Psalm 143 presents the God-follower, the believer, with a simple, tried-and-true formula for success in the Godly walk. I'd write a book, but it appears God has taken care of that already! Biblical success, properly reflecting God's glory, begins and ends with understanding our relationship with God, and then acting appropriately.
"Hear my prayer, O, Lord."
"I meditate on all Your doings."
"Teach me the way in which I should walk."
"For I trust in You."
"I take refuge in You."
"Teach me to do Your will."
"For I am Your servant."
Naturally, all this could be expanded upon in much greater detail. But in a simple manner here, the psalmist describes an active relationship with the Lord. He is teachable, he understands his place before God. He talks with God, he studies God, he seeks to do God's will.
He makes the claim to be a servant of God. A humble servant, completely trusting in the Lord. Am I? Are you?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Pass the Time
So what do you do when you are bored? How do you pass the time? Let me rephrase a bit. How you pass the time while doing something that takes little effort, but demands your focus while you are doing it? OK, so now you are confused by the question.
Take a look at Psalm 119. Yes, it is long, and yes, it is all about God's Word. Verse 148 made me stop and think a bit, and to picture the situation described.
"My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word."
Picture the guard on the wall of Jerusalem, or any city, for that matter. He can't sit down and rest, he can't amuse himself with a game, and he certainly cannot fall asleep! His senses need to be attentive to the surroundings, as the city's security is dependent on him performing his duty. Most probably did not volunteer for the night watches, which were a series of guard duties broken up through the night.
But this psalmist looks forward to these times, knowing that he will have time to meditate on God's Word. And to do so implies that he knows a great deal of and about that Word.
So what boring or routine task do you have coming up? Looking forward to them? Any thoughts as to how you might pass that time?
Take a look at Psalm 119. Yes, it is long, and yes, it is all about God's Word. Verse 148 made me stop and think a bit, and to picture the situation described.
"My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word."
Picture the guard on the wall of Jerusalem, or any city, for that matter. He can't sit down and rest, he can't amuse himself with a game, and he certainly cannot fall asleep! His senses need to be attentive to the surroundings, as the city's security is dependent on him performing his duty. Most probably did not volunteer for the night watches, which were a series of guard duties broken up through the night.
But this psalmist looks forward to these times, knowing that he will have time to meditate on God's Word. And to do so implies that he knows a great deal of and about that Word.
So what boring or routine task do you have coming up? Looking forward to them? Any thoughts as to how you might pass that time?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
More of the Same
Picking up from yesterday, I find more of the same sentiment expressed in Psalm 118, verses 8 and 9.
"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes."
Bad things tend to happen when we rely on man's ideas and man's way of doing things. if we are not careful we can find it an ever-increasing challenge to truly rely on, take refuge in, the Lord. The days are evil, indeed, and the worse we see society get, the more likely it is we can be tempted to handle things in our own ways, to react to situations rather than truly seek the Lord's counsel.
We must be disciplining ourselves to respond to trials in the manner we see over and over in the psalms, by taking them to the Lord.
Then, and only then, will we really understand and rest in the security found in verse 14.
"The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."
Praying today for the constant reminder to live by the Spirit, and to let Him guide me, along with the strength and courage to follow.
"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes."
Bad things tend to happen when we rely on man's ideas and man's way of doing things. if we are not careful we can find it an ever-increasing challenge to truly rely on, take refuge in, the Lord. The days are evil, indeed, and the worse we see society get, the more likely it is we can be tempted to handle things in our own ways, to react to situations rather than truly seek the Lord's counsel.
We must be disciplining ourselves to respond to trials in the manner we see over and over in the psalms, by taking them to the Lord.
Then, and only then, will we really understand and rest in the security found in verse 14.
"The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."
Praying today for the constant reminder to live by the Spirit, and to let Him guide me, along with the strength and courage to follow.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ask the Right Person
Watch a small child who has siblings sometime, who gets hurt and needs someone to help immediately. That child will look into the eyes of everyone around him, walking past each potential source of help, including brothers and sisters, until he finds Mom or Dad. He knows who can really help him.
Psalm 108, either written by David or about David ("Psalm of David" can mean either), reflects a common theme that shows up repeatedly in the Psalms. There is danger all around, the psalmist needs help and he turns to the Lord. He needs deliverance, and he makes a profound statement in verse 12 that should be the prayer of every believer, especially in the times in which we live.
"Oh give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain."
Typically, we get into trouble, or we give in to temptation around us, or we allow the world around us to dictate how we solve problems. By doing so, we are expecting and hoping for deliverance by man. We are saying that we can do it ourselves, that we don't need any help.
Our primary adversary is Satan, who with his angels, desires to see us fall into hopeless sinful life patterns. Somehow he helps fuel the temptations that we encounter daily. And that real battle lies inside each of us. Sure, we can look at the news and see the moral and social decay happening every minute, but those are simply symptoms of the foundational issues surrounding a world which has all but abandoned God's Word. The daily battles in which we must be victorious are internal, and we cannot win on our own. Our help MUST come from the Lord.
Let's purposefully turn to God with our trials, our troubles, our sin, our shortcomings, and then praise Him for His help, His deliverance. Make this your daily prayer, as I will try to also:
"Oh give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain."
Psalm 108, either written by David or about David ("Psalm of David" can mean either), reflects a common theme that shows up repeatedly in the Psalms. There is danger all around, the psalmist needs help and he turns to the Lord. He needs deliverance, and he makes a profound statement in verse 12 that should be the prayer of every believer, especially in the times in which we live.
"Oh give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain."
Typically, we get into trouble, or we give in to temptation around us, or we allow the world around us to dictate how we solve problems. By doing so, we are expecting and hoping for deliverance by man. We are saying that we can do it ourselves, that we don't need any help.
Our primary adversary is Satan, who with his angels, desires to see us fall into hopeless sinful life patterns. Somehow he helps fuel the temptations that we encounter daily. And that real battle lies inside each of us. Sure, we can look at the news and see the moral and social decay happening every minute, but those are simply symptoms of the foundational issues surrounding a world which has all but abandoned God's Word. The daily battles in which we must be victorious are internal, and we cannot win on our own. Our help MUST come from the Lord.
Let's purposefully turn to God with our trials, our troubles, our sin, our shortcomings, and then praise Him for His help, His deliverance. Make this your daily prayer, as I will try to also:
"Oh give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain."
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Overwhelmed
I have to admit, reading this morning through Psalms 102-107 left me in awe and speechless. From songs of praise to how mighty God is, to a recapturing of the history of His people and His care for them, to the rejection of Him by those very people, and yet His love endured and His faithfulness continues to this very day! He cares for His creation and those who follow Him! How can I add to that and say much more? I'd just get in the way, I'm pretty sure.
If I had to focus on a verse or phrase, I'd camp on Psalm 104:31-34, which says,
Let the glory of the LORD endure forever;
Let the LORD be glad in His works;
He looks at the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
Let my meditation be pleasing to Him;
As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.
We should only praise Him becasue we recognize that He indeed is worthy of ALL praise, and honor, and glory! Read through that psalm (104), and try to simply soak in just who God is. Then, when we compare who we are, I pray that we really "get it", and respond appropriately.
Holding Fast to the Name of our Creator
If I had to focus on a verse or phrase, I'd camp on Psalm 104:31-34, which says,
Let the glory of the LORD endure forever;
Let the LORD be glad in His works;
He looks at the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
Let my meditation be pleasing to Him;
As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.
We should only praise Him becasue we recognize that He indeed is worthy of ALL praise, and honor, and glory! Read through that psalm (104), and try to simply soak in just who God is. Then, when we compare who we are, I pray that we really "get it", and respond appropriately.
Holding Fast to the Name of our Creator
Saturday, February 18, 2012
It Starts Today
Try to imagine God's righteousness, His perfection, His holiness. How do we even try to describe these? Although this is a very weak comparison, I picture brand new carpet, pristine white plush carpet. A bucket full of mud is not really welcome in that room! The slightest blemish of dirt will be easily seen, there is no hiding it.
Psalm 90 has a series of verses (7-12) that take this image, this example, to the very highest place, to God Himself. God has placed our sin, our iniquities, right before Him and His perfection. Verse 8 can be haunting. Even our secret sins are clear to Him, simply because of His presence. The psalmist says "the light of Your presence." Now I see my bucket of ugly, muddy sin, and how dare I place that before our holy God. But that is exactly what He has done. He wants us to know that He sees it all.
So what do I do with that??? According to this section, I apparently need to number my days. I need to realize my time here is short, and to make each moment I have count for Him. I must try to reduce the number of sins that are placed before Him, because, as a follower of the Almighty, I have choices to make about my sin. I must certainly understand His anger and wrath, as well as his mercy and love, and then finish my years, not with a sigh, as in verse 9, but rather like in verse 12, where I must strive to present to Him a heart of wisdom.
My choices count. There will be opportunities today to choose Him or the world. Numbering my days, and it starts today!
Psalm 90 has a series of verses (7-12) that take this image, this example, to the very highest place, to God Himself. God has placed our sin, our iniquities, right before Him and His perfection. Verse 8 can be haunting. Even our secret sins are clear to Him, simply because of His presence. The psalmist says "the light of Your presence." Now I see my bucket of ugly, muddy sin, and how dare I place that before our holy God. But that is exactly what He has done. He wants us to know that He sees it all.
So what do I do with that??? According to this section, I apparently need to number my days. I need to realize my time here is short, and to make each moment I have count for Him. I must try to reduce the number of sins that are placed before Him, because, as a follower of the Almighty, I have choices to make about my sin. I must certainly understand His anger and wrath, as well as his mercy and love, and then finish my years, not with a sigh, as in verse 9, but rather like in verse 12, where I must strive to present to Him a heart of wisdom.
My choices count. There will be opportunities today to choose Him or the world. Numbering my days, and it starts today!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Strength to Strength
I wondered this morning as I read Psalm 84, if one could follow the "highway of my heart" and be led to God. Are my highways indicative of my faith?
"How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring;
The early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength,
Every one of them appears before God in Zion."
That phrase, "strength to strength" caught my eye. Note that it does not state weakness to strength. And water shows up here as a metaphor. Water was so essential for life in the day this was written, just as it is now. We just take it for granted, such that we probably don't take regular time to express praise toward God because of just having water.
What we see here is someone who relies on God for strength, and who has a heart for the Lord, choosing to take a spiritual path (highway) that follow God. Along the way then, those highways, making life easier by making for easier travel, become life-giving springs of water. Those highways are also covered by early rain, enticing the reader to think of bountiful growing and refreshment. Such is the life of the God-follower.
In the process, this follower's faith becomes fruitful and productive.
It takes some strength to maintain one's faith. It also takes strength to act on that faith. Thus, "strength to strength." Strong to stronger. Let's pray today for continued growth, and added strength based in the Lord.
"How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring;
The early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength,
Every one of them appears before God in Zion."
That phrase, "strength to strength" caught my eye. Note that it does not state weakness to strength. And water shows up here as a metaphor. Water was so essential for life in the day this was written, just as it is now. We just take it for granted, such that we probably don't take regular time to express praise toward God because of just having water.
What we see here is someone who relies on God for strength, and who has a heart for the Lord, choosing to take a spiritual path (highway) that follow God. Along the way then, those highways, making life easier by making for easier travel, become life-giving springs of water. Those highways are also covered by early rain, enticing the reader to think of bountiful growing and refreshment. Such is the life of the God-follower.
In the process, this follower's faith becomes fruitful and productive.
It takes some strength to maintain one's faith. It also takes strength to act on that faith. Thus, "strength to strength." Strong to stronger. Let's pray today for continued growth, and added strength based in the Lord.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Share
Not near a computer today, so blogging this from my phone. Thus, short and sweet. Psalm 78:4. Praying today that we sincerely purpose and strive to NOT conceal God and His Word to our children and the next generation. Our outward actions - they see. Our inner motives - they understand. They know what we are teaching them, and they know what is most important to us. Pray verse 4 with me, if you will.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Perspective
I have my point of view, and surely you have yours. I try to keep mine steady and consistent, always filtering events and happenings around me. As such, how I respond to situations, options for living, etc. tend to reflect my perspective, for good or bad. The difficulty lies in remembering that my human responses can be tainted by my own sin, and when that happens, frustration is typically the result.
Psalm 73 takes 16 verses to discuss this topic. The psalmist is envious of those who are boastful, seeing how prosperous the wicked were. Those people did not seem to have the same troubles and struggles as the writer. They can afford better things, they very likely were able to live a better, cleaner lifestyle that even kept them from illness and disease. How fair is that, when the psalm starts with saying how good God is to Israel, His followers?
But wait, there’s more. They are unashamedly prideful, they show off and speak often of their abundance. They speak ill of those with less, and even speak against God in the process. They live very imaginative lives, where they scheme and plot, and always seem to come out ahead. I the end, they intimidate others and try to set the rules on earth, not giving a moment of glory to God.
All this frustrates the psalmist, as it can frustrate us today. Verse 13 and 14 summarize an understandable, yet incorrect, sentiment. We can allow ourselves to believe that all our hard work, all our living the Christian life is just in vain, a potential waste of time. And then reading on and applying this text today, we can give up trying to understand how this world works. I read the news; it’s just too painful some days, and on others it is just way too aggravating.
So, when I am done feeling sorry for myself, and humble enough to go to God with my frustration, I end up with a Psalm 73:17 frame of mind, God’s perspective. The NASB says I “perceived” their end (the worldly, wicked). Other translations use “understood”. The implication is that of remembering. Once the psalmist looked at this from God’s perspective (came to the sanctuary of God), he remembered that God is just. This world’s ways, the wickedness and evil, will not win in the end. There is severe judgment on the horizon for those who are not part of God’s family. In essence, this world is all they have to live for, and they sure do try to make the most of their temporal time here.
Those without the Lord live a rather sad life, whether or not they know that now. Verse 21 talks about embitterment, and we can certainly suffer from that here and now. The psalmist describes such an attitude as senseless and ignorant. And then verse 24 should be a key verse in any believer’s life:
“With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.” This is the perspective we need, especially now more than ever. And like the psalmist in verse 28, my prayer today is to more intentionally make God my refuge, so that I can tell others about just How good He is.
Psalm 73 takes 16 verses to discuss this topic. The psalmist is envious of those who are boastful, seeing how prosperous the wicked were. Those people did not seem to have the same troubles and struggles as the writer. They can afford better things, they very likely were able to live a better, cleaner lifestyle that even kept them from illness and disease. How fair is that, when the psalm starts with saying how good God is to Israel, His followers?
But wait, there’s more. They are unashamedly prideful, they show off and speak often of their abundance. They speak ill of those with less, and even speak against God in the process. They live very imaginative lives, where they scheme and plot, and always seem to come out ahead. I the end, they intimidate others and try to set the rules on earth, not giving a moment of glory to God.
All this frustrates the psalmist, as it can frustrate us today. Verse 13 and 14 summarize an understandable, yet incorrect, sentiment. We can allow ourselves to believe that all our hard work, all our living the Christian life is just in vain, a potential waste of time. And then reading on and applying this text today, we can give up trying to understand how this world works. I read the news; it’s just too painful some days, and on others it is just way too aggravating.
So, when I am done feeling sorry for myself, and humble enough to go to God with my frustration, I end up with a Psalm 73:17 frame of mind, God’s perspective. The NASB says I “perceived” their end (the worldly, wicked). Other translations use “understood”. The implication is that of remembering. Once the psalmist looked at this from God’s perspective (came to the sanctuary of God), he remembered that God is just. This world’s ways, the wickedness and evil, will not win in the end. There is severe judgment on the horizon for those who are not part of God’s family. In essence, this world is all they have to live for, and they sure do try to make the most of their temporal time here.
Those without the Lord live a rather sad life, whether or not they know that now. Verse 21 talks about embitterment, and we can certainly suffer from that here and now. The psalmist describes such an attitude as senseless and ignorant. And then verse 24 should be a key verse in any believer’s life:
“With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.” This is the perspective we need, especially now more than ever. And like the psalmist in verse 28, my prayer today is to more intentionally make God my refuge, so that I can tell others about just How good He is.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
God, our Savior
Psalm 68 magnificently captures His mighty power, concerning leading His people, urging us to follow.
Verses 7-8 give examples to Israel, which they should have never forgotten:
"O God, when You went forth before Your people,
When You marched through the wilderness, the earth quaked; the heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel."
The mountains at Sinai did indeed rumble at God's presence when He met Israel there. Notice how the psalmist states that "God went forth before..." We know that Israel did not immediately follow into the Promised Land, and because of their hesitance wandered in the wilderness a total of 40 yearsm until that generation who was hesitant to follow died off. Joshua later showed Israel how to follow God,and what followed was probably the high point of His people.
Verse 19: "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation." The NIV actually uses the phrase "God our Savior."
He delivered Israel when they followed Him. And God continues to deliver believers who follow Him. The call is ever urgent to follow the Savior. Follow Christ's death and resurrection to salvation. Follow salvation to a life worthy of Him. He promises a life of eternal hope, for those who will choose to follow.
The world competes fiercely with our affections, our desires, our appetites. Foolishness, as the Proverbs demonstrate, calls us to follow, while Wisdom likewise calls.
Join me today in the praise of God, our Savior. Tell someone else about His wonderful love as our fearless Leader! We, unlike Israel long before, should never forget or take for granted what He has done, going before us.
Verses 7-8 give examples to Israel, which they should have never forgotten:
"O God, when You went forth before Your people,
When You marched through the wilderness, the earth quaked; the heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel."
The mountains at Sinai did indeed rumble at God's presence when He met Israel there. Notice how the psalmist states that "God went forth before..." We know that Israel did not immediately follow into the Promised Land, and because of their hesitance wandered in the wilderness a total of 40 yearsm until that generation who was hesitant to follow died off. Joshua later showed Israel how to follow God,and what followed was probably the high point of His people.
Verse 19: "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation." The NIV actually uses the phrase "God our Savior."
He delivered Israel when they followed Him. And God continues to deliver believers who follow Him. The call is ever urgent to follow the Savior. Follow Christ's death and resurrection to salvation. Follow salvation to a life worthy of Him. He promises a life of eternal hope, for those who will choose to follow.
The world competes fiercely with our affections, our desires, our appetites. Foolishness, as the Proverbs demonstrate, calls us to follow, while Wisdom likewise calls.
Join me today in the praise of God, our Savior. Tell someone else about His wonderful love as our fearless Leader! We, unlike Israel long before, should never forget or take for granted what He has done, going before us.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Some Things Never Change
Very simple challenge and reminder to me this morning, as I read through Psalms 61-67, and these verses in Psalm 67 describe a major aspect of our calling here and now:
"God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us
That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations."
Simple and powerful. The Old Testament believer was to live in such a way so as to allow others, other nations, to come to God. They were to make His name known to them. More exactly, God would make Himself known to them, by working through His people.
Today, for us, things have not changed. We long for God's blessing, and ultimately, we are to strive to allow Him to work through us, to make His name known to those around us, one of our ministries in this world. So I pray today for God's blessing on you and on me, for the purpose that others will come to salvation in Christ by His working through us in our daily lives.
"God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us
That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations."
Simple and powerful. The Old Testament believer was to live in such a way so as to allow others, other nations, to come to God. They were to make His name known to them. More exactly, God would make Himself known to them, by working through His people.
Today, for us, things have not changed. We long for God's blessing, and ultimately, we are to strive to allow Him to work through us, to make His name known to those around us, one of our ministries in this world. So I pray today for God's blessing on you and on me, for the purpose that others will come to salvation in Christ by His working through us in our daily lives.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Reason for Action
Being human, we can tend to get things in the wrong perspective. Since we are not God, we can’t really think like Him, but yet we can certainly try to properly respond to Him and what He has done, what He continues to do, and what He will do someday. The big picture, that’s my point to keep in mind.
Psalm 50 today portrays God’s displeasure in us having the wrong perspective. For Israel here, they were going about their sacrifices and rituals, but they were doing so in order to try to appease God, to keep Him “happy”, so to speak. In simplest terms, they were treating Him just like others treated their pagan gods. Some actually felt as if they were feeding God when they brought their sacrifices. In short, they understood the fear of God to mean that they should be worried about God’s anger primarily, rather than love and respect Him for who He is.
The psalmist puts it like this:
“I do not reprove you for your sacrifices, and your burnt offerings are continually before Me.” (v. 8)
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.” (v. 14)
The verses that lie between point out the disparity between actions and attitude, and how at times they do not match. I know children who are very obedient, and yet are terribly afraid of their parents should they misbehave. They can be extremely afraid of disappointing their parents’ expectations, and focus on doing the right thing for the right reason. The action turns out to be a reaction from a fear of not doing right. Opposed to this is doing right, showing the purpose of a good heart of gratitude and thanksgiving, and having the satisfaction of doing something well with the right motives. Children who obey simply because they are afraid of parents will ultimately connive and yield to the flesh, if they do not properly associated good behavior with a heart for God. It happened to Israel, and it can happen to us as well.
I hope that difference makes sense. To do something (or not do something) just so someone else does not get angry is much different that doing (or not doing) that is actually a display of a good heart.
That is God’s point here. We need to be doing the spiritual “things”. We need to be doing them because of our endearment and thankfulness toward Him. God can certainly be pleased by our actions, as well as disappointed. My goal should be to reflect His glory to the world around me, rather than simply hoping He is not angry with me.
Verse 23 explains that to be properly thankful to God honors Him.
My prayer today is for a good, solid heart check regarding all that I try to do, since I say I do it for Him. He knows my real motives.
Psalm 50 today portrays God’s displeasure in us having the wrong perspective. For Israel here, they were going about their sacrifices and rituals, but they were doing so in order to try to appease God, to keep Him “happy”, so to speak. In simplest terms, they were treating Him just like others treated their pagan gods. Some actually felt as if they were feeding God when they brought their sacrifices. In short, they understood the fear of God to mean that they should be worried about God’s anger primarily, rather than love and respect Him for who He is.
The psalmist puts it like this:
“I do not reprove you for your sacrifices, and your burnt offerings are continually before Me.” (v. 8)
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.” (v. 14)
The verses that lie between point out the disparity between actions and attitude, and how at times they do not match. I know children who are very obedient, and yet are terribly afraid of their parents should they misbehave. They can be extremely afraid of disappointing their parents’ expectations, and focus on doing the right thing for the right reason. The action turns out to be a reaction from a fear of not doing right. Opposed to this is doing right, showing the purpose of a good heart of gratitude and thanksgiving, and having the satisfaction of doing something well with the right motives. Children who obey simply because they are afraid of parents will ultimately connive and yield to the flesh, if they do not properly associated good behavior with a heart for God. It happened to Israel, and it can happen to us as well.
I hope that difference makes sense. To do something (or not do something) just so someone else does not get angry is much different that doing (or not doing) that is actually a display of a good heart.
That is God’s point here. We need to be doing the spiritual “things”. We need to be doing them because of our endearment and thankfulness toward Him. God can certainly be pleased by our actions, as well as disappointed. My goal should be to reflect His glory to the world around me, rather than simply hoping He is not angry with me.
Verse 23 explains that to be properly thankful to God honors Him.
My prayer today is for a good, solid heart check regarding all that I try to do, since I say I do it for Him. He knows my real motives.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Hope in God
How often do you talk to yourself? When you do, do you also answer? When you are feeling a bit low, can you pick yourself up? If you can, what is the source of your pick-me-up?
Reading through Psalms 42-46 this morning, and I noticed a repeating phrase, occurring in both Psalm 42 and 43. Turns out, these psalms were likely one psalm, later divided into separate ones by those compiling the Old Testament. Read through these two together, as if they were one complete series of thoughts.
Then put yourself in the frame of mind of being cast out, as this psalm was probably written during the Exile. God was not speaking directly to them, and this psalmist is left to complain (lament), and then time and again he finds reasons to rest in the hope and strength of his faith.
He shares his grief, and then reminds himself, speaking to himself,
“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”
In times of deep despair, hope and gladness can seem so far off. We can certainly sympathize with the tone and context of this passage. We can feel forgotten by God, or feel as if our prayers have not been answered to our satisfaction. People around us may wonder out loud, “So where IS this God of yours?” Or they may say that in some other terms.
The psalmist reacts to such feelings and external pressure just as we should.
“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
God’s presence in our lives, and the hope in His promises can bring us through anything. I’ve had my trials, and I’m sure there will be more “down” times ahead. No doubt you are no different. Let’s pray today for God’s peace in our lives, as we willingly try to rest in the hope He has made known to us.
“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
Reading through Psalms 42-46 this morning, and I noticed a repeating phrase, occurring in both Psalm 42 and 43. Turns out, these psalms were likely one psalm, later divided into separate ones by those compiling the Old Testament. Read through these two together, as if they were one complete series of thoughts.
Then put yourself in the frame of mind of being cast out, as this psalm was probably written during the Exile. God was not speaking directly to them, and this psalmist is left to complain (lament), and then time and again he finds reasons to rest in the hope and strength of his faith.
He shares his grief, and then reminds himself, speaking to himself,
“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”
In times of deep despair, hope and gladness can seem so far off. We can certainly sympathize with the tone and context of this passage. We can feel forgotten by God, or feel as if our prayers have not been answered to our satisfaction. People around us may wonder out loud, “So where IS this God of yours?” Or they may say that in some other terms.
The psalmist reacts to such feelings and external pressure just as we should.
“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
God’s presence in our lives, and the hope in His promises can bring us through anything. I’ve had my trials, and I’m sure there will be more “down” times ahead. No doubt you are no different. Let’s pray today for God’s peace in our lives, as we willingly try to rest in the hope He has made known to us.
“Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Taking a Walk
Psalm 37 is one of those “go-to” passages for me when frustration mounts over seeing how the wicked apparently get away with anything these days. But when I go there to get God’s reminder to me not to worry about such matters, I rarely read past the first few verses. Today, however, verses 23 and 24 prompted a vivid image in my mind that wonderfully depicts God’s watch over believers.
I love walking around our neighborhood with our three-year-old. He holds my hand, arm stretched up high because of the size differential, you know how that looks (I actually wonder how uncomfortable that is for kids). He needs to hold my hand, because the sidewalks are a bit uneven between several sections, so it is easy to trip and fall. And when little ones fall, the knees and hands take some punishment, not to mention the face! Unfortunately, one fall typically teaches a great deal. So he holds my hand. Then it happens, his foot catches on a section, and he begins to fall, but I have his hand firmly, so all that happens is a tightened arm, a temporary loss of balance, and ta-da! He’s cruising again in short order.
That is the picture I get in verse 24. The man here is one with whom God is delighted (from v. 23). “When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.”
I’d love to be perfect, never sinning, never even feeling temptation to sin. God knows how weak I am, so when I go about my daily walk with Him, there is His hand for me to grasp. And if I let Him, He will hold it firmly. I’m going to make mistakes, I’m going to sin; it’s just the reality of where we are on this side of glory. But this I know as well. Those trip-ups do not have to be headlong, face-scarring falls. If I am walking closely with the Lord, sin should lead to quick repentance, with the walk continuing where I left off.
There is no license or permission to sin, don;t get me wrong. And yet the more I take my walk seriously, the more I will pay attention to temptations around me, the more I will resist sin, and simply be able to enjoy the walk.
After tripping on the same section of sidewalk multiple times, my son learns to be more careful the next time we approach that section. He still holds my hand, just in case he loses focus and stumbles in another area.
I pray today we strive to never let go of the Creator’s firm, mighty, trustworthy hand!
I love walking around our neighborhood with our three-year-old. He holds my hand, arm stretched up high because of the size differential, you know how that looks (I actually wonder how uncomfortable that is for kids). He needs to hold my hand, because the sidewalks are a bit uneven between several sections, so it is easy to trip and fall. And when little ones fall, the knees and hands take some punishment, not to mention the face! Unfortunately, one fall typically teaches a great deal. So he holds my hand. Then it happens, his foot catches on a section, and he begins to fall, but I have his hand firmly, so all that happens is a tightened arm, a temporary loss of balance, and ta-da! He’s cruising again in short order.
That is the picture I get in verse 24. The man here is one with whom God is delighted (from v. 23). “When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.”
I’d love to be perfect, never sinning, never even feeling temptation to sin. God knows how weak I am, so when I go about my daily walk with Him, there is His hand for me to grasp. And if I let Him, He will hold it firmly. I’m going to make mistakes, I’m going to sin; it’s just the reality of where we are on this side of glory. But this I know as well. Those trip-ups do not have to be headlong, face-scarring falls. If I am walking closely with the Lord, sin should lead to quick repentance, with the walk continuing where I left off.
There is no license or permission to sin, don;t get me wrong. And yet the more I take my walk seriously, the more I will pay attention to temptations around me, the more I will resist sin, and simply be able to enjoy the walk.
After tripping on the same section of sidewalk multiple times, my son learns to be more careful the next time we approach that section. He still holds my hand, just in case he loses focus and stumbles in another area.
I pray today we strive to never let go of the Creator’s firm, mighty, trustworthy hand!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Let's Do It - Really!
Today’s reading in Psalms had me in Psalms 31-35, and it is hard sometimes finding just a few verses on which to share some thoughts. Sometimes I find myself thinking about what to write, instead of just listening to God’s Word as I read it. So this morning I tried to focus better on what I was reading, and just let God speak. From my viewpoint, verses 14-18 of Psalm 31 reflect a prayer that I wish for my own life. It’s worth the space to include it here:
14But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD,
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face to shine upon Your servant;
Save me in Your lovingkindness.
17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I call upon You;
Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol.
18 Let the lying lips be mute,
Which speak arrogantly against the righteous
With pride and contempt.
You can read and hear the psalmist describe trials and struggles. The wicked around him have an effect on his daily life. He basically wishes them dead, so they will leave him alone.
People around him or whom he encounters are liars. What is worse is that, they speak up quite a bit, and they do so against God’s people. Instead of seeking the truth, they spread their falsehood pridefully, with contempt, as the psalmist puts it.
I don’t know where you live, but I see these facets of the world every day. How should a believer respond?
Let’s put our trust in God, let’s tell Him and show Him that he is our God.
Let’s put the time we have here in His hands, He just might show us something we need to be doing for Him.
Let’s ask Him for deliverance from the ugliness that seemingly surrounds us.
Let’s worry LESS about what is around us, and be concerned MORE with how our own lives are to be used by the Lord. God will deal with the wicked.
Let’s put our complete confidence in God, our Savior.
Let’s call upon Him.
Let’s start that today, or renew what we are already doing.
Our God is awesome, indeed!
14But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD,
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face to shine upon Your servant;
Save me in Your lovingkindness.
17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I call upon You;
Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol.
18 Let the lying lips be mute,
Which speak arrogantly against the righteous
With pride and contempt.
You can read and hear the psalmist describe trials and struggles. The wicked around him have an effect on his daily life. He basically wishes them dead, so they will leave him alone.
People around him or whom he encounters are liars. What is worse is that, they speak up quite a bit, and they do so against God’s people. Instead of seeking the truth, they spread their falsehood pridefully, with contempt, as the psalmist puts it.
I don’t know where you live, but I see these facets of the world every day. How should a believer respond?
Let’s put our trust in God, let’s tell Him and show Him that he is our God.
Let’s put the time we have here in His hands, He just might show us something we need to be doing for Him.
Let’s ask Him for deliverance from the ugliness that seemingly surrounds us.
Let’s worry LESS about what is around us, and be concerned MORE with how our own lives are to be used by the Lord. God will deal with the wicked.
Let’s put our complete confidence in God, our Savior.
Let’s call upon Him.
Let’s start that today, or renew what we are already doing.
Our God is awesome, indeed!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Comparisons
In the New Testament (2 Cor. 10:12), we are warned to not compare our selves among ourselves, that is, looking around and making judgments based on what others are doing (or what we think they are doing). To do so shows a lack of understanding. However, as we are sometimes prone to compare, we should have “standard-bearers” to model after.
Reading through Psalm 26 today had me wondering if I could speak to God in the way the psalmist does here. If I had to self-evaluate, how would I measure up against the heart and attitude expressed here? I know I am ultimately compared to Christ, and yet, here is a real-life example of a man faithful to God, trying his best, falling short at times, having a heart-to-heart with God.
He starts off asking God, “Vindicate me”. The term used is a legal one, bringing to mind a court proceeding, and the psalmist is asking God to defend him. Judgment is implied, but the emphasis is on the defense aspect, and here, the psalmist asks God to take his side.
Let me skip ahead, and come back to this judgment. The psalmist eventually asks God, “Redeem me…be gracious to me”. Those are probably easier to ask, at least from our perspective. Who among us does not enjoy redemption, or who does not want God to be gracious? The psalmist truly loves the presence of God in the temple, in worship, meeting God where He demands to be met.
But upon what does David here base the justification of vindication, redemption and grace? He makes some comparisons, but comparisons which are based upon God and His commands.
I shutter to think of the response if God would verbalize His response to my asking Him what David does: “Examine me…try me…test my mind and my heart.” I don’t see much difference between the claims he makes and the claims we should also be making. Nor do I see where there is very much to add to this Psalm, it speaks rather plainly, summarized in this list:
I do not sit with deceitful men.
I will not go with pretenders (those whose appearance does not match their true intent).
I hate the assembly of evildoers.
I will not sit with the wicked.
I will wash my hands in innocence (a pure heart).
I will go about your altar (love of worship)
I love to worship, so that I can give You thanks.
David starts the Psalm by saying that he has walked in integrity, a concept all but disappearing in our culture. And he closes by affirming to continue on in that walk.
So, how did you measure up? I know how I did. I can tell you I will think and pray long and hard each time I challenge God to examine me, to test my mind and heart. Here’s the test. How will I respond when He answers?
Reading through Psalm 26 today had me wondering if I could speak to God in the way the psalmist does here. If I had to self-evaluate, how would I measure up against the heart and attitude expressed here? I know I am ultimately compared to Christ, and yet, here is a real-life example of a man faithful to God, trying his best, falling short at times, having a heart-to-heart with God.
He starts off asking God, “Vindicate me”. The term used is a legal one, bringing to mind a court proceeding, and the psalmist is asking God to defend him. Judgment is implied, but the emphasis is on the defense aspect, and here, the psalmist asks God to take his side.
Let me skip ahead, and come back to this judgment. The psalmist eventually asks God, “Redeem me…be gracious to me”. Those are probably easier to ask, at least from our perspective. Who among us does not enjoy redemption, or who does not want God to be gracious? The psalmist truly loves the presence of God in the temple, in worship, meeting God where He demands to be met.
But upon what does David here base the justification of vindication, redemption and grace? He makes some comparisons, but comparisons which are based upon God and His commands.
I shutter to think of the response if God would verbalize His response to my asking Him what David does: “Examine me…try me…test my mind and my heart.” I don’t see much difference between the claims he makes and the claims we should also be making. Nor do I see where there is very much to add to this Psalm, it speaks rather plainly, summarized in this list:
I do not sit with deceitful men.
I will not go with pretenders (those whose appearance does not match their true intent).
I hate the assembly of evildoers.
I will not sit with the wicked.
I will wash my hands in innocence (a pure heart).
I will go about your altar (love of worship)
I love to worship, so that I can give You thanks.
David starts the Psalm by saying that he has walked in integrity, a concept all but disappearing in our culture. And he closes by affirming to continue on in that walk.
So, how did you measure up? I know how I did. I can tell you I will think and pray long and hard each time I challenge God to examine me, to test my mind and heart. Here’s the test. How will I respond when He answers?
Friday, February 3, 2012
Foundations
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” That is the clear rallying cry and pleading from Psalm 11:3.
My time is short today, so I will be brief. Think of the foundations that truly matter today. God’s Word, Family, Church. Each of these interacts with our society, and as we have watched, society has taken over the foundation issues, no longer leaning on these foundations. So, what can the righteous do about this?
Psalm 13, while completely separate, has an answer. Pray. And just why do we seem to pray earnestly when times are tough, or in “bad times”? Psalm 13:6 seems to link our singing and prayer to Him based on Him having dealt bountifully with us. God has been so good to us, and He continues to. So we ought to sing to Him and tell Him and pray to Him.
Later Psalm 16 takes us back to foundational issues. In verse 4, it was true then, it’s true now. Those in the world around us who despise those basic foundations mentioned above have willingly bartered for other gods. They have specifically “spent” something (time, energy, money, passions, etc.) in order to trade God for gods.
What can the righteous do? Take a stand. Tell someone else how great God is. And pray.
My time is short today, so I will be brief. Think of the foundations that truly matter today. God’s Word, Family, Church. Each of these interacts with our society, and as we have watched, society has taken over the foundation issues, no longer leaning on these foundations. So, what can the righteous do about this?
Psalm 13, while completely separate, has an answer. Pray. And just why do we seem to pray earnestly when times are tough, or in “bad times”? Psalm 13:6 seems to link our singing and prayer to Him based on Him having dealt bountifully with us. God has been so good to us, and He continues to. So we ought to sing to Him and tell Him and pray to Him.
Later Psalm 16 takes us back to foundational issues. In verse 4, it was true then, it’s true now. Those in the world around us who despise those basic foundations mentioned above have willingly bartered for other gods. They have specifically “spent” something (time, energy, money, passions, etc.) in order to trade God for gods.
What can the righteous do? Take a stand. Tell someone else how great God is. And pray.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Hole Diggers
I grew up a fan of Looney Tunes cartoons. Bugs, Daffy, Yosemite Sam, you know the characters. Reading through Psalms 6-10 this morning, Psalm 7:15 reminded me of someone: Wile E. Coyote. You know - the “super genius”?
The verse says “He (man) has dug a pit and hollowed it out, And has fallen into the hole which he made.”
This section of verses (12 – 16) discusses unrepentant man conceiving trouble, which never turns out well for man. Wile E. had a knack for devising elaborate contraptions to carry out his mischief, only to find them backfire in amazing pyrotechnical or catastrophic ways.
I in no way mean to take this psalm lightly. There is actually an introductory “verse”, which labels this psalm as a Shiggaion (the descriptive word is 'dithyrambic'). This was a psalm sung or spoken with amazing passion and near-ecstatic behavior for emphasis. A song of this type or style would have been used competitively between opposing tribes of dancers. So while it is easy to sit back, relax, and read about man conceiving trouble and getting caught in his own traps, try reading this psalm out loud, excitable, with great passion, and then heed the warning of following God’s ways and living the repentant life for Him.
How often do we fall into the holes we have dug, the pits we have devised? How often do we suffer from the results of our sinful ways, designed only to please and satisfy ourselves. For the sincere believer, the desire to change his ways should indeed be an impassioned way of life.
Wile E. Coyote closes an unsuccessful attempt at some scheme by saying “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mud.” To which Bugs replies, “And remember, ‘mud’ spelled backwards is ‘dum’.” OK, so while slightly humorous, it’s not quite the theological treatise of a cartoon. Agreed. He got what was coming to him, that’s the point I make.
I read in Psalm 7 a lesson to be learned from trying to do things our way and for the wrong reasons.
SIDE NOTE: I am a big fan of the NASB, for a few different reasons, and one of the biggest is its attention to its use of proper pronouns when referring to God. This section of Psalm 7 is a good example. This can be a confusing passage to follow when all the “He” words are in lower case. Capital “H” is used at the beginning of sentences, following the English rules, yet “He” in verse 13 is not the same “He” in verse 15. In short, the “He” words in verses 12 – 13 refer to God, and those in verses 14-16 refer to man, if that helps with understanding this passage.
Personally, I think it most proper to use a capital “H” when referring to He, Him, or His, when speaking of God. I realize this is an English device, yet it gives proper honor and respect where due. Just my opinion. And in fairness, the New King James also makes this distinction.
The verse says “He (man) has dug a pit and hollowed it out, And has fallen into the hole which he made.”
This section of verses (12 – 16) discusses unrepentant man conceiving trouble, which never turns out well for man. Wile E. had a knack for devising elaborate contraptions to carry out his mischief, only to find them backfire in amazing pyrotechnical or catastrophic ways.
I in no way mean to take this psalm lightly. There is actually an introductory “verse”, which labels this psalm as a Shiggaion (the descriptive word is 'dithyrambic'). This was a psalm sung or spoken with amazing passion and near-ecstatic behavior for emphasis. A song of this type or style would have been used competitively between opposing tribes of dancers. So while it is easy to sit back, relax, and read about man conceiving trouble and getting caught in his own traps, try reading this psalm out loud, excitable, with great passion, and then heed the warning of following God’s ways and living the repentant life for Him.
How often do we fall into the holes we have dug, the pits we have devised? How often do we suffer from the results of our sinful ways, designed only to please and satisfy ourselves. For the sincere believer, the desire to change his ways should indeed be an impassioned way of life.
Wile E. Coyote closes an unsuccessful attempt at some scheme by saying “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mud.” To which Bugs replies, “And remember, ‘mud’ spelled backwards is ‘dum’.” OK, so while slightly humorous, it’s not quite the theological treatise of a cartoon. Agreed. He got what was coming to him, that’s the point I make.
I read in Psalm 7 a lesson to be learned from trying to do things our way and for the wrong reasons.
SIDE NOTE: I am a big fan of the NASB, for a few different reasons, and one of the biggest is its attention to its use of proper pronouns when referring to God. This section of Psalm 7 is a good example. This can be a confusing passage to follow when all the “He” words are in lower case. Capital “H” is used at the beginning of sentences, following the English rules, yet “He” in verse 13 is not the same “He” in verse 15. In short, the “He” words in verses 12 – 13 refer to God, and those in verses 14-16 refer to man, if that helps with understanding this passage.
Personally, I think it most proper to use a capital “H” when referring to He, Him, or His, when speaking of God. I realize this is an English device, yet it gives proper honor and respect where due. Just my opinion. And in fairness, the New King James also makes this distinction.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Take the Right Stand
When was the last time you got frustrated by something or someone in the world around us? Today? Yesterday? Yeah, me, too. It is really easy to become indignant by what we see and experience daily, which we forget is the result of sin, and we also tend to forget our own shortcomings (notice how when it’s US we say “shortcomings”, and when it’s someone else we say “sin” much more readily). Christians are obviously not exempt from disappointing us, but what is more alarming is seeing those around us (lost AND saved) behave toward God with a brash boldness, as if His way does not matter.
I began reading through the Psalms this month, attempting to read them all in February It is difficult to come up with a brief summary of outstanding points, because there are so many when you read five or six Psalms together. My focus this morning rested in Psalm 2: 1-6, 12.
The sentiment here parallels what I see in Romans 1 as well…people do not by nature want to be under the control of anyone or anything, and that includes God. They get rid of their fetters and cords. Fetters and cords were devices used to control animals. We might think of a horse that has gotten rid of a harness and reins. People are compared to animals that will not be controlled, and would rather be left to their own ways.
In resisting God, they develop a resentment for Him, and more and more boldly take a stand against Him. Bad move!
What can God do? The question is more like, what does God do. He laughs. He has already answered the bold stand they have taken, with the Messiah, with Jesus Christ. Again, thinking of Romans, God allows us to be slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. We can obey ourselves or Him. Many choose poorly.
In light of this truth, the psalmist is not worried. His day is not ruined by watching what others do and how they live. And if he is not worried, neither should we be.
However, we would do well to warn others of what is to come. Verse 12 speaks of God’s wrath, which may soon be kindled. Indeed, any day, at any moment, His final wrath may begin. The answer to standing against God, Jesus Christ Himself, will return and remove any doubt or concern for the believer, once and for all. TODAY is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)!
Praying for more and more opportunities to share what we know and to that which we hold fast.
SIDE NOTE: As you read through the Psalms, take note of how often the theme of sleeping, resting in safety, etc. comes up. Many Psalms were written in times of great stress and danger, so to write about resting and sleeping, while not worrying about what would happen when falling asleep, shows to them a great deal of trust in the security of the Lord. We would do well to “sleep” more often, putting more and more trust in the Lord.
I began reading through the Psalms this month, attempting to read them all in February It is difficult to come up with a brief summary of outstanding points, because there are so many when you read five or six Psalms together. My focus this morning rested in Psalm 2: 1-6, 12.
The sentiment here parallels what I see in Romans 1 as well…people do not by nature want to be under the control of anyone or anything, and that includes God. They get rid of their fetters and cords. Fetters and cords were devices used to control animals. We might think of a horse that has gotten rid of a harness and reins. People are compared to animals that will not be controlled, and would rather be left to their own ways.
In resisting God, they develop a resentment for Him, and more and more boldly take a stand against Him. Bad move!
What can God do? The question is more like, what does God do. He laughs. He has already answered the bold stand they have taken, with the Messiah, with Jesus Christ. Again, thinking of Romans, God allows us to be slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. We can obey ourselves or Him. Many choose poorly.
In light of this truth, the psalmist is not worried. His day is not ruined by watching what others do and how they live. And if he is not worried, neither should we be.
However, we would do well to warn others of what is to come. Verse 12 speaks of God’s wrath, which may soon be kindled. Indeed, any day, at any moment, His final wrath may begin. The answer to standing against God, Jesus Christ Himself, will return and remove any doubt or concern for the believer, once and for all. TODAY is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)!
Praying for more and more opportunities to share what we know and to that which we hold fast.
SIDE NOTE: As you read through the Psalms, take note of how often the theme of sleeping, resting in safety, etc. comes up. Many Psalms were written in times of great stress and danger, so to write about resting and sleeping, while not worrying about what would happen when falling asleep, shows to them a great deal of trust in the security of the Lord. We would do well to “sleep” more often, putting more and more trust in the Lord.
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