Not lip service. Not the perfunctory prayer before a meal. Not ritualistic prayer on the Lord's Day. Not the repeated bedtime prayer.
No....In response to meditating on God's greatness in all things, particularly His mercy, the psalmist is moved to direct his whole being to praise Him......heart, mind, soul, body. When we understand fully (or as fully as we can) God's character and scope, it should indeed throw us into a 'whole being' sort of worship. Especially when we get a glimpse of His great mercy toward us.
"Remember!" cries the psalmist.......remember His benefits to you!
He forgives.
He heals.
His lovingkindness and mercy are upon you.
He provides for and sustains you.
His righteousness and justice are expressed toward us. He is slow to anger (we deserve His immediate wrath!), abounding in mercy, and does not deal with us as we deserve.
I am drawn to Lamentations 3:22-25. Jeremiah is remembering the bitter discipline of the Lord, and rather than be depressed about it, he is encouraged.......He remembers, and states he has hope.
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, therefore I hope in Him!"
See also Ps. 78:38, Neh. 9:17,31, Micah 7:18-19
His mercy is as great as His creation, and He removes our sin from us as far as the ends of that creation. His pity for us is like that of an earthly father-----because He understands 'our frame'....that we are finite and broken. Though our lives are but a moment in light of His infinite nature, e remembers us, and keeps His covenant with those who fear Him and do His commandments.
His throne is established and cannot be shaken. His rule is over all.
In light of these things.....Bless the Lord! With your whole being!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, June 29, 2014
Sunday School, Psalm 119:169-176 Hebrew letter TAW Rev. Bart Lester
The voice and the will of the psalmist.
The first 4 verses speak of the voice of the psalmist, that of a 'cry'. Implied is a loud, desperate, intense plea or posture of urgent prayer. He asks in such a demeanor for understanding and for deliverance 'according to (God's) Word.' He is asking to see reality according to God's statutes.
Understanding:
Reference Ephesians 4:17 ff. The emphasis is on the mind, and notes the futility o thinking of the Gentiles (world) which is darkened, alienated, impure, etc. In Christ, our minds are renewed. We are to both know and apply God's Word in our lives. Thus the psalmist asks for an understanding of life from God's perspective.....not his own.
Also, reference James 1.....understanding God's Word in the midst of trial. He is at work in all of it for the end effect of maturity in us.
Deliverance:
After understanding, comes the plea for deliverance. He knows God's promises because he
knows God's Word from study and meditation and asks Him to keep them.
He will both praise God for teaching Him, and because His Law is right.
The second set of 4 verses speak of the will of the psalmist. He chooses God's precepts and is committed to keep them. He longs for salvation, and right behind that states that the Law is his delight......He knows that God's Word provides the understanding and direction he needs for the salvation he longs for! That Word teaches us how that salvation is accomplished.
He desires to live and to praise his God.
But then the final verse: "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; see your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments."
After all of the statements of loving and desiring God's Word, of studying it and meditating on it, and commitments to keep it....the final word is this. "I can't." He humbly recognizes his incapability of keeping all of God's Law, or even remaining steadfast in his commitment to study and meditate on it all the day long, so He asks God to help him in it.
What a fitting picture of how things really are. I think the psalmist got what he was asking for......understanding. He knows his need, where to go for help, comfort, guidance, etc., and that he needs help even to go to that source. Any pride and arrogance , or superior feeling because he 'has it', is blown away, leaving him the picture of humility before God.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon: Bland NOR Blind: Matthew 5:13-16. Rev. Billy Joseph
Context: The Sermon on the Mount, the beatitudes.
Jesus has taught in the same chapter about those blessed by God: the poor in spirit, those that mourn their sinful state, the meek and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The merciful, pure in heart (declared righteous in Christ), peacemakers and those persecuted for righteousness sake (for who he is >Christlike< as in the above attitudes, rather than what he does.)
These will be persecuted.....and should rejoice in that because such is worthy of one who lives rightly before God. The prophets and Christ Himself were/are persecuted for the same. Let their example bring us joy, in that we are worthy for the same.
Meaning: Taken alone, without the context the meaning lacks the impact it has when taken IN context.
Salt: It has been debated whether the meaning is in the preservative nature of salt, or the taste of it. While both are applicable, the text mentions specifically the taste of salt. If it becomes 'unsalty', or looses it's taste, it is no longer any good, and can't be redeemed.
Salt is used to enhance the flavor of food. It makes the bland, tasteful.
And thus we should view our presence in this world.....We are here to enhance the flavor, to preserve truth, to make the bland tasteful.
I thought of all the questions raised by non-believers: what is the meaning of life? Is there a God? Is there absolute truth? Why am I here? Etc, etc.
We, as salt, provide answers to these questions by living salty lives in this bland, bland world. If we are as the blessed described in the first few verses of the chapter, then our very lives.....attitudes and responses to life around us......will be salt to a dark, bland, unstable world.
Light.......cannot be hidden. Even covered, it seeps through cracks and peeks through pinholes. Light has a purpose....to make what is invisible in the darkness visible in the light. We produce light for a purpose, and that is not to cover it up and hide it. We are light, in a dark, dark world.
But not in and of ourselves. We are light because of Christ in us. And again, if we are like Him, blessed as in the first part of the chapter, then that light will shine, not because of what we do, but who we are. We will be visible......not hidden, not covered up, unmistakably different from the world.....reflections of Him.
"Let your light so shine..." Don't be a 'secret' Chirstian. Don't try to cover up, or look like the world. Look like Christ indeed. Openly.
It is a painful thing to ask myself, and more so to ask God to reveal to me......
Am I like worthless, tasteless salt for Him in this world?
Am I like a light hidden or covered up?
May His Word not return void.
The voice and the will of the psalmist.
The first 4 verses speak of the voice of the psalmist, that of a 'cry'. Implied is a loud, desperate, intense plea or posture of urgent prayer. He asks in such a demeanor for understanding and for deliverance 'according to (God's) Word.' He is asking to see reality according to God's statutes.
Understanding:
Reference Ephesians 4:17 ff. The emphasis is on the mind, and notes the futility o thinking of the Gentiles (world) which is darkened, alienated, impure, etc. In Christ, our minds are renewed. We are to both know and apply God's Word in our lives. Thus the psalmist asks for an understanding of life from God's perspective.....not his own.
Also, reference James 1.....understanding God's Word in the midst of trial. He is at work in all of it for the end effect of maturity in us.
Deliverance:
After understanding, comes the plea for deliverance. He knows God's promises because he
knows God's Word from study and meditation and asks Him to keep them.
He will both praise God for teaching Him, and because His Law is right.
The second set of 4 verses speak of the will of the psalmist. He chooses God's precepts and is committed to keep them. He longs for salvation, and right behind that states that the Law is his delight......He knows that God's Word provides the understanding and direction he needs for the salvation he longs for! That Word teaches us how that salvation is accomplished.
He desires to live and to praise his God.
But then the final verse: "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; see your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments."
After all of the statements of loving and desiring God's Word, of studying it and meditating on it, and commitments to keep it....the final word is this. "I can't." He humbly recognizes his incapability of keeping all of God's Law, or even remaining steadfast in his commitment to study and meditate on it all the day long, so He asks God to help him in it.
What a fitting picture of how things really are. I think the psalmist got what he was asking for......understanding. He knows his need, where to go for help, comfort, guidance, etc., and that he needs help even to go to that source. Any pride and arrogance , or superior feeling because he 'has it', is blown away, leaving him the picture of humility before God.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon: Bland NOR Blind: Matthew 5:13-16. Rev. Billy Joseph
Context: The Sermon on the Mount, the beatitudes.
Jesus has taught in the same chapter about those blessed by God: the poor in spirit, those that mourn their sinful state, the meek and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The merciful, pure in heart (declared righteous in Christ), peacemakers and those persecuted for righteousness sake (for who he is >Christlike< as in the above attitudes, rather than what he does.)
These will be persecuted.....and should rejoice in that because such is worthy of one who lives rightly before God. The prophets and Christ Himself were/are persecuted for the same. Let their example bring us joy, in that we are worthy for the same.
Meaning: Taken alone, without the context the meaning lacks the impact it has when taken IN context.
Salt: It has been debated whether the meaning is in the preservative nature of salt, or the taste of it. While both are applicable, the text mentions specifically the taste of salt. If it becomes 'unsalty', or looses it's taste, it is no longer any good, and can't be redeemed.
Salt is used to enhance the flavor of food. It makes the bland, tasteful.
And thus we should view our presence in this world.....We are here to enhance the flavor, to preserve truth, to make the bland tasteful.
I thought of all the questions raised by non-believers: what is the meaning of life? Is there a God? Is there absolute truth? Why am I here? Etc, etc.
We, as salt, provide answers to these questions by living salty lives in this bland, bland world. If we are as the blessed described in the first few verses of the chapter, then our very lives.....attitudes and responses to life around us......will be salt to a dark, bland, unstable world.
Light.......cannot be hidden. Even covered, it seeps through cracks and peeks through pinholes. Light has a purpose....to make what is invisible in the darkness visible in the light. We produce light for a purpose, and that is not to cover it up and hide it. We are light, in a dark, dark world.
But not in and of ourselves. We are light because of Christ in us. And again, if we are like Him, blessed as in the first part of the chapter, then that light will shine, not because of what we do, but who we are. We will be visible......not hidden, not covered up, unmistakably different from the world.....reflections of Him.
"Let your light so shine..." Don't be a 'secret' Chirstian. Don't try to cover up, or look like the world. Look like Christ indeed. Openly.
It is a painful thing to ask myself, and more so to ask God to reveal to me......
Am I like worthless, tasteless salt for Him in this world?
Am I like a light hidden or covered up?
May His Word not return void.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Psalm 102
A prayer of one afflicted........
The psalmist is in intense distress.......physical, psychological and spiritual elements are indicated.
He is in pain, it seems, possibly feverish (v3), wasting away due to lack of appetite and nourishment. He is alone, as if in a wilderness. Day in and day out hounded by his enemies. He is shaken to the core, and sees his life as but a breath.....smoke that disappears quickly. It seems his life is passing (v3, v11).
He is wise, though. He cried out to God.....the only sure source of hope and comfort. And he recognizes that his suffering is the result of sin......and God's indignation and anger.
Against the brevity of his own life, he lifts up God's infinity. He is never shaken, 'enthroned forever', always the same, having pity and mercy for His own.
He hears the cries of the afflicted. He will rescue and save. The story will be told to future generations of His salvation and deliverance, and they will praise Him.
The earth and it's nations, and it's peoples will change.
We are born, and then we die.
Nations rise up, and nations fall.
Seasons change, and the earth will pass away.
But God.....remains the same forever.
We have hope for those to come after us......because God will not change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
As I was reading through the psalm, I was thinking at first of a personal crisis for the writer, but then as he moved into parts about the people crying out, and God having mercy on Zion.....I was reminded of the siege of Jerusalem and the great suffering that occurred there. I wonder if his suffering is more related to the siege than a personal crisis? It seems I recall a prophet of perhaps a king of Judah mentioned somewhere in the OT mourning in the streets of Jerusalem, speaking of the horrific suffering going on. Perhaps Jeremiah or Hezekiah? I can't search it out now. The NKJV notes didn't indicate this, but RSB notes mentioned the possibility of the psalm having been written shortly after the Babylonian captivity.
I have not experienced anything like that degree of either personal suffering or national crisis. But still, I struggle with similar feelings at times. Life is short, nothing stays the same. People come, and people go; the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Circumstances vary and change, families grow close and apart, friends move away, communities crumble.
But what comfort to know that God hears the cry of His own, and has great pity and mercy for them! Yes, my life is but a breath, useless smoke that drifts then disappears, but He is the same forever and ever. And I am His. That is all I really need.
The psalmist is in intense distress.......physical, psychological and spiritual elements are indicated.
He is in pain, it seems, possibly feverish (v3), wasting away due to lack of appetite and nourishment. He is alone, as if in a wilderness. Day in and day out hounded by his enemies. He is shaken to the core, and sees his life as but a breath.....smoke that disappears quickly. It seems his life is passing (v3, v11).
He is wise, though. He cried out to God.....the only sure source of hope and comfort. And he recognizes that his suffering is the result of sin......and God's indignation and anger.
Against the brevity of his own life, he lifts up God's infinity. He is never shaken, 'enthroned forever', always the same, having pity and mercy for His own.
He hears the cries of the afflicted. He will rescue and save. The story will be told to future generations of His salvation and deliverance, and they will praise Him.
The earth and it's nations, and it's peoples will change.
We are born, and then we die.
Nations rise up, and nations fall.
Seasons change, and the earth will pass away.
But God.....remains the same forever.
We have hope for those to come after us......because God will not change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
As I was reading through the psalm, I was thinking at first of a personal crisis for the writer, but then as he moved into parts about the people crying out, and God having mercy on Zion.....I was reminded of the siege of Jerusalem and the great suffering that occurred there. I wonder if his suffering is more related to the siege than a personal crisis? It seems I recall a prophet of perhaps a king of Judah mentioned somewhere in the OT mourning in the streets of Jerusalem, speaking of the horrific suffering going on. Perhaps Jeremiah or Hezekiah? I can't search it out now. The NKJV notes didn't indicate this, but RSB notes mentioned the possibility of the psalm having been written shortly after the Babylonian captivity.
I have not experienced anything like that degree of either personal suffering or national crisis. But still, I struggle with similar feelings at times. Life is short, nothing stays the same. People come, and people go; the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Circumstances vary and change, families grow close and apart, friends move away, communities crumble.
But what comfort to know that God hears the cry of His own, and has great pity and mercy for them! Yes, my life is but a breath, useless smoke that drifts then disappears, but He is the same forever and ever. And I am His. That is all I really need.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Psalm 101
Of David......a commitment to holiness or integrity.
"I will not know wickedness." v. 4b
The rest of the Psalm seems to hinge on this line.
Again, the word 'know'. Yesterday, in Psalm 100, the key line was about 'knowing' God. To know Him means more than intellectual consent; it means relationship.....embracing His character and making His precepts the foundation of daily life.
The statement here, "I will not know wickedness," speaks the same concept, from a negative standpoint. Truly knowing God means determining to not know sin. And the word 'know', again, means more than an intellectual, verbal, lip service against sin. David means that he will not be well acquainted with it, make it his friend, dwell with it, accept it, or condone it. He will not incorporate anything that opposes God's will in his own life, or in those around him, or in his realm of rule. He will NOT be intimate with wickedness, either personally, socially, or politically.
The goal? that both he and his subjects live blamelessly before God.
reading that.......I am feeling rather small. Have I made such a declaration?.....out loud....for all to hear......and to see if I make it or not? Have I even made such a determination in my heart and mind? I have to admit not so enthusiastically.....for I know my failures. The sin of pride, arrogance, indifference, gossip, slander, etc, plague me at the drop of a hat. And sometimes, it isn't even a plague to me. Just every day stuff. Yep......it makes me feel small and like a failure.
But I have to take a second look.
Was David successful in his goal to live blamelessly? Did he succeed?
We know from Scripture that David fell......many times....and at times in ways that I haven't and probably never will. But.....sin is sin.....and it all breaks God's heart.
So, should this realization that David wasn't entirely successful cause me to look warily on his desire to live a holy life, or on God's dealing with him?
No! David's live is a picture of what God requires of us......a heart broken with the knowledge that we have displeased a holy God. (Is 66:2, Ps 51:17) A heart that realizes its sin against a holy God, and cries out to Him for forgiveness and mercy. Over and over in the stories of the Old Testament and in the Psalms we read of David (in particular) confessing his sin and utter dependence on God, which he can do because he knows God. And God is rich in forgiveness, love and mercy.
I am encouraged. Even though I still hesitate to make such a strong declaration, knowing that I will fail, I am helped by viewing David's life and practice. The more I know Him, the more I know my sin, and the more I know my need for His great love and mercy.
And one more note........it is important to realize that David not only determined to keep himself upright and holy, but those around him, and in extended circles. We would do well to pay attention. Who do we 'hang' with? What do we watch?
But....take care that we not turn our judgmental 'holiness' eyes only outwardly, but keep watch inwardly also.
This quote came across my facebook page today......I thought it appropriate:
"I will not know wickedness." v. 4b
The rest of the Psalm seems to hinge on this line.
Again, the word 'know'. Yesterday, in Psalm 100, the key line was about 'knowing' God. To know Him means more than intellectual consent; it means relationship.....embracing His character and making His precepts the foundation of daily life.
The statement here, "I will not know wickedness," speaks the same concept, from a negative standpoint. Truly knowing God means determining to not know sin. And the word 'know', again, means more than an intellectual, verbal, lip service against sin. David means that he will not be well acquainted with it, make it his friend, dwell with it, accept it, or condone it. He will not incorporate anything that opposes God's will in his own life, or in those around him, or in his realm of rule. He will NOT be intimate with wickedness, either personally, socially, or politically.
The goal? that both he and his subjects live blamelessly before God.
reading that.......I am feeling rather small. Have I made such a declaration?.....out loud....for all to hear......and to see if I make it or not? Have I even made such a determination in my heart and mind? I have to admit not so enthusiastically.....for I know my failures. The sin of pride, arrogance, indifference, gossip, slander, etc, plague me at the drop of a hat. And sometimes, it isn't even a plague to me. Just every day stuff. Yep......it makes me feel small and like a failure.
But I have to take a second look.
Was David successful in his goal to live blamelessly? Did he succeed?
We know from Scripture that David fell......many times....and at times in ways that I haven't and probably never will. But.....sin is sin.....and it all breaks God's heart.
So, should this realization that David wasn't entirely successful cause me to look warily on his desire to live a holy life, or on God's dealing with him?
No! David's live is a picture of what God requires of us......a heart broken with the knowledge that we have displeased a holy God. (Is 66:2, Ps 51:17) A heart that realizes its sin against a holy God, and cries out to Him for forgiveness and mercy. Over and over in the stories of the Old Testament and in the Psalms we read of David (in particular) confessing his sin and utter dependence on God, which he can do because he knows God. And God is rich in forgiveness, love and mercy.
I am encouraged. Even though I still hesitate to make such a strong declaration, knowing that I will fail, I am helped by viewing David's life and practice. The more I know Him, the more I know my sin, and the more I know my need for His great love and mercy.
And one more note........it is important to realize that David not only determined to keep himself upright and holy, but those around him, and in extended circles. We would do well to pay attention. Who do we 'hang' with? What do we watch?
But....take care that we not turn our judgmental 'holiness' eyes only outwardly, but keep watch inwardly also.
This quote came across my facebook page today......I thought it appropriate:
"Today we find a limitless capacity to raise the question of evil as we see it outside ourselves, but often hold an equal unwillingness to address the evil within us."
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Psalm 100
A call to worship.
RSB notes this would be called out to the congregation as an invitation to worship. NKJV calls this a 'hymn of procession' sung by the pilgrims coming to worship at the temple.
The pivotal idea here seems to me to be this:
"Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us and we are His (or 'not we ourselves'.)
'Know'.......indicates more than simply 'knowing about' God. It indicates a relationship. To truely know Him is to seek and understand Him, or at least as much as one can know Him. As the NKJV note puts it, "Know here means more than an intellectual consent. It is to incorporate God and His character into the practices of life."
"The Word of God can be in the mind without being in the heart; but it cannot be in the heart without first being in the mind. —R.C. Sproul.
Such knowledge of Him brings about a true understanding in us of our own position of dependence upon Him. Meditation on this fact, that He is God, and has made us.......we are His, or 'not we ourselves', brings about a heart that serves and worships Him, and experiences a joyous response of praise...."Make a joyful shout!"
Just today I saw this quote:
"When you come to an understanding of the sovereignty of God it is one of the greatest comforts that our soul can ever have." —Steven Lawson
Come to worship........with thanksgiving to Him, Knowledge of who He is puts us in a right frame of mind for worship.
He is good, merciful, and true. Everlasting. Holy.
RSB notes this would be called out to the congregation as an invitation to worship. NKJV calls this a 'hymn of procession' sung by the pilgrims coming to worship at the temple.
The pivotal idea here seems to me to be this:
"Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us and we are His (or 'not we ourselves'.)
'Know'.......indicates more than simply 'knowing about' God. It indicates a relationship. To truely know Him is to seek and understand Him, or at least as much as one can know Him. As the NKJV note puts it, "Know here means more than an intellectual consent. It is to incorporate God and His character into the practices of life."
"The Word of God can be in the mind without being in the heart; but it cannot be in the heart without first being in the mind. —R.C. Sproul.
Such knowledge of Him brings about a true understanding in us of our own position of dependence upon Him. Meditation on this fact, that He is God, and has made us.......we are His, or 'not we ourselves', brings about a heart that serves and worships Him, and experiences a joyous response of praise...."Make a joyful shout!"
Just today I saw this quote:
"When you come to an understanding of the sovereignty of God it is one of the greatest comforts that our soul can ever have." —Steven Lawson
Come to worship........with thanksgiving to Him, Knowledge of who He is puts us in a right frame of mind for worship.
He is good, merciful, and true. Everlasting. Holy.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Psalm 99
The Lord God is Holy.
>>>When I read this psalm this morning, I was thinking about what it means to say that God is Holy. I get the concept, but struggled to put it into words. I went to the Reformation Study Bible theological note at Leviticus 11 for help:
"....holy.....signifies everything about God that sets Him apart from us and makes Him an object of awe, adoration, and dread to us. It covers all aspects of His transcendent greatness and moral perfection, and is characteristic of all His attributes, pointing to the "God-ness" of God at every point." The point is made that God, in His holiness, cannot abide any form of sin. When we understand God's holiness, it "calls (us) to constant self abasement in His presence." <<<<<<<
Without reading study notes, this is what I picked up immediately in this psalm:
1. There is a living God who rules the earth.
2. There is absolute Truth....defined and established by Him.
3. He interacts with His people in an intimate way.
When we understand and meditate on the holiness of God, it elicits in us the response of praise.....extolling His greatness and declaring His rule over all. Also there is the sense of fear (proper fear....awe and an understanding of our position before Him. He is above all. He reigns!
He is holy!
His holiness 'cannot tolerate any form of sin.'. He has established equity (truth) and He executes justice.....according to His holiness. This knowledge, also, should cause us to exalt Him. He establishes absolute truth and will judge the earth in absolute righteousness and justice......
He is holy!
He interacts with His people. Here is noted His interaction with Israel through the priests and prophets. Now in these days He interacts with us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and through His Word. He hears his servants. He listens. The priests and prophet mentioned specifically demonstrated to Israel the keeping of His laws. We are called to do the same today.
God not only heard (hears), but He answered. He heard and answered the cry of the priest/prophets for Israel. And in His great mercy and kindness, He, the Lawgiver Who established Truth, and cannot tolerate sin, forgave them. And yet, in His justice, the consequences for sin remain. All aspects of His holiness.
Praise Him.......for He is holy! ....... beyond anything that we can even really begin to comprehend.....
>>>When I read this psalm this morning, I was thinking about what it means to say that God is Holy. I get the concept, but struggled to put it into words. I went to the Reformation Study Bible theological note at Leviticus 11 for help:
"....holy.....signifies everything about God that sets Him apart from us and makes Him an object of awe, adoration, and dread to us. It covers all aspects of His transcendent greatness and moral perfection, and is characteristic of all His attributes, pointing to the "God-ness" of God at every point." The point is made that God, in His holiness, cannot abide any form of sin. When we understand God's holiness, it "calls (us) to constant self abasement in His presence." <<<<<<<
Without reading study notes, this is what I picked up immediately in this psalm:
1. There is a living God who rules the earth.
2. There is absolute Truth....defined and established by Him.
3. He interacts with His people in an intimate way.
When we understand and meditate on the holiness of God, it elicits in us the response of praise.....extolling His greatness and declaring His rule over all. Also there is the sense of fear (proper fear....awe and an understanding of our position before Him. He is above all. He reigns!
He is holy!
His holiness 'cannot tolerate any form of sin.'. He has established equity (truth) and He executes justice.....according to His holiness. This knowledge, also, should cause us to exalt Him. He establishes absolute truth and will judge the earth in absolute righteousness and justice......
He is holy!
He interacts with His people. Here is noted His interaction with Israel through the priests and prophets. Now in these days He interacts with us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and through His Word. He hears his servants. He listens. The priests and prophet mentioned specifically demonstrated to Israel the keeping of His laws. We are called to do the same today.
God not only heard (hears), but He answered. He heard and answered the cry of the priest/prophets for Israel. And in His great mercy and kindness, He, the Lawgiver Who established Truth, and cannot tolerate sin, forgave them. And yet, in His justice, the consequences for sin remain. All aspects of His holiness.
Praise Him.......for He is holy! ....... beyond anything that we can even really begin to comprehend.....
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Psalm 98
Present deliverance points to final deliverance.
Sing to the Lord a new song! He has done marvelous things!
He has made His salvation of His people known to all nations. His righteousness is revealed. His faithfulness and mercy ave been made visible to all the earth in what He has done for Israel.
("He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness....." RSB notes remind that God's 'remembering' isn't about memory, but it is in action. Favorable action.)
Indeed, the whole earth will worship Him with joy and singing. The earth He created will demonstrate praise to Him. Even inanimate creation will 'clap' and make noise for Him.
I am drawn to the verses in Romans chapter 8, that speak of all creation groaning, and straining toward the new heavens and new earth that will not be under the curse.
He has made plain that He will come.....to judge the world and people with equity, or uprightness.
All will be made right!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Today has been a difficult one......full of inconsistencies, weariness, sadness and loneliness.
But the words....."Sing to the Lord a new song...." were encouraging to me. He has indeed done marvelous things. And I need to remember them, think on who He is, praise Him, for He chose me, and let these things be my focus. And oh, how I look forward to that time when He will come......and all will be made right!
Sing to the Lord a new song! He has done marvelous things!
He has made His salvation of His people known to all nations. His righteousness is revealed. His faithfulness and mercy ave been made visible to all the earth in what He has done for Israel.
("He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness....." RSB notes remind that God's 'remembering' isn't about memory, but it is in action. Favorable action.)
Indeed, the whole earth will worship Him with joy and singing. The earth He created will demonstrate praise to Him. Even inanimate creation will 'clap' and make noise for Him.
I am drawn to the verses in Romans chapter 8, that speak of all creation groaning, and straining toward the new heavens and new earth that will not be under the curse.
He has made plain that He will come.....to judge the world and people with equity, or uprightness.
All will be made right!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Today has been a difficult one......full of inconsistencies, weariness, sadness and loneliness.
But the words....."Sing to the Lord a new song...." were encouraging to me. He has indeed done marvelous things. And I need to remember them, think on who He is, praise Him, for He chose me, and let these things be my focus. And oh, how I look forward to that time when He will come......and all will be made right!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Psalm 97
God reigns! He is active with His creation.....He didn't create it and leave it to itself. No, indeed, He rules....actively!
God is incomprehensible in His fullness. He is righteous and just; these are the foundations of His rule. No other can rightly claim these things. His judgement of wickedness is sure.....sure as a fire that consumes what it meets. His very presence elicits a response from even inanimate things that He has created; the earth trembles and quakes when His presence is near.
How shameful to serve carved images! God alone is to be worshiped. His people know and see His judgments and are gladdened by them. How very comforting it is to know your God, and see Him do all He has said He will do! No pagan god can compare.
His followers are to hate evil as He hates evil. He, alone, is the source of help....delivering the upright and making them happy. True comfort, help, and peace cannot be found anywhere else.
Remember (meditate) His Name (character),.....rejoice and give thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I stop and think, as the psalmist does, about God's character......it does indeed cause me to praise Him. There simply is no other. We fashion other 'gods' after our own notions of what we think would be easier to worship, not even realizing what we are doing most of the time. But God, in his great mercy, chose a people, revealing Himself to them, and promised that blessing would spread throughout the earth.....to all peoples and nations. He didn't abandon us when we sinned and rebelled against Him, but He calls us and woos us to come to Him for healing, forgiveness, and grace. I stand in awe that He chose me......
God is incomprehensible in His fullness. He is righteous and just; these are the foundations of His rule. No other can rightly claim these things. His judgement of wickedness is sure.....sure as a fire that consumes what it meets. His very presence elicits a response from even inanimate things that He has created; the earth trembles and quakes when His presence is near.
How shameful to serve carved images! God alone is to be worshiped. His people know and see His judgments and are gladdened by them. How very comforting it is to know your God, and see Him do all He has said He will do! No pagan god can compare.
His followers are to hate evil as He hates evil. He, alone, is the source of help....delivering the upright and making them happy. True comfort, help, and peace cannot be found anywhere else.
Remember (meditate) His Name (character),.....rejoice and give thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I stop and think, as the psalmist does, about God's character......it does indeed cause me to praise Him. There simply is no other. We fashion other 'gods' after our own notions of what we think would be easier to worship, not even realizing what we are doing most of the time. But God, in his great mercy, chose a people, revealing Himself to them, and promised that blessing would spread throughout the earth.....to all peoples and nations. He didn't abandon us when we sinned and rebelled against Him, but He calls us and woos us to come to Him for healing, forgiveness, and grace. I stand in awe that He chose me......
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, June 22, 2014
A different kind of worship today.
I was out of town, visiting my adult daughters in another state......traveling home today.
I got up before anyone else, and read Psalm 123, which was the text for the sermon tonight.
On the way home, though I did listen to a CD message on I Thessalonians and Hosea given to me by an elder and friend. I gave them back tonight, so I don't have the speaker's names. It was produced by Westminster Seminary, I believe.
I was having difficulty driving and concentrating, but this I did pick up from the I Thessalonians passage.....Stand fast. Hold on. Do not be led astray. I can recall more of it, but not to write about, as I was driving and not taking notes.
Hosea. What a powerful message. Again, I can't recall the speaker's name, but the message was very powerful. About opposites.....How God judges and woos us at the same time. How he loves us yet, again, judges us.
Psalm 123: Eyes of hope.
As a servant is so in tune with his master by watching his every move, and anticipates his desire before he speaks it, so we need to be in tune with our God......studying Him, knowing Him, and anticipating His desires of us.
As the maidservant knows that her mistress provides everything for her, so she serves willingly, we should serve our God from a heart that knows total dependence upon Him.
We are weary, Lord. Weary of the contempt of the ungodly. Weary of the scorn of those who do not look to You for their sustenance. Have mercy on us, Oh Lord.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, I feel scattered and fragmented. Too many things to process and no real time to sit and process any of it. Life clashes all around me, and I respond with anger, contempt, pride and irritability.
But......I know where to run to, Who to cry to, and where to find the wisdom, peace and calm that I need. So....I will stand fast, hold on, and remember all that the Father is. I will lift up eyes to Him, as the maidservant to her master and the servant who studies his master so intently.
And tomorrow is another day.
I was out of town, visiting my adult daughters in another state......traveling home today.
I got up before anyone else, and read Psalm 123, which was the text for the sermon tonight.
On the way home, though I did listen to a CD message on I Thessalonians and Hosea given to me by an elder and friend. I gave them back tonight, so I don't have the speaker's names. It was produced by Westminster Seminary, I believe.
I was having difficulty driving and concentrating, but this I did pick up from the I Thessalonians passage.....Stand fast. Hold on. Do not be led astray. I can recall more of it, but not to write about, as I was driving and not taking notes.
Hosea. What a powerful message. Again, I can't recall the speaker's name, but the message was very powerful. About opposites.....How God judges and woos us at the same time. How he loves us yet, again, judges us.
Psalm 123: Eyes of hope.
As a servant is so in tune with his master by watching his every move, and anticipates his desire before he speaks it, so we need to be in tune with our God......studying Him, knowing Him, and anticipating His desires of us.
As the maidservant knows that her mistress provides everything for her, so she serves willingly, we should serve our God from a heart that knows total dependence upon Him.
We are weary, Lord. Weary of the contempt of the ungodly. Weary of the scorn of those who do not look to You for their sustenance. Have mercy on us, Oh Lord.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, I feel scattered and fragmented. Too many things to process and no real time to sit and process any of it. Life clashes all around me, and I respond with anger, contempt, pride and irritability.
But......I know where to run to, Who to cry to, and where to find the wisdom, peace and calm that I need. So....I will stand fast, hold on, and remember all that the Father is. I will lift up eyes to Him, as the maidservant to her master and the servant who studies his master so intently.
And tomorrow is another day.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Psalm 96
God is Sovereign and Almighty.
This is another song of exuberant and enthusiastic praist flowing froma heart that meditates on God's greatness. It is a call for all peoples to recognize his glory and wonders, and to proclaim His salvation daily.
"The Lord is great, and greatly to be praised
He is to be feared above all gods.
For the all he gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens......
Honor, majesty, strength and beauty, are all personifications of God, dwelling in His sanctuary.
He is to be praised by all, for all are under Him. Prais His name, bring offerings. 'Come.'
Initiative is indicated on the part of the worshiper. 'Come', and 'bring'.
While the OT worshiper was to bring the sacrifices and offerings acceptable to God under the ceremonial law, we, as NT believers are to bring ourselves......"....present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God...." (Romans 12:1 ff.)
We are to come and worship in the 'beauty of holiness.'
NKJV notes indicate that the worship is to be about much more than the attire associated with proper worship. "The worship most worthy is the manifestation of God's holy character in the lives of the worshipers." This, too, is indicated in the Romans passage.
Proclaim His sovereignty! The earth is firmly established because He is established and He has made it. He is sovereign over th affairs of the earth as well, and will return to judge in righteousness and truth.
Let all the earth celebrate Him....not only the peoples, but the trees, heavens, seas, and field.
He is coming!
This is another song of exuberant and enthusiastic praist flowing froma heart that meditates on God's greatness. It is a call for all peoples to recognize his glory and wonders, and to proclaim His salvation daily.
"The Lord is great, and greatly to be praised
He is to be feared above all gods.
For the all he gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens......
Honor, majesty, strength and beauty, are all personifications of God, dwelling in His sanctuary.
He is to be praised by all, for all are under Him. Prais His name, bring offerings. 'Come.'
Initiative is indicated on the part of the worshiper. 'Come', and 'bring'.
While the OT worshiper was to bring the sacrifices and offerings acceptable to God under the ceremonial law, we, as NT believers are to bring ourselves......"....present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God...." (Romans 12:1 ff.)
We are to come and worship in the 'beauty of holiness.'
NKJV notes indicate that the worship is to be about much more than the attire associated with proper worship. "The worship most worthy is the manifestation of God's holy character in the lives of the worshipers." This, too, is indicated in the Romans passage.
Proclaim His sovereignty! The earth is firmly established because He is established and He has made it. He is sovereign over th affairs of the earth as well, and will return to judge in righteousness and truth.
Let all the earth celebrate Him....not only the peoples, but the trees, heavens, seas, and field.
He is coming!
Friday, June 20, 2014
Psalm 95
God is above all and worthy to be praised!
This psalm is both a public call to worship and a warning against falling away.
The tone is exuberant. Great joy and excitement is expressed in praising God. It is a call to come before Him with hots and singing, thanksgiving and song.
He is worthy because He is the Great God.....above all others. He formed the earth and sustains it....from the depths of the sea to the tops of the mountains. They are His.
Worship Him!.....with fear and reverence, awe and wonder, for this Great God is our God....we are the sheep of His pasture. He is our Great Shepherd.
Be steadfast! We are warned to take heed to not be like those whom God rescued from Egypt....who saw His great works first hand and experienced His great salvation. They turned their hearts away even so, and tested Him in the wilderness for 40 years. They turned to other things and worshiped other gods, and were oh, so un-thankful for all He did for them and was to them.
The did not get to enter the promised rest in Canaan because of their unbelief. We are warned not to be like them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am drawn to Hebrews 12, where this passage is reviewed, warning us again, in the NT era, to beware of turning and not entering the still promised rest of eternity in God's presence.
He is still the great God,
We are still the sheep of His pasture,
We still try Him in our wilderness.
The call to worship with joy and singing is as good today as it was in Biblical times.
As is the plea to be steadfast.
NKJV notes: "worship must be more than vocal and formal. It is a heart attitude.
This psalm is both a public call to worship and a warning against falling away.
The tone is exuberant. Great joy and excitement is expressed in praising God. It is a call to come before Him with hots and singing, thanksgiving and song.
He is worthy because He is the Great God.....above all others. He formed the earth and sustains it....from the depths of the sea to the tops of the mountains. They are His.
Worship Him!.....with fear and reverence, awe and wonder, for this Great God is our God....we are the sheep of His pasture. He is our Great Shepherd.
Be steadfast! We are warned to take heed to not be like those whom God rescued from Egypt....who saw His great works first hand and experienced His great salvation. They turned their hearts away even so, and tested Him in the wilderness for 40 years. They turned to other things and worshiped other gods, and were oh, so un-thankful for all He did for them and was to them.
The did not get to enter the promised rest in Canaan because of their unbelief. We are warned not to be like them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am drawn to Hebrews 12, where this passage is reviewed, warning us again, in the NT era, to beware of turning and not entering the still promised rest of eternity in God's presence.
He is still the great God,
We are still the sheep of His pasture,
We still try Him in our wilderness.
The call to worship with joy and singing is as good today as it was in Biblical times.
As is the plea to be steadfast.
NKJV notes: "worship must be more than vocal and formal. It is a heart attitude.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Psalm 94
God as Judge.
As with other Psalms, God is first acknowledged as sovereign. In Ps. 93, His kingship over all is established and praised. Here, He is Judge of all the earth.
But there is a complaint......the wicked are thriving! How long will God let this be?
The wicked boast of their evil deeds. They are not ashamed, but are proud of their actions. They prey on the vulnerable in society, thinking that God does not see, hear, or know.
I love verse 8: When will you 'get it?" on foolish ones? When will you grow wise, and know that God, indeed does see, hear, and know?
The God who made your ears, hears. The God who made your eyes, sees. And He who disciplines nations indeed knows all that you do! He will not overlook it! He knows your thoughts, that they are futile, and He will judge. He will discipline.......even His own.
Indeed, blessed is the one who He disciplines.....and is taught by Him. Implied is the fact that the one who 'gets it'.....or the fool that becomes wise, will be blessed.
He gives rest to His righteous ones, and they will see the judgement of the wicked. God will not forget or neglect His own. They will not be abandoned,
If God did not help me, I would die.....
When I think I am falling, He holds me up......
When I am overwhelmed by cares and anxieties, He consoles me....
Can the wicked stand against God? No, they cannot. I liked the NKJV note on this: "Wicked rulers who support evil by law cannot be allied with God."
God will be my stronghold and refuge, but will be the Judge of the wicked. They will indeed be wiped out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
I recall other psalms wondering 'how long', and the statement that a day with God is as a thousand years to us, and a thousand years as a day. He is infinite, and does not mark time as we do. So it seems to us that He is slow at times to keep His promises. I love that the Psalmists are so transparent, and we are given expression to these feelings. But always, the acknowledgement that God is faithful and true, and will indeed do what He has said He will do.
As with other Psalms, God is first acknowledged as sovereign. In Ps. 93, His kingship over all is established and praised. Here, He is Judge of all the earth.
But there is a complaint......the wicked are thriving! How long will God let this be?
The wicked boast of their evil deeds. They are not ashamed, but are proud of their actions. They prey on the vulnerable in society, thinking that God does not see, hear, or know.
I love verse 8: When will you 'get it?" on foolish ones? When will you grow wise, and know that God, indeed does see, hear, and know?
The God who made your ears, hears. The God who made your eyes, sees. And He who disciplines nations indeed knows all that you do! He will not overlook it! He knows your thoughts, that they are futile, and He will judge. He will discipline.......even His own.
Indeed, blessed is the one who He disciplines.....and is taught by Him. Implied is the fact that the one who 'gets it'.....or the fool that becomes wise, will be blessed.
He gives rest to His righteous ones, and they will see the judgement of the wicked. God will not forget or neglect His own. They will not be abandoned,
If God did not help me, I would die.....
When I think I am falling, He holds me up......
When I am overwhelmed by cares and anxieties, He consoles me....
Can the wicked stand against God? No, they cannot. I liked the NKJV note on this: "Wicked rulers who support evil by law cannot be allied with God."
God will be my stronghold and refuge, but will be the Judge of the wicked. They will indeed be wiped out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
I recall other psalms wondering 'how long', and the statement that a day with God is as a thousand years to us, and a thousand years as a day. He is infinite, and does not mark time as we do. So it seems to us that He is slow at times to keep His promises. I love that the Psalmists are so transparent, and we are given expression to these feelings. But always, the acknowledgement that God is faithful and true, and will indeed do what He has said He will do.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Psalm 93
The first of several "enthronement pslams" (93-99) that praise God as King.
God's rule and justice are celebrated.
Our God is clothed in majesty and strength. It is what we see of Him.....everywhere.
Imagining the opposite.......perhaps 'lowliness', helps to understand the meaning. God is grand and sovereign, from everlasting to everlasting, not threatened by foes (He can't be dethroned). He alone is true, certain, and holy......and always will be.
He is our firm foundation.
He is 'mightier than the floods". Much water cannot be tamed or overcome. It is a very powerful force. I think of pictures and films I have seen of flood waters overwhelming everything in its path; and of the thunderous roar of a waterfall (imagine Niagra), or of the churning of the ocean waves.
God is greater than that. He alone can control them.
NKJV notes "pagan accounts where the primeval deep was conquered by a deity....." Here the psalmist might be comparing our God to the pagan gods. Our God is mightier!
Also noted is the thought of many nations rising up against Him....like the rushing of mighty waters. See Isaiah 17:12 and following. Again.....He will not be dethroned. Israel cannot stand against them alone, but our God can!
He is King!
God's rule and justice are celebrated.
Our God is clothed in majesty and strength. It is what we see of Him.....everywhere.
Imagining the opposite.......perhaps 'lowliness', helps to understand the meaning. God is grand and sovereign, from everlasting to everlasting, not threatened by foes (He can't be dethroned). He alone is true, certain, and holy......and always will be.
He is our firm foundation.
He is 'mightier than the floods". Much water cannot be tamed or overcome. It is a very powerful force. I think of pictures and films I have seen of flood waters overwhelming everything in its path; and of the thunderous roar of a waterfall (imagine Niagra), or of the churning of the ocean waves.
God is greater than that. He alone can control them.
NKJV notes "pagan accounts where the primeval deep was conquered by a deity....." Here the psalmist might be comparing our God to the pagan gods. Our God is mightier!
Also noted is the thought of many nations rising up against Him....like the rushing of mighty waters. See Isaiah 17:12 and following. Again.....He will not be dethroned. Israel cannot stand against them alone, but our God can!
He is King!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Psalm 92
A song for the Sabbath.
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord....."
Yes, it is good. God delights in the praises we offer Him, and indeed commands it. But from a heart that, as in Psalm 91, "dwells' with Him, such praise is never forced or bland. It flows freely
from the one who knows God and rests in Him.
Also, to sing praises, declare His lovingkindness and faithfulness, and works helps the worshiper. It helps us to stay grounded in Him, to continually trust in Him and serve Him.
God is sovereign....above all. He is so much more than we can comprehend! The righteous understand this, but not the 'senseless' man, or the fool. They do flourish, but only for a time. Their source of vitality is solely themselves, and they will wither......indeed they will be "destroyed forever' because of their unbelief. "...(their) flourishing is a prelude to disaster." (NKJV study note)
While the wicked flourish like fragile grass, then fail and will be destroyed, it is not so for the righteous
.
The righteous will flourish like strong trees. The source of vitality for those planted in the house of he Lord is the Lord Himself. They will bear fruit long into old age.....in the courts of our God.
According to the Westminster Confession of Faith, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. For those that are His,.....who know Him, and seek Him, and obey Him....it is indeed a joy to be in His house and sing His praises!
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord....."
Yes, it is good. God delights in the praises we offer Him, and indeed commands it. But from a heart that, as in Psalm 91, "dwells' with Him, such praise is never forced or bland. It flows freely
from the one who knows God and rests in Him.
Also, to sing praises, declare His lovingkindness and faithfulness, and works helps the worshiper. It helps us to stay grounded in Him, to continually trust in Him and serve Him.
God is sovereign....above all. He is so much more than we can comprehend! The righteous understand this, but not the 'senseless' man, or the fool. They do flourish, but only for a time. Their source of vitality is solely themselves, and they will wither......indeed they will be "destroyed forever' because of their unbelief. "...(their) flourishing is a prelude to disaster." (NKJV study note)
While the wicked flourish like fragile grass, then fail and will be destroyed, it is not so for the righteous
.
The righteous will flourish like strong trees. The source of vitality for those planted in the house of he Lord is the Lord Himself. They will bear fruit long into old age.....in the courts of our God.
According to the Westminster Confession of Faith, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. For those that are His,.....who know Him, and seek Him, and obey Him....it is indeed a joy to be in His house and sing His praises!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Psalm 91
Unnammed author.
A declaration. A pronouncement. A word of hope and encouragement. and a promise.
The Psalm starts with a statement and an announcement, using 4 words to describe the shelter and protection found in God.
Declaration: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Pronouncement: I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him will I trust.
Secret place: no one can find me.
Shadow: unseen. protected by cover.
refuge: protector, safe place.
fortress: strong defense that cannot be broken.
Based on his knowledge of God, he makes these statements, then he offers encouragement and hope to his audience. It appears the occasion might have been a time of war.
Threats are described:
the snare of the fowler (traps, unseen dangers)
pestilence (epidemic)
terror by night (intense fear of what might come out of the darkness, or await at the dawn.
Also, a nightime attack)
the arrow: success of the enemies weapons.
destruction. Losing the battle; losing men, possessions, and ground.
But the hope.........
for those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High,
and under the shadow of the Almighty,
and claim Him as their refuge and fortress.....
......is that they will see these thins, but not experience them. It will come at them,
but not near them! They will, however see God's judgement on the wicked (enemy).
Because they have chosen God (and nothing else like might, ally, or numbers) as their refuge and dwelling place, no evil will come near. God will send angels to help.....to keep you in all your ways and protect and bear you up. You will be successful.....conquering even the snake and the lion.
(note the snake is a lowly threat, stealthy and deadly, but quiet and small. The lion is large, fierce and strong.......describing all kinds of threats.)
Then God speaks. Because you have set your love upon me, I will deliver. I will set on high, because you have known My Name (character). I will answer your call to Me......and will deliver and honor you. I will satisfy you with long life, and show you My salvation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What comfort when we face 'the enemy' whether it be war-time or spiritual battles.
But......my concern is that the beginning part of the psalm is often lost.
These precious words are true for the one who runs to God.....not only in time of trouble,
but dwells there.......stays through thick and thin, good times and bad, joy and sorrow, ease and trial.
May we not claim the promise without living the declaration and the proclamation!
Only then can we know the words of hope and encouragement are true for us!
A declaration. A pronouncement. A word of hope and encouragement. and a promise.
The Psalm starts with a statement and an announcement, using 4 words to describe the shelter and protection found in God.
Declaration: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Pronouncement: I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him will I trust.
Secret place: no one can find me.
Shadow: unseen. protected by cover.
refuge: protector, safe place.
fortress: strong defense that cannot be broken.
Based on his knowledge of God, he makes these statements, then he offers encouragement and hope to his audience. It appears the occasion might have been a time of war.
Threats are described:
the snare of the fowler (traps, unseen dangers)
pestilence (epidemic)
terror by night (intense fear of what might come out of the darkness, or await at the dawn.
Also, a nightime attack)
the arrow: success of the enemies weapons.
destruction. Losing the battle; losing men, possessions, and ground.
But the hope.........
for those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High,
and under the shadow of the Almighty,
and claim Him as their refuge and fortress.....
......is that they will see these thins, but not experience them. It will come at them,
but not near them! They will, however see God's judgement on the wicked (enemy).
Because they have chosen God (and nothing else like might, ally, or numbers) as their refuge and dwelling place, no evil will come near. God will send angels to help.....to keep you in all your ways and protect and bear you up. You will be successful.....conquering even the snake and the lion.
(note the snake is a lowly threat, stealthy and deadly, but quiet and small. The lion is large, fierce and strong.......describing all kinds of threats.)
Then God speaks. Because you have set your love upon me, I will deliver. I will set on high, because you have known My Name (character). I will answer your call to Me......and will deliver and honor you. I will satisfy you with long life, and show you My salvation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What comfort when we face 'the enemy' whether it be war-time or spiritual battles.
But......my concern is that the beginning part of the psalm is often lost.
These precious words are true for the one who runs to God.....not only in time of trouble,
but dwells there.......stays through thick and thin, good times and bad, joy and sorrow, ease and trial.
May we not claim the promise without living the declaration and the proclamation!
Only then can we know the words of hope and encouragement are true for us!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, June 15, 2014
Sunday School: Psalm 119:137-152 Hebrew letters Tsadhe and Qoph
Righteousness seems to be the theme in the first section here.
Our society has a lot to say about what 'righteous' is......but usually those ideas are wrong.
It is not good works, it is not moral living, it is not noble causes, etc.
Righteousness means always doing what is right. God alone is truly righteous. We are not.
"There is none righteous, no not one....." found in Psalm 14, 53, and quoted in Romans 3.
God alone is righteous, and it is He who defines what 'righteous' is.
Note that both his rule (law) and 'testimonies'(what He says about Himself) are righteous. Always right, always true, never deceitful or misleading. Never changing.
"Zeal" for God's word......is always appropriate. The psalmist feels this because other are NOT holding God's word up as authoritative and true. They forget God's Word.
His foes are many,.....foes because they attack God and His Word. But his thought is this.....that God's promises are true, well refined and without flaw....he will seek God's word diligently.
(the point was made that being righteous (imputed righteousness) should mean you have no or at least few enemies......after all, if you are doing right, who could hate you? But.....following God flies in the face of the 'enemy'......those unregenerate who really believe themselves to be their own 'god', or demi-gods, in control or their own destiny, and living (as other psalms read) as though God either doesn't exist or can't see them. These react against the upright, because the upright represent the God they really hate. Even in church circles (term used lightly) the Word of God is being attacked, made little of, changed, judged, etc. )
but though his foes forget, the psalmists' thought is that God's promises are true, well refined , and without flaw. Though 'small and despised', he will cling to God's righteous Word. Things change, society changes, the 'moral atmosphere' changes, but God does not. Ever.
"Give me understanding.....o conform to Your Law." Help me rightly know You.
In the next section, the psalmist proclaims his undivided attention to God. 24 hours a day, he knows he needs God, with a sense of urgency. This section is about obedience and prayer. Prayer, is the first priority of his day, and continues through the day and night. Obedience comes from one who meditates on God's Law.....and knows it well. (See sermon notes from Heb. 4:12)
The enemies draw near to persecute and are far from God's Law.......
But God is near, and is unchanging, true, and faithful.....tested and found to be consistent. He is certain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Sermon, Bart Lester, Hebrews chapter 4, particularly verse 12.
Bart's (and my!) personal experience validates God's Word.
Part of our denomination's statement is that we are "true to the Scriptures". The Word is our authority and the foundation of doctrine and theology. Many current denominations and churches do not hold the Bible as central. Instead they water it down, re-define it, make it small, belittle it, and charge that it is irrelevant. This is not our stance!
The first section of this chapter speaks of 'rest'. We all long for it, need it, and strive for it, but it can't be found this side of heaven. The Sabbath established by God is temporary and a picture of God's ultimate rest for us. It points us to a more certain and eternal rest without struggles, pressures, and temptations.
'rest' in the context of the OT passages quoted meant freedom from slavery, harassment, and being poor and needy as a people. They did not have rest because of unbelief and disobedience.
'rest in the context of the Hebrew's the book is addressed to meant freedom from political oppression, and freedom from harassment also, as they were cut off from friends and family due to following Christ. They were in danger of not entering the true rest found in Christ, because they were contemplating returning to Judaism where it wasn't so difficult to be accepted.
The writer is pointing out the true rest can only be found in Christ. This is sure and certain. (ties to Psalm 119!)
He makes the point that we are to aim to enter that rest, it isn't a given.... then launches into verse 12.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
We enter that rest, when we give God's Word central priority.
This Word is alive and active.
Sharp, never dull.
Hard, not soft.
Right, never wrong.
Current in any age, not ancient.
Powerful, not weak.
Always relevant in any age, never irrelevant.
Effective. It never fails.
It is described as a weapon that pierces, or penetrates, to the parts of a man/woman that cannot be seen, dividing what is indivisible. Revealing what can't be seen. It exposes us to God, who knows and sees all. It makes naked before Him....with no cover, no defense, no secrets, no lies.
Completely bare,.........and uncomfortable.
But remember...we are aiming for complete rest. How does this work?
The Word teaches us of our sin, tells us what is right, and teaches us of God's redemptive plan. Because of this Word, we become aware of our dependent and vile state, and are able to confess and repent.
We have a Great High Priest....Christ, who stands for us. He who knew no sin, the perfect sacrifice, mediator, and high priest, provides the way for us to draw near to the throne of grace and mercy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meditation for thought from the bulletin:
"Faith has no more real or solid praise than when a godly man, seeing himself attacked on all sides, and unable to find comfort in men, despises the world's madness and unburdens his griefs and cares on God's lap, and rests quietly in the hope of His promises."
(John Calvin, Harmony of the Gospels)
This is the theme I see running throughout all the Psalms.
Righteousness seems to be the theme in the first section here.
Our society has a lot to say about what 'righteous' is......but usually those ideas are wrong.
It is not good works, it is not moral living, it is not noble causes, etc.
Righteousness means always doing what is right. God alone is truly righteous. We are not.
"There is none righteous, no not one....." found in Psalm 14, 53, and quoted in Romans 3.
God alone is righteous, and it is He who defines what 'righteous' is.
Note that both his rule (law) and 'testimonies'(what He says about Himself) are righteous. Always right, always true, never deceitful or misleading. Never changing.
"Zeal" for God's word......is always appropriate. The psalmist feels this because other are NOT holding God's word up as authoritative and true. They forget God's Word.
His foes are many,.....foes because they attack God and His Word. But his thought is this.....that God's promises are true, well refined and without flaw....he will seek God's word diligently.
(the point was made that being righteous (imputed righteousness) should mean you have no or at least few enemies......after all, if you are doing right, who could hate you? But.....following God flies in the face of the 'enemy'......those unregenerate who really believe themselves to be their own 'god', or demi-gods, in control or their own destiny, and living (as other psalms read) as though God either doesn't exist or can't see them. These react against the upright, because the upright represent the God they really hate. Even in church circles (term used lightly) the Word of God is being attacked, made little of, changed, judged, etc. )
but though his foes forget, the psalmists' thought is that God's promises are true, well refined , and without flaw. Though 'small and despised', he will cling to God's righteous Word. Things change, society changes, the 'moral atmosphere' changes, but God does not. Ever.
"Give me understanding.....o conform to Your Law." Help me rightly know You.
In the next section, the psalmist proclaims his undivided attention to God. 24 hours a day, he knows he needs God, with a sense of urgency. This section is about obedience and prayer. Prayer, is the first priority of his day, and continues through the day and night. Obedience comes from one who meditates on God's Law.....and knows it well. (See sermon notes from Heb. 4:12)
The enemies draw near to persecute and are far from God's Law.......
But God is near, and is unchanging, true, and faithful.....tested and found to be consistent. He is certain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Sermon, Bart Lester, Hebrews chapter 4, particularly verse 12.
Bart's (and my!) personal experience validates God's Word.
Part of our denomination's statement is that we are "true to the Scriptures". The Word is our authority and the foundation of doctrine and theology. Many current denominations and churches do not hold the Bible as central. Instead they water it down, re-define it, make it small, belittle it, and charge that it is irrelevant. This is not our stance!
The first section of this chapter speaks of 'rest'. We all long for it, need it, and strive for it, but it can't be found this side of heaven. The Sabbath established by God is temporary and a picture of God's ultimate rest for us. It points us to a more certain and eternal rest without struggles, pressures, and temptations.
'rest' in the context of the OT passages quoted meant freedom from slavery, harassment, and being poor and needy as a people. They did not have rest because of unbelief and disobedience.
'rest in the context of the Hebrew's the book is addressed to meant freedom from political oppression, and freedom from harassment also, as they were cut off from friends and family due to following Christ. They were in danger of not entering the true rest found in Christ, because they were contemplating returning to Judaism where it wasn't so difficult to be accepted.
The writer is pointing out the true rest can only be found in Christ. This is sure and certain. (ties to Psalm 119!)
He makes the point that we are to aim to enter that rest, it isn't a given.... then launches into verse 12.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
We enter that rest, when we give God's Word central priority.
This Word is alive and active.
Sharp, never dull.
Hard, not soft.
Right, never wrong.
Current in any age, not ancient.
Powerful, not weak.
Always relevant in any age, never irrelevant.
Effective. It never fails.
It is described as a weapon that pierces, or penetrates, to the parts of a man/woman that cannot be seen, dividing what is indivisible. Revealing what can't be seen. It exposes us to God, who knows and sees all. It makes naked before Him....with no cover, no defense, no secrets, no lies.
Completely bare,.........and uncomfortable.
But remember...we are aiming for complete rest. How does this work?
The Word teaches us of our sin, tells us what is right, and teaches us of God's redemptive plan. Because of this Word, we become aware of our dependent and vile state, and are able to confess and repent.
We have a Great High Priest....Christ, who stands for us. He who knew no sin, the perfect sacrifice, mediator, and high priest, provides the way for us to draw near to the throne of grace and mercy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meditation for thought from the bulletin:
"Faith has no more real or solid praise than when a godly man, seeing himself attacked on all sides, and unable to find comfort in men, despises the world's madness and unburdens his griefs and cares on God's lap, and rests quietly in the hope of His promises."
(John Calvin, Harmony of the Gospels)
This is the theme I see running throughout all the Psalms.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Psalm 90
"A prayer of Moses, the man of God."
For the first time, I kept in mind who the author of the song was as I read,
lending much more depth to the meaning.
A song of the eternal, verses the mortal.
Moses begins with the assertion of who God is. Recall God's words to him from
the burning bush, when Moses asked for the name of this God who was sending him
back to Egypt to lead the people out by God's mighty hand....."I Am."
Self existing; no beginning and no end; everlasting; Infinite.
But we.....Moses goes on.....are not. We are dependent upon God( as defined above), for
everything....life, breath, sustenance. We have a beginning, and most definitely and end.
When compared to God's eternal state, our life is but a breath. (I hear Ecclesiastes here!)
We count days and years. But to God, who does not, for He is infinite, a thousand years are like a day.
We rise up. We fall down.
We are born. Then we die.
And all the years in between are marked by labor and sorrow......and God's wrath on our sin.
(recall who wrote the psalm and the wanderings of the people in the wilderness because of their sin. I wonder if Moses wrote this after the incident in which he disobeyed God's instructions and was forbidden to enter the promised land?)
God sees all, and knows all. Nothing is secret from Him.
So Moses asks God to teach them....."to number (their) days, that (they) might get a heart of wisdom". In other words, help us to understand and consider our mortality, over against Your immortality, and thus to make wise choices in the time allotted to us.
His prayer is this: That God will have compassion and be merciful! Remember our state!
Give us as many years of gladness as You have given us sorrow! Let not our labor and travail be for naught! Ma we see Your hand in it all and praise you. Establish us.....we are Your work.
And establish the work of our hands in Your favor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In recent years, the Lord brought me through a very fiery trial......teaching me of my sin of pride, and laying out my sin and failures before me. It seemed that time would never end. But He was faithful through it all to teach me lovingly and gently, bringing me to a "broad place" as David often says.
I have sorrowed much over my family.....wishing with everything in me that they'd had a godly father, and that I as a single mom had been less proud of my strength and capabilities, had provided better teaching and training for them in our home, and had sought better church leadership for them.
It is too late for that though. 'What if's' don't gain anything.
So I learned to pray verses 12-17 with a personal bent:
"Father, teach me to number my days, that I might get heart of wisdom. Return O Lord, How long? Have pity on Your servant! Satisfy me in the morning with Your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days. Make me glad for as many days as You have afflicted me, and for as many years as I have seen evil. Let Your work be shown to me, and Your glorious power to my children. Let the favor of the Lord my God be upon me, and establish the work of my hands, yes, establish the work of my hands."
I plead with Him to redeem my mistakes.....because He is able, and I cannot. And forgive me......for my incessant pride.
For the first time, I kept in mind who the author of the song was as I read,
lending much more depth to the meaning.
A song of the eternal, verses the mortal.
Moses begins with the assertion of who God is. Recall God's words to him from
the burning bush, when Moses asked for the name of this God who was sending him
back to Egypt to lead the people out by God's mighty hand....."I Am."
Self existing; no beginning and no end; everlasting; Infinite.
But we.....Moses goes on.....are not. We are dependent upon God( as defined above), for
everything....life, breath, sustenance. We have a beginning, and most definitely and end.
When compared to God's eternal state, our life is but a breath. (I hear Ecclesiastes here!)
We count days and years. But to God, who does not, for He is infinite, a thousand years are like a day.
We rise up. We fall down.
We are born. Then we die.
And all the years in between are marked by labor and sorrow......and God's wrath on our sin.
(recall who wrote the psalm and the wanderings of the people in the wilderness because of their sin. I wonder if Moses wrote this after the incident in which he disobeyed God's instructions and was forbidden to enter the promised land?)
God sees all, and knows all. Nothing is secret from Him.
So Moses asks God to teach them....."to number (their) days, that (they) might get a heart of wisdom". In other words, help us to understand and consider our mortality, over against Your immortality, and thus to make wise choices in the time allotted to us.
His prayer is this: That God will have compassion and be merciful! Remember our state!
Give us as many years of gladness as You have given us sorrow! Let not our labor and travail be for naught! Ma we see Your hand in it all and praise you. Establish us.....we are Your work.
And establish the work of our hands in Your favor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In recent years, the Lord brought me through a very fiery trial......teaching me of my sin of pride, and laying out my sin and failures before me. It seemed that time would never end. But He was faithful through it all to teach me lovingly and gently, bringing me to a "broad place" as David often says.
I have sorrowed much over my family.....wishing with everything in me that they'd had a godly father, and that I as a single mom had been less proud of my strength and capabilities, had provided better teaching and training for them in our home, and had sought better church leadership for them.
It is too late for that though. 'What if's' don't gain anything.
So I learned to pray verses 12-17 with a personal bent:
"Father, teach me to number my days, that I might get heart of wisdom. Return O Lord, How long? Have pity on Your servant! Satisfy me in the morning with Your steadfast love, that I may rejoice and be glad all my days. Make me glad for as many days as You have afflicted me, and for as many years as I have seen evil. Let Your work be shown to me, and Your glorious power to my children. Let the favor of the Lord my God be upon me, and establish the work of my hands, yes, establish the work of my hands."
I plead with Him to redeem my mistakes.....because He is able, and I cannot. And forgive me......for my incessant pride.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Psalm 89
A lament of Ethan.
Verse one stirs up a happy tune in my head....long sung in worship services, around camp fires, and in youth groups.....
"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations."
Yes, this is a good thing; good to recall God's mercy and faithfulness. Good to remember what He has said and done. But the joy and confidence of that one verse gives no clue as to the lament that will follow.
The Davidic promise is quoted in V. 3-4, sparking another burst of praise in V 5-18. God alone is to be praised. It is He who is to be feared and held in reverence. Who is like Him?......in faithfulness, might, rule, and care? He established the earth ad sustains it, and He cares for His own.
The Davidic promise is expanded in Verses 19-37. God chose and anointed him, and established his reign in Israel. David would expand the kingdom successfully by God's strength. The enemy would not stand against him. Even if his sons should turn away......God would not forsake His promise that one of David's line would be on the throne forever.
But He would indeed punish unrighteousness......without breaking His promise.
After recalling the greatness of God and His promise.......comes the lament.
It seems a son of David has turned, and God's hand is heavy upon both he and the nation. It appears as though God has broken His promise (though Ethan knows it is not so).
The enemy is exalted now, and the king an kingdom suffer. The glory of David has been replaced with reproach and shame.
How long? In a statement reminiscent of Ecclesiastes, he reminds God of life's brevity and futility. We will all see death. He pleads with Go to remember His promise! The people long to see and know His favor again!
Remembering this.......comes the statement of praise, "Blessed be the Lord forevermore!"
He is to be trusted even when all seems lost.
So.....after recalling the cheery song of praise from verse 1.......I will now always carry that thought a little farther in my mind....
after reading the rest of the text, I realize a deeper meaning......
Even when we can't SEE evidence of the Lord's mercies, or faithfulness to His promises.....when it seems to us that He has abandoned it all....WE need to be faithful to remember what He has said, and to pronounce it willingly, and to trust that His Word is true. Know it,.....even when you don't feel it.
He is indeed merciful, and faithful, and very, very True.
Verse one stirs up a happy tune in my head....long sung in worship services, around camp fires, and in youth groups.....
"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations."
Yes, this is a good thing; good to recall God's mercy and faithfulness. Good to remember what He has said and done. But the joy and confidence of that one verse gives no clue as to the lament that will follow.
The Davidic promise is quoted in V. 3-4, sparking another burst of praise in V 5-18. God alone is to be praised. It is He who is to be feared and held in reverence. Who is like Him?......in faithfulness, might, rule, and care? He established the earth ad sustains it, and He cares for His own.
The Davidic promise is expanded in Verses 19-37. God chose and anointed him, and established his reign in Israel. David would expand the kingdom successfully by God's strength. The enemy would not stand against him. Even if his sons should turn away......God would not forsake His promise that one of David's line would be on the throne forever.
But He would indeed punish unrighteousness......without breaking His promise.
After recalling the greatness of God and His promise.......comes the lament.
It seems a son of David has turned, and God's hand is heavy upon both he and the nation. It appears as though God has broken His promise (though Ethan knows it is not so).
The enemy is exalted now, and the king an kingdom suffer. The glory of David has been replaced with reproach and shame.
How long? In a statement reminiscent of Ecclesiastes, he reminds God of life's brevity and futility. We will all see death. He pleads with Go to remember His promise! The people long to see and know His favor again!
Remembering this.......comes the statement of praise, "Blessed be the Lord forevermore!"
He is to be trusted even when all seems lost.
So.....after recalling the cheery song of praise from verse 1.......I will now always carry that thought a little farther in my mind....
after reading the rest of the text, I realize a deeper meaning......
Even when we can't SEE evidence of the Lord's mercies, or faithfulness to His promises.....when it seems to us that He has abandoned it all....WE need to be faithful to remember what He has said, and to pronounce it willingly, and to trust that His Word is true. Know it,.....even when you don't feel it.
He is indeed merciful, and faithful, and very, very True.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Psalm 88
"The saddest psalm in the book" because it is a lament, without the usual elements of trust and praise. This is mentioned by both study bibles.
Of Heman, a leader in the guild of the sons of Korah, per NKJV notes.
See IKings 29:31.
"Oh Lord God of my salvation....." begins the song. The writer knows Who to turn to and does so in spite of his feelings. Indeed his (very intense) feelings do not sway him from running to God.
He pleads with God to hear him, and launches into a lament about how he feels...like death.
His soul is troubled, he has no strength. Even others perceive him as a dead man.
He feels utterly abandoned and cut off, isolated and alone.....with no way out.
He does attribute his state to God's hand, recognizing His sovereignty.....without anger, it seems. But as is customary in most other Psalms, there is no confession or assertion of his innocence.
He is in utter despair. He cries to God continually. "Lord, why?!" He continues to ask questions of God, trying reason with him it seems. If like the dead, can I praise You? Neither can others praise you regarding my state! How does my state of affliction demonstrate Your lovingkindness, wonders, praise, righteousness? I have called upon You, and You only, but it seems You have turned away from me! I have suffered since my youth! and am distraught due to Your wrath!.
Loved ones and friends alike are far, far away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
I found several positive notes in this sad, sad, lament.
First, he does know Who to turn to. As said, his suffering does not cause him to sway....he recognizes God as his only source of help.
Secondly, he recognizes God's sovereignty, even when it has a negative impact on him.
Third, he is persistent, calling upon God continually. This speaks to me of a trust, even though not voiced specifically
Fourth, he is concerned not only for himself, but for God's Name. He wants to be able to praise Him himself, and not only that, but for others to do so because of what God has done.
I wondered, and study notes also, if perhaps he was a leper, thus the references to be shut out, and isolated.
Last: I love what the NKJV note said : "the 'why' of human suffering is rarely easily answered, especially to the sufferer's satisfaction."
No answers are indicated in the psalm. But he knows God is his God, that He is sovereign, He is able, and He is right.
Oh that I might follow this example when I am in the depths of a fiery trial!
Of Heman, a leader in the guild of the sons of Korah, per NKJV notes.
See IKings 29:31.
"Oh Lord God of my salvation....." begins the song. The writer knows Who to turn to and does so in spite of his feelings. Indeed his (very intense) feelings do not sway him from running to God.
He pleads with God to hear him, and launches into a lament about how he feels...like death.
His soul is troubled, he has no strength. Even others perceive him as a dead man.
He feels utterly abandoned and cut off, isolated and alone.....with no way out.
He does attribute his state to God's hand, recognizing His sovereignty.....without anger, it seems. But as is customary in most other Psalms, there is no confession or assertion of his innocence.
He is in utter despair. He cries to God continually. "Lord, why?!" He continues to ask questions of God, trying reason with him it seems. If like the dead, can I praise You? Neither can others praise you regarding my state! How does my state of affliction demonstrate Your lovingkindness, wonders, praise, righteousness? I have called upon You, and You only, but it seems You have turned away from me! I have suffered since my youth! and am distraught due to Your wrath!.
Loved ones and friends alike are far, far away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
I found several positive notes in this sad, sad, lament.
First, he does know Who to turn to. As said, his suffering does not cause him to sway....he recognizes God as his only source of help.
Secondly, he recognizes God's sovereignty, even when it has a negative impact on him.
Third, he is persistent, calling upon God continually. This speaks to me of a trust, even though not voiced specifically
Fourth, he is concerned not only for himself, but for God's Name. He wants to be able to praise Him himself, and not only that, but for others to do so because of what God has done.
I wondered, and study notes also, if perhaps he was a leper, thus the references to be shut out, and isolated.
Last: I love what the NKJV note said : "the 'why' of human suffering is rarely easily answered, especially to the sufferer's satisfaction."
No answers are indicated in the psalm. But he knows God is his God, that He is sovereign, He is able, and He is right.
Oh that I might follow this example when I am in the depths of a fiery trial!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Psalm 87
Both immediately applicable in the time it was written, and prophetic in it's scope, this psalm sings the praise of Zion, or Jerusalem.
How blessed is Jerusalem because God chose her for His specific dwelling place in Israel! He is not limited to this place, but it is where he specifically met with his people.
God will have followers from every nation.....but how wonderful to say, "I was born in Jerusalem!"
God records ('mentions') his own......from any nation....and any time....in 'the book of the living'. Both study bibles reference this, providing the following references:
Ps 139:16, Is 4:3, Rev 21:24-27, Ps 69:28, Ex 32:32-33 Daniel 12:1
Malachi 3:1
While physical birth in God's chosen city is mentioned here.....implied is the idea of spiritual birth. Of verse 5's phrase..."were born in her".....the RSB says, ".....refers metaphorically to a spiritual birth in Zion. Zion is mother to the spiritual birth of peoples from all over the world."
I am at a loss for words to say what I want to say.........
How wonderful that God has given us His entire Word......to lay out His plan over the ages for us. We have the picture of Him calling a specific, very undeserving people, saving them, teaching them, protecting them, etc, etc. But throughout is the wonderful promise of a new covenant....that would include all kinds of people from all nations. Indeed we can 'boast' today of being born in Zion......spiritual birth that comes from God Himself. We, too, are His chosen ones.
He, indeed, is the spring that sustains me.
He keeps record.....and one day, the book will be opened.......
My my name be found there!
How blessed is Jerusalem because God chose her for His specific dwelling place in Israel! He is not limited to this place, but it is where he specifically met with his people.
God will have followers from every nation.....but how wonderful to say, "I was born in Jerusalem!"
God records ('mentions') his own......from any nation....and any time....in 'the book of the living'. Both study bibles reference this, providing the following references:
Ps 139:16, Is 4:3, Rev 21:24-27, Ps 69:28, Ex 32:32-33 Daniel 12:1
Malachi 3:1
While physical birth in God's chosen city is mentioned here.....implied is the idea of spiritual birth. Of verse 5's phrase..."were born in her".....the RSB says, ".....refers metaphorically to a spiritual birth in Zion. Zion is mother to the spiritual birth of peoples from all over the world."
I am at a loss for words to say what I want to say.........
How wonderful that God has given us His entire Word......to lay out His plan over the ages for us. We have the picture of Him calling a specific, very undeserving people, saving them, teaching them, protecting them, etc, etc. But throughout is the wonderful promise of a new covenant....that would include all kinds of people from all nations. Indeed we can 'boast' today of being born in Zion......spiritual birth that comes from God Himself. We, too, are His chosen ones.
He, indeed, is the spring that sustains me.
He keeps record.....and one day, the book will be opened.......
My my name be found there!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Psalm 86
Immediately, I am struck by the writer's (David) view of God......High and lifted up, far, far above him. He is aware of God and views Him correctly, and in so doing, he knows his own place.....lowly , poor and needy, totally dependent upon God. "Bow down Your ear....." he prays. i.e. I can't attain to You. Effective prayer must begin with this attitude. We must not be chummy with God. We are not His equal.
This song of pleading for mercy and grace if full of
1. confidence and hope in God and His proven character.
God is, well, God! He is abundantly merciful, good, quick to forgive, hears our prayer and
answers; He is above all other gods, indeed above the nations. He is great, working wonders.
He delivers, is full of compassion, grace, longsuffering, mercy and truth. He helps and comforts.
2. the psalmists own committment to God.
he states that he is holy.....set apart for God. e trusts God, cries to Him all day long, is His servant lifts up his soul to God (seeks Him), calls on God alone, walks in His truth, and praises and glorifies Him
Based on these things (knowing God, and being committed to Him alone), he pleads for help. The specific circumstances of life at the time the psalm was written are not given, butthe prayer is appropriate for a myriad of situations.
He asks God, in confidence, based on his understanding of God, to hear him, and demonstrate mercy and forgiveness to him, because he calls solely upon Him.
There is no other God. Pagan gods can't hear, or answer. God alone is supreme over all and will be praised.
David asks for understanding of God's Word......to apply it to life every day. "Unite my heart..." help me focus on the right things...on You...and not be tossed to and fro by worldly pursuits.
Praise God for His great mercy in hearing and answering! Enemies have not set God before them, but God is full of compassion and grace....longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.
>>I was struck by the fact that there is no request here for justice on the 'enemy' as is usual<<
David asks that God's response to him be so evident that all will see it and be ashamed of their unbelief and apostacy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~```
Always concerned for God's name to be lifted up and praised....rather than simply wanting to be rescued from bad circumstances.
How often are we the opposite? We cry out to God for help, but we are not concerned that He receive praise and glory for it. We are only (usually, it seems) concerned that we get out of the uncomfortable circumstance.
How weary God must become of me! But, he is indeed longsuffering, merciful, and kind, as is demonstrated in the fact that I am His. He disciplines me, and trains me as a child (Hebrews 12) preparing me to run the race with diligence and success.....for the prize at the end....life with Him.
This song of pleading for mercy and grace if full of
1. confidence and hope in God and His proven character.
God is, well, God! He is abundantly merciful, good, quick to forgive, hears our prayer and
answers; He is above all other gods, indeed above the nations. He is great, working wonders.
He delivers, is full of compassion, grace, longsuffering, mercy and truth. He helps and comforts.
2. the psalmists own committment to God.
he states that he is holy.....set apart for God. e trusts God, cries to Him all day long, is His servant lifts up his soul to God (seeks Him), calls on God alone, walks in His truth, and praises and glorifies Him
Based on these things (knowing God, and being committed to Him alone), he pleads for help. The specific circumstances of life at the time the psalm was written are not given, butthe prayer is appropriate for a myriad of situations.
He asks God, in confidence, based on his understanding of God, to hear him, and demonstrate mercy and forgiveness to him, because he calls solely upon Him.
There is no other God. Pagan gods can't hear, or answer. God alone is supreme over all and will be praised.
David asks for understanding of God's Word......to apply it to life every day. "Unite my heart..." help me focus on the right things...on You...and not be tossed to and fro by worldly pursuits.
Praise God for His great mercy in hearing and answering! Enemies have not set God before them, but God is full of compassion and grace....longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.
>>I was struck by the fact that there is no request here for justice on the 'enemy' as is usual<<
David asks that God's response to him be so evident that all will see it and be ashamed of their unbelief and apostacy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~```
Always concerned for God's name to be lifted up and praised....rather than simply wanting to be rescued from bad circumstances.
How often are we the opposite? We cry out to God for help, but we are not concerned that He receive praise and glory for it. We are only (usually, it seems) concerned that we get out of the uncomfortable circumstance.
How weary God must become of me! But, he is indeed longsuffering, merciful, and kind, as is demonstrated in the fact that I am His. He disciplines me, and trains me as a child (Hebrews 12) preparing me to run the race with diligence and success.....for the prize at the end....life with Him.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Psalm 85
Looking at the past gives hope for the present and future......
We aren't given the specific occasion of this psalm, but it would be applicable to many instances in their history. Some think it may apply to those returning from captivity in Babylon.
How often did God "restore the fortunes of Jacob" and forgive His people? He was angry because of their sin, and withdrew His hand from them. They faltered, and repeatedly found themselves in helpless situations.....would remember God, call out to Him, confess and repent, be restored, then find themselves right back in the same situation. (all too familiar..........)
Yet time, after time, He turned His anger away.
Now, once again, a plea for restoration. "Will You be angry forever? Even to generations?" Will You revive us again, as before, so that we will rejoice in You?
God's steadfast love, or covenant with the people is recalled.....The Psalmist knows that God will answer, but remembering the past, warns against returning to old ways, forsaking God's law yet again. He saves those who fear him......both individuals and the nation.
Yes, God will turn His anger away......when His people draw near to Him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~`
How true of not only Israel, but me. How many times? Countless! But God is rich in love and mercy.....and calls me back, training me all along the way, through every trial, every joy, every sorrow and every triumph. I am so overwhelmed when I think of His great love and mercy!
We aren't given the specific occasion of this psalm, but it would be applicable to many instances in their history. Some think it may apply to those returning from captivity in Babylon.
How often did God "restore the fortunes of Jacob" and forgive His people? He was angry because of their sin, and withdrew His hand from them. They faltered, and repeatedly found themselves in helpless situations.....would remember God, call out to Him, confess and repent, be restored, then find themselves right back in the same situation. (all too familiar..........)
Yet time, after time, He turned His anger away.
Now, once again, a plea for restoration. "Will You be angry forever? Even to generations?" Will You revive us again, as before, so that we will rejoice in You?
God's steadfast love, or covenant with the people is recalled.....The Psalmist knows that God will answer, but remembering the past, warns against returning to old ways, forsaking God's law yet again. He saves those who fear him......both individuals and the nation.
Yes, God will turn His anger away......when His people draw near to Him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~`
How true of not only Israel, but me. How many times? Countless! But God is rich in love and mercy.....and calls me back, training me all along the way, through every trial, every joy, every sorrow and every triumph. I am so overwhelmed when I think of His great love and mercy!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, June 8, 2014
Sunday School: Psalm 119:121-136 Hebrew letters Ayin and Pe. Bart Lester.
Ayin: v.121-128 Reward, Trust, Commitment.
There is reward for those who live in obedience to God's law. But this obedience often lands us in trouble with God's enemies.....the insolent (arrogant) who live life as though they are god and that He isn't. Other psalms speak of this attitude....they think God doesn't see, hear, or know what they are about. And they tend to make life miserable for those who do live in obedience to God' law.
It is appropriate for us to plead for God's justice against them.....for they oppose God.
God doesn't seem to be in a hurry to judge them, which doesn't play well with the psalmist's desire to see justice quick! He asks for help in understanding God's ways and to discern good and evil. The urgency of the situation causes the writer to ask God to act now! He declares that he loves God's law and will not be swayed to not love it by the blatent disregard of it around him. The more he sees this, the more loyal he will be.
If we love God's law, we hate double-mindedness (verse 113) and anything that opposes Him. "Hate" is indeed a biblical word, if directed at the appropriate thing....false ways, double minded, etc. (I would love to do a study on the word 'hate' in the Scriptures.......)
An example of the words of Christ to the church @ Laodicea was raised, Rev 3:14ff. They were lukewarm....neither hot nor cold....neither adhering to nor denying God's Word. And He spit them out in disgust.
Oh my I not be lukewarm! But I fear this is where most of the church in America is! May I be hot.....longing for and loving God's law and precepts and living by them!
Pe: v. 129-136 God's law is wonderful (i.e. supernatural) therefore I keep it! There is a quality of Scripture that sets it apart from all other writings. It gives me light and understanding. i.e. it illumines the right path, and teaches me how to walk there for I am vulnerable (simple).
My longing for God's Word is like the longing for food and water. It is the very bread of life. Without it I am empty and malnourished, weary and dehydrated. Satisfy me with Your Word! Apply it to my heart! Help me keep Your commandments in spite of the oppression (persecution for righteousness sake). Show favor to me! The breaking of God's law grieves me, bringing me to tears.
So.........what makes you cry? Something to think about.....a very convicting thought.
~~~~~~~~~~
Worship, Eph 2:1-10 Bart Lester.
Just the reading of this Word, and all I wanted to say is this....."'nuf said." Powerful! and oh so humbling.......
Bart spoke of amnesia.....and wondered if we have it regarding the message of this passage.
Our nature is from birth death. In hostility toward God.
Walking in sin.
But God, saved us by the gift of grace, and resurrected us to life through Jesus Christ.
We have forgotten to recognize that the rot problem of humanity is spiritual.....our dead state. We are helpless, and cannot heal, rescue, redeem ourselves......
But God, who is rich in grace and mercy, loves us who are unlovable....in opposition it Him at our core. God is active in the transaction, we are passive. He has done this. Not of ourselves, no room to boast, it is a GIFT. We are not self made (as our society preaches to us non-stop) but we are HIS workmanship. All of God, and none of me. Let Him be our boast!
Ayin: v.121-128 Reward, Trust, Commitment.
There is reward for those who live in obedience to God's law. But this obedience often lands us in trouble with God's enemies.....the insolent (arrogant) who live life as though they are god and that He isn't. Other psalms speak of this attitude....they think God doesn't see, hear, or know what they are about. And they tend to make life miserable for those who do live in obedience to God' law.
It is appropriate for us to plead for God's justice against them.....for they oppose God.
God doesn't seem to be in a hurry to judge them, which doesn't play well with the psalmist's desire to see justice quick! He asks for help in understanding God's ways and to discern good and evil. The urgency of the situation causes the writer to ask God to act now! He declares that he loves God's law and will not be swayed to not love it by the blatent disregard of it around him. The more he sees this, the more loyal he will be.
If we love God's law, we hate double-mindedness (verse 113) and anything that opposes Him. "Hate" is indeed a biblical word, if directed at the appropriate thing....false ways, double minded, etc. (I would love to do a study on the word 'hate' in the Scriptures.......)
An example of the words of Christ to the church @ Laodicea was raised, Rev 3:14ff. They were lukewarm....neither hot nor cold....neither adhering to nor denying God's Word. And He spit them out in disgust.
Oh my I not be lukewarm! But I fear this is where most of the church in America is! May I be hot.....longing for and loving God's law and precepts and living by them!
Pe: v. 129-136 God's law is wonderful (i.e. supernatural) therefore I keep it! There is a quality of Scripture that sets it apart from all other writings. It gives me light and understanding. i.e. it illumines the right path, and teaches me how to walk there for I am vulnerable (simple).
My longing for God's Word is like the longing for food and water. It is the very bread of life. Without it I am empty and malnourished, weary and dehydrated. Satisfy me with Your Word! Apply it to my heart! Help me keep Your commandments in spite of the oppression (persecution for righteousness sake). Show favor to me! The breaking of God's law grieves me, bringing me to tears.
So.........what makes you cry? Something to think about.....a very convicting thought.
~~~~~~~~~~
Worship, Eph 2:1-10 Bart Lester.
Just the reading of this Word, and all I wanted to say is this....."'nuf said." Powerful! and oh so humbling.......
Bart spoke of amnesia.....and wondered if we have it regarding the message of this passage.
Our nature is from birth death. In hostility toward God.
Walking in sin.
But God, saved us by the gift of grace, and resurrected us to life through Jesus Christ.
We have forgotten to recognize that the rot problem of humanity is spiritual.....our dead state. We are helpless, and cannot heal, rescue, redeem ourselves......
But God, who is rich in grace and mercy, loves us who are unlovable....in opposition it Him at our core. God is active in the transaction, we are passive. He has done this. Not of ourselves, no room to boast, it is a GIFT. We are not self made (as our society preaches to us non-stop) but we are HIS workmanship. All of God, and none of me. Let Him be our boast!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Psalm 84
An appropriate Psalm for this day......Sabbath eve.
The psalmist looks with longing at the temple--the place of God's dwelling with the Israelites. Perhaps he is on a pilgrimage there....and has just caught sight of it in the distance. Or perhaps he is thinking of it and can't wait to get there. He longs, however, not just for the place, but for the One who dwells there......his God.
He envies the birds who have build nests there for their own dwelling....wishing he could dwell there himself!
Blessed (enjoying God's special favor and grace) is the one who dwells in God's presence.
Blessed....is the one whose strength is in God, whose heart longs for and seeks Him.
Verse 6: The valley of Baca is unknown to us today. Study notes indicate that this word sounds like the Hebrew for 'weeping'. Perhaps he is speaking of the hard journey, which ends in joy upon seeing the temple? Or maybe an arid, dry place transformed by their presence?
Oh God....hear! Look upon our king and the face of Your anointed.
(this verse has both 'now' and 'not yet' implications.......'now' indicating the current king in Israel, but 'not yet' in that it is pointing to Christ)
To be in God's house is better than all else.....one day better than a thousand elsewhere! Just to stand on the threshold is good enough!
God is our light and defense......"no good thing will He uphold from the upright."
I think of Romans 8:28-32.....God has indeed promised us good.....and that good is that we become more Christlike through all things. He is working this in us.....through every situation in life.
I, too, love to be in God's house. I am so thankful for the day He set aside for us to rest, and to focus our attentions on Him.
The psalmist looks with longing at the temple--the place of God's dwelling with the Israelites. Perhaps he is on a pilgrimage there....and has just caught sight of it in the distance. Or perhaps he is thinking of it and can't wait to get there. He longs, however, not just for the place, but for the One who dwells there......his God.
He envies the birds who have build nests there for their own dwelling....wishing he could dwell there himself!
Blessed (enjoying God's special favor and grace) is the one who dwells in God's presence.
Blessed....is the one whose strength is in God, whose heart longs for and seeks Him.
Verse 6: The valley of Baca is unknown to us today. Study notes indicate that this word sounds like the Hebrew for 'weeping'. Perhaps he is speaking of the hard journey, which ends in joy upon seeing the temple? Or maybe an arid, dry place transformed by their presence?
Oh God....hear! Look upon our king and the face of Your anointed.
(this verse has both 'now' and 'not yet' implications.......'now' indicating the current king in Israel, but 'not yet' in that it is pointing to Christ)
To be in God's house is better than all else.....one day better than a thousand elsewhere! Just to stand on the threshold is good enough!
God is our light and defense......"no good thing will He uphold from the upright."
I think of Romans 8:28-32.....God has indeed promised us good.....and that good is that we become more Christlike through all things. He is working this in us.....through every situation in life.
I, too, love to be in God's house. I am so thankful for the day He set aside for us to rest, and to focus our attentions on Him.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Psalm 83
of Asaph.
Oh God.....do not keep silent! Don't hold Your peace. Don't be still. Your enemies rise up in a coalition against Israel....with the thought of annihilating them.....so that they will not be remembered.
Of note, it is said that the enemies hate God.......not Israel. But they can't come directly against Him, so it is His people they attack.
10 nations are listed, all surrounding Israel, indicating the scope of the uprising.
Likewise, past instances of victory from the period of the Judges are recalled.
Recall the defeat of Midian by Gideon in Judges 7:15-25.
Recall the kings, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah and Zalmunna defeated by Deborah and Barak in Judges 4:12-16.
Defeat the current enemy as You defeated them! Lay them waste! May they be as dust and chaff on the wind....helpless and weak. Pursue them relentlessly, like fire throught a wood. Frighten them, like a tempest.
May they be shamed and confounded. Dismayed (instead of their pride). May they perish.
All this.....that they may know You.
For You, alone, are God.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Note that the psalmist's concern doesn't seem to be primarily rescue from the situation, but in preserving God's Name and fame. How often do we only seek to be released from the troublesome situation we find ourselves in, with no concern for God's name?
Or no concern to grow in knowledge and wisdom through His molding of us through the situation? Or no concern to see the sin that we are being disciplined for.
Oh God.....do not keep silent! Don't hold Your peace. Don't be still. Your enemies rise up in a coalition against Israel....with the thought of annihilating them.....so that they will not be remembered.
Of note, it is said that the enemies hate God.......not Israel. But they can't come directly against Him, so it is His people they attack.
10 nations are listed, all surrounding Israel, indicating the scope of the uprising.
Likewise, past instances of victory from the period of the Judges are recalled.
Recall the defeat of Midian by Gideon in Judges 7:15-25.
Recall the kings, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah and Zalmunna defeated by Deborah and Barak in Judges 4:12-16.
Defeat the current enemy as You defeated them! Lay them waste! May they be as dust and chaff on the wind....helpless and weak. Pursue them relentlessly, like fire throught a wood. Frighten them, like a tempest.
May they be shamed and confounded. Dismayed (instead of their pride). May they perish.
All this.....that they may know You.
For You, alone, are God.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Note that the psalmist's concern doesn't seem to be primarily rescue from the situation, but in preserving God's Name and fame. How often do we only seek to be released from the troublesome situation we find ourselves in, with no concern for God's name?
Or no concern to grow in knowledge and wisdom through His molding of us through the situation? Or no concern to see the sin that we are being disciplined for.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Psalm 82
Both the NKJB and RSB study notes mention translation and interpretation difficulties with this Psalm.
The word, 'gods' can be interpreted different ways.....as angelic powers, lesser than God;
or perhaps deities that are made subordinate to Him, or as human judges, set in place by Him on earth. (RSB study notes). The NKJV mentions only pagan gods, or human judges.
At first reading, I took the meaning to be this:
God alone is Judge. He is above all 'gods' and is sovereign over all.......nations, authorities, etc. He is aware of all that happens.
Human authority is set by Him, but these judges need not se themselves as being any better than those under them. All are equal in His sight,.....the poor, rich, lowly and lifted up.....are all His children and will come to the same end-----death and facing Him.
Therefore, watch how you judge.....for you will be judged. Do not show partiality. Defend the poor and fatherless.....do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy. Rescue them from the hands of the wicked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
My thoughts are that my guiding principle needs to be this:
What if God judged me the same way that I judge others? I am hasty, harsh, unmerciful, finite in knowledge of the whole situation, perhaps proud and puffed up, 'holier than thou', etc.
Be merciful! (without enabling or condoning sin!)
Be fair! Be gentle and kind! Be helpful.....meet needs.
Be humble.....knowing your proper position before God.
Be open to being judged by Him, like you judge others.
Now there's a truly scary thought. Enough to make me sit in silence a little more often.
The word, 'gods' can be interpreted different ways.....as angelic powers, lesser than God;
or perhaps deities that are made subordinate to Him, or as human judges, set in place by Him on earth. (RSB study notes). The NKJV mentions only pagan gods, or human judges.
At first reading, I took the meaning to be this:
God alone is Judge. He is above all 'gods' and is sovereign over all.......nations, authorities, etc. He is aware of all that happens.
Human authority is set by Him, but these judges need not se themselves as being any better than those under them. All are equal in His sight,.....the poor, rich, lowly and lifted up.....are all His children and will come to the same end-----death and facing Him.
Therefore, watch how you judge.....for you will be judged. Do not show partiality. Defend the poor and fatherless.....do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy. Rescue them from the hands of the wicked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
My thoughts are that my guiding principle needs to be this:
What if God judged me the same way that I judge others? I am hasty, harsh, unmerciful, finite in knowledge of the whole situation, perhaps proud and puffed up, 'holier than thou', etc.
Be merciful! (without enabling or condoning sin!)
Be fair! Be gentle and kind! Be helpful.....meet needs.
Be humble.....knowing your proper position before God.
Be open to being judged by Him, like you judge others.
Now there's a truly scary thought. Enough to make me sit in silence a little more often.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Psalm 81
Asaph. A song/prophecy associated with the Feast of Booths (tabernacles), based on verse 3 and 4.
The psalm begins with a call for exuberant praise to "God our strength"....Singing, joyful shouts and music. A trumpet blast initiates the feast at the new moon.
The psalmist remembers that God established Joseph in Egypt.....eventually bringing the entire family there for rescue from the famine.
Then, God speaks.
I rescued you from slavery there. You called to me and I answered! I brought you out and tested you in the wilderness. I am your God! Worship no other!
But you did turn to other gods, and you did not trust Me to satisfy you. So, I allowed you to go. How I long for a people who will listen to me and be steadfast and faithful! I would defeat every for, judge every enemy, and satisfy their every need. I would feed them with "honey from the rock", and "the finest of wheat". Both of these phrases appear in the song of Moses in Deut. 32.
(Study notes equate this lament by God to that of Jesus in Matt. 23:37 over Jerusalem)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I picture God lamenting over me.......longing for me to be steadfast and faithful.....not turning to any other idol for help,comfort, strength, fulfillment, etc.
But I am reminded of His steadfastness and faithfulness to me. He chose me and keeps me, through no merit of my own....and will never leave me or forsake me, though He will shape me and mold me through various trials and affliction.
The psalm begins with a call for exuberant praise to "God our strength"....Singing, joyful shouts and music. A trumpet blast initiates the feast at the new moon.
The psalmist remembers that God established Joseph in Egypt.....eventually bringing the entire family there for rescue from the famine.
Then, God speaks.
I rescued you from slavery there. You called to me and I answered! I brought you out and tested you in the wilderness. I am your God! Worship no other!
But you did turn to other gods, and you did not trust Me to satisfy you. So, I allowed you to go. How I long for a people who will listen to me and be steadfast and faithful! I would defeat every for, judge every enemy, and satisfy their every need. I would feed them with "honey from the rock", and "the finest of wheat". Both of these phrases appear in the song of Moses in Deut. 32.
(Study notes equate this lament by God to that of Jesus in Matt. 23:37 over Jerusalem)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I picture God lamenting over me.......longing for me to be steadfast and faithful.....not turning to any other idol for help,comfort, strength, fulfillment, etc.
But I am reminded of His steadfastness and faithfulness to me. He chose me and keeps me, through no merit of my own....and will never leave me or forsake me, though He will shape me and mold me through various trials and affliction.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Psalm 80
A Song of Asaph.
This Psalm looks like a song we might have in our hymn books today....complete with 3 stanzas and a repeated refrain.
Stanza one is a plea for rescue.....acknowledging God as the Great Shepherd of Israel. 3 of the northernmost tribes are mentioned.....perhaps a particular attack against them had begun?
<<as an aside......I love to think of God as the Shepherd......for just as a shepherd leads, guides and defends helpless, defenseless sheep, so our God does for us......as helpless and defenseless as we are (just usually without knowing it)>"
Verse 2 asks God to 'shine forth'....tying into the refrain:
"Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved."
How reminiscent of the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26!
Stanza 2 asks, "How long?" How long will You try us in anger against our sin?
Our grief is such that we cry daily.....crying is as common as eating. We are a trial to our neighbors and a byword among others. Our enemies laugh at us!
And then the refrain....."Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved."
Stanza 3 is a parable about a vine dresser and his vine. Israel was a tender shoot, picked by God out of Egypt; planted and tended in the soil of the promised land. God Himself groomed and nurtured her.
But now.....the hedges of protection around the garden are torn down. The vine and it's fruit are exposed and vulnerable. Enemies are harming it; animals and beasts destroy.
Return again to tend the garden! It is dying because You have removed Your hand!
Revive us!! We will call on You!
Tend us!! we will turn back to You!
"Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved."
~~~~~~~~~~~~`
God, in His great mercy.....allows us to face the consequences of our sin....and yes, indeed, judges us for it. If He didn't let us suffer, how would we grow? How would we know our helpless place before Him? How would we learn to trust Him?
More and more I see how defenseless and helpless I am....How I run off from His side in all confidence, little knowing the danger and sometimes not the sin that prompts me. But He always draws me back, sometimes after I've suffered the sting of discipline. And there I know that He is my substance.....and there I vow to stay.
until the next time I wander.......
This Psalm looks like a song we might have in our hymn books today....complete with 3 stanzas and a repeated refrain.
Stanza one is a plea for rescue.....acknowledging God as the Great Shepherd of Israel. 3 of the northernmost tribes are mentioned.....perhaps a particular attack against them had begun?
<<as an aside......I love to think of God as the Shepherd......for just as a shepherd leads, guides and defends helpless, defenseless sheep, so our God does for us......as helpless and defenseless as we are (just usually without knowing it)>"
Verse 2 asks God to 'shine forth'....tying into the refrain:
"Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved."
How reminiscent of the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26!
Stanza 2 asks, "How long?" How long will You try us in anger against our sin?
Our grief is such that we cry daily.....crying is as common as eating. We are a trial to our neighbors and a byword among others. Our enemies laugh at us!
And then the refrain....."Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved."
Stanza 3 is a parable about a vine dresser and his vine. Israel was a tender shoot, picked by God out of Egypt; planted and tended in the soil of the promised land. God Himself groomed and nurtured her.
But now.....the hedges of protection around the garden are torn down. The vine and it's fruit are exposed and vulnerable. Enemies are harming it; animals and beasts destroy.
Return again to tend the garden! It is dying because You have removed Your hand!
Revive us!! We will call on You!
Tend us!! we will turn back to You!
"Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved."
~~~~~~~~~~~~`
God, in His great mercy.....allows us to face the consequences of our sin....and yes, indeed, judges us for it. If He didn't let us suffer, how would we grow? How would we know our helpless place before Him? How would we learn to trust Him?
More and more I see how defenseless and helpless I am....How I run off from His side in all confidence, little knowing the danger and sometimes not the sin that prompts me. But He always draws me back, sometimes after I've suffered the sting of discipline. And there I know that He is my substance.....and there I vow to stay.
until the next time I wander.......
Monday, June 2, 2014
Psalm 79
Asaph is the author.
Jerusalem is destroyed. The temple is defiled. War has ravaged the people......many are the dead. So many that the living can't bury them all. Israel, once held in honor and awe by neighboring lands has now become a reproach and a byword, scorned and mocked.
"How long?" the psalmist asks. How long will You be angry, O God? Pour out your wrath on them!.......the nations that do not know You! Judge them for what they've done to Your people!
(NKJV notes: "The psalmist recognizes that Israel's calamity is due to God's wrath because of her sinfulness. But why were not the nations that do not know God punished? According to I Peter 4:17, judgement must begin with the house of God.")
Remember no our sins against us! Quickly be merciful! We have been struck low....very low....there is none to rescue. They are still calling on the God o their salvation, after many warnings about their idolatry. Deliver! Provide! Atone.......for Your Name's sake.....so that the godless nations will see that You are God!
Let us see Your judgement upon them....avenging the blood of your servants that has been shed.
Hear our cry.....and preserve us......so that we, Your people and the sheep of Your pasture, will praise you forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How quickly we turn (back) to God when we get into trouble.....usually because of our sin! This to me is the utmost proof of our rebellious hearts......that we don't forget Him......we really do know hat He is, and He is judge......but we are willing to ACT like He isn't there and isn't judge while we sin. But when the consequences of our sin catches up to us.....that is when we suddenly turn back to the God we've ignored and plead for help.
And His mercy! How great! That time and again, He is willing to rescue us, and forgive us from our sin. Truly His lovingkindness is new every morning......Great is Thy faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:22-25
Jerusalem is destroyed. The temple is defiled. War has ravaged the people......many are the dead. So many that the living can't bury them all. Israel, once held in honor and awe by neighboring lands has now become a reproach and a byword, scorned and mocked.
"How long?" the psalmist asks. How long will You be angry, O God? Pour out your wrath on them!.......the nations that do not know You! Judge them for what they've done to Your people!
(NKJV notes: "The psalmist recognizes that Israel's calamity is due to God's wrath because of her sinfulness. But why were not the nations that do not know God punished? According to I Peter 4:17, judgement must begin with the house of God.")
Remember no our sins against us! Quickly be merciful! We have been struck low....very low....there is none to rescue. They are still calling on the God o their salvation, after many warnings about their idolatry. Deliver! Provide! Atone.......for Your Name's sake.....so that the godless nations will see that You are God!
Let us see Your judgement upon them....avenging the blood of your servants that has been shed.
Hear our cry.....and preserve us......so that we, Your people and the sheep of Your pasture, will praise you forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How quickly we turn (back) to God when we get into trouble.....usually because of our sin! This to me is the utmost proof of our rebellious hearts......that we don't forget Him......we really do know hat He is, and He is judge......but we are willing to ACT like He isn't there and isn't judge while we sin. But when the consequences of our sin catches up to us.....that is when we suddenly turn back to the God we've ignored and plead for help.
And His mercy! How great! That time and again, He is willing to rescue us, and forgive us from our sin. Truly His lovingkindness is new every morning......Great is Thy faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:22-25
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, June 1, 2014
Theme of the day it seems: Where's your focus?
Sunday School: Psalm 119:105-120 Hebrew letters Nun and Samekh . Bart Lester teaching.
"Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," (so that you don't get lost in a morally dark world).
I saw this verse differently today than I ever have before. It is about spiritual maturity, in light of the rest of this section.
Imaging biblical times.....primarily, there was no light, except that of the heavenly lights. (sun, moon, stars). Any other light in the darkness was expensive and a luxury. A lamp for your footsteps and a light for the path in the darkness was a rare thing. Darkness was to be feared. And so this verse would mean a lot to the Israelite.
Here, physical darkness is compared to moral darkness. Compare Eph 4:13-16 about maturity, and not being tossed to and fro (in a morally dark world). Without God's word, we are in darkness in this world. So, in verse 106 it is stated that becauIse of the above......the psalmist will keep God's rules.
He is severely afflicted, But God's word gives him life; revives him.
There is give and take involved so to speak.....Verse 108: Spontaneous praise from the individual results in God's teaching him of His law.
Verse 109 was difficult for me....."I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law." He is on edge, on the brink of disaster. Notes in the RSB helped me see the meaning:
"The psalmist's obedience is not risk free, for it exposes him to the wiles of his enemies. He could wish to be free of the danger, but is more concerned to live a godly life in spite of it."
(I am studying, also, The Hole in our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung....chapter 3, where he speaks of the same thing in regard to holiness. It comes with the risk, even the guarantee of trials.)
The Psalmist states that in trials he will not waver, but will remain steady. Enemies, even in the Body are traps.......false teachings, slander, gossip, etc. Through all our focus must be God's Word/law/testimonies.
Long term, firm commitment is expressed because of the joy of knowing and abiding by God's law. The joys of earth are fickle and fleeting, but God's Word is stead and true.....and everlasting.
"Joy without obedience is frivolity, but obedience without joy is moralism." (Moyter sp?)
The double minded man is one who wavers and is led away....very unstable in his ways and beliefs. Relativism is a good example of this (many ways to the same end). The psalmist declares that he will not be so! There is one way.....God's way.....that is clearly revealed in His word.
Compare James 1:2-8. The one who doubts is double minded.
God's Word provides security and hope.
Verse 115 is about separation.....from evildoers. You becom like those you associat with.
Verse 116 is a prayer for help to live up to God's law during times of trouble. Make my hope visible to all.
verse 117 asks for encouragement and stability provided by God.
Verse 118....If I waver or reject God's word, he will turn from me. Hope would be lost. The wicked will be rejected, but the righteous will be saved....therefore, love God's word and have a proper fear of Him!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Matthew 28:16-20, final sermon in Matthew by Bart Lester (133 in all! over 2 years)
Great commission: spoken primarily to the 11 apostles....who had been with Him for 3 years, then abandoned Him during His trial. Now He has them all together again, and charges them with this command.
Their reaction to the risen Lord: Worship, and doubt. Probably not doubt as in unbelief, although Thomas particularly did express this. More about wondering what's next, or where do we go from here. Here the cause they'd given up their livelihoods and families for seems to have come to a crashing halt. Jesus is with them again, but now He is going away. What's next? Surely there was great fear and apprehension among them!
Jesus tells them that He has been given all authority in heaven and earth...... a "cosmic transaction' beyond anything they can see or comprehend. They'd just seen him abased and humbled....and now glorified in this way? It seems backward.
But WHO he is has a direct effect on them. Universal Lordship demands a mission. Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach.........nations. How this must have flown in their faces! Jews.....peasants and fishermen. Go to the ens of the earth? What? To even 'unclean' peoples?
The vision is to incorporate disciples into the Body and for them to embrace the mission also.
We are to engage in personally evangelism.
Go. Send, Pray, Support. All these things are seen in light of Paul's journeys. Not all left their homes to go,.....some supported, some prayed, some sent.
Personally: you aren't off the hook. Pray....to live Christ before all contacts that you have. Pray for wisdom, discernment, opportunity and strength.
Evangelism isn't salesmanship, but sincere sharing of the Truth/Gospel.
Teach.....to observe all His commandments (by example, preaching, teaching, singing, praying, talking.).
The task of the new disciple is to be a learner. Seek, delight in, and do His Word!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~```
Sunday evening: Psalm 125 Henry Beaulieu
What do you put your trust in? What's is your protection?
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mt. Zion....(Jerusalem) that sits on a mountain with other mountains surrounding it. It is the place God established for His habitation among them.
The Lord surrounds His people like wise, so that they are like Jerusalem, and cannot be moved.
Times of trial may (will!) come, but their time is limited. The wicked will not be allowed to rule them for long.....and even when they do it is because of the sin of the people....being double minded (see notes above from James and Psalm 119). They put their focus on themselves rather than on Him, and they are disciplined (trained) for the sake of learning obedience.
The one with a good heart (trusting in the Lord) will be saved, but the one who turns aside to their on ways will be led away with the evildoers. This is a scary thought!
Focus!
Sunday School: Psalm 119:105-120 Hebrew letters Nun and Samekh . Bart Lester teaching.
"Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," (so that you don't get lost in a morally dark world).
I saw this verse differently today than I ever have before. It is about spiritual maturity, in light of the rest of this section.
Imaging biblical times.....primarily, there was no light, except that of the heavenly lights. (sun, moon, stars). Any other light in the darkness was expensive and a luxury. A lamp for your footsteps and a light for the path in the darkness was a rare thing. Darkness was to be feared. And so this verse would mean a lot to the Israelite.
Here, physical darkness is compared to moral darkness. Compare Eph 4:13-16 about maturity, and not being tossed to and fro (in a morally dark world). Without God's word, we are in darkness in this world. So, in verse 106 it is stated that becauIse of the above......the psalmist will keep God's rules.
He is severely afflicted, But God's word gives him life; revives him.
There is give and take involved so to speak.....Verse 108: Spontaneous praise from the individual results in God's teaching him of His law.
Verse 109 was difficult for me....."I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law." He is on edge, on the brink of disaster. Notes in the RSB helped me see the meaning:
"The psalmist's obedience is not risk free, for it exposes him to the wiles of his enemies. He could wish to be free of the danger, but is more concerned to live a godly life in spite of it."
(I am studying, also, The Hole in our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung....chapter 3, where he speaks of the same thing in regard to holiness. It comes with the risk, even the guarantee of trials.)
The Psalmist states that in trials he will not waver, but will remain steady. Enemies, even in the Body are traps.......false teachings, slander, gossip, etc. Through all our focus must be God's Word/law/testimonies.
Long term, firm commitment is expressed because of the joy of knowing and abiding by God's law. The joys of earth are fickle and fleeting, but God's Word is stead and true.....and everlasting.
"Joy without obedience is frivolity, but obedience without joy is moralism." (Moyter sp?)
The double minded man is one who wavers and is led away....very unstable in his ways and beliefs. Relativism is a good example of this (many ways to the same end). The psalmist declares that he will not be so! There is one way.....God's way.....that is clearly revealed in His word.
Compare James 1:2-8. The one who doubts is double minded.
God's Word provides security and hope.
Verse 115 is about separation.....from evildoers. You becom like those you associat with.
Verse 116 is a prayer for help to live up to God's law during times of trouble. Make my hope visible to all.
verse 117 asks for encouragement and stability provided by God.
Verse 118....If I waver or reject God's word, he will turn from me. Hope would be lost. The wicked will be rejected, but the righteous will be saved....therefore, love God's word and have a proper fear of Him!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Matthew 28:16-20, final sermon in Matthew by Bart Lester (133 in all! over 2 years)
Great commission: spoken primarily to the 11 apostles....who had been with Him for 3 years, then abandoned Him during His trial. Now He has them all together again, and charges them with this command.
Their reaction to the risen Lord: Worship, and doubt. Probably not doubt as in unbelief, although Thomas particularly did express this. More about wondering what's next, or where do we go from here. Here the cause they'd given up their livelihoods and families for seems to have come to a crashing halt. Jesus is with them again, but now He is going away. What's next? Surely there was great fear and apprehension among them!
Jesus tells them that He has been given all authority in heaven and earth...... a "cosmic transaction' beyond anything they can see or comprehend. They'd just seen him abased and humbled....and now glorified in this way? It seems backward.
But WHO he is has a direct effect on them. Universal Lordship demands a mission. Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach.........nations. How this must have flown in their faces! Jews.....peasants and fishermen. Go to the ens of the earth? What? To even 'unclean' peoples?
The vision is to incorporate disciples into the Body and for them to embrace the mission also.
We are to engage in personally evangelism.
Go. Send, Pray, Support. All these things are seen in light of Paul's journeys. Not all left their homes to go,.....some supported, some prayed, some sent.
Personally: you aren't off the hook. Pray....to live Christ before all contacts that you have. Pray for wisdom, discernment, opportunity and strength.
Evangelism isn't salesmanship, but sincere sharing of the Truth/Gospel.
Teach.....to observe all His commandments (by example, preaching, teaching, singing, praying, talking.).
The task of the new disciple is to be a learner. Seek, delight in, and do His Word!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~```
Sunday evening: Psalm 125 Henry Beaulieu
What do you put your trust in? What's is your protection?
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mt. Zion....(Jerusalem) that sits on a mountain with other mountains surrounding it. It is the place God established for His habitation among them.
The Lord surrounds His people like wise, so that they are like Jerusalem, and cannot be moved.
Times of trial may (will!) come, but their time is limited. The wicked will not be allowed to rule them for long.....and even when they do it is because of the sin of the people....being double minded (see notes above from James and Psalm 119). They put their focus on themselves rather than on Him, and they are disciplined (trained) for the sake of learning obedience.
The one with a good heart (trusting in the Lord) will be saved, but the one who turns aside to their on ways will be led away with the evildoers. This is a scary thought!
Focus!
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