is heard and God will deliver. This elicits an outburst of praise, both personal and a call for all the earth to praise Him! God will save!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How comforting to know that we have a God who is intimate with us. He invites us to come to Him, allows us to come to Him, and delights in our petitions and praise. There are indeed no other comforters. All else that I could run to will fail: material possessions, wealth, friends, family.
But is isn't as if when we come to Him with complaint that we are informing Him.....He already knows! The benefit is ours......in that when we come to Him we are reminded of his greatness, and of our lowliness and utter dependence upon Him.
Save me! Floods and mire are used to describe the overwhelming impact of grief and suffering in David's life. He feels as if he is drowning; stuck in the mire that as a firm grip on him. He is struggling. He is weary. Tears overwhelm.
His many enemies would destroy him-- they require restitution for acts that he is accused of, but didn't commit.
David acknowledges his sin, and accepts discipline. He pleads that hisown shame not affect othe righteous ones, or bring them down. He is ostracized from family, friends and indeed is despised because of the displays of a contrite heart (sackcloth, weeping, fasting). Even the drunkards mock him. Yet he remains devoted to God's law and his house, and is deeply disturbed by those that dishonor God.
Despite his pain and suffering, he will not wallow in it, but comes with his complaints ad laments to the Father. Deliver me!, let me not sink! Save me from those who hate me! Let me not be overwhelmed or overthrown! He doesn't seek human comforters, for there are none. God alone can comfort him.
God is merciful, loving, and good. David calls for God to turn to him in His mercy.
God sees, He hears, and He knows.
He knows David's pain, and sees his enemies all around.
David launches into an imprecatory prayer against his enemies...Let tem be blind and fall by their own schemes! May they be terrorized by God's wrath against them! Blot them out!
Then once again he speaks of his own condition.....poor and sorrowful. He knows he is heard and God will deliver. This elicits an outburst of praise, both personal and a call for all the earth to praise Him! God will save!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How comforting to know that we have a God who is intimate with us. He invites us to come to Him, allows us to come to Him, and delights in our petitions and praise. There are indeed no other comforters. All else that I could run to will fail: material possessions, wealth, friends, family.
But is isn't as if when we come to Him with complaint that we are informing Him.....He already knows! The benefit is ours......in that when we come to Him we are reminded of his greatness, and of our lowliness and utter dependence upon Him.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Psalm 68
Numbers 10:35 "So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said: Let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You."
Psalm 67 was a song incorporating the priestly blessing, and now we have a song using Moses' words whenever the Lord called them to move in the wilderness, and the ark was picked up and carried out.
The wicked......will be scattered. Their plans will fail. They will run in terror from the On they have rebelled against. They will perish, dwelling in a parched land.
But the righteous.....ahhhh they will be glad! They will dance and shout for joy before their God, rather than run in terror.
Praise Him who goes before us! He who cares for the most vunerable among us....the fatherless and the widow. The solitary, without a family. He provides sustenance for the earth that He created.
Verses 7-10 seem to recall the wilderness experience. The earth shook at God's presence at Sinai. He provided for His people.....both water and food in abundance in a dry and weary place.
Verse 11: there is a difference in the translation between the ESV and the NKJV. ESV uses the word 'women', while the NKJV says "great was the company...." who proclaimed His word.
They went in at His command and conquered the land, by His strength. Victory was complete with much spoil.
Israel, though in her own right neither imposing or wealthy, will prosper greatly under the shelter of their God.
Mount Zion , where God dwells in the land, is not as big or majestic, or imposing in appearance as the other mountain ranges, but it is much more surpassing in importance, because God has chosen it as His dwelling.
And still, God sustains His people.....once in the land He promised. They will continue to be victorious over all enemies. He continues to scatter those who come against Him and His people.
Because of the great and mighty things He does for Israel, many will come from afar to praise Him......the God who delivers Israel will be praised.
I am encouraged.......to recall how He has chosen me, and led me through many wildernesses. He has provided all that I need, and has indeed 'scattered' the enemy, and made me to dwell in a rich place. (rich in blessings).
Psalm 67 was a song incorporating the priestly blessing, and now we have a song using Moses' words whenever the Lord called them to move in the wilderness, and the ark was picked up and carried out.
The wicked......will be scattered. Their plans will fail. They will run in terror from the On they have rebelled against. They will perish, dwelling in a parched land.
But the righteous.....ahhhh they will be glad! They will dance and shout for joy before their God, rather than run in terror.
Praise Him who goes before us! He who cares for the most vunerable among us....the fatherless and the widow. The solitary, without a family. He provides sustenance for the earth that He created.
Verses 7-10 seem to recall the wilderness experience. The earth shook at God's presence at Sinai. He provided for His people.....both water and food in abundance in a dry and weary place.
Verse 11: there is a difference in the translation between the ESV and the NKJV. ESV uses the word 'women', while the NKJV says "great was the company...." who proclaimed His word.
They went in at His command and conquered the land, by His strength. Victory was complete with much spoil.
Israel, though in her own right neither imposing or wealthy, will prosper greatly under the shelter of their God.
Mount Zion , where God dwells in the land, is not as big or majestic, or imposing in appearance as the other mountain ranges, but it is much more surpassing in importance, because God has chosen it as His dwelling.
And still, God sustains His people.....once in the land He promised. They will continue to be victorious over all enemies. He continues to scatter those who come against Him and His people.
Because of the great and mighty things He does for Israel, many will come from afar to praise Him......the God who delivers Israel will be praised.
I am encouraged.......to recall how He has chosen me, and led me through many wildernesses. He has provided all that I need, and has indeed 'scattered' the enemy, and made me to dwell in a rich place. (rich in blessings).
Monday, May 19, 2014
Psalm 67
"The Lord bless you and keep you.
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace." (Numbers 6:25)
Israel heard this blessing from the priests regularly (as do we, from our pastors!), and now they sing it in a prayerful voice.
Be gracious to us! Bless us! Look favorably on us!........so tha others my observe Your great power an lovingkindness. Do this.....so that others will praise You! Not just Israel, but all the peoples!
Their desire is that all nations will Praise their God! He is sovereign over all, not just His chosen people, Israel. He judges all with mercy and in truth. He provides food and sustenance for all the earth.
This song is an expressed confidence in God's promises , his provision, and that all peoples will praise Him.
I like the ending verses in the NKJV:
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
Then the earth shall yield her increase;
God, our own God, shall bless us.
God shall bless us.
And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
The scope of His sovereignty is far-reaching.....universal. He will not be limited to one people group. He chose Israel, yes, and I imagine that line about God, our own God.....being spoken with a quiet sense of absolute awe.However, He will, through Israel, make His name known to all people, by blessing her, and through an eternal King born of a virgin, of the line of David.
May I be so eager to see them come to Him! May I be so selfless in asking for my own blessing, or better yet, for His Church's blessing, in that I seek not my/her good only, but that His name be praised beyond the scope of my life and her doors.
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace." (Numbers 6:25)
Israel heard this blessing from the priests regularly (as do we, from our pastors!), and now they sing it in a prayerful voice.
Be gracious to us! Bless us! Look favorably on us!........so tha others my observe Your great power an lovingkindness. Do this.....so that others will praise You! Not just Israel, but all the peoples!
Their desire is that all nations will Praise their God! He is sovereign over all, not just His chosen people, Israel. He judges all with mercy and in truth. He provides food and sustenance for all the earth.
This song is an expressed confidence in God's promises , his provision, and that all peoples will praise Him.
I like the ending verses in the NKJV:
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
Then the earth shall yield her increase;
God, our own God, shall bless us.
God shall bless us.
And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
The scope of His sovereignty is far-reaching.....universal. He will not be limited to one people group. He chose Israel, yes, and I imagine that line about God, our own God.....being spoken with a quiet sense of absolute awe.However, He will, through Israel, make His name known to all people, by blessing her, and through an eternal King born of a virgin, of the line of David.
May I be so eager to see them come to Him! May I be so selfless in asking for my own blessing, or better yet, for His Church's blessing, in that I seek not my/her good only, but that His name be praised beyond the scope of my life and her doors.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, May 18, 2014
Sunday School: Psalm 119 vs 73-88 Hebrew letters: Yodh and Kaph.
God made me......a distinction is drawn between the creator and the created. If He made me, surely He can best teach me and enable me to understand His law and statutes. Please give me understanding!
God's ways are righteous, NOT the ways of the world. God convicts us through affliction, but in His steadfast love there is comfort.
Mercy! Help me live well, according to Your Law. Let those who do not live by Your law be shamed. (this is not an evil thing to pray, provided the motive and feeling behind it is to see God's name glorified, and that the evil itself be put down. This isn't a motive of vengeance or a personal desire to delight in another's demise.)
Even when I am hurt by them, I will still delight in Your Word, oh Lord. I will meditate on it.
May I be an example of one who knows and lives by Your Word. I don't want to be shamed because I fail to know it or live accordingly.
I long for Your salvation....the end of turmoil. The only hope is found in God's Word....His great promises to His children. But sometimes it seems far off.....We are finite and can't see beyond today for the most part, but God is infinite, and knows all things. But the hope is this.....that even when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, you know it is there! And you WILL see it, because God has promised, and His promises are true.
"When?" will the comfort come? When will the end of the turmoil come about? How long?
Though I am suffering, I will not forget God's statutes.
**illustration about the wineskins...... when exposed to smoke, the wineskin would become dried up and shriveled, and both the skin and the wine would be wasted.
The Psalmist says even when I am like that smoke exposed wineskin, I will not forget God's laws.
Even when I can't see that light at the end of the tunnel, I will act like I know it is there. I am sure of it.
****Worship
We sang Hymn 16 in the Trinity Hymnal....and as I read the words during the time for meditation, I figured it was from a Psalm. Turns out it is Psalm 98.
The men sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" How I love that hymn! What a reminder of His greatness, and His love for us.
Sermon: Joshua 1:1-9 Pastor Billy. Transitions.
God is giving them the land because He chose them and promised to give it to them. It is implied that it won't be easy. If it were going to be easy, why would Joshua need to be admonished to be strong and courageous? This is repeated even. But even though God was giving it to them, there were requirements of them. They needed to persevere, follow, trust, and obey. He will fight for them as they move forward in obedience. Faithful attendance to God's Word is required:
Know God's Word. Know the Law.....Know the promises......and remember the past....all that He has done. This enables us to be strong and courageous. We are to read God's word and know it, remember the past, and meditate on both. Think of it all the time.....in every situation. Think of it, talk of it, pray it, listen to it.
Sunday evening: Pastor Henry. Titus 2:11-15. The grace of God appeared once to us in the humble form of a babe in a manger, and a man without a place to call home, who was put to death on a cross. But He will appear again....in clouds of glory!
Grace is our teacher......teaching (training) us to "renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
"Blessed hope" of His next appearing. We know it will happen, even though we haven't seen it yet. Not a wish....but a sure knowledge.
God made me......a distinction is drawn between the creator and the created. If He made me, surely He can best teach me and enable me to understand His law and statutes. Please give me understanding!
God's ways are righteous, NOT the ways of the world. God convicts us through affliction, but in His steadfast love there is comfort.
Mercy! Help me live well, according to Your Law. Let those who do not live by Your law be shamed. (this is not an evil thing to pray, provided the motive and feeling behind it is to see God's name glorified, and that the evil itself be put down. This isn't a motive of vengeance or a personal desire to delight in another's demise.)
Even when I am hurt by them, I will still delight in Your Word, oh Lord. I will meditate on it.
May I be an example of one who knows and lives by Your Word. I don't want to be shamed because I fail to know it or live accordingly.
I long for Your salvation....the end of turmoil. The only hope is found in God's Word....His great promises to His children. But sometimes it seems far off.....We are finite and can't see beyond today for the most part, but God is infinite, and knows all things. But the hope is this.....that even when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, you know it is there! And you WILL see it, because God has promised, and His promises are true.
"When?" will the comfort come? When will the end of the turmoil come about? How long?
Though I am suffering, I will not forget God's statutes.
**illustration about the wineskins...... when exposed to smoke, the wineskin would become dried up and shriveled, and both the skin and the wine would be wasted.
The Psalmist says even when I am like that smoke exposed wineskin, I will not forget God's laws.
Even when I can't see that light at the end of the tunnel, I will act like I know it is there. I am sure of it.
****Worship
We sang Hymn 16 in the Trinity Hymnal....and as I read the words during the time for meditation, I figured it was from a Psalm. Turns out it is Psalm 98.
The men sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" How I love that hymn! What a reminder of His greatness, and His love for us.
Sermon: Joshua 1:1-9 Pastor Billy. Transitions.
God is giving them the land because He chose them and promised to give it to them. It is implied that it won't be easy. If it were going to be easy, why would Joshua need to be admonished to be strong and courageous? This is repeated even. But even though God was giving it to them, there were requirements of them. They needed to persevere, follow, trust, and obey. He will fight for them as they move forward in obedience. Faithful attendance to God's Word is required:
Know God's Word. Know the Law.....Know the promises......and remember the past....all that He has done. This enables us to be strong and courageous. We are to read God's word and know it, remember the past, and meditate on both. Think of it all the time.....in every situation. Think of it, talk of it, pray it, listen to it.
Sunday evening: Pastor Henry. Titus 2:11-15. The grace of God appeared once to us in the humble form of a babe in a manger, and a man without a place to call home, who was put to death on a cross. But He will appear again....in clouds of glory!
Grace is our teacher......teaching (training) us to "renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
"Blessed hope" of His next appearing. We know it will happen, even though we haven't seen it yet. Not a wish....but a sure knowledge.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Psalm 66
Late post for yesterday......Good fellowship had over a game of cards and a late night (into the morning....) talk with a friend.
Psalm 66 is about both personal and corporate worship.......praising God's greatness, power, both national and personal deliverance, and forgiveness of sin.
When we think of God's greatness.....Who He is and all He's done, both historically and personally, what is our reaction and demeanor? The Psalmist calls for shouts of joy and singing 'out' his honor. Knowledge of the Holy One elicits an outpouring of worship.
Because of His greatness, all earth will worship Him. He is the one true and living God. Israel knows that one day all the pagan nations will recognize that their God reigns.
Remember.......how he brought them out of Egypt by great and mighty works, and brought them over dry land through the middle of the Red Sea. Have you ever watched a lake or river bed go dry? It takes a l-o-n-g time for the muck and mire to dry out once the standing water is gone. God did this in a matter of a day. He pushed the waters back and dried the ground so that thousands of Israelites could pass through. The rebellious (Egyptians) who chased them certainly didn't exult as God overthrew them there!
Remember.......How He has kept you....and promised that you will not be moved
Remember how He has tested and tried you......through many afflictions that were for your good.....to bring you to rich fulfillment. He tried us as silver is refined to remove the dross, leaving pure silver.
Remembering all of these things elicits an awe and reverence that must be acted upon, in the OT with sacrifices ordained by God. Now, a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and a life that is a living sacrifice is called for. And a voice that tells others what God has done.
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened......"
I like what R.C. Sproul says about this in his booklet "Does Prayer Change Things" page 67 ff.
He is speaking of the 'prohibitions of prayer' or hindrances to prayer.
".....could be translated if I had iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have heard." .....
laying down a condition under which his prayer not only would be ineffective but unheard. The Hebrew word translated 'cherished....(means) merely 'to see'. In other words if I look at my life and see sin and nurture it, my prayers are an exercise in futility.
Does that mean that f sin is present in our lives, God refuses to hear our prayers? No. If this were so, all prayer would be futile, However, if our hearts are hardened in a spirit of impenitence, our prayers are not only futile, but a mockery of God. "
After giving us a reason that the verses of joy preceding this verse could have been vastly different.....David acknowledges that God has heard his prayer and has saved him. Realizing his sinful nature that deserves none of God's attention.....he is in awe that God, in his great mercy, has not turned away from him.
Psalm 66 is about both personal and corporate worship.......praising God's greatness, power, both national and personal deliverance, and forgiveness of sin.
When we think of God's greatness.....Who He is and all He's done, both historically and personally, what is our reaction and demeanor? The Psalmist calls for shouts of joy and singing 'out' his honor. Knowledge of the Holy One elicits an outpouring of worship.
Because of His greatness, all earth will worship Him. He is the one true and living God. Israel knows that one day all the pagan nations will recognize that their God reigns.
Remember.......how he brought them out of Egypt by great and mighty works, and brought them over dry land through the middle of the Red Sea. Have you ever watched a lake or river bed go dry? It takes a l-o-n-g time for the muck and mire to dry out once the standing water is gone. God did this in a matter of a day. He pushed the waters back and dried the ground so that thousands of Israelites could pass through. The rebellious (Egyptians) who chased them certainly didn't exult as God overthrew them there!
Remember.......How He has kept you....and promised that you will not be moved
Remember how He has tested and tried you......through many afflictions that were for your good.....to bring you to rich fulfillment. He tried us as silver is refined to remove the dross, leaving pure silver.
Remembering all of these things elicits an awe and reverence that must be acted upon, in the OT with sacrifices ordained by God. Now, a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and a life that is a living sacrifice is called for. And a voice that tells others what God has done.
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened......"
I like what R.C. Sproul says about this in his booklet "Does Prayer Change Things" page 67 ff.
He is speaking of the 'prohibitions of prayer' or hindrances to prayer.
".....could be translated if I had iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have heard." .....
laying down a condition under which his prayer not only would be ineffective but unheard. The Hebrew word translated 'cherished....(means) merely 'to see'. In other words if I look at my life and see sin and nurture it, my prayers are an exercise in futility.
Does that mean that f sin is present in our lives, God refuses to hear our prayers? No. If this were so, all prayer would be futile, However, if our hearts are hardened in a spirit of impenitence, our prayers are not only futile, but a mockery of God. "
After giving us a reason that the verses of joy preceding this verse could have been vastly different.....David acknowledges that God has heard his prayer and has saved him. Realizing his sinful nature that deserves none of God's attention.....he is in awe that God, in his great mercy, has not turned away from him.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Psalm 65
Our great and awesome God!
It seems to me that David is anticipating corporate worship.....where he (and others?) will pay the vow of public praise to God for all that He has done. He will be praised! Not only for physical, but spiritual blessings.
Spiritually: He provides atonement for sin an forgives. He hears our prayer.
He chose us! and causes us to draw near to Him.
He will satisfy us. He will answer us with awesome deeds.
He is the one God over all, rather than being limited to one people group as the pagan gods.
He is great over all the earth.....He established the mountains, stills the seas, and the peoples.
He created all and sustains all.
He is visible to all the ends of the earth, ruling and establishing the day and the night, providing rains that nourish and abundance of food.
Think of the pagan religions that surrounded them......their gods didn't choose them.....nor do they hear prayer. Nor do they forgive and atone for sin. I am reminded of the showdown between Elijah and the priests of Baal.....how they ranted and raved and acted like madmen to get the attention of their god....to no avail. Elijah, however, prayed to the God who hears.
Their gods were limited in scope and power. The one true and living God is not.
~~~~~~
I am sure I've seen it before, but this is the first OT reference that has jumped out at me about God's choosing us. This has been a big theme for me lately. God reminds me daily that He chose me, not base on any of my own merits like looks, or character, but because He loves me, unconditionally.....unlike anyone on earth can do. I didn't have to win His attention, or fight to keep it. He provides for me better than anyone or even I can do. He cares for me perfectly....always with my good in mind. This is overwhelming to me at times. How can I be discontent? Father, help me to always dwell on these things.......
It seems to me that David is anticipating corporate worship.....where he (and others?) will pay the vow of public praise to God for all that He has done. He will be praised! Not only for physical, but spiritual blessings.
Spiritually: He provides atonement for sin an forgives. He hears our prayer.
He chose us! and causes us to draw near to Him.
He will satisfy us. He will answer us with awesome deeds.
He is the one God over all, rather than being limited to one people group as the pagan gods.
He is great over all the earth.....He established the mountains, stills the seas, and the peoples.
He created all and sustains all.
He is visible to all the ends of the earth, ruling and establishing the day and the night, providing rains that nourish and abundance of food.
Think of the pagan religions that surrounded them......their gods didn't choose them.....nor do they hear prayer. Nor do they forgive and atone for sin. I am reminded of the showdown between Elijah and the priests of Baal.....how they ranted and raved and acted like madmen to get the attention of their god....to no avail. Elijah, however, prayed to the God who hears.
Their gods were limited in scope and power. The one true and living God is not.
~~~~~~
I am sure I've seen it before, but this is the first OT reference that has jumped out at me about God's choosing us. This has been a big theme for me lately. God reminds me daily that He chose me, not base on any of my own merits like looks, or character, but because He loves me, unconditionally.....unlike anyone on earth can do. I didn't have to win His attention, or fight to keep it. He provides for me better than anyone or even I can do. He cares for me perfectly....always with my good in mind. This is overwhelming to me at times. How can I be discontent? Father, help me to always dwell on these things.......
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Psalm 64
I was thinking this morning about the gift of song. How wonderful that David had the gift of poetry and music to express his deepest feelings. What an encouragement they are! I wish we could know the tunes to these song.....as music so often lends to the meaning and feeling of the words.
Here David is lamenting the assault of the wicked primarily with their words.
Before anything else, he runs to God for help....asking that fear of them or their success not overwhelm or immobilize him. God is his refuge.....a very present help in trouble.....and He is implored to hide and protect from the bitter words that work like arrows.
He describes a scene of ambush, as they, like a hunter, quietly and stealthily draw the bow and fit the arrow to shoot at the unsuspecting, innocent target. They have put much thought and effort into the plan, and feel no shame or regret. Indeed they convince themselves that God does not see, and take pride in their abilities.
Suddenly, they shoot! (v.4b)
then........
Suddenly, God shoots them, and they are wounded! (v.7b)
Indeed, He does see, and indeed their abilities have failed them. They didn't count on God intervening. He uses their own words to take them down.
All will see His judgement upon them, and this will elicit a proper fear and awe of Him.
The righteous will be glad when they see God's judgement upon the enemy. Not because of a desire to see the demise of another, but because God, their refuge, is trustworthy.
He is true to His word, and steadfast in His love.
Here David is lamenting the assault of the wicked primarily with their words.
Before anything else, he runs to God for help....asking that fear of them or their success not overwhelm or immobilize him. God is his refuge.....a very present help in trouble.....and He is implored to hide and protect from the bitter words that work like arrows.
He describes a scene of ambush, as they, like a hunter, quietly and stealthily draw the bow and fit the arrow to shoot at the unsuspecting, innocent target. They have put much thought and effort into the plan, and feel no shame or regret. Indeed they convince themselves that God does not see, and take pride in their abilities.
Suddenly, they shoot! (v.4b)
then........
Suddenly, God shoots them, and they are wounded! (v.7b)
Indeed, He does see, and indeed their abilities have failed them. They didn't count on God intervening. He uses their own words to take them down.
All will see His judgement upon them, and this will elicit a proper fear and awe of Him.
The righteous will be glad when they see God's judgement upon the enemy. Not because of a desire to see the demise of another, but because God, their refuge, is trustworthy.
He is true to His word, and steadfast in His love.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Psalm 63
Reference II Sam 16:14, 17:2, 7-29.
The title indicates a time of fleeing once again.....this time from his own son, Absalom. (references provided by the RSB). Absalom has very craftily won the hearts of the people against his father, the king, and has risen up against David, who, with his household and faithful followers, has fled to the wilderness. The verses above speak of God's provision for them there.
Hungry and thirsty, weary to the bone, David likens his physical state to his spiritual. Like one longs for water and rest to survive, so his soul longs for God. This life can indeed be a dry and weary place.
He has known God......met with Him in the Sanctuary.....His dwelling place with mankind at that time. David knows God's power and glory, and as a result he can say that the love of God is better than even life. How much more should our souls long for Him than for the temporal things that so readily steal our affections!
David's soul is satisfied by Go's rich love. He thinks on this in the night when sleep won't come. He remembers God's past help and provision, and will rest under His protection now.
"My soul clings to You"........I picture a small child clinging to his parent's leg when he is unsure of his surroundings, or when he feels threatened.
The wicked have no hope. They do not cling to what is good, right and true. All they know is what they can see and touch and hold. But all their boasts will be silenced, while the voice of the upright will sing praises and rejoice in the salvation of God.
The title indicates a time of fleeing once again.....this time from his own son, Absalom. (references provided by the RSB). Absalom has very craftily won the hearts of the people against his father, the king, and has risen up against David, who, with his household and faithful followers, has fled to the wilderness. The verses above speak of God's provision for them there.
Hungry and thirsty, weary to the bone, David likens his physical state to his spiritual. Like one longs for water and rest to survive, so his soul longs for God. This life can indeed be a dry and weary place.
He has known God......met with Him in the Sanctuary.....His dwelling place with mankind at that time. David knows God's power and glory, and as a result he can say that the love of God is better than even life. How much more should our souls long for Him than for the temporal things that so readily steal our affections!
David's soul is satisfied by Go's rich love. He thinks on this in the night when sleep won't come. He remembers God's past help and provision, and will rest under His protection now.
"My soul clings to You"........I picture a small child clinging to his parent's leg when he is unsure of his surroundings, or when he feels threatened.
The wicked have no hope. They do not cling to what is good, right and true. All they know is what they can see and touch and hold. But all their boasts will be silenced, while the voice of the upright will sing praises and rejoice in the salvation of God.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Psalm 62
God alone. God only.
God alone and God only is the psalmist's sure, steady rock and fortress. He will wait on God "in silence", so confident is he in God's word that no begging or pleading to be done. There is no scrambling to try to please Him as the pagan worshipers do for their false gods. No, he will wait....confident that God is true, and he will not be moved.
Enemies will still come at him. They are two-faced......speaking one thing and doing another. Thy are full of deceit.
But God alone, God only, is whom the psalmist turn to and relies upon for help.
Trust Him! Pour out your heart to Him! He is a refuge for you!
All are equally dependent on Him.....the poor, the rich.....all measure equally in their lack of real significance apart from God.
All of the plans of man for success will fail: oppression, robbery, wealth, etc. Don't put your hope in these things.
It is a very sure thing: God alone has power to save us.
Again, He sees. He hears. And He will render to each according to his work.
God alone and God only is the psalmist's sure, steady rock and fortress. He will wait on God "in silence", so confident is he in God's word that no begging or pleading to be done. There is no scrambling to try to please Him as the pagan worshipers do for their false gods. No, he will wait....confident that God is true, and he will not be moved.
Enemies will still come at him. They are two-faced......speaking one thing and doing another. Thy are full of deceit.
But God alone, God only, is whom the psalmist turn to and relies upon for help.
Trust Him! Pour out your heart to Him! He is a refuge for you!
All are equally dependent on Him.....the poor, the rich.....all measure equally in their lack of real significance apart from God.
All of the plans of man for success will fail: oppression, robbery, wealth, etc. Don't put your hope in these things.
It is a very sure thing: God alone has power to save us.
Again, He sees. He hears. And He will render to each according to his work.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, May 11, 2014
Sunday School:
Psalm 119:57-72 HETH and TETH
HETH: The psalmist speaks of a very deep seated committment to follow God's law, but acknowledges that he couldn't do that until he examined his ways (prompted first by the Law) and realized his need for help. He is not superficial about it. He knows his sin, and the need to live by God's Word. Deep thinking and examining his ways against God's precepts resulted in a need to obey quickly. His ways changed as a result of his mind being renewed.
Even in times of overwhelming trouble, he will not forget God's law. "At midnight" indicates an all-encompassing attitude of praise and submission to God.....It is not just at set times or places. His whole life is involved....all the time, in all realms. His primary contacts are those who are like minded.
TETH: God is good.He teaches us good judgement and knowledge through His law. His promises are good....all the time. The Psalmist recognizes God's goodness and teaching even through affliction. He uses trials to bring us back to good standing when we have gone astray, and He uses affliction to appropriate His law in our lives. Seeing this, he calls on God to teach him.
The insolent and arrogant have seared consciences that do not fear God. But the writer delights in God's law. He sees the good hand of God in the trials he has faced, for through them God teaches him to obey His law.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Worship: Henry Beaulieu, Psalm 130
The cry of one whose heart is broken before God. Not due to uncomfortable circumstances that he wishes to escape, but a heart that knows it's sinful state and helpless and hopeless condition apart from God's forgiveness.
He realizes his position and cries out from a desperate state. There is no hope, no forgiveness, apart from God's mercy, and without forgiveness, he is doomed.
One of my favorite passages: "If you, O Lord should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
but with you, there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning, more than the watchmen for the morning."
God's love is steadfast, constant, and true.....never wavering. And there is no limit to the forgiveness He offers. He will redeem His own.
How easy it is for me to lose sight of my own depravity.....to become puffed up and arrogant about my knowledge, good works, heritage, etc; to begin to feel self sufficient to a degree, even regarding my salvation. Oh God.....help me to never lose sight of my true state before You without your mercy and grace! My my heart ever cry to you for mercy because I know my true state without it. May I long for You like one longs for the dawn during a long, dark night,. And may I rejoice with the Psalmist in Your redemption and steadfast love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Afternoon spend reading/studying Kevin DeYoung: The Hole in our Holiness, chapter 2....the reason for redemption.
He redeemed us to make us holy. "The Bible could not be any clearer. The reason for your entire salvation, the design behind your deliverance, the purpose for which God chose you in the first place is holiness." (page 25-26)
While holiness is required for redemption. But he warns about a works based faith. Faith is the root from which the fruit of holiness springs. "The faith that joins you to Christ and makes you right with God is a faith that works itself out in love. On the last day, God will not acquit us because our works were good enough, but he will look for evidence that our good confession was not phony." We are saved to be transformed.
"we are commanded to be holy, saved to be holy, and in face, we must be holy if we are to inherit eternal life."
Psalm 119:57-72 HETH and TETH
HETH: The psalmist speaks of a very deep seated committment to follow God's law, but acknowledges that he couldn't do that until he examined his ways (prompted first by the Law) and realized his need for help. He is not superficial about it. He knows his sin, and the need to live by God's Word. Deep thinking and examining his ways against God's precepts resulted in a need to obey quickly. His ways changed as a result of his mind being renewed.
Even in times of overwhelming trouble, he will not forget God's law. "At midnight" indicates an all-encompassing attitude of praise and submission to God.....It is not just at set times or places. His whole life is involved....all the time, in all realms. His primary contacts are those who are like minded.
TETH: God is good.He teaches us good judgement and knowledge through His law. His promises are good....all the time. The Psalmist recognizes God's goodness and teaching even through affliction. He uses trials to bring us back to good standing when we have gone astray, and He uses affliction to appropriate His law in our lives. Seeing this, he calls on God to teach him.
The insolent and arrogant have seared consciences that do not fear God. But the writer delights in God's law. He sees the good hand of God in the trials he has faced, for through them God teaches him to obey His law.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Worship: Henry Beaulieu, Psalm 130
The cry of one whose heart is broken before God. Not due to uncomfortable circumstances that he wishes to escape, but a heart that knows it's sinful state and helpless and hopeless condition apart from God's forgiveness.
He realizes his position and cries out from a desperate state. There is no hope, no forgiveness, apart from God's mercy, and without forgiveness, he is doomed.
One of my favorite passages: "If you, O Lord should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
but with you, there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning, more than the watchmen for the morning."
God's love is steadfast, constant, and true.....never wavering. And there is no limit to the forgiveness He offers. He will redeem His own.
How easy it is for me to lose sight of my own depravity.....to become puffed up and arrogant about my knowledge, good works, heritage, etc; to begin to feel self sufficient to a degree, even regarding my salvation. Oh God.....help me to never lose sight of my true state before You without your mercy and grace! My my heart ever cry to you for mercy because I know my true state without it. May I long for You like one longs for the dawn during a long, dark night,. And may I rejoice with the Psalmist in Your redemption and steadfast love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Afternoon spend reading/studying Kevin DeYoung: The Hole in our Holiness, chapter 2....the reason for redemption.
He redeemed us to make us holy. "The Bible could not be any clearer. The reason for your entire salvation, the design behind your deliverance, the purpose for which God chose you in the first place is holiness." (page 25-26)
While holiness is required for redemption. But he warns about a works based faith. Faith is the root from which the fruit of holiness springs. "The faith that joins you to Christ and makes you right with God is a faith that works itself out in love. On the last day, God will not acquit us because our works were good enough, but he will look for evidence that our good confession was not phony." We are saved to be transformed.
"we are commanded to be holy, saved to be holy, and in face, we must be holy if we are to inherit eternal life."
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Psalm 61
Past, present and future.
David calls upon the God who has been his strong tower and refuge in the past to be his present help, and looks to the future, and the eternal reign of Christ.
In verse 2 he calls to God 'from the end of the earth.' He is far from home, it seems. Perhaps a military conquest. Other Psalms speak of the wicked as feeling as if God doesn't see or hear them, so they are comfortable with their evil ways. But the upright know that He sees and hears all.....and indeed we cannot even hide from Him in the deepest part of the sea. David might be far from home, but he knows that God is still there, still the same refuge and strong tower. When his heart is 'faint', or 'overwhelmed' as one translation reads, he knows where to run for help.
God's scope of knowledge is not limited by time or space. Wherever we are, no matter how weak our cry....He sees and hears, and will deliver.
"Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I".....speaks to me of dependence on God. He is a sure thing that cannot be moved. He provides shelter, and an inheritance, (or unlimited resources per the NKJV note) for His own. He promise is not limited by time and space either......it is everlasting.
Verses 6-8 appear to carry a messianic theme, perhaps? First it is a prayer for David himself, as the king, to be a strong, good king who will reign for a long time. But the language speaks of eternity too...."many generations", "forever".
Verse 8 struck me in a very interesting way with the above (eternity) in mind. In the ESV, it reads, "So I will ever sing praises to your name as I perform my vows day after day." Immediately my mind got stuck on the 'day after day' part and I thought of the monotony that seems to cripple my worship at times. Day after day, I do the same thing, pray the same prayers it seems, do the work that God has called me to. And sometimes,it seems as if I am spinning my wheels, and going nowhere. It all seems to be for naught, though I know better. It becomes hard to do the things I know to do (pray, serve others, prepare for and attend worship), but the joy is lacking.There can be many reasons for this.....but I need to look to David's example here. He's learned to focus instead on the truth that he knows..... If this is what he has in mind, he's learned to focus on the eternal, not the present. " Day after day" is so finite.....while eternity is, well, not. God's kingdom expands beyond the realm of the finite that I know and that limits me in every way. And with that in mind, I can do what I need to do, day in and day out, with joy in my heart and praises on my tongue for all that God has done.
I'll also note that the NKJV reads this way, "......that I may daily perform my vows." Read this way, my mind goes to commitment......a steadfast, unwavering faithfulness to serve the Lord with gladness
David calls upon the God who has been his strong tower and refuge in the past to be his present help, and looks to the future, and the eternal reign of Christ.
In verse 2 he calls to God 'from the end of the earth.' He is far from home, it seems. Perhaps a military conquest. Other Psalms speak of the wicked as feeling as if God doesn't see or hear them, so they are comfortable with their evil ways. But the upright know that He sees and hears all.....and indeed we cannot even hide from Him in the deepest part of the sea. David might be far from home, but he knows that God is still there, still the same refuge and strong tower. When his heart is 'faint', or 'overwhelmed' as one translation reads, he knows where to run for help.
God's scope of knowledge is not limited by time or space. Wherever we are, no matter how weak our cry....He sees and hears, and will deliver.
"Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I".....speaks to me of dependence on God. He is a sure thing that cannot be moved. He provides shelter, and an inheritance, (or unlimited resources per the NKJV note) for His own. He promise is not limited by time and space either......it is everlasting.
Verses 6-8 appear to carry a messianic theme, perhaps? First it is a prayer for David himself, as the king, to be a strong, good king who will reign for a long time. But the language speaks of eternity too...."many generations", "forever".
Verse 8 struck me in a very interesting way with the above (eternity) in mind. In the ESV, it reads, "So I will ever sing praises to your name as I perform my vows day after day." Immediately my mind got stuck on the 'day after day' part and I thought of the monotony that seems to cripple my worship at times. Day after day, I do the same thing, pray the same prayers it seems, do the work that God has called me to. And sometimes,it seems as if I am spinning my wheels, and going nowhere. It all seems to be for naught, though I know better. It becomes hard to do the things I know to do (pray, serve others, prepare for and attend worship), but the joy is lacking.There can be many reasons for this.....but I need to look to David's example here. He's learned to focus instead on the truth that he knows..... If this is what he has in mind, he's learned to focus on the eternal, not the present. " Day after day" is so finite.....while eternity is, well, not. God's kingdom expands beyond the realm of the finite that I know and that limits me in every way. And with that in mind, I can do what I need to do, day in and day out, with joy in my heart and praises on my tongue for all that God has done.
I'll also note that the NKJV reads this way, "......that I may daily perform my vows." Read this way, my mind goes to commitment......a steadfast, unwavering faithfulness to serve the Lord with gladness
Friday, May 9, 2014
Psalm 60
Setbacks.
The title indicates that this is a teaching song. It references events in II Sam 8 and I Chron. 18. The historical books relate victory in specific battles, but the Psalm indicates that there were setbacks along the way.
First, note that throughout the song, God is recognized as sovereign. He is 'credited' with the setbacks.....He has withdrawn His hand from them due to some sin. He is displeased. Verse 2 indicates an earthquake and confusion among the people. (actual earthquake, or equating the state of the nation to the damage and confusion caused by an earthquake?)
He is also credited with using the setbacks to teach Israel hard lessons.
Then in the end God is credited with the promised victory.
God has rejected them, it seems. He is angry, and has allowed their defenses to fail. (v1-3)
But.....He has 'set up a banner' for those who fear Him.....Flee to the truth....and He will deliver and save. They have His promises......take hold of them! (v4-5)
God sends a word of hope.....He will be victorious for them! Several specific locations are mentioned.....over which He will show His sovereignty.
God......and God alone.....will lead them to victory. "The help of man is useless."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````
What was their sin? Relying on their own military strength and prowess to win the war?
Going into war without seeking God's wisdom and help first?
Taking pride in their own might and intelligence, rather than giving credit to God?
Relying on the help of other nations, perhaps, in dealing with the enemies at hand?
So what are my sins? I don't fight military battles, but struggles in life can be equated to them!
Where to I run for help?
my own understanding?
money and provisions?
worldly wisdom?
the counsel of friends?
Or......do I run to the Lord in prayer, meditating on His Word, or counsel from church leadership?
(oh such a hard prayer to pray!......) Lord teach me where You are displeased with me. Help me to get it quickly! Lead me in victory, for my own efforts are fruitless, and indeed harmful.
And thank You......for Your sovereignty......Your hand in all things.....that teach me and make me more like You.
The title indicates that this is a teaching song. It references events in II Sam 8 and I Chron. 18. The historical books relate victory in specific battles, but the Psalm indicates that there were setbacks along the way.
First, note that throughout the song, God is recognized as sovereign. He is 'credited' with the setbacks.....He has withdrawn His hand from them due to some sin. He is displeased. Verse 2 indicates an earthquake and confusion among the people. (actual earthquake, or equating the state of the nation to the damage and confusion caused by an earthquake?)
He is also credited with using the setbacks to teach Israel hard lessons.
Then in the end God is credited with the promised victory.
God has rejected them, it seems. He is angry, and has allowed their defenses to fail. (v1-3)
But.....He has 'set up a banner' for those who fear Him.....Flee to the truth....and He will deliver and save. They have His promises......take hold of them! (v4-5)
God sends a word of hope.....He will be victorious for them! Several specific locations are mentioned.....over which He will show His sovereignty.
God......and God alone.....will lead them to victory. "The help of man is useless."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````
What was their sin? Relying on their own military strength and prowess to win the war?
Going into war without seeking God's wisdom and help first?
Taking pride in their own might and intelligence, rather than giving credit to God?
Relying on the help of other nations, perhaps, in dealing with the enemies at hand?
So what are my sins? I don't fight military battles, but struggles in life can be equated to them!
Where to I run for help?
my own understanding?
money and provisions?
worldly wisdom?
the counsel of friends?
Or......do I run to the Lord in prayer, meditating on His Word, or counsel from church leadership?
(oh such a hard prayer to pray!......) Lord teach me where You are displeased with me. Help me to get it quickly! Lead me in victory, for my own efforts are fruitless, and indeed harmful.
And thank You......for Your sovereignty......Your hand in all things.....that teach me and make me more like You.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Psalm 59
A song in the night.
This was written when Saul sent men to watch David's house, so that they might kill him.
Reference I Samuel 19. This event happened early in the Saul/David saga.
David is a part of Saul's household; his son-in-law, a mighty warrior of his army, and a comfort to Saul with his music. But Saul is jealous of his might and good standing with the people, and hates him. Sudden outbursts are frequent. This night, David escaped from Saul when he sought to pin him to a wall with a spear. He flees to his own house, where his wife, Saul's own daughter, urges him to flee. She helps him escape and arranges the bed to look as if he is there. Saul sends his henchmen to watch the house and capture David, but when, by morning he isn't found, they enter his home, to find that he's escaped.
There is a curious bone in my body that wants to know exactly when this song was written. Was it in hindsight, after the fact? Was is during that long night, knowing his life was in grave danger? Or was is after he fled his house and found momentary respite with Samuel the prophet?
In prayer, David describes the problem first, as is his habit in the Psalms. Bloodthirsty workers of iniquity rise up against him. They scheme against him; they watch for opportunity to take him.....and he's done nothing to warrant such treatment!
While acknowledging God's sovereignty and faithfulness to keep His promises to keep and deliver his own.....David asks Him to act....quickly. "Awake!" he cries. "Show them no mercy!"
They pursue David relentlessly, thinking that they are getting away with it, and realizing no wrong in themselves. But God hears. He sees. And He will act. So, David will wait on Him.....God of mercy and his defense. This is "an expression of complete trust" (NKJV note on 25:21)
He asks that all might see and know the demise of his enemies, as a lesson regarding judgement. Bring them down by their own devices, and teach them that God does see and hear, and He rules.
And as David so beautifully does time after time.....he ends the lament with a song of joy......He will remember God's mercy and power, and how He has been his defense and refuge.
Again, I don't know enemies like David did,.....but I can learn a lesson here. To wait on the Lord, patiently, (that's the hard part!), and always, always, sing of His mighty deeds.
This was written when Saul sent men to watch David's house, so that they might kill him.
Reference I Samuel 19. This event happened early in the Saul/David saga.
David is a part of Saul's household; his son-in-law, a mighty warrior of his army, and a comfort to Saul with his music. But Saul is jealous of his might and good standing with the people, and hates him. Sudden outbursts are frequent. This night, David escaped from Saul when he sought to pin him to a wall with a spear. He flees to his own house, where his wife, Saul's own daughter, urges him to flee. She helps him escape and arranges the bed to look as if he is there. Saul sends his henchmen to watch the house and capture David, but when, by morning he isn't found, they enter his home, to find that he's escaped.
There is a curious bone in my body that wants to know exactly when this song was written. Was it in hindsight, after the fact? Was is during that long night, knowing his life was in grave danger? Or was is after he fled his house and found momentary respite with Samuel the prophet?
In prayer, David describes the problem first, as is his habit in the Psalms. Bloodthirsty workers of iniquity rise up against him. They scheme against him; they watch for opportunity to take him.....and he's done nothing to warrant such treatment!
While acknowledging God's sovereignty and faithfulness to keep His promises to keep and deliver his own.....David asks Him to act....quickly. "Awake!" he cries. "Show them no mercy!"
They pursue David relentlessly, thinking that they are getting away with it, and realizing no wrong in themselves. But God hears. He sees. And He will act. So, David will wait on Him.....God of mercy and his defense. This is "an expression of complete trust" (NKJV note on 25:21)
He asks that all might see and know the demise of his enemies, as a lesson regarding judgement. Bring them down by their own devices, and teach them that God does see and hear, and He rules.
And as David so beautifully does time after time.....he ends the lament with a song of joy......He will remember God's mercy and power, and how He has been his defense and refuge.
Again, I don't know enemies like David did,.....but I can learn a lesson here. To wait on the Lord, patiently, (that's the hard part!), and always, always, sing of His mighty deeds.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Psalm 58
A song of David speaking against the wicked rulers, or judges.
The word translated 'gods' in the ESV is also translated 'silent ones', or 'mighty lords'.
David asks,"Do you speak truth? Do you judge rightly?"
No! Instead there is deceit and violence. David notes that we are all sinful from birth (reference Psalm 51, where he claims this of himself also). The wicked never hear God's voice because they stop up their ears and turn away. The wicked judges are like poisonous snakes, with no restraints.
I think of Jesus' words to the wicked religious rulers of His day....."You brood of vipers!"
Their misleading of the people stirs a righteous anger in David--a strong reaction against anything opposite God's Truth.
Indeed he prays violence upon them! "Break their teeth!". Make them lame and unable to do damage! May they 'vanish' like water that runs down the stream. Or like a snail that leaves a slimy path as he goes, dissolving slowly. Or like a stillborn child who never sees the sun.
God's judgement upon them will be swift when it comes, and will be sure. The swiftness of His judgement is likened to a pot set to boil with thorns as fuel for the fire. Thorns are swift burning, and quick to heat the pot.....Judgement will be quicker than that. Before the pot can get hot, God's judgement will come!
The righteous will rejoice to see God's judgement on the wicked. All earth will recognize that He does indeed reward the right, and judge the earth.
Of note......I have been thinking about the 'imprecatory' nature of some parts of the Psalms. The song writer is praying for harm to come to the enemy. Sometimes in very graphic and harsh terms! This seems wrong. But.....I think the difference lies in the motive for praying this way. Is it born out of a very fleshly and sinful desire for harm to come to someone? Out of vengeance in our own hearts? or bitterness? or just sheer anger? Or is it born of the knowledge that our God is Truth, and righteousness, and because we love Him, we cannot stand to see Him mocked, mistreated, etc. Is our desire for judgement on the enemies for our benefit, to satisfy a sinful desire in our hearts, or is it for His benefit? Even, however, praying this kind of prayer, we see that He is sovereign, He will care for His own, and judge the earth. I think before we pray this way, we need to weigh our motives.
Today, still, we have so many religious leaders who mislead the Church. God's Word has some harsh things to say about these. Oh Father, help us to know your Word, and to recognize untruth when we see it.
The word translated 'gods' in the ESV is also translated 'silent ones', or 'mighty lords'.
David asks,"Do you speak truth? Do you judge rightly?"
No! Instead there is deceit and violence. David notes that we are all sinful from birth (reference Psalm 51, where he claims this of himself also). The wicked never hear God's voice because they stop up their ears and turn away. The wicked judges are like poisonous snakes, with no restraints.
I think of Jesus' words to the wicked religious rulers of His day....."You brood of vipers!"
Their misleading of the people stirs a righteous anger in David--a strong reaction against anything opposite God's Truth.
Indeed he prays violence upon them! "Break their teeth!". Make them lame and unable to do damage! May they 'vanish' like water that runs down the stream. Or like a snail that leaves a slimy path as he goes, dissolving slowly. Or like a stillborn child who never sees the sun.
God's judgement upon them will be swift when it comes, and will be sure. The swiftness of His judgement is likened to a pot set to boil with thorns as fuel for the fire. Thorns are swift burning, and quick to heat the pot.....Judgement will be quicker than that. Before the pot can get hot, God's judgement will come!
The righteous will rejoice to see God's judgement on the wicked. All earth will recognize that He does indeed reward the right, and judge the earth.
Of note......I have been thinking about the 'imprecatory' nature of some parts of the Psalms. The song writer is praying for harm to come to the enemy. Sometimes in very graphic and harsh terms! This seems wrong. But.....I think the difference lies in the motive for praying this way. Is it born out of a very fleshly and sinful desire for harm to come to someone? Out of vengeance in our own hearts? or bitterness? or just sheer anger? Or is it born of the knowledge that our God is Truth, and righteousness, and because we love Him, we cannot stand to see Him mocked, mistreated, etc. Is our desire for judgement on the enemies for our benefit, to satisfy a sinful desire in our hearts, or is it for His benefit? Even, however, praying this kind of prayer, we see that He is sovereign, He will care for His own, and judge the earth. I think before we pray this way, we need to weigh our motives.
Today, still, we have so many religious leaders who mislead the Church. God's Word has some harsh things to say about these. Oh Father, help us to know your Word, and to recognize untruth when we see it.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Psalm 57
On the run..........
The song title speaks of the time when David was hiding from Saul in a cave. Reference I Samuel 22:1;, 24:1-3.
Mercy! David has fled for his life from Saul. First he went to Nob, where the priest provided him with food and weapons, and Deog the Edomite, a servant of Saul spotted him and reported back to Saul. He then fled to Gath, where he was in danger because of his reputation as a warrior, so he pretended maddness to escape them. Also, the Ziphites have betrayed him. Now he's hiding in a cave in the wilderness, pleading for mercy from God.
But note he doesn't just plead for mercy and leave it at that. He praises God, reiterating His attributes. God is his protector, refuge, defender, and provider. He does all things for David.
Like a baby bird is totally dependent on its mother for protection, so is David dependent on God. He depends on God to be true and merciful, to save him,.....to "reproach the one who would swallow" him up. It seems he is speaking specifically of Saul here.
Verses 4-6 speak of the magnitude of the evil around him. All around are those who slander and scheme, but David knows his God is greater still, and will be exalted above them all. Indeed his enemies will fall by the very schemes they have devised against him.
Unwavering, David will praise his God, even in the trying times. This is his norm.
He will 'waken the dawn' with singing and praise.......I see 2 possible applications for this. First, worship is the first order of the day. He is saying that he will waken with praise to God on his lips. Or......on sleepless nights of turmoil, when sleep won't come, and the dawn comes before sleep....he will be found praising God instead of fretting.
And his praise of the Almighty God won't be quiet.....but he will declare God's greatness to all!
The song title speaks of the time when David was hiding from Saul in a cave. Reference I Samuel 22:1;, 24:1-3.
Mercy! David has fled for his life from Saul. First he went to Nob, where the priest provided him with food and weapons, and Deog the Edomite, a servant of Saul spotted him and reported back to Saul. He then fled to Gath, where he was in danger because of his reputation as a warrior, so he pretended maddness to escape them. Also, the Ziphites have betrayed him. Now he's hiding in a cave in the wilderness, pleading for mercy from God.
But note he doesn't just plead for mercy and leave it at that. He praises God, reiterating His attributes. God is his protector, refuge, defender, and provider. He does all things for David.
Like a baby bird is totally dependent on its mother for protection, so is David dependent on God. He depends on God to be true and merciful, to save him,.....to "reproach the one who would swallow" him up. It seems he is speaking specifically of Saul here.
Verses 4-6 speak of the magnitude of the evil around him. All around are those who slander and scheme, but David knows his God is greater still, and will be exalted above them all. Indeed his enemies will fall by the very schemes they have devised against him.
Unwavering, David will praise his God, even in the trying times. This is his norm.
He will 'waken the dawn' with singing and praise.......I see 2 possible applications for this. First, worship is the first order of the day. He is saying that he will waken with praise to God on his lips. Or......on sleepless nights of turmoil, when sleep won't come, and the dawn comes before sleep....he will be found praising God instead of fretting.
And his praise of the Almighty God won't be quiet.....but he will declare God's greatness to all!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Psalm 56
A weary trust.
Per the title of this song, David has been captured by the Philistines in Gath. Per study notes, we don't really have a hard historical reference to this event.....the closest we have is the time David fled from Nob to Gath, but when he got there he was recognized and was suspect because of his reputation as a warrior. He realized that he was in danger, and pretended to be insane in order to escape. It isn't said that he was captured, but he was in danger.
No matter the details....David is one weary traveler. Fugitive is more like it. He's been on the run for a long time, and at every turn he is being watched, reported on, turned on, shot at (arrows!), lied about, and hunted. His tone in this song sounds so weary to me. He is tired of running, tired of the constant threat. Day in and day out, his enemy is before and behind him. Indeed, he flees one enemy only to land in the lap of another! David is afraid, and rightfully so!
But he recognizes the paralyzing effect of fear, and knows how to deal with it......"Trust in God robs fear of it's power over us." (NKJV study notes).
So, when he is afraid, he will trust in God. He will not let fear overwhelm and paralyze him. His trust is in God who is mightier than any enemy, whose word is true, whose love is steadfast. In light of God's greatness....any threat from man seems insignificant. If God is for him, who can stand against him?
When it seems that the evil will never, ever end.......day in and day out they come against him ruthlessly......David knows that God will cast down the enemy in due time. They will not stand.
He rests in the knowledge that God cares for him as a parent does a child. God sees his tears, hears his cries for help, knows the distress of his soul, and will deliver.
When he thinks of God....whose word can be trusted, again, the intent of the enemy against him seems far less frightening. When one trusts in God......what can man do to him?
David vows to offer thanks offerings to the God of his salvation.....who keeps his feet from stumbling so that he can stand before Him......and walk in the light of life.
This Psalm has been such a comfort to me in times of many tears. My enemies are nothing compared to David.....indeed my enemies are more internal than external. But God sees, He knows, He catches my tears in His bottle.....and He will deliver.
Per the title of this song, David has been captured by the Philistines in Gath. Per study notes, we don't really have a hard historical reference to this event.....the closest we have is the time David fled from Nob to Gath, but when he got there he was recognized and was suspect because of his reputation as a warrior. He realized that he was in danger, and pretended to be insane in order to escape. It isn't said that he was captured, but he was in danger.
No matter the details....David is one weary traveler. Fugitive is more like it. He's been on the run for a long time, and at every turn he is being watched, reported on, turned on, shot at (arrows!), lied about, and hunted. His tone in this song sounds so weary to me. He is tired of running, tired of the constant threat. Day in and day out, his enemy is before and behind him. Indeed, he flees one enemy only to land in the lap of another! David is afraid, and rightfully so!
But he recognizes the paralyzing effect of fear, and knows how to deal with it......"Trust in God robs fear of it's power over us." (NKJV study notes).
So, when he is afraid, he will trust in God. He will not let fear overwhelm and paralyze him. His trust is in God who is mightier than any enemy, whose word is true, whose love is steadfast. In light of God's greatness....any threat from man seems insignificant. If God is for him, who can stand against him?
When it seems that the evil will never, ever end.......day in and day out they come against him ruthlessly......David knows that God will cast down the enemy in due time. They will not stand.
He rests in the knowledge that God cares for him as a parent does a child. God sees his tears, hears his cries for help, knows the distress of his soul, and will deliver.
When he thinks of God....whose word can be trusted, again, the intent of the enemy against him seems far less frightening. When one trusts in God......what can man do to him?
David vows to offer thanks offerings to the God of his salvation.....who keeps his feet from stumbling so that he can stand before Him......and walk in the light of life.
This Psalm has been such a comfort to me in times of many tears. My enemies are nothing compared to David.....indeed my enemies are more internal than external. But God sees, He knows, He catches my tears in His bottle.....and He will deliver.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, May 4, 2014
Sunday School: Psalm 119:41-56 Hebrews letters Waw and Zayin.
Truth is found in the Word of God only. And God is faithful. So His Word can be trusted.
With God's help, the Psalmist says he will seek the wisdom there, and find the answer for those who reproach him. I think of other songs, in which the writer speaks of those who say to him, "Where is your God? Let Him come to help you!" They mock the troubles of the upright, while they seemingly prosper. Here the Psalmist says he will not be disappointed by God's Word.
"Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have trusted in Your ordinances...."
I am reminded of an earlier Psalm where David asks to not be ashamed because God doesn't do what He's said He will do. In other words, "I trust You. I have spoken of Your truth and promises and lovingkindness to everyone. If you don't come through, I will be ashamed." I am amazed that the psalmist can express this, and at the same time speak confidently of God's faithfulness and justice.
He is committed to study the law and do it, in spite of the mockery of those around him.
V. 45 ESV reads, "walk in a wide place." while the NKJV reads, "walk at liberty."
I am reminded of multiple psalms that speak of the upright being set in a broad place by God, because of their obedience and trust. A broad place........rather than the narrow, steep and often slippery road that carried the added danger of not being able to see dangers all around. In a broad place, the road is easier, less dangerous.
Verse 49-56, Zayin. Ask God to remember His promises....for they are the psalmists only hope, comfort and life. The Word comforts when trouble comes and there is no one else to help.
"I am angered by the wickedness of those who forsake God"......I remember Psalm 55 particularly.
Again (verse 51), he speaks of his commitment to God's Word......he will not turn aside from it!
"Your statutes have been my songs..." expressing emotion. But also using God's own word to worship Him......in everyday life.
"in the night"....speaks to me of times of trouble. The only reason to be up at night is trouble. Reference multiple other Psalms that speak of insomnia due to inner turmoil. But the Psalmist always rests only when he runs to God. He runs to God because he knows and keeps God's precepts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Worship: I Thessalonians 5:9-22
Salvation looks like a game of follow the leader. First we follow Christ, but second we are to follow the leaders God has set over us. .....
Salvation is through Christ only. His death was necessary for this, and because of this we will live with him, whether alive or dead. Death does not end our relationship with Him. Because we have this great and sure hope, we can encourage and build one another up.
A believer will have a proper view of authority. First and foremost, Christ is our Head. No me, myself or I. But Christ. Secondly, He has placed authorities over us in the church, whom we are to recognize, esteem very highly, and love. Added to that, we are to be at peace among ourselves. I think this is directly tied to the above......recognizing and esteeming those in authority.
While doing the above, we are to serve one another.....admonish the idle (don't turn a blind eye!), encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, not repay evil for evil, and seek to do good. Take an active role in the Body! (while following the leadership, and keeping peace).
An outflow of all this is that we can
rejoice always. This doesn't mean fake smiles and an altruistic, unreal attitude. It means the believer ALWAYS had a reason to rejoice, even in times of trouble. It means no grumbling or complaining, and not tearing the house down with your words/actions. (my take on it anyway!)
Pray without ceasing. Not just at church. Not just at bedtime or before meals. But that an attitude of speaking to God and listening to Him becomes the norm of the day. You to talk to and listen to those you love here on earth......how much more so your creator and savior!
In every thing give thanks,(or in every circumstance), for this is the will of God concerning you.
I used to think the "will" referred to the giving thanks. But I now think it referrs not only to that, but more so to the circumstances. He makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him, and that good is that we become more Christlike. He is sovereign, and there isn't a chance happening in our lives. Any circumstance we face is His will for us.
Be patient to all......remember the great mercy shown yourself. There is a reference that says that you will receive mercy in the same measure that you gave it to others. (ouch!)
Test everything......Know the Word, so that you will recognize untruth when it is spoken.
Do not quench the Spirit.......listen to Him and obey immediately when He brings the Word to your mind. Delayed obedience is disobedience. And it grieves Him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````
Evening Service. Psalm 134, a song of ascents.
Bart: "The Psalms are God's playlist. His favorites." Love it!
Truth is found in the Word of God only. And God is faithful. So His Word can be trusted.
With God's help, the Psalmist says he will seek the wisdom there, and find the answer for those who reproach him. I think of other songs, in which the writer speaks of those who say to him, "Where is your God? Let Him come to help you!" They mock the troubles of the upright, while they seemingly prosper. Here the Psalmist says he will not be disappointed by God's Word.
"Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have trusted in Your ordinances...."
I am reminded of an earlier Psalm where David asks to not be ashamed because God doesn't do what He's said He will do. In other words, "I trust You. I have spoken of Your truth and promises and lovingkindness to everyone. If you don't come through, I will be ashamed." I am amazed that the psalmist can express this, and at the same time speak confidently of God's faithfulness and justice.
He is committed to study the law and do it, in spite of the mockery of those around him.
V. 45 ESV reads, "walk in a wide place." while the NKJV reads, "walk at liberty."
I am reminded of multiple psalms that speak of the upright being set in a broad place by God, because of their obedience and trust. A broad place........rather than the narrow, steep and often slippery road that carried the added danger of not being able to see dangers all around. In a broad place, the road is easier, less dangerous.
Verse 49-56, Zayin. Ask God to remember His promises....for they are the psalmists only hope, comfort and life. The Word comforts when trouble comes and there is no one else to help.
"I am angered by the wickedness of those who forsake God"......I remember Psalm 55 particularly.
Again (verse 51), he speaks of his commitment to God's Word......he will not turn aside from it!
"Your statutes have been my songs..." expressing emotion. But also using God's own word to worship Him......in everyday life.
"in the night"....speaks to me of times of trouble. The only reason to be up at night is trouble. Reference multiple other Psalms that speak of insomnia due to inner turmoil. But the Psalmist always rests only when he runs to God. He runs to God because he knows and keeps God's precepts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Worship: I Thessalonians 5:9-22
Salvation looks like a game of follow the leader. First we follow Christ, but second we are to follow the leaders God has set over us. .....
Salvation is through Christ only. His death was necessary for this, and because of this we will live with him, whether alive or dead. Death does not end our relationship with Him. Because we have this great and sure hope, we can encourage and build one another up.
A believer will have a proper view of authority. First and foremost, Christ is our Head. No me, myself or I. But Christ. Secondly, He has placed authorities over us in the church, whom we are to recognize, esteem very highly, and love. Added to that, we are to be at peace among ourselves. I think this is directly tied to the above......recognizing and esteeming those in authority.
While doing the above, we are to serve one another.....admonish the idle (don't turn a blind eye!), encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, not repay evil for evil, and seek to do good. Take an active role in the Body! (while following the leadership, and keeping peace).
An outflow of all this is that we can
rejoice always. This doesn't mean fake smiles and an altruistic, unreal attitude. It means the believer ALWAYS had a reason to rejoice, even in times of trouble. It means no grumbling or complaining, and not tearing the house down with your words/actions. (my take on it anyway!)
Pray without ceasing. Not just at church. Not just at bedtime or before meals. But that an attitude of speaking to God and listening to Him becomes the norm of the day. You to talk to and listen to those you love here on earth......how much more so your creator and savior!
In every thing give thanks,(or in every circumstance), for this is the will of God concerning you.
I used to think the "will" referred to the giving thanks. But I now think it referrs not only to that, but more so to the circumstances. He makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him, and that good is that we become more Christlike. He is sovereign, and there isn't a chance happening in our lives. Any circumstance we face is His will for us.
Be patient to all......remember the great mercy shown yourself. There is a reference that says that you will receive mercy in the same measure that you gave it to others. (ouch!)
Test everything......Know the Word, so that you will recognize untruth when it is spoken.
Do not quench the Spirit.......listen to Him and obey immediately when He brings the Word to your mind. Delayed obedience is disobedience. And it grieves Him.
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Evening Service. Psalm 134, a song of ascents.
Bart: "The Psalms are God's playlist. His favorites." Love it!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Psalm 55
A song of betrayal (of the worst kind),
A heart overwhelmed by grief, anger and trouble,
a display of raw human emotion,
and in the end....emotions spent......a heart that rests in the knowledge of where true help can be found.
David is in great distress. More than that of just dealing with his enemies. His words describe a turmoil of the soul. He is restless and so deeply disturbed that he is moaning in distress because of the hurt and harm caused him. He describes a deep disturbing pain that is disabling.
So deep is his pain and overwhelming the situations that assail him that all he wants to do is flee (been there, done that?) .....to fly away like a bird, or wander until he is lost and not even wish to be found. He choose being lost in the wilderness over the present situation.
Then, in the middle of his lament, he changes tone and becomes angry (v 9-11). Destroy! David asks God to confuse and divide the enemy.....for they are all around.....in the city, in his household, in leadership and in trusted positions. He sees the magnitude of the evil all around him......it is overwhelming and frightening.
He picks up his lament again quickly in verse 12-14, revealing another layer of hurt.....one that cuts even deeper. He was betrayed by a friend. a close friend with whom he'd experienced sweet fellowship. They had worshiped together!
In verse 15, the raw emotion of anger rushes in again....."Let them die! Let them be buried alive even, because of their wickedness!"
But verse 16 represents the turn around......Emotions spent, David begins to think a little more clearly. In essence: "I will seek God. He alone can help. I will not cease worshiping Him. I will be intentional in seeking Him." Set times of prayer are mentioned. (pray without ceasing?) as well as spontaneous prayer like this one. God will hear. And He will deliver. His enemies do not fear God, and they have no hope.
Verse 20 and 21 indicate more of a sorrow to me than the anger and turmoil of prior verses. He speaks in a mournful tone (it sounds to me) of the friend who betrayed him. David seems sad in stating that this one was oh so smooth! He was convincing and reassuring, causing others to trust him. But all the while his intent was evil.
David expresses total trust in God in verse 22.....and has rest from his turmoil. God will cause the righteous to stand.....this truth he knows well and runs to it often as we have seen in prior Psalms. But the wicked? They will fall. God will see to that too.
A heart overwhelmed by grief, anger and trouble,
a display of raw human emotion,
and in the end....emotions spent......a heart that rests in the knowledge of where true help can be found.
David is in great distress. More than that of just dealing with his enemies. His words describe a turmoil of the soul. He is restless and so deeply disturbed that he is moaning in distress because of the hurt and harm caused him. He describes a deep disturbing pain that is disabling.
So deep is his pain and overwhelming the situations that assail him that all he wants to do is flee (been there, done that?) .....to fly away like a bird, or wander until he is lost and not even wish to be found. He choose being lost in the wilderness over the present situation.
Then, in the middle of his lament, he changes tone and becomes angry (v 9-11). Destroy! David asks God to confuse and divide the enemy.....for they are all around.....in the city, in his household, in leadership and in trusted positions. He sees the magnitude of the evil all around him......it is overwhelming and frightening.
He picks up his lament again quickly in verse 12-14, revealing another layer of hurt.....one that cuts even deeper. He was betrayed by a friend. a close friend with whom he'd experienced sweet fellowship. They had worshiped together!
In verse 15, the raw emotion of anger rushes in again....."Let them die! Let them be buried alive even, because of their wickedness!"
But verse 16 represents the turn around......Emotions spent, David begins to think a little more clearly. In essence: "I will seek God. He alone can help. I will not cease worshiping Him. I will be intentional in seeking Him." Set times of prayer are mentioned. (pray without ceasing?) as well as spontaneous prayer like this one. God will hear. And He will deliver. His enemies do not fear God, and they have no hope.
Verse 20 and 21 indicate more of a sorrow to me than the anger and turmoil of prior verses. He speaks in a mournful tone (it sounds to me) of the friend who betrayed him. David seems sad in stating that this one was oh so smooth! He was convincing and reassuring, causing others to trust him. But all the while his intent was evil.
David expresses total trust in God in verse 22.....and has rest from his turmoil. God will cause the righteous to stand.....this truth he knows well and runs to it often as we have seen in prior Psalms. But the wicked? They will fall. God will see to that too.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Psalm 54
Betrayed by the Ziphites.
Reference story in I Samuel 23:19 and 26:1.
Twice they have done this. We don't know if the song was written after the first or second incident. Either would fit.
In the first instance, David is fleeing from Saul, who seeks to kill him. The incident @ Nob has already happened, and also the incident at Gath, where David escaped by acting insane. He's been on the run since, hiding in various places. He lands in Ziph. And they go and tell Saul where he is hiding. In the second instance, the same thing occurs. David is betrayed twice by the same people.
Betrayed. David calls on his God for help. He is being pursued without cause, an innocent fugitive. His enemy is closing in on him, getting closer and closer. He is overwhelmed and outnumbered.
Save me! Vindicate me! Not only is Saul his enemy, trying to kill him without cause, but now his own countrymen, the Ziphites, have betrayed him to his enemy.
In man he has no ally, but in God he has a sure help.
Deliverance comes. In the first instance, Saul is called away at the last minute because his own enemies, the Philistines, have attacked the homeland and he must leave his pursuit of David to fight a justified war. And so, just when it looked like David would be captured by Saul, God rescues him! In the second instance, God allows David opportunity to return the evil to Saul, but refuses to harm him, for God has put him on the throne. Once Saul realizes this, he confesses his sin. But his heart is far from God. He seeks God, but can't find Him, so he runs to a medium. Within a very short time, Saul and his sons are killed in battle. David is rescued yet once again.
Whether written at the first or the second instance of betrayal by the Ziphites is irrelevant. The point is that David ran to God for help. He trusted and waited on Him.
The second point is this: God is great, and greatly to be praised. He is our helper, and upholds the life of the upright. And vengeance belongs to Him. Not only will He deliver His own, He will judge the rest.
Reference story in I Samuel 23:19 and 26:1.
Twice they have done this. We don't know if the song was written after the first or second incident. Either would fit.
In the first instance, David is fleeing from Saul, who seeks to kill him. The incident @ Nob has already happened, and also the incident at Gath, where David escaped by acting insane. He's been on the run since, hiding in various places. He lands in Ziph. And they go and tell Saul where he is hiding. In the second instance, the same thing occurs. David is betrayed twice by the same people.
Betrayed. David calls on his God for help. He is being pursued without cause, an innocent fugitive. His enemy is closing in on him, getting closer and closer. He is overwhelmed and outnumbered.
Save me! Vindicate me! Not only is Saul his enemy, trying to kill him without cause, but now his own countrymen, the Ziphites, have betrayed him to his enemy.
In man he has no ally, but in God he has a sure help.
Deliverance comes. In the first instance, Saul is called away at the last minute because his own enemies, the Philistines, have attacked the homeland and he must leave his pursuit of David to fight a justified war. And so, just when it looked like David would be captured by Saul, God rescues him! In the second instance, God allows David opportunity to return the evil to Saul, but refuses to harm him, for God has put him on the throne. Once Saul realizes this, he confesses his sin. But his heart is far from God. He seeks God, but can't find Him, so he runs to a medium. Within a very short time, Saul and his sons are killed in battle. David is rescued yet once again.
Whether written at the first or the second instance of betrayal by the Ziphites is irrelevant. The point is that David ran to God for help. He trusted and waited on Him.
The second point is this: God is great, and greatly to be praised. He is our helper, and upholds the life of the upright. And vengeance belongs to Him. Not only will He deliver His own, He will judge the rest.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Psalm 53
To reject God is folly.
Similar to Psalm 14, this song is about the foolishness of declaring that there is no God.
Other passages tell us that it is clearly visible in creation and indeed in our own deepest hearts, that God IS, and what He is like. But, in our sin, we, for the most part, choose to ignore that, and exchange the created for the Creator as something to be worshiped. Some go so far as to verbalize that God is NOT. Very foolish indeed!
The fool says in his heart, "There no God." He lives and does as he pleases. Lest anyone feel falsely secure thinking "I have never said that!", this includes the one who lives like there is no God. Rejecting Him does not equal annihilating Him. He is always the same....steadfast, unwavering and true. And Just. Remember.....he will no overlook sin, nor will He keep silent......
He is aware of all of our activities and thoughts (even those who say He is not real!) He finds none who are sinless. None who seek Him. Truthfully, that line made me bristle a little bit. There are obviously some who seek Him!. But I think this is a reflection of our fickle hearts. We are anything BUT steadfast, unwavering and true. We are wishy-washy, shifting and often false (deceiving ourselves and others),....EVEN when we seek Him.
There is none who does good. In our sin, even the best things we can do are tainted.
In particular, the Psalmist mentions the enemies of his people. These godless ones do not call upon God and evil is as easy as eating for them. It is natural for them. So natural it doesn't even seem wrong.....because they do not call upon God, who convicts of sin. God will judge them.....they will be put to shame. Because they reject Him, they are afraid when there is no reason to be. So foolish is their trust in themselves!
But the upright trust in God, and are not afraid, for their God is their redeemer and rescuer.
God will rescue His people, and He will be praised!
Father let me not become foolishly proud and live as though You are not. It is my nature to be fickle, even when I don't want to be! Sin creeps in in the form of pride and self sufficiency, being puffed up and judging others. Teach me when this begins to happen! Create a right spirit within me! I am so thankful for Your patience with me, and for your Spirit that strives with me to make me more Christlike!
Similar to Psalm 14, this song is about the foolishness of declaring that there is no God.
Other passages tell us that it is clearly visible in creation and indeed in our own deepest hearts, that God IS, and what He is like. But, in our sin, we, for the most part, choose to ignore that, and exchange the created for the Creator as something to be worshiped. Some go so far as to verbalize that God is NOT. Very foolish indeed!
The fool says in his heart, "There no God." He lives and does as he pleases. Lest anyone feel falsely secure thinking "I have never said that!", this includes the one who lives like there is no God. Rejecting Him does not equal annihilating Him. He is always the same....steadfast, unwavering and true. And Just. Remember.....he will no overlook sin, nor will He keep silent......
He is aware of all of our activities and thoughts (even those who say He is not real!) He finds none who are sinless. None who seek Him. Truthfully, that line made me bristle a little bit. There are obviously some who seek Him!. But I think this is a reflection of our fickle hearts. We are anything BUT steadfast, unwavering and true. We are wishy-washy, shifting and often false (deceiving ourselves and others),....EVEN when we seek Him.
There is none who does good. In our sin, even the best things we can do are tainted.
In particular, the Psalmist mentions the enemies of his people. These godless ones do not call upon God and evil is as easy as eating for them. It is natural for them. So natural it doesn't even seem wrong.....because they do not call upon God, who convicts of sin. God will judge them.....they will be put to shame. Because they reject Him, they are afraid when there is no reason to be. So foolish is their trust in themselves!
But the upright trust in God, and are not afraid, for their God is their redeemer and rescuer.
God will rescue His people, and He will be praised!
Father let me not become foolishly proud and live as though You are not. It is my nature to be fickle, even when I don't want to be! Sin creeps in in the form of pride and self sufficiency, being puffed up and judging others. Teach me when this begins to happen! Create a right spirit within me! I am so thankful for Your patience with me, and for your Spirit that strives with me to make me more Christlike!
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