Enemies remembered.......and cursed.
This song calls for all Israel, as an individual, to remember past suffering
and oppression......and with that, God's protection and deliverance.
Through all her afflictions.....famine, Egypt, the wilderness, the years of the judges
and the kings, the exile.....God was there, and delivered.
And the prayer against the enemy? Those who hate Zion? (remember this is a song of ascents......sung as they traveled to Zion for corporate worship. Can you hear them
singing against their enemies as they near the city? I suspect a note of joy as they recall
their past).
May they be shamed and put down.
May they have no prosperity or longevity.
May they have no posterity.
May they have no blessing or praise.
The enemy here is the opposite of the "one who fears Jehovah" in Psalm 128. THAT man will
be blessed. But the enemy of God will wither and perish.
I am reminded of earlier Psalms that spoke such curses on the enemy....not for vengeance
sake, but for God's Name to be glorified.
I recall Psalm 1 about the wicked being blown away like chaff in the wind.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
psalm 128
Several weeks ago, in May, Pastor Beaulieu preached a Sunday morning sermon on this psalm.
I am re-visiting my post from that day, with some editing.
"What is the good life?"
In our society, going, doing, possessions, wealth, personal contacts, who you know and
where you go......all not necessarily bad in and of themselves, but if you trust these things for a
"good life" filled with God's blessing, at the en of the day, you'll come up empty, for they are useless.
where you go......all not necessarily bad in and of themselves, but if you trust these things for a
"good life" filled with God's blessing, at the en of the day, you'll come up empty, for they are useless.
Henry prefers the KJV translation for verse 1. "Blessed is the one who fears Jehovah." For the Jews,
this name would have brought to mind all of His mighty acts in their history.
this name would have brought to mind all of His mighty acts in their history.
'Fear'.....as discussed many times before, this is an awe filled reverence of God that stems from
a right knowledge of Him.......from knowing Him.
This virtue is lost in our society for the most part. The wicked do not fear Him, because they do not
know Him. But at the last Day, when He comes, they will indeed fear Him.....with a different kind of fear.
Indeed they will mourn and wail for fear of just judgement.
Indeed they will mourn and wail for fear of just judgement.
The righteous do not know that kind of fear. Our fear is not of judgement and wrath, for we know that
the full wrath of God was poured out on a substitute for us, Jesus Christ. This knowledge should elicit
in us a proper fear of God.
the full wrath of God was poured out on a substitute for us, Jesus Christ. This knowledge should elicit
in us a proper fear of God.
Blessed== being productive and benefiting from it. All things are balanced.....work, family, worship, etc.
The one who fears Jehovah is happy. All is well. Joy is found in the Lord we serve rather than the
The one who fears Jehovah is happy. All is well. Joy is found in the Lord we serve rather than the
circumstances of life.
The man who fears Jehovah typically finds a godly wife, who makes the home a joyful and pleasant
place. Children are a blessing to that man....likened to olive trees, which were a symbol of abundance
and prosperity. They provided sustenance for the present and the future in that they spread and
continued to grow. The one who fears Jehovah will see his children as a blessing.......la legacy and
posterity.
continued to grow. The one who fears Jehovah will see his children as a blessing.......la legacy and
posterity.
National blessing is a reality also when it is full of those who fear Jehovah.
Long life and peace are for that one who fears Him.
The man who fails to fear the Lord will not have any of these things.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Psalm 127
Even before I saw the title, "of Solomon", I thought that this psalm resembled Ecclesiastes.
Echos of vanity......
Life is meaningless when undertaken without trust and dependence on God.
Family, community, and efforts to even earn a living are fruitless.......
unless the Lord is in it.
'House' here can refer to an actual structure or to the family. The city represents community.
Overwork and anxiousness regarding material gain is fruitless. Enjoy the gift of sleep and rest granted by God. It is a gift.
All of our best efforts in any area are really fruitless if done without God's guidance and submission to His plan. "We can't take it with us when we go," rings in my head. I recall psalm 17.......The worldly may indeed be blessed with provisions by God, but when they die, that is it.....their hope ends. Their descendants get what is left and may or may not do well with it. But for the one who trusts God, 'wants' and 'needs' are distinguished. God provides for all of our needs, and He knows so much better than we do exactly what we do need. Our hope goes beyond death to eternity.
Children are also gifts from God. In Biblical times, children were the means of support of the elderly.....especially widows and orphans. To have many children was indeed a blessing!
So many things went through my head regarding this psalm!
How do we measure up in today's culture of severely limiting family numbers, or even not wanting children at all? What would God say to us about that? What about our culture of hurry and scurry, overwork and stress to provide more than what our family really needs......both parents working full time and children being overseen by others who are doing the same thing? (Not condemning anyone who does this.....just pondering how it all fits into God's economy)
Evidence of God not building the house/community/providing provision for the future?
Divorce. Broken families outnumbering those that are not. Poverty/homelessness. Wars. Legal battles galore. Bankruptcy and debt (personal and national!), etc., etc.
God help us.
So thankful to be able to rest knowing that He is sovereign, I am His, and that will not change.
Echos of vanity......
Life is meaningless when undertaken without trust and dependence on God.
Family, community, and efforts to even earn a living are fruitless.......
unless the Lord is in it.
'House' here can refer to an actual structure or to the family. The city represents community.
Overwork and anxiousness regarding material gain is fruitless. Enjoy the gift of sleep and rest granted by God. It is a gift.
All of our best efforts in any area are really fruitless if done without God's guidance and submission to His plan. "We can't take it with us when we go," rings in my head. I recall psalm 17.......The worldly may indeed be blessed with provisions by God, but when they die, that is it.....their hope ends. Their descendants get what is left and may or may not do well with it. But for the one who trusts God, 'wants' and 'needs' are distinguished. God provides for all of our needs, and He knows so much better than we do exactly what we do need. Our hope goes beyond death to eternity.
Children are also gifts from God. In Biblical times, children were the means of support of the elderly.....especially widows and orphans. To have many children was indeed a blessing!
So many things went through my head regarding this psalm!
How do we measure up in today's culture of severely limiting family numbers, or even not wanting children at all? What would God say to us about that? What about our culture of hurry and scurry, overwork and stress to provide more than what our family really needs......both parents working full time and children being overseen by others who are doing the same thing? (Not condemning anyone who does this.....just pondering how it all fits into God's economy)
Evidence of God not building the house/community/providing provision for the future?
Divorce. Broken families outnumbering those that are not. Poverty/homelessness. Wars. Legal battles galore. Bankruptcy and debt (personal and national!), etc., etc.
God help us.
So thankful to be able to rest knowing that He is sovereign, I am His, and that will not change.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Psalm 126
God is slow to anger (Ps. 145:8, Numbers 14:18), and His anger is but for a moment (Ps. 30:5); His covenant is everlasting....He restores His people once again.
He had sent them into captivity because of their sin, and now, as promised, has brought them back to their home. After a long time of exile and captivity, they are giddy with joy! It seems like a dream--something too good to be true, something they cannot grasp.
But God is faithful-
Even the nations acknowledge His care for Israel. These same nations once mocked her and said, "Where is your God now?"
Life in captivity left them spiritually dry, longing for their homeland and restored worship there. They plead for all in exile to be brought back to fill the land as with a flood.
Thus, one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture:
"Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing sheaves with him."
NKJV notes: ".....faithfulness will result in a joyful harvest."
Faithfulness......in good times and bad, in plenty or in want, when if feels good and when it doesn't. Always trusting our God.
He is faithful, and He is true, beyond anything that we can ever even imagine.
He had sent them into captivity because of their sin, and now, as promised, has brought them back to their home. After a long time of exile and captivity, they are giddy with joy! It seems like a dream--something too good to be true, something they cannot grasp.
But God is faithful-
Even the nations acknowledge His care for Israel. These same nations once mocked her and said, "Where is your God now?"
Life in captivity left them spiritually dry, longing for their homeland and restored worship there. They plead for all in exile to be brought back to fill the land as with a flood.
Thus, one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture:
"Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing sheaves with him."
NKJV notes: ".....faithfulness will result in a joyful harvest."
Faithfulness......in good times and bad, in plenty or in want, when if feels good and when it doesn't. Always trusting our God.
He is faithful, and He is true, beyond anything that we can ever even imagine.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day July 27, 2014
Sunday School: Again, I was teaching the K-2nd graders.
The lesson was about the last chapter in Acts. Paul has been brought to Rome under guard to plead his case before Caesar. Though a prisoner, he is under 'house arrest', and can thus have any visitors he pleases. He invites the Jewish leaders to present his case to them, assuming they've heard about what happened to him in Jerusalem, but they hadn't heard. They have heard of Christians, and ask for another meeting time to learn more. At that meeting, more reject the gospel than receive it and there is much arguing among them. Paul reminds them of OT Scriptures that many would hear and not receive, and then tells them that he will preach to the Gentiles, and they will hear! The Jews go away angry, and for 2 years Paul is able to preach, unhindered, due to the 'negative' situation of his chains.
What a lesson to learn! First, trust. God promised he would go to Rome and preach the gospel there, and through the many negative circumstances in getting there, Paul believed God's promise. He didn't whine about the negative circumstances He used to get him there.....as a prisoner, through a long winter, stormy seas, and a shipwreck. He simply trusted, and every day bore witness to Christ with joy. Then in Rome, again, he wasn't sad or depressed or beaten down, but instead was all fired up to share Christ still. He saw God's work, even in less than pleasant circumstances to him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the Sunday School room, which is held in a first grade classroom, I saw the words to a familiar hymn on the wall, and was blessed in the reading of it.
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil."
How well this ties in with the messages in the Psalms lately. He is our only help and quite sufficient!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meditation for worship:
"Evangelism is displaying the universals of God's character--
His love, His righteousness, His justice, and His faithfulness--
through the particulars of everyday life."
Sermon Colossians 4:2-6 The second imperative. Rev. Joseph
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you man know how you ought to answer each person."
"walk">>to live among and before them.
Picture a child learning to walk.....it takes concentration. So many things to pull together to be successful at it: balance, strength, coordination, direction, etc. One of the most basic functions of life must be learned with great effort. Eventually it becomes effortless. Automatic. Mindless.....at least in a cognitive awareness mode....but certainly not mindless as in not involving the brain!)
So it is with us as Christians. The 'walk' is a learned thing, that should become easier as time goes on. How do we learn, though? By studying and meditating on God's Word, being in fellowship with other believers and in obedience to His Word. Wisdom comes from God and must be sought.
In order to walk in wisdom with others, one must first walk with God. This is key!
Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. James tells us to ask for it, and God will give it freely. He also goes on to tell us what walking in wisdom looks like in James 3.
Wisdom that comes from God looks like this:
Pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (genuine and not hypocritical).
The fact that we are commanded to 'walk' in wisdom toward outsiders indicates that we are not to keep ourselves isolated, but to be in but not of the world. Do not let opportunities pass by! for they may not come up again!
Also, not that this isn't a suggestion, or an option, or 'if you want to"......but instead it is a command!
I am challenged.......and very aware of my failures in these areas. God help me.
The lesson was about the last chapter in Acts. Paul has been brought to Rome under guard to plead his case before Caesar. Though a prisoner, he is under 'house arrest', and can thus have any visitors he pleases. He invites the Jewish leaders to present his case to them, assuming they've heard about what happened to him in Jerusalem, but they hadn't heard. They have heard of Christians, and ask for another meeting time to learn more. At that meeting, more reject the gospel than receive it and there is much arguing among them. Paul reminds them of OT Scriptures that many would hear and not receive, and then tells them that he will preach to the Gentiles, and they will hear! The Jews go away angry, and for 2 years Paul is able to preach, unhindered, due to the 'negative' situation of his chains.
What a lesson to learn! First, trust. God promised he would go to Rome and preach the gospel there, and through the many negative circumstances in getting there, Paul believed God's promise. He didn't whine about the negative circumstances He used to get him there.....as a prisoner, through a long winter, stormy seas, and a shipwreck. He simply trusted, and every day bore witness to Christ with joy. Then in Rome, again, he wasn't sad or depressed or beaten down, but instead was all fired up to share Christ still. He saw God's work, even in less than pleasant circumstances to him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the Sunday School room, which is held in a first grade classroom, I saw the words to a familiar hymn on the wall, and was blessed in the reading of it.
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil."
How well this ties in with the messages in the Psalms lately. He is our only help and quite sufficient!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meditation for worship:
"Evangelism is displaying the universals of God's character--
His love, His righteousness, His justice, and His faithfulness--
through the particulars of everyday life."
Sermon Colossians 4:2-6 The second imperative. Rev. Joseph
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you man know how you ought to answer each person."
"walk">>to live among and before them.
Picture a child learning to walk.....it takes concentration. So many things to pull together to be successful at it: balance, strength, coordination, direction, etc. One of the most basic functions of life must be learned with great effort. Eventually it becomes effortless. Automatic. Mindless.....at least in a cognitive awareness mode....but certainly not mindless as in not involving the brain!)
So it is with us as Christians. The 'walk' is a learned thing, that should become easier as time goes on. How do we learn, though? By studying and meditating on God's Word, being in fellowship with other believers and in obedience to His Word. Wisdom comes from God and must be sought.
In order to walk in wisdom with others, one must first walk with God. This is key!
Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. James tells us to ask for it, and God will give it freely. He also goes on to tell us what walking in wisdom looks like in James 3.
Wisdom that comes from God looks like this:
Pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (genuine and not hypocritical).
The fact that we are commanded to 'walk' in wisdom toward outsiders indicates that we are not to keep ourselves isolated, but to be in but not of the world. Do not let opportunities pass by! for they may not come up again!
Also, not that this isn't a suggestion, or an option, or 'if you want to"......but instead it is a command!
I am challenged.......and very aware of my failures in these areas. God help me.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Psalm 125
Another song of ascents.....about trust and safety.
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, on which Jerusalem is built.
It cannot be moved.....it 'sits to eternity' (literal Hebrew per a note written in my Bible....
probably from Pastor Beaulieu?)
And like the hills around Jerusalem provide protection for the city, so God surrounds
those who trust in Him.....and they can never be moved. We, indeed, will 'sit to eternity.'
see Romans 8:38-39.
Wickedness will never overcome righteousness. It's apparent rule over the righteous will not rest, or remain, forever.
Unless......the righteous place their trust in things around them.....in the world and it's ways,
or in any thing or one other than in the Lord.
"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved....but abides forever."
The Lord will do good to those who are good.....those who are upright in their hearts....trusting in Him alone for everything.
But those who turn away from Him, to their own ways, will be led away with the workers of iniquity, and will be like them. See Ps 1:6
Trust Him! Obey Him! For He alone is worthy! And in Him alone do we find our help!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A friend shared this verse with me today, and I think it fits.....
Judges 5:31 at the end of the song of Deborah and Barak after God's help in winning a military victory.
"So may all your enemies perish, O Lord, But your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might."
They'd trusted in the Lord, and not in themselves or their own might.
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, on which Jerusalem is built.
It cannot be moved.....it 'sits to eternity' (literal Hebrew per a note written in my Bible....
probably from Pastor Beaulieu?)
And like the hills around Jerusalem provide protection for the city, so God surrounds
those who trust in Him.....and they can never be moved. We, indeed, will 'sit to eternity.'
see Romans 8:38-39.
Wickedness will never overcome righteousness. It's apparent rule over the righteous will not rest, or remain, forever.
Unless......the righteous place their trust in things around them.....in the world and it's ways,
or in any thing or one other than in the Lord.
"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved....but abides forever."
The Lord will do good to those who are good.....those who are upright in their hearts....trusting in Him alone for everything.
But those who turn away from Him, to their own ways, will be led away with the workers of iniquity, and will be like them. See Ps 1:6
Trust Him! Obey Him! For He alone is worthy! And in Him alone do we find our help!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A friend shared this verse with me today, and I think it fits.....
Judges 5:31 at the end of the song of Deborah and Barak after God's help in winning a military victory.
"So may all your enemies perish, O Lord, But your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might."
They'd trusted in the Lord, and not in themselves or their own might.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Psalm 124
As in Psalm 123.....total and willing dependence on God.
Romans 8:31 "If God is for us who can be against us?"
The same thing here, stated this way,"If it had not been the Lord who was on our side......." disaster!
The specific occasion for this psalm is not mentioned. It could apply to the parting of the Red Sea, or be figurative for some other occasion. No matter, though. Israel acknowledges her weakness and debt of praise to God for deliverance from strong enemies. If God had not fought for them, they would have been destroyed.
And so it is for us today. We face many enemies all around, and if not for the Lord on our side, surely we would be overcome. We could not run the race, or win the prize. We could not be in the world but not of it. We could not be light or salt.
He has not allowed it. He has thwarted the evil plans of the wicked, and has set His people free.
Therefore we will boast....."Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth!"
Romans 8:31 "If God is for us who can be against us?"
The same thing here, stated this way,"If it had not been the Lord who was on our side......." disaster!
The specific occasion for this psalm is not mentioned. It could apply to the parting of the Red Sea, or be figurative for some other occasion. No matter, though. Israel acknowledges her weakness and debt of praise to God for deliverance from strong enemies. If God had not fought for them, they would have been destroyed.
And so it is for us today. We face many enemies all around, and if not for the Lord on our side, surely we would be overcome. We could not run the race, or win the prize. We could not be in the world but not of it. We could not be light or salt.
He has not allowed it. He has thwarted the evil plans of the wicked, and has set His people free.
Therefore we will boast....."Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth!"
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Psalm 123
Our God dwells in the heavens and rules the earth, it is only in Him that we find help.
He created all things and sustains them. He alone is fixed and true,
steady and sure. He indeed is above all things.
We look to Him, totally dependent upon Him for our all. As a servant is dependent on
their master for everything, so are we on our God.
I noted that the female servant is singled out. In Biblical times, unmarried women with no family had no honorable way to earn a living. They were prostitutes or beggars. The female slave had nothing if not for her mistress. It would have been a blessing to be provided for in this manner I suppose. So we are to God. Completely dependent on him....for our life, our substance.
So we wait on Him. We trust Him......and cry for mercy. Mercy from the enemy around us.
Mercy from the wiles of the tempter. For we are weary travelers through life. In, but not of, the world. Sojourners but for a while.
We have had more than enough of watching the wicked at ease and flourish while we reap trouble in this world for serving the living God. But He is our strong tower. We run to Him for comfort.
He created all things and sustains them. He alone is fixed and true,
steady and sure. He indeed is above all things.
We look to Him, totally dependent upon Him for our all. As a servant is dependent on
their master for everything, so are we on our God.
I noted that the female servant is singled out. In Biblical times, unmarried women with no family had no honorable way to earn a living. They were prostitutes or beggars. The female slave had nothing if not for her mistress. It would have been a blessing to be provided for in this manner I suppose. So we are to God. Completely dependent on him....for our life, our substance.
So we wait on Him. We trust Him......and cry for mercy. Mercy from the enemy around us.
Mercy from the wiles of the tempter. For we are weary travelers through life. In, but not of, the world. Sojourners but for a while.
We have had more than enough of watching the wicked at ease and flourish while we reap trouble in this world for serving the living God. But He is our strong tower. We run to Him for comfort.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Psalm 122
A song of ascents. Of David. (study notes: indicate can be by David, or in memory of David).
A song honoring Jerusalem, the city of God.
The Psalmist expresses great joy in going to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem for worship. After long travel, Jerusalem is in sight!
This is the city established by God as the place He is to be worshiped. David envisioned the Temple here, but Solomon built it. God's people were to come @ specified times for corporate, unified worship. It was also the city of political rule, where kings sat in judgement over the land.
The prayer is for peace........absence of war.......and unity. "The psalm promotes a sense of community among the people of God. Ultimately, Jerusalem is not bricks and mortar, but people in relationship with one another and with God" (RSB notes, verse 8).
After Christ came, the significance of Jerusalem changed. He now dwells in our hearts, and we can meet with Him anywhere. "Jerusalem represents all believers and it typifies the coming of New Jerusalem."
Once again.......I think of my own worship....though different than the context in which this psalm was written. How great is my joy in going to corporate worship? It is great, indeed, greater than ever before, but great enough? I imagine heaven......eternal worship. More and more I am longing for that.
And peace among the body of Christ. Do we seek that as the psalmist does here?
Pray for it? Seek it? Promote it?
A song honoring Jerusalem, the city of God.
The Psalmist expresses great joy in going to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem for worship. After long travel, Jerusalem is in sight!
This is the city established by God as the place He is to be worshiped. David envisioned the Temple here, but Solomon built it. God's people were to come @ specified times for corporate, unified worship. It was also the city of political rule, where kings sat in judgement over the land.
The prayer is for peace........absence of war.......and unity. "The psalm promotes a sense of community among the people of God. Ultimately, Jerusalem is not bricks and mortar, but people in relationship with one another and with God" (RSB notes, verse 8).
After Christ came, the significance of Jerusalem changed. He now dwells in our hearts, and we can meet with Him anywhere. "Jerusalem represents all believers and it typifies the coming of New Jerusalem."
Once again.......I think of my own worship....though different than the context in which this psalm was written. How great is my joy in going to corporate worship? It is great, indeed, greater than ever before, but great enough? I imagine heaven......eternal worship. More and more I am longing for that.
And peace among the body of Christ. Do we seek that as the psalmist does here?
Pray for it? Seek it? Promote it?
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.....traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship.
The first song (Ps 120) spoke of a weariness of living so far away among those who want war and not peace.
Now it seems the traveler is nearing Jerusalem....and can see the hills surrounding it. Study notes indicate that this was possibly a dialogue.....sung responsively. Verses 1-2 is spoken by the pilgrims, while the rest of the psalm is spoken to them.
Looking toward the goal.....Jerusalem, the traveler sees the hills surrounding Jerusalem. I hear dual tones in the speech of v.1-2. First there is a joy in nearing the destination. Second, fear. The journey has been long and dangerous, and will be more so through the hills. Narrow, rocky paths facilitate falls and hide dangers lurking around the bend. Bandits were known to be active there, for there were places to hide. Also, animals were a menace.
Whether joy or fear......the confidence is sure that the Lord will be his help! Help to keep going. Help to protect. Help to provide.
He will be our help all the time.....night or day. He will protect from the very things He created! He is sovereign over all. The pagan gods could do no such thing. Also, the pagan gods had human characteristics, and needed sleep. Our God neither slumbers or sleeps. He is not tired. He is never distracted. He is our keeper.
The word 'keep' is used multiple times. What a comforting word. To keep something means to hold it close, protect it, and cherish it. God keeps us!
and He will keep us forever more. Not only in the immediate journey, but in the entire journey of life, to bring us into His presence for eternity.
The first song (Ps 120) spoke of a weariness of living so far away among those who want war and not peace.
Now it seems the traveler is nearing Jerusalem....and can see the hills surrounding it. Study notes indicate that this was possibly a dialogue.....sung responsively. Verses 1-2 is spoken by the pilgrims, while the rest of the psalm is spoken to them.
Looking toward the goal.....Jerusalem, the traveler sees the hills surrounding Jerusalem. I hear dual tones in the speech of v.1-2. First there is a joy in nearing the destination. Second, fear. The journey has been long and dangerous, and will be more so through the hills. Narrow, rocky paths facilitate falls and hide dangers lurking around the bend. Bandits were known to be active there, for there were places to hide. Also, animals were a menace.
Whether joy or fear......the confidence is sure that the Lord will be his help! Help to keep going. Help to protect. Help to provide.
He will be our help all the time.....night or day. He will protect from the very things He created! He is sovereign over all. The pagan gods could do no such thing. Also, the pagan gods had human characteristics, and needed sleep. Our God neither slumbers or sleeps. He is not tired. He is never distracted. He is our keeper.
The word 'keep' is used multiple times. What a comforting word. To keep something means to hold it close, protect it, and cherish it. God keeps us!
and He will keep us forever more. Not only in the immediate journey, but in the entire journey of life, to bring us into His presence for eternity.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Psalm 120
The first of the 'songs of ascent' (120-134). Tradition says that these songs were sung by the pilgrims as they made their way to Jerusalem for worship. The city was on a high place, surrounded by mountains and hills.
This first song is that of one far from the temple, among pagan lands. He had cried out to God, with the prayer of verse 2: Deliver me from lying lips and deceit. Later he clarifies that he lives among pagans, in a place far from Jerusalem. He tries to speak peace to his enemies all around, but they are not interested......they want war instead. It seems he longs to live in the peace that he finds among God's people in Jerusalem. But in verse 3, he speaks something else he knows.......that judgement will be returned to his enemies.....and the damage will be much like that done by the lies they speak now!
I wonder, too, if perhaps the lies spoken refer to the derision of other nations regarding Israel's 'unseen' God. Recall another psalm, where they are asked , "Where is your God?" The pagans had visible gods,.....dead and lifeless. They worshipers required a form in order to believe in their made up gods. But Israel's answer was this.......our God lives in the heavens. He requires no form! Perhaps, this psalm is a response to such taunting.
I hear a weariness and anticipation in his voice......so tired of the struggles, but oh so excited to be traveling to the place of worship!
I am the same way much of the time, and thankful for it. I do, indeed, grow so weary of the struggles. But I love the day of worship, and the peace found with fellow believers and in God's presence.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, July 20, 2014
I missed the I Kings class today, as I was recruited to teach the K-2nd Grade SS class.
Our story was about Paul and the shipwreck of Acts 27. The lesson focused on trusting God and His promises. Apparently, last week's lesson focused on Paul's boldness in sharing what God had done in his life, and sharing the Gospel with anyone, no matter what their response. He didn't tone it down, or keep silent out of fear of persecution. He boldly obeyed God, even after he knew that he would be persecuted.
Today, we saw Paul's trust. God promised him that he would indeed preach the gospel in Rome, and then, in the middle of a violent storm, that not a person on the ship would lose their life. The ship would indeed wreck, but no one would be lost.
It was difficult to hold the children's attention, and learn to tell a story on their level. I pray they heard and learned something......some little seed planted in their hearts about being bold for Christ, and trusting Him, that will be watered along the way.
I myself, was very convicted about boldness. All too often, I am silent, fearing the reaction of others around me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon, Billy Joseph, Colossians 4:2-6
Same passage as last week, focusing on a different aspect of Christian life. Evangelism.
Who do you compare yourself to? How do you measure up?
We tend to compare ourselves and our efforts/successes to those who have been given the express gift of evangelism. Not all of us have that gift, however, so the outcome of our efforts will never measure up to their standards. We wind up feeling like a failure and give up or quit. Or, we wind up coveting what they have.....and perhaps being angry with them for no reason, or even angry at God for not gifting us in the same way. But....not having the same gift as others doesn't let us off the hook. We are still to share the gospel.
It is noted that Paul, in his letters, never scolds a church for not being evangelistic. But he does, over and over, implore them to live holy, Godly lives in front of the world. If he scolds, he does so for lack of holy living.
We are to pray for those who are called to evangelize.....they cannot do it without our prayers! And also we are commanded to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Next week will be concerning these directives.
Our story was about Paul and the shipwreck of Acts 27. The lesson focused on trusting God and His promises. Apparently, last week's lesson focused on Paul's boldness in sharing what God had done in his life, and sharing the Gospel with anyone, no matter what their response. He didn't tone it down, or keep silent out of fear of persecution. He boldly obeyed God, even after he knew that he would be persecuted.
Today, we saw Paul's trust. God promised him that he would indeed preach the gospel in Rome, and then, in the middle of a violent storm, that not a person on the ship would lose their life. The ship would indeed wreck, but no one would be lost.
It was difficult to hold the children's attention, and learn to tell a story on their level. I pray they heard and learned something......some little seed planted in their hearts about being bold for Christ, and trusting Him, that will be watered along the way.
I myself, was very convicted about boldness. All too often, I am silent, fearing the reaction of others around me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon, Billy Joseph, Colossians 4:2-6
Same passage as last week, focusing on a different aspect of Christian life. Evangelism.
Who do you compare yourself to? How do you measure up?
We tend to compare ourselves and our efforts/successes to those who have been given the express gift of evangelism. Not all of us have that gift, however, so the outcome of our efforts will never measure up to their standards. We wind up feeling like a failure and give up or quit. Or, we wind up coveting what they have.....and perhaps being angry with them for no reason, or even angry at God for not gifting us in the same way. But....not having the same gift as others doesn't let us off the hook. We are still to share the gospel.
It is noted that Paul, in his letters, never scolds a church for not being evangelistic. But he does, over and over, implore them to live holy, Godly lives in front of the world. If he scolds, he does so for lack of holy living.
We are to pray for those who are called to evangelize.....they cannot do it without our prayers! And also we are commanded to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Next week will be concerning these directives.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Since we have just studied Psalm 119 at length in Sunday School, and I wrote about most of them, I won't go through it again line for line.
The longest Psalm......excellently organized, probably in order to help in memory. Each stanza (there are 22), represents a different, successive, letter of the Hebrew alphabet. There are 8 verses in each stanza, each beginning with the same letter of the alphabet. The RSB study notes indicate that here are 8 key (Hebrew) words, which are translated into our language 7 ways: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, rules, and word.
Delight in, and confidence in God's Word is key......to success in everything, spiritually and otherwise. While the author (more on that in a minute) has a strong commitment to study and do God's word, he recognized that in and of himself, he simply cannot. He needs God's help to both take delight in, and to keep God's Word.
I have not studied the commentaries about this, but I believe most think David to be the author. I have heard one belief that Ezra could possibly be the author, as he "...had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." At any rate, authorship isn't really important, or God would have given that information to us for certain.
I wish that I were as diligent about the Word as the author of Psalm 119!
I am trying, Father. Help me, for I fail.
The longest Psalm......excellently organized, probably in order to help in memory. Each stanza (there are 22), represents a different, successive, letter of the Hebrew alphabet. There are 8 verses in each stanza, each beginning with the same letter of the alphabet. The RSB study notes indicate that here are 8 key (Hebrew) words, which are translated into our language 7 ways: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, rules, and word.
Delight in, and confidence in God's Word is key......to success in everything, spiritually and otherwise. While the author (more on that in a minute) has a strong commitment to study and do God's word, he recognized that in and of himself, he simply cannot. He needs God's help to both take delight in, and to keep God's Word.
I have not studied the commentaries about this, but I believe most think David to be the author. I have heard one belief that Ezra could possibly be the author, as he "...had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." At any rate, authorship isn't really important, or God would have given that information to us for certain.
I wish that I were as diligent about the Word as the author of Psalm 119!
I am trying, Father. Help me, for I fail.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Psalm 118
The last of the 'Egyptian Hallel' Psalms, sung at the Passover Meal.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good! His mercy endures forever!
(How comforting, really. He is not fickle or changing. He has said Who He is, and that will not change. He isn't a God of whims, burst of anger, or changing His mind. In a world where everything changes.....even me and my own moods, ways, and decrees, this is hard for our minds to comprehend.....but what a comfort!)
As in Psalm 115, Israel, the house of Aaron, and 'those who fear the Lord' are called on.
In Psalm 115, each group was to trust the Lord, for He is their help and shield.
Here, each group is called upon to proclaim that His mercy endures forever.
A time of distress is recalled......and that God answered and 'set me in a broad place."
In confidence he can say, in essence, "if God is for me, who can be against me?" (Rom8:31)
V6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
God is far more reliable than man....even princes.....those in influential positions.
By God's help the surrounding nations were crushed. leading to great rejoicing. God is valient and exalted. And I will not die, but live......though chastened by Him. He will not destroy the righteous, but they will enter His house indeed.
V 22-23...."The Stone that the builders rejected......" Jesus applies this to Himself in Mark 2:10-11, as does Peter in Acts 4:11 and I Peter 2:7) I wonder what meaning the OT Hebrews took from it at the time, though? Perhaps they were the cornerstone, rejected by those around them? At any rate, the next verse acknowledges God's sovereign hand in all, stating that "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!". He has indeed done great things!
He will bless and save.....preserving a posterity....."blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" NKJV notes that this is the basis for the people's cry as Christ entered Jerusalem. In time context, however, it was a priestly blessing for those entering the temple.
He has given us a light.......And we will praise Him!
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever!"
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good! His mercy endures forever!
(How comforting, really. He is not fickle or changing. He has said Who He is, and that will not change. He isn't a God of whims, burst of anger, or changing His mind. In a world where everything changes.....even me and my own moods, ways, and decrees, this is hard for our minds to comprehend.....but what a comfort!)
As in Psalm 115, Israel, the house of Aaron, and 'those who fear the Lord' are called on.
In Psalm 115, each group was to trust the Lord, for He is their help and shield.
Here, each group is called upon to proclaim that His mercy endures forever.
A time of distress is recalled......and that God answered and 'set me in a broad place."
In confidence he can say, in essence, "if God is for me, who can be against me?" (Rom8:31)
V6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
God is far more reliable than man....even princes.....those in influential positions.
By God's help the surrounding nations were crushed. leading to great rejoicing. God is valient and exalted. And I will not die, but live......though chastened by Him. He will not destroy the righteous, but they will enter His house indeed.
V 22-23...."The Stone that the builders rejected......" Jesus applies this to Himself in Mark 2:10-11, as does Peter in Acts 4:11 and I Peter 2:7) I wonder what meaning the OT Hebrews took from it at the time, though? Perhaps they were the cornerstone, rejected by those around them? At any rate, the next verse acknowledges God's sovereign hand in all, stating that "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!". He has indeed done great things!
He will bless and save.....preserving a posterity....."blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" NKJV notes that this is the basis for the people's cry as Christ entered Jerusalem. In time context, however, it was a priestly blessing for those entering the temple.
He has given us a light.......And we will praise Him!
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever!"
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Psalm 117
The shortest psalm. Still one of the 'Egyptian Hallel' psalms sung at the Passover meal.
This short song seems to be directed at outsiders......Gentiles and "all you peoples".
It is a directive to praise God for His mercy and kindness. His Truth endures forever.
In Romans 15:7-11, Paul cites this psalm to point out that, through Christ, the gentiles now share in the promises made to Israel.
I am always amazed to see the connections throughout the Bible. Imagine the OT Hebrews singing this Psalm. Did they think back to the promises made to Abraham, that through his seed all the people of the earth would be blessed? Or did they perhaps sing this song as an 'order' to them that their God is alone worthy to be praised? It is so exciting to me to see threads woven through Scripture come together in the end.
This short song seems to be directed at outsiders......Gentiles and "all you peoples".
It is a directive to praise God for His mercy and kindness. His Truth endures forever.
In Romans 15:7-11, Paul cites this psalm to point out that, through Christ, the gentiles now share in the promises made to Israel.
I am always amazed to see the connections throughout the Bible. Imagine the OT Hebrews singing this Psalm. Did they think back to the promises made to Abraham, that through his seed all the people of the earth would be blessed? Or did they perhaps sing this song as an 'order' to them that their God is alone worthy to be praised? It is so exciting to me to see threads woven through Scripture come together in the end.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Psalm 116
Gratitude.
God hears. He is never distant from His own. And the Psalmist love Him for this. He vows lifelong loyalty to God because of His help and deliverance.
He recalls his suffering......
What was the situation? This is unclear. Perhaps an illness (v8?) False accusations?(v11?) At any rate, in great distress, he called upon the Name of the Lord, knowing His character of love, mercy, graciousness and righteousness. He preserves the simple.....those inexperienced and helpless.
Psalm 113 spoke of God's care for the lowly. Here is described a time of lowliness in the life of the psalmist. But God heard.........and delivered him.
In gratitude, he makes a vow to walk before the Lord. He recalls again the situation he is delivered from and his attitude in the middle of it......"all men are liars." He found no help or comfort in those around him.....but only from God.
What would suffice to offer to God for all of His benefits? True worship is pleasing to Him. The cup of salvation mentioned is probably a drink offering, which was associated with discharged vows (NKJV) Vows spoken when in distress will now be paid openly to honor the Lord.
Verse 15: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." seems ill placed at first reading. But maybe not. The life of a believer is indeed precious to Him......but even more when they have run the race and won the prize( as Paul says) to live in eternity with Him.
God hears. He is never distant from His own. And the Psalmist love Him for this. He vows lifelong loyalty to God because of His help and deliverance.
He recalls his suffering......
What was the situation? This is unclear. Perhaps an illness (v8?) False accusations?(v11?) At any rate, in great distress, he called upon the Name of the Lord, knowing His character of love, mercy, graciousness and righteousness. He preserves the simple.....those inexperienced and helpless.
Psalm 113 spoke of God's care for the lowly. Here is described a time of lowliness in the life of the psalmist. But God heard.........and delivered him.
In gratitude, he makes a vow to walk before the Lord. He recalls again the situation he is delivered from and his attitude in the middle of it......"all men are liars." He found no help or comfort in those around him.....but only from God.
What would suffice to offer to God for all of His benefits? True worship is pleasing to Him. The cup of salvation mentioned is probably a drink offering, which was associated with discharged vows (NKJV) Vows spoken when in distress will now be paid openly to honor the Lord.
Verse 15: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." seems ill placed at first reading. But maybe not. The life of a believer is indeed precious to Him......but even more when they have run the race and won the prize( as Paul says) to live in eternity with Him.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Psalm 115
Again, an Egyptian Hallel psalm.....sung @ the Passover meal.
This appears to be a liturgy for public worship, sung responsively per study nots
A note written in my Bible describes the Psalm this way: "God's Attributes and how these truths impact us." Not sure where that came from.
First and foremost.....God, and God alone deserves glory and praise. Worship is about Him and Him only.....never about the worshiper. He acts in mercy and truth.
The pagans had their hand made, lifeless idols.....who cannot see, speak, hear, smell, touch, walk. Indeed those who make and worship them are like them, spiritually lifeless. They taunt Israel, saying, "Where is your God? Show Him to us!"
The answer: He is in heaven! He is greater and mightier than all of man's contrived gods. He needs no form to be seen. He lives! and is Israel's help and shield.
Trust Him! Recall that this is sung after Psalm 113 and 114.....which speak of God's compassion for the lowly, and His great works in delivering Israel. They have reason to trust Him!
All are called to trust Him:
First Israel......His chosen people.
The priests......spiritual leaders.
All who fear Him!
The Living God will bless ALL who fear Him!
The ending verses seem to imply an urgency.....Don't put off a decision to trust and fear the Lord. We are reminded that the dead do not praise Him. While there is life and breath in you.......Praise the Lord!
This appears to be a liturgy for public worship, sung responsively per study nots
A note written in my Bible describes the Psalm this way: "God's Attributes and how these truths impact us." Not sure where that came from.
First and foremost.....God, and God alone deserves glory and praise. Worship is about Him and Him only.....never about the worshiper. He acts in mercy and truth.
The pagans had their hand made, lifeless idols.....who cannot see, speak, hear, smell, touch, walk. Indeed those who make and worship them are like them, spiritually lifeless. They taunt Israel, saying, "Where is your God? Show Him to us!"
The answer: He is in heaven! He is greater and mightier than all of man's contrived gods. He needs no form to be seen. He lives! and is Israel's help and shield.
Trust Him! Recall that this is sung after Psalm 113 and 114.....which speak of God's compassion for the lowly, and His great works in delivering Israel. They have reason to trust Him!
All are called to trust Him:
First Israel......His chosen people.
The priests......spiritual leaders.
All who fear Him!
The Living God will bless ALL who fear Him!
The ending verses seem to imply an urgency.....Don't put off a decision to trust and fear the Lord. We are reminded that the dead do not praise Him. While there is life and breath in you.......Praise the Lord!
Monday, July 14, 2014
Psalm 114
# 2 of the Egyptian Hallel Psalms.....sung @ Passover. This, along with Psalm 113, were sung prior to the meal. Psalm 113 was about God's sovereignty over all, and His care for His people.
In reading this Psalm, it comes across with a definite song-like quality. How I wish the music were preserved for us! It sings of the wonders of God during the exodus from Egypt. He took them out of a mighty nation by even more mighty wonders, made Israel His people, and His dwelling place.
The sea fled.
The Jordan stopped flowing.
The mountains 'skipped' (quaked).
Why? Because of God's Presence.
The Psalmist asks the personified earthly things what ails them? Then urges them to tremble and shake at the presence of the almighty God, who also brought water from a rock.
I liked the RSB note for this Psalm: "In 8 short verses, and with virtually unrivaled poetic subtlety, the psalmist describes the tremendous power of God's visual self-revelation(theophany) at the time of Israel's salvation from Egypt and entry into Canaan."
And so, as we have this picture of His mighty works in saving Israel.......so we have the picture of His great and mighty work in saving us through Christ's obedience on the cross.....His own Son became like us, only sinless, and became the sacrifice and propitiation for our sins. He bore God's wrath against our sin, and redeemed us in a mighty way.
indeed we should tremble as the earth at His presence.
In reading this Psalm, it comes across with a definite song-like quality. How I wish the music were preserved for us! It sings of the wonders of God during the exodus from Egypt. He took them out of a mighty nation by even more mighty wonders, made Israel His people, and His dwelling place.
The sea fled.
The Jordan stopped flowing.
The mountains 'skipped' (quaked).
Why? Because of God's Presence.
The Psalmist asks the personified earthly things what ails them? Then urges them to tremble and shake at the presence of the almighty God, who also brought water from a rock.
I liked the RSB note for this Psalm: "In 8 short verses, and with virtually unrivaled poetic subtlety, the psalmist describes the tremendous power of God's visual self-revelation(theophany) at the time of Israel's salvation from Egypt and entry into Canaan."
And so, as we have this picture of His mighty works in saving Israel.......so we have the picture of His great and mighty work in saving us through Christ's obedience on the cross.....His own Son became like us, only sinless, and became the sacrifice and propitiation for our sins. He bore God's wrath against our sin, and redeemed us in a mighty way.
indeed we should tremble as the earth at His presence.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, July 13, 2014
Sunday School: I Kings 3 Bart Lester
The beginnings of Solomon's reign.
Of note: first off there are 2 ominous signs.
1. He forms an alliance with Egypt and takes a wife from there. Note the Deuteronomy passage that forbids a future king from 'returning to Egypt" or turning there.
2. He sacrifices on the high places. God had forbidden this.
(Note again, that everything reported by the writer is not commented on, or approved of. He is reporting the facts of the Kings of Israel. Later, we find out that these 2 things become prolific sins in his life, having long lasting, devastating consequences on the kingdom)
Yet, God favors him.
The second point above notes the need for a permanent place of worship. David had aspired to build the temple, but God forbid him, and declared that Solomon would do this after him. His heart was right.....in that he was sacrificing out of his wealth to the living God. Solomon loved the Lord, and his worship was sincere, if not regulated, and God was pleased.
When God appears to him in a dream and asks him what he would ask for.....Solomon's request again pleases God. He could have asked for wealth, a huge kingdom, or long life, but instead he asks for wisdom. Solomon humbly acknowledges his lack of wisdom and inexperience in judging and leading. God grants him this wisdom, declaring that none before him, nor any after him, will be as wise as he.
A particular example is given to demonstrate his wisdom. 2 prostitutes, one dead infant, 2 different stories about what happened, and 2 different requests for justice. Based on the report given, there is no way to discern the truth. There are not 2 witnesses as required by the Law. So, in the wisdom given by God, Solomon tests them, or 'smokes them out'. The true mother of the child is revealed! All heard of it and were in awe. They recognized his wisdom to judge rightly. Implied is that their anxieties were relieved. Thus God established a peaceful reign during the time of Solomon.
Reference: Colossian 2:1-4. In Christ can be found all the treasures of knowledge and wisdom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon: Colossians 4:2-6 Billy Joseph "The forgotten power tool of evangelism: Prayer"
Note the state of the unbeliever: dead in sin.....incapable of even hearing God's Word unless God enable him to do so.
Note also, that we are not (here, anyway) instructed to pray for the unbeliever. But instead, we are exhorted to pray
1. with thanksgiving
2. for those proclaiming the gospel
3. for wisdom in our speech and behavior.
Referenced was Romans 10:1.....the only reference found that says to pray for the unbeliever.
Much more common is the command to pray for those boldly proclaiming the gospel, as called and gifted to do so by God.
In prayer, we acknowledge our need of God. We cannot do what He has commanded, or calls us to do without Him.
Thought for meditation: "Prayer for others is the supreme God ordained method in Evangelism...Until we see the incapacity of sinners and our helplessness to save them, we will not commit ourselves to prayer; prayer is pleading our helplessness before God." (Will Metzger,
Tell the Truth page 78)
Be steadfast. Always at it. Never wavering. Not weary, or even if weary, not giving up. I think of the Hebrews passage about pressing toward the mark. Keep going!
Am I praying that my speech will be gracious? seasoned with salt? and that I walk in wisdom toward outsiders (AND insiders?) Am I praying (preparing) to be able to answer each person according to godly wisdom?
The beginnings of Solomon's reign.
Of note: first off there are 2 ominous signs.
1. He forms an alliance with Egypt and takes a wife from there. Note the Deuteronomy passage that forbids a future king from 'returning to Egypt" or turning there.
2. He sacrifices on the high places. God had forbidden this.
(Note again, that everything reported by the writer is not commented on, or approved of. He is reporting the facts of the Kings of Israel. Later, we find out that these 2 things become prolific sins in his life, having long lasting, devastating consequences on the kingdom)
Yet, God favors him.
The second point above notes the need for a permanent place of worship. David had aspired to build the temple, but God forbid him, and declared that Solomon would do this after him. His heart was right.....in that he was sacrificing out of his wealth to the living God. Solomon loved the Lord, and his worship was sincere, if not regulated, and God was pleased.
When God appears to him in a dream and asks him what he would ask for.....Solomon's request again pleases God. He could have asked for wealth, a huge kingdom, or long life, but instead he asks for wisdom. Solomon humbly acknowledges his lack of wisdom and inexperience in judging and leading. God grants him this wisdom, declaring that none before him, nor any after him, will be as wise as he.
A particular example is given to demonstrate his wisdom. 2 prostitutes, one dead infant, 2 different stories about what happened, and 2 different requests for justice. Based on the report given, there is no way to discern the truth. There are not 2 witnesses as required by the Law. So, in the wisdom given by God, Solomon tests them, or 'smokes them out'. The true mother of the child is revealed! All heard of it and were in awe. They recognized his wisdom to judge rightly. Implied is that their anxieties were relieved. Thus God established a peaceful reign during the time of Solomon.
Reference: Colossian 2:1-4. In Christ can be found all the treasures of knowledge and wisdom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sermon: Colossians 4:2-6 Billy Joseph "The forgotten power tool of evangelism: Prayer"
Note the state of the unbeliever: dead in sin.....incapable of even hearing God's Word unless God enable him to do so.
Note also, that we are not (here, anyway) instructed to pray for the unbeliever. But instead, we are exhorted to pray
1. with thanksgiving
2. for those proclaiming the gospel
3. for wisdom in our speech and behavior.
Referenced was Romans 10:1.....the only reference found that says to pray for the unbeliever.
Much more common is the command to pray for those boldly proclaiming the gospel, as called and gifted to do so by God.
In prayer, we acknowledge our need of God. We cannot do what He has commanded, or calls us to do without Him.
Thought for meditation: "Prayer for others is the supreme God ordained method in Evangelism...Until we see the incapacity of sinners and our helplessness to save them, we will not commit ourselves to prayer; prayer is pleading our helplessness before God." (Will Metzger,
Tell the Truth page 78)
Be steadfast. Always at it. Never wavering. Not weary, or even if weary, not giving up. I think of the Hebrews passage about pressing toward the mark. Keep going!
Am I praying that my speech will be gracious? seasoned with salt? and that I walk in wisdom toward outsiders (AND insiders?) Am I praying (preparing) to be able to answer each person according to godly wisdom?
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Psalm 113
This is the first of the "Egyptian Hallel" psalms (113-118). 113 and 114 were sung before the Passover meal, while the rest were sung after the meal. Study notes also note that Jesus and the disciples probably sang these songs at the last supper.
The writer calls for God's people to praise Him as is fitting, all the time. All day, every day ("from the rising of the sun to it's setting,") across the whole earth. His Name is mentioned 3 times here.
Recall that the Name of God is His revealed character. All we know about Him from what He says, and what He has shown us of Himself elicits a praise from deep within.
He is higher thn the nations, sovereign over all. He is above the heavens, sovereign over them. But he is not 'aloof' (NKJV notes), but humbles Himself to see those lowly on earth.
And He has compassion on them......raising up the poor and needy (recall the context......they were in slavery in Egypt. God sent Moses to declare His Name to them, and performed great wonders leading up to the Passover moment).
He will seat them with princes....and indeed He did!
He will give them a home.....and indeed He did!
Praise Him!
The writer calls for God's people to praise Him as is fitting, all the time. All day, every day ("from the rising of the sun to it's setting,") across the whole earth. His Name is mentioned 3 times here.
Recall that the Name of God is His revealed character. All we know about Him from what He says, and what He has shown us of Himself elicits a praise from deep within.
He is higher thn the nations, sovereign over all. He is above the heavens, sovereign over them. But he is not 'aloof' (NKJV notes), but humbles Himself to see those lowly on earth.
And He has compassion on them......raising up the poor and needy (recall the context......they were in slavery in Egypt. God sent Moses to declare His Name to them, and performed great wonders leading up to the Passover moment).
He will seat them with princes....and indeed He did!
He will give them a home.....and indeed He did!
Praise Him!
Friday, July 11, 2014
Psalm 112
Another acrostic......
While Psalm 111 sang of God and His deeds, Psalm 112 sings of the happiness of the one who serves Him.
Recall the last verse of Psalm 111:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever."
Psalm 112 begins with this:
"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments."
The one who fears God (has a right understanding of who He is and his own position before Him) delights in His commandments. To me, this means submission. Willing submission to His will and His ways, because they are right. A false heart will try to submit for the wrong reasons.....to gain something (forgiveness, eternal life <"fire insurance">, prosperity, etc.) or to try to escape judgement. These are good things, but NOT the correct motive for submitting to God. To submit out of a joyful heart that is thankful for all He has done, bill bring blessings.
How will that one be blessed?
His descendants will be blessed by the wise influence of the righteous forefather.
He will enjoy riches and wealth.....Not the 'prosperity gospel' mentality! But.....plenty. Needs will be met by a gracious and compassionate God. This richness and wealth goes far beyond what the world sees as such. It includes wisdom, insight, discernment, contentment, satisfaction, etc.
Wisdom, like light, will guide his ways. He will know Divine guidance.
He will practice compassion and righteousness, displaying characteristics of God.
He will have a strong disposition and will not be shaken by, or put down by, 'evil tidings', or 'disastrous news' as the NKJV puts it. He will be steadfast and established, with no fear for he trusts in God and His sovereign rule.
Verse 9 seems to be a summary of all of the above:
He has dispersed abroad, given to the poor, endures forever, and is exalted with honor.
And Verse 10 speaks of the wicked in turn:
"The wicked will see it and be grieved.
He will gnash his teeth and melt away."
quite the opposite of what those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments, huh?
I am reminded of Psalm 1.
While Psalm 111 sang of God and His deeds, Psalm 112 sings of the happiness of the one who serves Him.
Recall the last verse of Psalm 111:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever."
Psalm 112 begins with this:
"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments."
The one who fears God (has a right understanding of who He is and his own position before Him) delights in His commandments. To me, this means submission. Willing submission to His will and His ways, because they are right. A false heart will try to submit for the wrong reasons.....to gain something (forgiveness, eternal life <"fire insurance">, prosperity, etc.) or to try to escape judgement. These are good things, but NOT the correct motive for submitting to God. To submit out of a joyful heart that is thankful for all He has done, bill bring blessings.
How will that one be blessed?
His descendants will be blessed by the wise influence of the righteous forefather.
He will enjoy riches and wealth.....Not the 'prosperity gospel' mentality! But.....plenty. Needs will be met by a gracious and compassionate God. This richness and wealth goes far beyond what the world sees as such. It includes wisdom, insight, discernment, contentment, satisfaction, etc.
Wisdom, like light, will guide his ways. He will know Divine guidance.
He will practice compassion and righteousness, displaying characteristics of God.
He will have a strong disposition and will not be shaken by, or put down by, 'evil tidings', or 'disastrous news' as the NKJV puts it. He will be steadfast and established, with no fear for he trusts in God and His sovereign rule.
Verse 9 seems to be a summary of all of the above:
He has dispersed abroad, given to the poor, endures forever, and is exalted with honor.
And Verse 10 speaks of the wicked in turn:
"The wicked will see it and be grieved.
He will gnash his teeth and melt away."
quite the opposite of what those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments, huh?
I am reminded of Psalm 1.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Psalm 111
An acrostic Psalm.....22 verses, the first beginning with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and each successive verse with the next letter. This is a great learning tool.....making me think this Psalm was used in teaching.
"I will praise the Lord with my whole heart," in very public places, all the time. Not lip service, not compartmentalized praise reserved only for 'worship' services, not only at church on Sunday's.....but praise that bubbles up all the time for the God whose great works are visible.
I really stopped on this...."the works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them./" 'Studied' ......examined, learned, wanting to know/experience more......'study' implies intent. Deliberate thought. We usually study things that are of interest or delight to us.
All He has done is good and right. His ways are never questionable. He is full of compassion, ever mindful of His covenant.....caring for His people in ways that demonstrate His greatness.
Again.....His works flow from His character.....True. Just. Never wavering. Everlasting.
He has redeemed His people, and covenented with them forever.
And to that, the Psalmist responds (in today's language) "How awesome is that!"
Indeed, Holy and awesome is his Name (character).
Study notes stated that verse 10 could be the motto for the book of Proverbs:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.".
If you would be wise......fear Him. Have a right understanding of who He is and what He has done. Love Him and His word. Be obedient to His commands.
Study Him.
"I will praise the Lord with my whole heart," in very public places, all the time. Not lip service, not compartmentalized praise reserved only for 'worship' services, not only at church on Sunday's.....but praise that bubbles up all the time for the God whose great works are visible.
I really stopped on this...."the works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them./" 'Studied' ......examined, learned, wanting to know/experience more......'study' implies intent. Deliberate thought. We usually study things that are of interest or delight to us.
All He has done is good and right. His ways are never questionable. He is full of compassion, ever mindful of His covenant.....caring for His people in ways that demonstrate His greatness.
Again.....His works flow from His character.....True. Just. Never wavering. Everlasting.
He has redeemed His people, and covenented with them forever.
And to that, the Psalmist responds (in today's language) "How awesome is that!"
Indeed, Holy and awesome is his Name (character).
Study notes stated that verse 10 could be the motto for the book of Proverbs:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.".
If you would be wise......fear Him. Have a right understanding of who He is and what He has done. Love Him and His word. Be obedient to His commands.
Study Him.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Psalm 110
I have to admit, I had trouble with this one. Not in understanding and comprehending it per se, but in knowing how to 'discuss' it. My words will be so simplistic, compared to the good sermons I have heard on this passage.
This is a Messianic Psalm, but also a royal psalm of David. It is the most quoted psalm in the NT.
David, speaking of one to come, calls Him "Lord".....speaking of the Messiah. God had promised that one of David's descendants would be on the throne forever. he will have absolute rule over all!
His followers will serve Him willingly, without reluctance, and will be holy as He is holy They will display His beauty.
This One to come will be both King and Priest.
King over all......His enemies a footstool for Him shattering kings and judging the nations.
Priest forever.....appointed by God, not of the line of Aaron, and with no beginning and no end.
This is a Messianic Psalm, but also a royal psalm of David. It is the most quoted psalm in the NT.
David, speaking of one to come, calls Him "Lord".....speaking of the Messiah. God had promised that one of David's descendants would be on the throne forever. he will have absolute rule over all!
His followers will serve Him willingly, without reluctance, and will be holy as He is holy They will display His beauty.
This One to come will be both King and Priest.
King over all......His enemies a footstool for Him shattering kings and judging the nations.
Priest forever.....appointed by God, not of the line of Aaron, and with no beginning and no end.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Psalm 109
David stands accused......falsely accused. His accuser apparently was once his friend, for David has shown him love, which has been rejected. He has indeed prayed for this enemy, with fasting, and has still been rejected.
First, David, as usual, recognizes God's sovereignty and involvement. He is not distant. He is addressed as the "God of my praise." David has known God's hand in his life, and he knows where to turn for help. Rather than take vengeance himself (perhaps he can't due to his physical state and or the multitude of his enemies?) he relies upon God to be His defender and to prosecute the wicked.
The first few verses sound like a pitiful cry to me.....deep grief as he pours out his complaint, culminating in verse 5: "Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love."
This seems to be the turning point for David's emotions. It almost seems like his attitude turns into a very human, "it's not fair!", and he launches into a very harsh curse on his enemies. In short, he asks God to set wicked, unfair judges over them just as they have judged David unfairly. Let them be treated as they have treated others, receiving cursing and lacking blessing. Let them be needy and poor, hounded by others like they hound others. Ultimately, let their family be utterly cut off....with no posterity to carry the family name, so that they will be utterly forgotten in this earth.
Then, after this show of intense negative emotion.....he returns again to a more gentle prayer.....appealing to God's steadfast love. "Show Yourself, " he says....may all see that You have done this....may all see and know Your justice.
In the end, God's sovereignty is key. No accuser can stand against Him. Indeed, God will supplant any accuser against His own.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It seems inconsistent for David to pray such a harsh prayer, and for this to be accepted. After all, isn't God love? Are we not to love our enemies? And do good to them?
David did do these things. But remember, he is human, not divine, and is prone to all the depth of human emotion.
Was he wrong to utter such a prayer of cursing? I haven't read up on commentaries regarding this, but this is my oppinion: I think not. David had gone the extra mile, loving his enemies and doing good. They refused him. All of the elements of cursing that he expressed are exactly the things God Himself has said about His enemies as some points. He does not hide that fact that sin will be judged.
Bottom line? unconfessed sin will not be tolerated by God. Judgement will come, or for those who put their faith in Christ, it has already been spent on Christ at the cross.
First, David, as usual, recognizes God's sovereignty and involvement. He is not distant. He is addressed as the "God of my praise." David has known God's hand in his life, and he knows where to turn for help. Rather than take vengeance himself (perhaps he can't due to his physical state and or the multitude of his enemies?) he relies upon God to be His defender and to prosecute the wicked.
The first few verses sound like a pitiful cry to me.....deep grief as he pours out his complaint, culminating in verse 5: "Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love."
This seems to be the turning point for David's emotions. It almost seems like his attitude turns into a very human, "it's not fair!", and he launches into a very harsh curse on his enemies. In short, he asks God to set wicked, unfair judges over them just as they have judged David unfairly. Let them be treated as they have treated others, receiving cursing and lacking blessing. Let them be needy and poor, hounded by others like they hound others. Ultimately, let their family be utterly cut off....with no posterity to carry the family name, so that they will be utterly forgotten in this earth.
Then, after this show of intense negative emotion.....he returns again to a more gentle prayer.....appealing to God's steadfast love. "Show Yourself, " he says....may all see that You have done this....may all see and know Your justice.
In the end, God's sovereignty is key. No accuser can stand against Him. Indeed, God will supplant any accuser against His own.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It seems inconsistent for David to pray such a harsh prayer, and for this to be accepted. After all, isn't God love? Are we not to love our enemies? And do good to them?
David did do these things. But remember, he is human, not divine, and is prone to all the depth of human emotion.
Was he wrong to utter such a prayer of cursing? I haven't read up on commentaries regarding this, but this is my oppinion: I think not. David had gone the extra mile, loving his enemies and doing good. They refused him. All of the elements of cursing that he expressed are exactly the things God Himself has said about His enemies as some points. He does not hide that fact that sin will be judged.
Bottom line? unconfessed sin will not be tolerated by God. Judgement will come, or for those who put their faith in Christ, it has already been spent on Christ at the cross.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Sunday, Lord's Day, July 6, 2014
Sunday School: Begin study of I and II Kings to cover 2 quarters.
** note that history is given for a specific purpose. The facts needed are given, and no more, so sometimes we are left wanting more than what we have. For instance, blatant sins may be mentioned, but not commented on (condemnation). This doesn't mean acceptance of the sin, or contradiction in Scripture.
**note that the monarchy was anticipated by God in the giving of the Law, through the time of the judges. Deut. 17:14-20 Moses is given instruction re: the future employment of a king over Israel once they are established in the Promised Land. Very specific instructions about how a king is to behave and be disciplined toward the Law of God. Judges mentions over and over: "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
The theme appears to be looking for the perfect king. Saul was made king initially, not because of a desire for a godly leader, but in order that they might be like the nations around them. He turned out to be a bad king. He refused to obey the Lord's commands, and favored the unrighteous over the righteous. David was a good king, but not without sin. The consequences of his sin plagued his household, as promised by God.
I and II Kings is a record of the kings following David, the split of the kingdom, and the history of each side, leading up to the exile.
Chapter 1-2 summary: David is old and frail, probably nearing death. A servant girl is brought in to serve him, and to keep him warm. Abijah, the oldest living son of David, assumes that he will be next in line for the throne, and in a very bold move, gathers the 'power brokers' of the day around him, leaving out the common folk, and tries to establish himself as king in his old and frail father's place. He failed to bring the common people on board, however, and didn't invite those of his father's household whom he knew would oppose him.
Nathan the prophet is on to him, and calls on Bathsheba to help make David aware of the situation. David had sworn to her that Solomon would be his successor. She goes to David with the current events, Nathan confirms them, and David acts quickly. He calls the faithful few that are not at Abijah's party to proclaim in front of the commoners that Solomon has been chosen king, by his command. They, of course won't challenge this, and the noise they make in joyful celebration is so loud that Abijah's party hears it, is told what has happened, and they all flee for their lives!
David gives Solomon instruction first on being a good king, and second, on handling some specific problem areas. He is to 'show himself a man," keeping the laws of God, walking in His ways. If he will do this, he will prosper.
Solomon follows through with each of the problem areas that his father instructed him about, and is firmly established on the throne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Sermon, Henry Beaulieu. Galations 5:13-15
Genuine freedom is knowing right from wrong. Virtue. Holding to justice and righteousness as defined by God, loving it, and standing for it, no matter what the cost.
Modern ideas of freedom are different! Today freedom means doing what I want, and the government, society, and people around me should support it. This is not freedom! not according to God's Word.
Recall that Satan promised Eve the freedom to be like God.....but it was a lie. Instead of freedom, what resulted was slavery. Paul, in Galatians, is dealing with those who would have them made righteous by keeping the letter of the law. But Paul is proving the point that this is NOT freedom, but indeed condemnation. The law cannot be kept by any of us! Failure in any part of it means failure to keep it all!
He is making the point that it must be a heart issue. Only God can change the heart to live by His Spirit, and not according to the law. If the heart is made right, the acts follow.
Freedom is in serving one another out of a heart of love, made so by the work of the Spirit. This flies in the face of what we consider freedom today. We are not to use freedom as an opportunity to serve the flesh, or self. No! We are to use freedom to serve one another!
Freedom, is a motive of the heart produced by God in our hearts. It is a step beyond head knowledge, but it is a heart understanding.....More than duty, but obedience out of love.
All the law is summed up in that we love one another, as God commands.
** note that history is given for a specific purpose. The facts needed are given, and no more, so sometimes we are left wanting more than what we have. For instance, blatant sins may be mentioned, but not commented on (condemnation). This doesn't mean acceptance of the sin, or contradiction in Scripture.
**note that the monarchy was anticipated by God in the giving of the Law, through the time of the judges. Deut. 17:14-20 Moses is given instruction re: the future employment of a king over Israel once they are established in the Promised Land. Very specific instructions about how a king is to behave and be disciplined toward the Law of God. Judges mentions over and over: "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
The theme appears to be looking for the perfect king. Saul was made king initially, not because of a desire for a godly leader, but in order that they might be like the nations around them. He turned out to be a bad king. He refused to obey the Lord's commands, and favored the unrighteous over the righteous. David was a good king, but not without sin. The consequences of his sin plagued his household, as promised by God.
I and II Kings is a record of the kings following David, the split of the kingdom, and the history of each side, leading up to the exile.
Chapter 1-2 summary: David is old and frail, probably nearing death. A servant girl is brought in to serve him, and to keep him warm. Abijah, the oldest living son of David, assumes that he will be next in line for the throne, and in a very bold move, gathers the 'power brokers' of the day around him, leaving out the common folk, and tries to establish himself as king in his old and frail father's place. He failed to bring the common people on board, however, and didn't invite those of his father's household whom he knew would oppose him.
Nathan the prophet is on to him, and calls on Bathsheba to help make David aware of the situation. David had sworn to her that Solomon would be his successor. She goes to David with the current events, Nathan confirms them, and David acts quickly. He calls the faithful few that are not at Abijah's party to proclaim in front of the commoners that Solomon has been chosen king, by his command. They, of course won't challenge this, and the noise they make in joyful celebration is so loud that Abijah's party hears it, is told what has happened, and they all flee for their lives!
David gives Solomon instruction first on being a good king, and second, on handling some specific problem areas. He is to 'show himself a man," keeping the laws of God, walking in His ways. If he will do this, he will prosper.
Solomon follows through with each of the problem areas that his father instructed him about, and is firmly established on the throne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Sermon, Henry Beaulieu. Galations 5:13-15
Genuine freedom is knowing right from wrong. Virtue. Holding to justice and righteousness as defined by God, loving it, and standing for it, no matter what the cost.
Modern ideas of freedom are different! Today freedom means doing what I want, and the government, society, and people around me should support it. This is not freedom! not according to God's Word.
Recall that Satan promised Eve the freedom to be like God.....but it was a lie. Instead of freedom, what resulted was slavery. Paul, in Galatians, is dealing with those who would have them made righteous by keeping the letter of the law. But Paul is proving the point that this is NOT freedom, but indeed condemnation. The law cannot be kept by any of us! Failure in any part of it means failure to keep it all!
He is making the point that it must be a heart issue. Only God can change the heart to live by His Spirit, and not according to the law. If the heart is made right, the acts follow.
Freedom is in serving one another out of a heart of love, made so by the work of the Spirit. This flies in the face of what we consider freedom today. We are not to use freedom as an opportunity to serve the flesh, or self. No! We are to use freedom to serve one another!
Freedom, is a motive of the heart produced by God in our hearts. It is a step beyond head knowledge, but it is a heart understanding.....More than duty, but obedience out of love.
All the law is summed up in that we love one another, as God commands.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Psalm 108
This Psalm reaches back and claims parts of 2 other psalms, putting them together for a purpose.
Verses 1-5 are a repeat of Psalm 57:7-11, and verses 6-13 are from Psalm 60:5-12.
Psalm 57 was written when David was at a low point, hiding from Saul in a cave. In this section, he declares his steadfast heart, though distressed by many trials. His is a heart that will not be overwhelmed by sorrow, defeat, or despair. He will sing of God's glory and might at all times, meditating on these things rather than his circumstances.
Psalm 60 was written after a military setback, for the purpose of teaching. In the part quoted, God's sovereignty and might are highlighted. He has declared that He is sovereign, even over mighty nations. They are but His servants; indeed He owns them, and will do with them as He pleases. The last line gives the moral of the story: It is only by God's help that we will triumph. It is He, not ourselves, that wins each battle.
In recent Psalm, God's love and care for Israel was demonstrated, then their rebellion and idolatry. Psalm 107 was a beautiful song of those redeemed, (the same ones who rebelled and were punished by God), and now we have this repeat of sections of 2 other songs.
I do not know if the place of this Psalm is relevant or not. It seems that they are grouped according to meaning. So why this repeat here? Perhaps David is wanting to reiterate that we must rely upon Him for our help and deliverance, and not our own means? Struggles and trials are acknowledged, but David swears his steadfastness for the Lord. He will not be swayed. Then he repeats the Psalm 60 passage declaring God's absolute sovereignty.
It is only by His mercy, grace, and help, that we will triumph over our enemies.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Psalm 107
The Song of the Redeemed
This has long been my favorite Psalm. I will speak more of that later.
But today as I read it, after having read Psalm 105 and 106 first, it had greater meaning. Psalm 105 is about How God chose, covenented with and established His people, Israel. Psalm 106 speaks of Israel's constant rebellion and ungratefulness, and of God's continuous grace and mercy toward them. Then Psalm 107 sings the song of those redeemed by the Lord.
I love the flow of this Psalm.....First there is the exhortation to praise Him for His goodness and mercy, citing how He has rescued and gathered them from the ends of the earth.
This is a well written song....with 4 stanzas, each with the same refrain:
"Oh that man would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
(This is an appropriate line after Psalm 106, where they continually 'forgot' God's mercy toward them.)
Following each refrain are 4 statements of God's goodness and praise to Him.
There are 4 scenes of distress: wandering in the wilderness, prisoners, illness, and stormy seas.
Following the scenes of distress with their refrains, comes a tribute to the Sovereign God, who watches over the affairs of man, ruling with justice and mercy.
He turns "abundance into barrenness, and poverty into exaltation.......the first because of human wickedness; the second because of His lovingkindness." (NKJV notes)
I love the simplicity of the last verse:
"Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understanding the lovingkindness of the Lord."
~~~~~~~~~~
Yes. See and understand who God is....and only then will you know your own great need, and be able to comprehend His great mercy and kindness. Also understand that suffering is a result of sin and rebellion against Him.
Verse 27--30 are my favorite verses, and have been for years.
"They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits end.
Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. They they are glad, because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven."
Becoming a single mother when my children were ages 9, 6, 4, and 2, while trying to finish nursing school......many, many days were spent staggering, it seemed, reeling to and fro. Then I saw in part His rescue when I cried out to Him., but now, in hindsight I see so much more! I certainly don't always get what I want in the way that I envision getting it, but His answers are always so much better! He does indeed calm the storm, if only the one raging inside while outside our circumstances are quite tempestuous. In all, He has made me glad, and as other psalms have said...
"He has set my feet in a broad place."
This has long been my favorite Psalm. I will speak more of that later.
But today as I read it, after having read Psalm 105 and 106 first, it had greater meaning. Psalm 105 is about How God chose, covenented with and established His people, Israel. Psalm 106 speaks of Israel's constant rebellion and ungratefulness, and of God's continuous grace and mercy toward them. Then Psalm 107 sings the song of those redeemed by the Lord.
I love the flow of this Psalm.....First there is the exhortation to praise Him for His goodness and mercy, citing how He has rescued and gathered them from the ends of the earth.
This is a well written song....with 4 stanzas, each with the same refrain:
"Oh that man would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
(This is an appropriate line after Psalm 106, where they continually 'forgot' God's mercy toward them.)
Following each refrain are 4 statements of God's goodness and praise to Him.
There are 4 scenes of distress: wandering in the wilderness, prisoners, illness, and stormy seas.
Following the scenes of distress with their refrains, comes a tribute to the Sovereign God, who watches over the affairs of man, ruling with justice and mercy.
He turns "abundance into barrenness, and poverty into exaltation.......the first because of human wickedness; the second because of His lovingkindness." (NKJV notes)
I love the simplicity of the last verse:
"Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understanding the lovingkindness of the Lord."
~~~~~~~~~~
Yes. See and understand who God is....and only then will you know your own great need, and be able to comprehend His great mercy and kindness. Also understand that suffering is a result of sin and rebellion against Him.
Verse 27--30 are my favorite verses, and have been for years.
"They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits end.
Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. They they are glad, because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven."
Becoming a single mother when my children were ages 9, 6, 4, and 2, while trying to finish nursing school......many, many days were spent staggering, it seemed, reeling to and fro. Then I saw in part His rescue when I cried out to Him., but now, in hindsight I see so much more! I certainly don't always get what I want in the way that I envision getting it, but His answers are always so much better! He does indeed calm the storm, if only the one raging inside while outside our circumstances are quite tempestuous. In all, He has made me glad, and as other psalms have said...
"He has set my feet in a broad place."
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Psalm 106
The loving God of Psalm 105, Who cares for His people is also very longsuffering toward His wayward people......
Where Psalm 105 recounted God's great care for Israel in choosing and establishing her, here is recounted her ungratefulness and rebellion. Still, though, God is praised for His mercy and forgiveness. His hand of judgement and discipline is acknowledged, along with His sovereignty, so rather than recoil in anger, the Psalmist prays for deliverance and help.
First he offers words of praise and thanksgiving, for the Lord is good! He is ever merciful.....beyond any capability we may have of understanding Him or rightly praising Him. Blessed are those who 'keep justice', and 'do righteousness', because they seek Him and obey Him.
God is implored to remember His people, and save them.....so that they can see the benefit of being His chosen, rejoicing in being His nation, and inheritance.
Confession follows......not individual confession, but confession of the sins of the nation throughout their history.
After all the mighty wonders God did in Egypt, destroying the Egyptians and saving the Hebrews; and after He led them out so miraculously, they rebelled immediately 'by the Sea", when Pharaoh chased them. But God saved them, and parted the Sea for them to cross on dry land, then destroyed Pharaoh's army in the same place. After this, they believed, and praised Him.
But soon, they forgot. They craved meat and whined and complained about the little they had in the wilderness over against the food they had in Egypt (nevermind the fact that thy were slaves!). So God sent them meat.....and in the enjoying of it they suffered. (Numbers 11).
Then Korah and Dathan rebelled against Moses, thinking more highly of themselves than they
should, and the Lord consumed them.
They made an image....a golden calf, to worship @ Horeb. They forgot the God who'd saved them. God said He would destroy them, but in response to Moses plea, they were saved, yet again.
When spies went into the Promised Land and returned with tales of a wonderful land, but filled with mighty peoples, they did not believe God's promise to drive out those peoples and establish them in the land. They complained and rebelled, and God kept them in the wilderness until that generation died.(Numbers 13, 14)
They worshiped other gods....Baal of Peor, and joined themselves to the pagans, even bringing them into God's dwelling place....provoking a plague from the Lord against them. The righteous actions of Phinehas averted the plague. (Numbers 25)
They angered God at the 'waters of strife' (Numbers 20)Moses was even angered to the point of sin, and thus he did not get to enter the promised land either.
Once in the Promised Land, they did not do as the Lord had commanded them. They did not drive the people out; they intermarried with them, and worshiped their gods. They sacrificed their sons and daughters to these pagan gods, angering the Lord, so that He gave them over to destruction, allowing them to be ruled by the nations and carried away into captivity.
And yet......He still heard their cry, and remembered His covenant and relented.
I love verse 47...."Save us O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise."
NKJV notes on this verse: "No claims upon God can be advanced. Only pure mercy and concern for His holy name could motivate Him to restore such a persistently rebellious people."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am moved to examine His great mercy toward me.
For I am as rebellious as they.
It is overwhelming.
Where Psalm 105 recounted God's great care for Israel in choosing and establishing her, here is recounted her ungratefulness and rebellion. Still, though, God is praised for His mercy and forgiveness. His hand of judgement and discipline is acknowledged, along with His sovereignty, so rather than recoil in anger, the Psalmist prays for deliverance and help.
First he offers words of praise and thanksgiving, for the Lord is good! He is ever merciful.....beyond any capability we may have of understanding Him or rightly praising Him. Blessed are those who 'keep justice', and 'do righteousness', because they seek Him and obey Him.
God is implored to remember His people, and save them.....so that they can see the benefit of being His chosen, rejoicing in being His nation, and inheritance.
Confession follows......not individual confession, but confession of the sins of the nation throughout their history.
After all the mighty wonders God did in Egypt, destroying the Egyptians and saving the Hebrews; and after He led them out so miraculously, they rebelled immediately 'by the Sea", when Pharaoh chased them. But God saved them, and parted the Sea for them to cross on dry land, then destroyed Pharaoh's army in the same place. After this, they believed, and praised Him.
But soon, they forgot. They craved meat and whined and complained about the little they had in the wilderness over against the food they had in Egypt (nevermind the fact that thy were slaves!). So God sent them meat.....and in the enjoying of it they suffered. (Numbers 11).
Then Korah and Dathan rebelled against Moses, thinking more highly of themselves than they
should, and the Lord consumed them.
They made an image....a golden calf, to worship @ Horeb. They forgot the God who'd saved them. God said He would destroy them, but in response to Moses plea, they were saved, yet again.
When spies went into the Promised Land and returned with tales of a wonderful land, but filled with mighty peoples, they did not believe God's promise to drive out those peoples and establish them in the land. They complained and rebelled, and God kept them in the wilderness until that generation died.(Numbers 13, 14)
They worshiped other gods....Baal of Peor, and joined themselves to the pagans, even bringing them into God's dwelling place....provoking a plague from the Lord against them. The righteous actions of Phinehas averted the plague. (Numbers 25)
They angered God at the 'waters of strife' (Numbers 20)Moses was even angered to the point of sin, and thus he did not get to enter the promised land either.
Once in the Promised Land, they did not do as the Lord had commanded them. They did not drive the people out; they intermarried with them, and worshiped their gods. They sacrificed their sons and daughters to these pagan gods, angering the Lord, so that He gave them over to destruction, allowing them to be ruled by the nations and carried away into captivity.
And yet......He still heard their cry, and remembered His covenant and relented.
I love verse 47...."Save us O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise."
NKJV notes on this verse: "No claims upon God can be advanced. Only pure mercy and concern for His holy name could motivate Him to restore such a persistently rebellious people."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am moved to examine His great mercy toward me.
For I am as rebellious as they.
It is overwhelming.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Psalm 105
Here, Israel is urged to sing praise to God for all he has done, and to tell of these things! Think about it and rejoice in what He has done! Continue to seek Him and rely upon Him.
He is our God!
The history of God's people, Israel is recounted, not as a simple historical record, but as the great work of God. It is He who has made them His people and a mighty nation.
He covenented with Abraham, made an oath to Isaac, and confirmed it to Jacob, that He would give his descendants Canaan as their homeland. This was a big promise to a people few in number, foreigners in the land, who wandered about. But God was with them, and allowed no nation or people to harm them. He brought them, sojourners in the land, through many confrontations with those around them.
He prepared the way for Joseph to be sent ahead to Egypt, preparing to save His people from the famine in later years. And Joseph, after many hard, hard years, was able to say, "What you meant for evil, God meant for good.". He saw the hand of the Lord in it all!
Through this, He brought Israel to Egypt and greatly increased them there. Eventually they outnumbered the Egyptians and were made slaves in the land.
God raised up Moses and Aaron to lead them, and worked great wonders through them. Remember the plagues He brought upon Egypt and the mighty way He led them out by a cloud and fire. He even allowed them to plunder the Egyptians peacefully.
In the desert, He provided bread, meat and water by miraculous means, bringing them to the Promised Land, and establishing them there as His people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Wow. So hard to go through this and not get into all the wonderful sub-stories! I love the OT historical books! So much more could be said about what God did in each and every situation.
But the purpose is to get a general overview of the greatness of God. Israel is His people, simply because He did it.....there is no other way!
I love the individual stories over against the big picture, though, because these 'greats' of the OT were as human as you and I. They sinned, suffered consequences, were forgiven, experienced God's great mercy, and didn't turn from the faith they had in their God. All during that 'big picture' period of time, individuals were living their lives, probably not fully aware of the 'big picture' they were a part of. God had a plan, and was executing it. How encouraging for me, when I get into the doldrums of life......feeling like I am going nowhere, waning to see God move in big ways. I, like them, must live life serving Him daily, knowing that He has a plan, and is executing it.....whether I see it or not.
I noted, also, that this psalm doesn't mention the sins of Israel; how they tried God in the wilderness, and how various ones were punished for their sins. Then I looked ahead to Psalm 106..........
He is our God!
The history of God's people, Israel is recounted, not as a simple historical record, but as the great work of God. It is He who has made them His people and a mighty nation.
He covenented with Abraham, made an oath to Isaac, and confirmed it to Jacob, that He would give his descendants Canaan as their homeland. This was a big promise to a people few in number, foreigners in the land, who wandered about. But God was with them, and allowed no nation or people to harm them. He brought them, sojourners in the land, through many confrontations with those around them.
He prepared the way for Joseph to be sent ahead to Egypt, preparing to save His people from the famine in later years. And Joseph, after many hard, hard years, was able to say, "What you meant for evil, God meant for good.". He saw the hand of the Lord in it all!
Through this, He brought Israel to Egypt and greatly increased them there. Eventually they outnumbered the Egyptians and were made slaves in the land.
God raised up Moses and Aaron to lead them, and worked great wonders through them. Remember the plagues He brought upon Egypt and the mighty way He led them out by a cloud and fire. He even allowed them to plunder the Egyptians peacefully.
In the desert, He provided bread, meat and water by miraculous means, bringing them to the Promised Land, and establishing them there as His people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Wow. So hard to go through this and not get into all the wonderful sub-stories! I love the OT historical books! So much more could be said about what God did in each and every situation.
But the purpose is to get a general overview of the greatness of God. Israel is His people, simply because He did it.....there is no other way!
I love the individual stories over against the big picture, though, because these 'greats' of the OT were as human as you and I. They sinned, suffered consequences, were forgiven, experienced God's great mercy, and didn't turn from the faith they had in their God. All during that 'big picture' period of time, individuals were living their lives, probably not fully aware of the 'big picture' they were a part of. God had a plan, and was executing it. How encouraging for me, when I get into the doldrums of life......feeling like I am going nowhere, waning to see God move in big ways. I, like them, must live life serving Him daily, knowing that He has a plan, and is executing it.....whether I see it or not.
I noted, also, that this psalm doesn't mention the sins of Israel; how they tried God in the wilderness, and how various ones were punished for their sins. Then I looked ahead to Psalm 106..........
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Psalm 104
Meditating on God and His Creation.
Once again, pondering the greatness of God elicits a 'whole being' kind of worship, as in Psalm 103.
God is pictured as using what, to us, are intangible, untamable things, like 'light' and the 'heavens' as garments or curtains. Those things that are truly big and almost beyond our ability to understand or really visualize, are small to their Creator.
The earth is but His footstool; the clouds His chariot. He walks on the wind. His angels serve Him.
He established the earth.....nothing can move it, save Him. He spoke......and the waters went to te places He designed for them, and there they will stay.
He created and set in motion nature, and rules it. He cares for His creation. His creatures are watered and fed, and have homes to rest in.
He cares for man too, providing food and useful things...like oil and wine which are mentioned specifically.
He places His creatures in appropriate places for them in the varying landscape of creation. Some for trees, some for high mountains, some for the rocks, some for the fields, and some for the waters.
He set out the lights that rule the day and night, putting them in motion and ruling them. Their courses are not changing. Seasons are marked by their rotations. Night creatures roam the night and return to their homes at daybreak, while man rises and goes about his work during the day.
God has made them all; they all serve Him and are dependent on Him for life and being. Indeed, the earth itself responds to His voice with trembling at His greatness.
After pondering all these things, the psalmist moves into a spontaneous outburst of praise.
But note verse 35....which sounds negative in light of the rest of the chapter:
"May sinners be consumed from the earth and the wicked be no more."
His goal here is to magnify the Name of the Lord. Wickedness in this world does anything but that. His desire is for anything that is in rebellion to Him be eradicated.......which will indeed be the case...When He returns.
Once again, pondering the greatness of God elicits a 'whole being' kind of worship, as in Psalm 103.
God is pictured as using what, to us, are intangible, untamable things, like 'light' and the 'heavens' as garments or curtains. Those things that are truly big and almost beyond our ability to understand or really visualize, are small to their Creator.
The earth is but His footstool; the clouds His chariot. He walks on the wind. His angels serve Him.
He established the earth.....nothing can move it, save Him. He spoke......and the waters went to te places He designed for them, and there they will stay.
He created and set in motion nature, and rules it. He cares for His creation. His creatures are watered and fed, and have homes to rest in.
He cares for man too, providing food and useful things...like oil and wine which are mentioned specifically.
He places His creatures in appropriate places for them in the varying landscape of creation. Some for trees, some for high mountains, some for the rocks, some for the fields, and some for the waters.
He set out the lights that rule the day and night, putting them in motion and ruling them. Their courses are not changing. Seasons are marked by their rotations. Night creatures roam the night and return to their homes at daybreak, while man rises and goes about his work during the day.
God has made them all; they all serve Him and are dependent on Him for life and being. Indeed, the earth itself responds to His voice with trembling at His greatness.
After pondering all these things, the psalmist moves into a spontaneous outburst of praise.
But note verse 35....which sounds negative in light of the rest of the chapter:
"May sinners be consumed from the earth and the wicked be no more."
His goal here is to magnify the Name of the Lord. Wickedness in this world does anything but that. His desire is for anything that is in rebellion to Him be eradicated.......which will indeed be the case...When He returns.
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