Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (vv 1-3)
The psalmist wonders, as many saints have done through the years, why the wicked prosper and God's people don't. Why do evil, ungodly people seem to have it all? They laugh in God's face, amass worldly wealth, and enjoy healthy, robust lives. On the other hand, God's people suffer persecution, get bypassed for promotion, pray to be healed, but don't get better, are poor, broken and seemingly abandoned by God.
They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" (v 11)
The dilemma may have occurred to you. You may even be one of the godly to whom the psalmist refers, and you wonder if there is any point 'playing by the rules' (v 13 Message translation). Stay with the psalmist, though, and you'll realise this life-changing fact: temporal provision does not translate to eternal blessings.
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. (v 17)
To arrive at this conclusion, Asaph needed a shift of focus. When he concentrated on the wicked, and material things, his world view was gloomy. But once he spent time in God's presence, he saw the wider picture. There is no benefit to comparing yourself with the wicked, because, when they arrive at their eternal resting place, they would change places with you in a heartbeat! As Christ said to the disciples, what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? (Matt 16:25-26 )
Your life may presently be filled with heartbreak and pain, but even that is temporal. Before you conclude that you have no hope or help in God, revisit the psalmist's first words, which I repeat here for emphasis:
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. (v 1)
God is only good. His goodness extends to all, especially the pure in heart. He is gracious, compassionate, loving and merciful. He desires that you prosper and be in health (3 John 2). He delights in the prosperity of His servants (Ps 35:27). Take a look at this paraphrase of Psalm 103: 3-5:
He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. He redeems you from death and crowns you with love and tender mercies. He fills your life with good things.
God's goodness extends towards you, all the time. Don't let temporary circumstances convince you otherwise.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Psalm 72
GIVE THE king [knowledge of] Your [way of] judging, O God, and [the spirit of] Your righteousness to the king's son [to control all his actions]....May he judge and defend the poor of the people, deliver the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor, so that they may revere and fear You while the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. (vv 1, 4-5 Amp)
This psalm, penned by Solomon, is generally believed to be a prayer uttered from the lips of David, his father. However, as is habitual with many psalms, the prophetic runs throughout the verses, clearly pointing beyond Solomon's reign to the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. The words foretell things to come. They point to the eternal reign of Jesus, when He will come to (among other things):
Jesus is coming back one day, and when He returns, He will bring with Him the answer to your every desire (as placed in you by God Himself). Psalm 72 is proof that our hope in Christ is not in vain.
Moreover, your cries will not go unanswered, even now, for our Lord already reigns. Your life is precious in His sight, and you are of more value to Him than a flock of helpless sparrows, for whom He assumes daily care (Luke 12: 6-7). Meditate on the words of this psalm, until you are confident of your salvation, and of God's love and plans to help you in your hour of need.
Then lift up your voice and join the throng of those who call Him blessed. Let his praise rise on the tide of hope that swells within you as you rejoice in the knowledge that you have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved for eternity.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
This psalm, penned by Solomon, is generally believed to be a prayer uttered from the lips of David, his father. However, as is habitual with many psalms, the prophetic runs throughout the verses, clearly pointing beyond Solomon's reign to the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. The words foretell things to come. They point to the eternal reign of Jesus, when He will come to (among other things):
- Judge the earth, (v 2)
- Cause righteousness to reign (v 3)
- Right the wrongs perpetuated by oppressors and abolish evil (v 4)
- Bring peace and cause the righteous to flourish (v 7)
- Rule over nations. (vv 8, 11)
Jesus is coming back one day, and when He returns, He will bring with Him the answer to your every desire (as placed in you by God Himself). Psalm 72 is proof that our hope in Christ is not in vain.
Moreover, your cries will not go unanswered, even now, for our Lord already reigns. Your life is precious in His sight, and you are of more value to Him than a flock of helpless sparrows, for whom He assumes daily care (Luke 12: 6-7). Meditate on the words of this psalm, until you are confident of your salvation, and of God's love and plans to help you in your hour of need.
Then lift up your voice and join the throng of those who call Him blessed. Let his praise rise on the tide of hope that swells within you as you rejoice in the knowledge that you have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved for eternity.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Psalm 71
Here, we see the testimonial of a man, who, having walked throughout his life with God, is confident enough to seek His help in old age.
For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You. (vv 5-6)
As he casts his mind back over his lifelong relationship with God, he acknowledges that God has been with him from birth. His Maker's presence was a viable part of his life, from his youth. He has learned to trust in, and seen the Lord do wondrous things on his behalf.
You can do the same today. If you candidly look back over your life, you will have cause to testify of the Almighty's goodness towards you. An old song, Angels, puts it this way:
God only knows the times my life was threatened just today;
A reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way
Near misses all around me, accidents unknown
Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home.
(Amy Grant: Age to Age 1982)
In the psalmist's words:
My mouth shall tell of Your righteous acts and of Your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is more than I know. (v 15)
The fact that you are alive today, enjoying whatever blessings you are surrounded with, is proof that God has been with you from birth. You don't know how many times His angels have rescued you and kept you from harm. You don't know how many dangers they have averted on your behalf. Because he could testify to God's help throughout his life (and possibly because he noted the acts of which he was aware), the psalmist could count on God's help in his old age.
Take two things away from Psalm 71:
For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You. (vv 5-6)
As he casts his mind back over his lifelong relationship with God, he acknowledges that God has been with him from birth. His Maker's presence was a viable part of his life, from his youth. He has learned to trust in, and seen the Lord do wondrous things on his behalf.
You can do the same today. If you candidly look back over your life, you will have cause to testify of the Almighty's goodness towards you. An old song, Angels, puts it this way:
God only knows the times my life was threatened just today;
A reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way
Near misses all around me, accidents unknown
Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home.
(Amy Grant: Age to Age 1982)
In the psalmist's words:
My mouth shall tell of Your righteous acts and of Your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is more than I know. (v 15)
The fact that you are alive today, enjoying whatever blessings you are surrounded with, is proof that God has been with you from birth. You don't know how many times His angels have rescued you and kept you from harm. You don't know how many dangers they have averted on your behalf. Because he could testify to God's help throughout his life (and possibly because he noted the acts of which he was aware), the psalmist could count on God's help in his old age.
Take two things away from Psalm 71:
- Teach your children (or the young around you) about the Lord as early as possible. The Hebrews, during the psalmist's time, were raised knowing God was always with them, He was taught to them as ever-present and part of their existence. That way, they grew up able to trust in His ability to deliver them, and they could experience Him personally.
- Recount often, to the Lord, yourself and others, how God has blessed you. Ask God to open your eyes to see how He has always been with you. Then give Him thanks.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Psalm 70
MAKE HASTE, O GOD, TO DELIVER ME; MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME, O LORD. (v1)
David's prayer here, although largely for God to remember and deliver Him, could also be assessed as the prayer for two types of people in his life: he asks for deliverance from his enemies (those who sought kill him) and for God's blessing on his fellow believers.
Much as we prefer otherwise, there are those who want to harm us. They do not wish any good to come to the believer (you), either due to your trust in Christ, for their own evil advancement, or because they are tools of our eternal Enemy, Satan. David felt justified in calling for God to deliver him from their evil deeds. In fact, he asked God to help him quickly.
We learn from this psalm that we can seek God's help in an emergency. When you need rescuing, let God bear the brunt of your urgency. Before rushing off to consult with friends, the bank manager, your Pastor, or anyone you feel may be able to assist you, stop and ask the Lord to help you, and don't be shy about your demands.
The widow woman whose story Jesus told in Luke 18: 2-5 was not intimidated by the judge's godless attitude. She pestered him until she got what she wanted. God expects the same from you. Let heaven hear the sound of your voice, and the cries from your heart. Don't be lacklustre about what you need from God; and never feel God is probably fed up with hearing you. If there's one lesson you should take away from the Psalms, it is that God never tires of hearing your voice.
More pertinently, God is willing to act on your behalf, when you ask Him to move swiftly.
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. (v 3)
In the second half of the psalm, David prays for the righteous; those who love God and His salvation. Those, we would say today, who have reached out to accept the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
That, my friend, is you. For,
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. (Romans 10: 9-10)
If Jesus is Lord of your life, this portion of the psalm speaks directly to you.
Rejoice and be glad in Him. Praise His name continually. Let God be so magnified in your sight (see Him through eyes that wonder at His greatness), that everything else (including your enemy) becomes small and insignificant.
Then you will, like the psalmist, be able to trust that He will hastily come to you!
David's prayer here, although largely for God to remember and deliver Him, could also be assessed as the prayer for two types of people in his life: he asks for deliverance from his enemies (those who sought kill him) and for God's blessing on his fellow believers.
Much as we prefer otherwise, there are those who want to harm us. They do not wish any good to come to the believer (you), either due to your trust in Christ, for their own evil advancement, or because they are tools of our eternal Enemy, Satan. David felt justified in calling for God to deliver him from their evil deeds. In fact, he asked God to help him quickly.
We learn from this psalm that we can seek God's help in an emergency. When you need rescuing, let God bear the brunt of your urgency. Before rushing off to consult with friends, the bank manager, your Pastor, or anyone you feel may be able to assist you, stop and ask the Lord to help you, and don't be shy about your demands.
The widow woman whose story Jesus told in Luke 18: 2-5 was not intimidated by the judge's godless attitude. She pestered him until she got what she wanted. God expects the same from you. Let heaven hear the sound of your voice, and the cries from your heart. Don't be lacklustre about what you need from God; and never feel God is probably fed up with hearing you. If there's one lesson you should take away from the Psalms, it is that God never tires of hearing your voice.
More pertinently, God is willing to act on your behalf, when you ask Him to move swiftly.
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. (v 3)
In the second half of the psalm, David prays for the righteous; those who love God and His salvation. Those, we would say today, who have reached out to accept the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
That, my friend, is you. For,
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. (Romans 10: 9-10)
If Jesus is Lord of your life, this portion of the psalm speaks directly to you.
Rejoice and be glad in Him. Praise His name continually. Let God be so magnified in your sight (see Him through eyes that wonder at His greatness), that everything else (including your enemy) becomes small and insignificant.
Then you will, like the psalmist, be able to trust that He will hastily come to you!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Psalm 69
This song, another of David's cries to God about false accusations and injustice, is quoted several times in the New Testament as a parallel for Christ's life.
The Christian who meditates on this psalm will likely experience mixed feelings - of comfort in reading what was prophesied about the Saviour centuries before His advent, and unease in knowing He was taking our place; of joy in the knowledge that He came to rescue us from suffering, and heartbreak at what He had to endure.
The following scriptures are directly referred to in the New Testament:
Consider Him.
The Christian who meditates on this psalm will likely experience mixed feelings - of comfort in reading what was prophesied about the Saviour centuries before His advent, and unease in knowing He was taking our place; of joy in the knowledge that He came to rescue us from suffering, and heartbreak at what He had to endure.
The following scriptures are directly referred to in the New Testament:
- v 4: Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; they are mighty who would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully; (John 15:25)
- v 9: Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me. (John 2:17)
- v 21: They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. (Matt 27:34)
- v 7: Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; shame has covered my face.
- v 8:I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother’s children;
- v 12: Those who sit in the gate speak against me, and I am the song of the drunkards.
- He bore our disgrace and reproach, that we might be included in the family of God (v9,19)
- He was despised that we might be accepted (v 8)
- He took our sins upon Himself, that we might have His life (v 7)
- He sought and found no comfort, that we might be comforted (v 20)
- He was made poor that we might be rich (v 29)
- His salvation set us on high (v 29)
Consider Him.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Psalm 68
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. (v 4)
This lengthy psalm lends itself to a study of some of God's characteristics, for which we can give Him praise. The impact of God's presence on His (and your) enemies is vastly different from His effect on the righteous. The enemies are scattered, decimated, crushed, and the godly are blessed, sing for joy, and exult before Him.
To enhance our view of God, the psalmist tells us the following about Him. He is the:
The psalm mirrors the legacy of those who have been born into Christ.
We have been delivered from the power of death (Hebrews 2: 14-15), called out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Peter 2:10), Christ is preparing an eternal resting place for us (John 14:2-3), we have been set free from bondage to sin (Romans 6:13-14) and the devil (1 John 3:8), and God has promised to and will supply all our needs according to His glorious riches (Philippians 4:19, 2 Peter 1:3, John 10:10).
So you see, child of God, you have just as much reason to rejoice and be glad, as the Israelites to whom this psalm was addressed. God is your Father, Defender, Vindicator, Comfort, Source and King. Take David's words to heart today, meditate on the above characteristics /names of God and make a choice, regardless of your circumstances, to:
Sing praises to God, and to His name. Sing loud praises to Him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord -- rejoice in His presence! (v 4 NLT)
This lengthy psalm lends itself to a study of some of God's characteristics, for which we can give Him praise. The impact of God's presence on His (and your) enemies is vastly different from His effect on the righteous. The enemies are scattered, decimated, crushed, and the godly are blessed, sing for joy, and exult before Him.
To enhance our view of God, the psalmist tells us the following about Him. He is the:
- Defender (vv 1-2, 12, 21-23)
- Protector of the helpless and Advocate of the disadvantaged (v 5-6)
- Leader and Guide (v 7)
- Victorious Warrior (vv 11-12, 14, 17-18)
- Ruler over nature ( vv 4, 15, 33)
- Strong and mighty Saviour ( vv 20, 28)
- Source of our prosperity ( vv 10, 12-13, 19)
- Triumphant King over the nations ( vv 32-35)
- One to whom every knee will bow (vv 18, 31)
- Reigning King (v 24)
- Source of life (26)
The psalm mirrors the legacy of those who have been born into Christ.
We have been delivered from the power of death (Hebrews 2: 14-15), called out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Peter 2:10), Christ is preparing an eternal resting place for us (John 14:2-3), we have been set free from bondage to sin (Romans 6:13-14) and the devil (1 John 3:8), and God has promised to and will supply all our needs according to His glorious riches (Philippians 4:19, 2 Peter 1:3, John 10:10).
So you see, child of God, you have just as much reason to rejoice and be glad, as the Israelites to whom this psalm was addressed. God is your Father, Defender, Vindicator, Comfort, Source and King. Take David's words to heart today, meditate on the above characteristics /names of God and make a choice, regardless of your circumstances, to:
Sing praises to God, and to His name. Sing loud praises to Him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord -- rejoice in His presence! (v 4 NLT)
Friday, April 13, 2007
Psalm 67
God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. (vv 1-2)
The psalmist seeks a blessing upon himself and the hearers of this song, to the end that God's glory might be seen all over the earth. Verse 1 is an assurance from God that we can seek His blessings for ourselves. In fact, what we should seek is that He smile on us (God's Word Translation). What an awesome feeling to have the God of heaven single you out with His smile!
But the psalmist does not ask for this selfishly. Though he will benefit from God's favour, the psalmist's ultimate reason for this petition is that others will see God at work in his life and eventually experience God's saving power. On the day of Pentecost, God smiled down on the 120 disciples in the Upper Room in the person of the Holy Spirit. At this time, they were surrounded by Jews from all over the world, and as the Blessing was poured out on the Christ's disciples, this is what the onlookers said:
“How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” (Acts 2:7-11 NLT)
Out of this blessing resulted the first crusade meeting in which thousands gave their lives to Jesus Christ!
The psalmist must have felt a similar desire, and passion, as he penned the words of this song. Again, his goal was not that the nations stop at experiencing God's blessings, but that they would know His ways. That He might be revealed to them in all His glory. He asked for the outpouring so that God might be seen not just as a boon-giver, but as a God of justice, a Ruler of nations, a Comforter (Young's Translation) [verse 4] and provider (v 6). He wanted the whole world to know God wholly.
Everyone needs the salvation of God (v 2) and one sure way this can happen is when they see God's blessing working in your life. Consider this psalm a confession and profess it to God often. Let your tongue be that of a prophet used by God to speak His will for revival to sweep through the lands. Let your life be a source through which God reveals Himself to your neighbours. I pray the following over you today:
May the Lord bless you, may the peace of Christ rule your heart and mind, may His glory radiate through your life; and may your light so shine before men that they would see your works and give honour to His holy name.
Amen
The psalmist seeks a blessing upon himself and the hearers of this song, to the end that God's glory might be seen all over the earth. Verse 1 is an assurance from God that we can seek His blessings for ourselves. In fact, what we should seek is that He smile on us (God's Word Translation). What an awesome feeling to have the God of heaven single you out with His smile!
But the psalmist does not ask for this selfishly. Though he will benefit from God's favour, the psalmist's ultimate reason for this petition is that others will see God at work in his life and eventually experience God's saving power. On the day of Pentecost, God smiled down on the 120 disciples in the Upper Room in the person of the Holy Spirit. At this time, they were surrounded by Jews from all over the world, and as the Blessing was poured out on the Christ's disciples, this is what the onlookers said:
“How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” (Acts 2:7-11 NLT)
Out of this blessing resulted the first crusade meeting in which thousands gave their lives to Jesus Christ!
The psalmist must have felt a similar desire, and passion, as he penned the words of this song. Again, his goal was not that the nations stop at experiencing God's blessings, but that they would know His ways. That He might be revealed to them in all His glory. He asked for the outpouring so that God might be seen not just as a boon-giver, but as a God of justice, a Ruler of nations, a Comforter (Young's Translation) [verse 4] and provider (v 6). He wanted the whole world to know God wholly.
Everyone needs the salvation of God (v 2) and one sure way this can happen is when they see God's blessing working in your life. Consider this psalm a confession and profess it to God often. Let your tongue be that of a prophet used by God to speak His will for revival to sweep through the lands. Let your life be a source through which God reveals Himself to your neighbours. I pray the following over you today:
May the Lord bless you, may the peace of Christ rule your heart and mind, may His glory radiate through your life; and may your light so shine before men that they would see your works and give honour to His holy name.
Amen
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Psalm 66
Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. (vv 1-2)
It's time to praise and worship the Creator. The Psalmist bursts into this song of complete adoration and exaltation, his entire attention devoted to the glories of God. He invites and is prepared to guide the whole earth through the act of worshipping the majesty of the King of kings.
“Say to God, How awesome are Your works! (v3a)
Praise is an offering to God in which we speak of His wondrous works. Of His great deeds. You can offer praise to God either by telling Him (or others) what you know about Him. To praise God is to lift your voice (in word or song) to proclaim His excellency.
The psalmist does just this. It doesn't matter whether others know God from personal experience; the psalmist has prepared a list of reasons why everyone should praise Him. Let's take a look at some of them:
Spend some time calling Him by His name today - tell Him how wondrous He is. Praise Him for His mighty acts, praise Him for His glorious deeds. Lift up to Him the reasons why, if no one else will, you choose to praise His awesomeness.
God deserves nothing less.
It's time to praise and worship the Creator. The Psalmist bursts into this song of complete adoration and exaltation, his entire attention devoted to the glories of God. He invites and is prepared to guide the whole earth through the act of worshipping the majesty of the King of kings.
“Say to God, How awesome are Your works! (v3a)
Praise is an offering to God in which we speak of His wondrous works. Of His great deeds. You can offer praise to God either by telling Him (or others) what you know about Him. To praise God is to lift your voice (in word or song) to proclaim His excellency.
The psalmist does just this. It doesn't matter whether others know God from personal experience; the psalmist has prepared a list of reasons why everyone should praise Him. Let's take a look at some of them:
- Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. (v 3b): As Lord over all, all creation is destined to submit to God's awesome power. By His grace, we can give our lives to Him and have that great power working on our behalf, but eventually, every knee (willing or otherwise) shall bow before Him.
- He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot ( v6): Israelite history records these amazing deeds. God turned the Red Sea into a passageway for their exit from Egypt. Again, He dried up the Jordan River as they passed over to Jericho. In the same manner, the Lord Jesus walked across the sea to His disciples. Nature is created of God and subject to His rule.
- He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves (v 7): The all-seeing Eye watches over all. The Israelites saw God defeat nation after nation on their behalf. The psalmist here suggests (as he does in verse 3) that the rebellious should by no means be proud of their enmity against God, for they do not know the extent of His might. The Egyptian nation was completely destroyed because Pharaoh opposed God.
- Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved. (v 9): There should be no mistaking this fact: God is the reason we exist. He breathed life into each living soul, and as soon as He withdraws his breath, we expire. The advances of man's knowledge are but a speck compared to His glory. Without Him, we are nothing. In Him, we are all we should be.
Spend some time calling Him by His name today - tell Him how wondrous He is. Praise Him for His mighty acts, praise Him for His glorious deeds. Lift up to Him the reasons why, if no one else will, you choose to praise His awesomeness.
God deserves nothing less.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Psalm 65
O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. (v 2)
What a joy to read this wonderful exposé
You may also find pleasure in the knowledge that He does not restrict His help to a few. The psalmist stresses that ALL flesh will come to the Lord. If you have an unsaved one who appears beyond help, here is a promise that God will never turn them away. Many people feel they cannot approach God because of sin, thinking He is waiting to pour out wrath upon them for the lives they've led. As we see from this psalm, this is not the case. God wants everyone to come to Him and Jesus Christ died to make this possible. This assertion is confirmed in verse 3-4:
Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple. (NLT)
There is no one too sinful for God to save, He wants them, not to do penance, or first make themselves worthy, but simply to believe in Jesus, as that most famous of verses points out:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
And as they approach the Lord, there is a glorious celebration. In Jesus' own words:
...there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! (Luke 15:7 NLT)
If you are already saved, and your heart weighs heavy for someone who is not, all God requires is that you pray fervently, sincerely and persistently for them. He willingly pays attention to your every prayer, especially those offered according to His will and you can be certain your loved one(s) will not remain lost to Him forever.
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
What a joy to read this wonderful exposé
You may also find pleasure in the knowledge that He does not restrict His help to a few. The psalmist stresses that ALL flesh will come to the Lord. If you have an unsaved one who appears beyond help, here is a promise that God will never turn them away. Many people feel they cannot approach God because of sin, thinking He is waiting to pour out wrath upon them for the lives they've led. As we see from this psalm, this is not the case. God wants everyone to come to Him and Jesus Christ died to make this possible. This assertion is confirmed in verse 3-4:
Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple. (NLT)
There is no one too sinful for God to save, He wants them, not to do penance, or first make themselves worthy, but simply to believe in Jesus, as that most famous of verses points out:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
And as they approach the Lord, there is a glorious celebration. In Jesus' own words:
...there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! (Luke 15:7 NLT)
If you are already saved, and your heart weighs heavy for someone who is not, all God requires is that you pray fervently, sincerely and persistently for them. He willingly pays attention to your every prayer, especially those offered according to His will and you can be certain your loved one(s) will not remain lost to Him forever.
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Psalm 64
Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity, who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words, that they may shoot in secret at the blameless; suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear. (vv 2-4)
In this psalm, we see how great a weapon the tongue is, and how it can be used to deflate, distress and destroy, as David finds himself on the receiving end of treacherous plots against his person and reign.
The tongue, when employed in flattery and lying can be entirely deceitful. The wicked often use their tongues as arrows and swords to destroy, slander and cut righteous reputations to pieces. Their evil plots are also characterised by secrecy. But the child of God need not fear the secret plotting of evil people.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (Hebrews 4:13)
In 2 Kings 6, the king of Syria waged war against Israel. To his dismay, every time he tried to set an ambush against the Israelites, his plans were foiled. The following conversation ensued between the king and his men:
The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”
“It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!” (2 Kings 6:11-12)
You see, their secret plans were constantly exposed because God was right there in their midst. David knew this, so rather than expend his energy trying to figure out how to avoid being harmed, he simply reported his enemies to the omniscient One who was able to thwart their schemes.
James tells us that the tongue can kindle a fire, and while the evil use their tongues to concoct lies and destroy, children of God can use the power of the tongue as a weapon against the Enemy of our souls.
Just as the wicked create destruction with their tongues, you can create life with yours. When you constantly speak the truth found in God's word - over your life, circumstances, family and even over the nation - you generate power to turn around even the most hopeless of situations.
Why not go into warfare today? Only, unlike the wicked, choose to speak good. Let the words coming from your mouth be seasoned with salt, and full of life, so that the hearer is blessed, good seeds are sown, and in due season, you will reap a harvest of blessings.
In this psalm, we see how great a weapon the tongue is, and how it can be used to deflate, distress and destroy, as David finds himself on the receiving end of treacherous plots against his person and reign.
The tongue, when employed in flattery and lying can be entirely deceitful. The wicked often use their tongues as arrows and swords to destroy, slander and cut righteous reputations to pieces. Their evil plots are also characterised by secrecy. But the child of God need not fear the secret plotting of evil people.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (Hebrews 4:13)
In 2 Kings 6, the king of Syria waged war against Israel. To his dismay, every time he tried to set an ambush against the Israelites, his plans were foiled. The following conversation ensued between the king and his men:
The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”
“It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!” (2 Kings 6:11-12)
You see, their secret plans were constantly exposed because God was right there in their midst. David knew this, so rather than expend his energy trying to figure out how to avoid being harmed, he simply reported his enemies to the omniscient One who was able to thwart their schemes.
James tells us that the tongue can kindle a fire, and while the evil use their tongues to concoct lies and destroy, children of God can use the power of the tongue as a weapon against the Enemy of our souls.
Just as the wicked create destruction with their tongues, you can create life with yours. When you constantly speak the truth found in God's word - over your life, circumstances, family and even over the nation - you generate power to turn around even the most hopeless of situations.
Why not go into warfare today? Only, unlike the wicked, choose to speak good. Let the words coming from your mouth be seasoned with salt, and full of life, so that the hearer is blessed, good seeds are sown, and in due season, you will reap a harvest of blessings.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Psalm 63
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. (v 1)
Being stuck in the wilderness and not knowing when his trials would end did not stop David from carrying out a blatant love affair - with God. Years of relationship - through good times and bad - stood him in good stead, and gave him the impetus to pen this love song to God, during a particularly difficult time of his life.
Our problems can often push us away from God, either by presenting themselves as bigger than Him, or worse, making Him out to be their source. David's attitude was entirely the opposite. There was a thirst in his soul that only God could fill, and being away from the place where he freely and publicly expressed his appreciation for His Lord was virtually unbearable. Also, his affection for God was not merely spiritual, even his physical body desperately yearned for God's presence. In an attempt to rediscover that glory and power he experienced in the sanctuary (v 2), David did the best he could in a terrible situation. He called on his memories.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. (vv 6-8)
If you've ever been away from a loved one, remembering the good times can be a lifeline, so you picture them in your mind's eye, wonder how they're doing and recall all sorts of meaningful elements of your relationship. David's attention was focused, not so much on his problems, but on that special something in his relationship with God. He called to mind God's wonderful works in his life, and spent so much time meditating (contemplating, reflecting on, pondering and mulling over) the good times that he eventually began to see God alive and working in his current situation. Suddenly, his enemies weren't so powerful after all (vv 9-10), and they would definitely get what was coming to them.
God, whom David loved and served, is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is a sun and shield who gives grace and glory to those who walk uprightly, to those who love and obey Him. As described by another psalmist:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1)
If you are fairly comfortable with your life right now, it is the ideal time to cultivate that loving, thriving relationship with God. Get to know Him. Begin a marker of all He's blessed you with, so that when the need arises, you'll be able to recall and meditate on them.
On the other hand, if your life is a turmoil-ridden wilderness, take a leaf out of David's book and begin to recall the beauty and power of God. If you cannot recollect any specific events in your life, open up the scriptures and ask Him to shed light in your heart over His great deeds. Take a look in Exodus for the miracles he did on behalf of the Israelites. Check out the way He delivered David from the Philistine giant; walk with Christ through the first few chapters of Mark's gospel to see His concern and provision for those who approached Him with difficulties we can only imagine.
Then begin to meditate on these examples until a vision of God comes alive within your heart, and as your perspective changes, you will be assured enough to sing, like David:
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. (vv 4-5 NLT)
Being stuck in the wilderness and not knowing when his trials would end did not stop David from carrying out a blatant love affair - with God. Years of relationship - through good times and bad - stood him in good stead, and gave him the impetus to pen this love song to God, during a particularly difficult time of his life.
Our problems can often push us away from God, either by presenting themselves as bigger than Him, or worse, making Him out to be their source. David's attitude was entirely the opposite. There was a thirst in his soul that only God could fill, and being away from the place where he freely and publicly expressed his appreciation for His Lord was virtually unbearable. Also, his affection for God was not merely spiritual, even his physical body desperately yearned for God's presence. In an attempt to rediscover that glory and power he experienced in the sanctuary (v 2), David did the best he could in a terrible situation. He called on his memories.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. (vv 6-8)
If you've ever been away from a loved one, remembering the good times can be a lifeline, so you picture them in your mind's eye, wonder how they're doing and recall all sorts of meaningful elements of your relationship. David's attention was focused, not so much on his problems, but on that special something in his relationship with God. He called to mind God's wonderful works in his life, and spent so much time meditating (contemplating, reflecting on, pondering and mulling over) the good times that he eventually began to see God alive and working in his current situation. Suddenly, his enemies weren't so powerful after all (vv 9-10), and they would definitely get what was coming to them.
God, whom David loved and served, is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is a sun and shield who gives grace and glory to those who walk uprightly, to those who love and obey Him. As described by another psalmist:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1)
If you are fairly comfortable with your life right now, it is the ideal time to cultivate that loving, thriving relationship with God. Get to know Him. Begin a marker of all He's blessed you with, so that when the need arises, you'll be able to recall and meditate on them.
On the other hand, if your life is a turmoil-ridden wilderness, take a leaf out of David's book and begin to recall the beauty and power of God. If you cannot recollect any specific events in your life, open up the scriptures and ask Him to shed light in your heart over His great deeds. Take a look in Exodus for the miracles he did on behalf of the Israelites. Check out the way He delivered David from the Philistine giant; walk with Christ through the first few chapters of Mark's gospel to see His concern and provision for those who approached Him with difficulties we can only imagine.
Then begin to meditate on these examples until a vision of God comes alive within your heart, and as your perspective changes, you will be assured enough to sing, like David:
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. (vv 4-5 NLT)
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Psalm 62
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. (vv 1-2)
Our lives are hid with Christ in God. So says Paul to the Colossian Christians (Colossians 3:3), and in this psalm we begin to understand how that works. As you rest in God's presence, do not be distressed about when your victory will come, because it's a certainty - God will come through. Do not worry about being overwhelmed by your problems - God is working on your behalf.
Like a man clings to a rock in the middle of turbulent seas, David knows that his enemies' huffing and puffing will not move him as long as his attention remains fixed on God; and from this posture, we learn the following:
You will reap the rewards of patience in due course (v 12)
David often approached God with petitions; but this psalm is a meditation and observation rather than a prayer request. In his soul and mind, where turmoil takes place, where worry, stress and pressures can cause the greatest unrest, David has found refuge in the presence of God, and there he waits.
Quietly. Silently. Observantly.
He is silent; having long recognised that without God’s prompting, no person can help him. He will not seek go running to others to complain about his problems, let alone seek their assistance. He will not depend on man. Instead, he sits in silence before the Lord, watching and waiting.
“…he who talks much of his troubles to men is apt to fall into a way of saying too little of them to God” — Charles H Spurgeon
He is quiet: refusing to panic or be worried. Quietness is defined by the dictionary as a situation 'marked by little or no motion or activity', 'free from noise or uproar'. Having repeatedly heard God's voice, knowing that God is powerful, and full of loving kindness, He confidently expects his salvation to come from that higher source.
Our lives are hid with Christ in God. So says Paul to the Colossian Christians (Colossians 3:3), and in this psalm we begin to understand how that works. As you rest in God's presence, do not be distressed about when your victory will come, because it's a certainty - God will come through. Do not worry about being overwhelmed by your problems - God is working on your behalf.
Like a man clings to a rock in the middle of turbulent seas, David knows that his enemies' huffing and puffing will not move him as long as his attention remains fixed on God; and from this posture, we learn the following:
- God is totally dependable
- God has power to save
- God gives honour
- God is merciful
- God's love is unfailing
You will reap the rewards of patience in due course (v 12)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Psalm 61
The Four "I Wills"
In David's communion with God, he intends to take four steps, purely as an act of his will. Let us make the same our heart's determination as we journey through this psalm.
In David's communion with God, he intends to take four steps, purely as an act of his will. Let us make the same our heart's determination as we journey through this psalm.
- ...from the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed (v 2): There may be great distance between him and God - as far as the North end of the earth is from the South - but David will not stop calling out to the Lord. When our Lord Jesus Christ hung upon the cross, under the horrific weight of our sin, He cried out to God, despite knowing that God turned His back on the sin Jesus carried (Matthew 27:46).
No matter how long the answer to your prayer takes, keep calling upon God. It takes determination to carry on knocking on a steadfastly closed door, so be resolute. The more overwhelming your trials are, the more familiar heaven should be with your voice. - I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever (v 4a): Our problems must draw us closer to God's presence. We must not, when we have financial troubles, choose that time to stop serving Him. Our marital difficulties should not give us reason to abandon the house of the Lord, and problems with other Christians cannot justify us leaving church altogether.
God resides in every Christian's heart, but it is up to you and me to cultivate that awareness of His presence. Problems can amplify themselves so much in our lives that God's presence is marginalised and we find ourselves bowing down before the altar of our troubles. We cannot replace prayer with busyness. Do not move house, change location, or take your prayers and service elsewhere. Instead: - I will trust in the covert of thy wings (v 4b): Or, as another psalmist put it: My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (Ps 121:2)
God knows where, when and how your situation will be resolved, and His solution to your problem will far exceed anything you may come up with. Don't let the enemy's whisperings convince you that God isn't thinking of you. You are not an invisible speck to His all-seeing eye. Trust that He will move you closer to Him as you seek His face, and that He will deliver you from trouble, and subdue the enemy on your behalf. - So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows. (v 8): In light of the above, David's final decision is to praise God. He knows where his confidence lies, and regardless of the time or outcome of his present circumstances, he will be a Praiser.
Exchange the garment of sorrow for rejoicing as you wait on God. Know that He is: Worthy of your praise and adoration; greater than any situation you may face; full of might and power; able to part the Red Sea before you, and full of grace and glory.
Even if you never receive one more blessing from God all your life, He still deserves your praise - for He created you for His own pleasure (Revelation 4:11).
Monday, April 02, 2007
Psalm 60
O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again. (v 1)
David begins this prayer with a cry that has surely ascended to heaven from many hearts before his time and since. In verses 1-3, we see him calling upon God to revisit His people, for reasons of which we are unaware (perhaps he recalled Israel's staggering defeat by the Philistines that resulted in the deaths of King Saul and his sons, or it might refer to an unspecified defeat suffered during the present battle [see psalm header]). What is clear is that at some point while writing this psalm, David felt abandoned by God.
Why does God sometimes appear invisible?
He has promised never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), but we will go through trials during which we cannot see God at work. The following scriptures may point to some of the reasons:
For we walk by faith, not by sight: (2 Corinthians 5:7)
But the psalmist does not stop there. God had guaranteed that Israel would inherit the promised land, and right there, as he stood in God's presence, prophetic words began flowing from David's lips:
God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
Even in the midst of your greatest trials, as you bring your griefs and burdens to God, He can and will speak to you. He will remind you of His promises. Just be sure to listen. Don't approach Him listlessly, but like the woman with the issue of blood, let your grief and desperation place a demand on His power. Let there be no doubt in your heart that, as David says,
Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
God's faithfulness never, ever fails.
David begins this prayer with a cry that has surely ascended to heaven from many hearts before his time and since. In verses 1-3, we see him calling upon God to revisit His people, for reasons of which we are unaware (perhaps he recalled Israel's staggering defeat by the Philistines that resulted in the deaths of King Saul and his sons, or it might refer to an unspecified defeat suffered during the present battle [see psalm header]). What is clear is that at some point while writing this psalm, David felt abandoned by God.
Why does God sometimes appear invisible?
He has promised never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), but we will go through trials during which we cannot see God at work. The following scriptures may point to some of the reasons:
- The presence of sin: If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; (Psalm 66:18 NIV)
- Building godly character: ...but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4 NKJV)
- Strengthening our faith: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
- Producing patience and maturity: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4)
For we walk by faith, not by sight: (2 Corinthians 5:7)
But the psalmist does not stop there. God had guaranteed that Israel would inherit the promised land, and right there, as he stood in God's presence, prophetic words began flowing from David's lips:
God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
Even in the midst of your greatest trials, as you bring your griefs and burdens to God, He can and will speak to you. He will remind you of His promises. Just be sure to listen. Don't approach Him listlessly, but like the woman with the issue of blood, let your grief and desperation place a demand on His power. Let there be no doubt in your heart that, as David says,
Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
God's faithfulness never, ever fails.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Psalm 59
For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. They run and prepare themselves without my fault... (v 3-4)
David's astute observation is worthy of note and study. The wicked have set a steadfast watch to trap him; not because of anything he's done, but in response to the errand of their master, King Saul. The fact that he is innocent, or hasn't offended them in any way makes no difference to their diligence in fulfilling their task.
In like manner, our Enemy, determined to ensure the downfall of believers in Jesus Christ, has assigned minions - human and spiritual - to trap or trip us up. They do not care whether you are at fault or not. They are not interested in your innocence. All they do is their master's bidding.
As we meditate on this psalm, are we as determined to heed our Master's call? When He commands, do we find reasons not to obey? When He calls us to pray, are we often too tired? The Lord told his disciples that the children of this world are wiser than the children of light (Luke 16:8). In the service of their lord, they will not turn back until their purpose is achieved. If the church today were as focused on serving our Lord and King, as David's enemies apparently were, how great a victory we would accomplish!
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor 10:3-5)
We are under as much attack today as David was. Our greatest battle, however, takes place in our minds, as the enemy tries to make us stumble in our decisions and thinking. Pictures we see on television, billboards, in newspapers, many books and magazines are all geared towards shaping our thinking, and every follower of the Lord needs to be aware that the devil is not slacking off in his attempts to manipulate our thoughts.
We should therefore, take care, not only to walk in the spirit, in order to prevent us falling prey to the wiles of the devil, but also to watch that we steadfastly fulfil the bidding of our own Master.
Psalm 58
The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies... break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces. (vv 3, 6-7)
Fed up with unjust rulers and their oppressive and crooked dealings, David takes up this prayer against those responsible. It seems to him that more and more people are born wicked, and in righteous indignation, he prays that they be rendered powerless by God's mighty hand.
As believers in a largely corrupt world, we must offer frequent prayers against injustice, especially in light of the following scripture:
...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. (James 5:16-17 Amp)
Prayer can accomplish what complaints and grumbling cannot. If you are willing, God can take you right in the midst of decision-makers to effect untold changes. As the above scripture tells us, Elijah was every bit as human as you and me, but through him, God accomplished tremendous victories against the corruption that ravaged Israel in his day. God's ultimate plan is that He be glorified in all the earth, and He uses the prayers of the saints to execute His will.
When you hear news of an impeding legislation that is clearly against the purpose and plan of God, pray for righteousness to flow through the courts of justice. If you see the weak and the poor oppressed by evil decrees, bring your petition to the Court of the Most High.
Sign up to God's prayer army today. Don't consider yourself too insignificant, too young or old to be used of God. The prerequisite for James 5:16 is righteousness, and that has been provided for you in Christ Jesus. As you set your self to pray, keep this other scripture in mind:
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] (Eph 5:20)
It's all by Him, in Him and for Him.
Be His willing vessel.
Fed up with unjust rulers and their oppressive and crooked dealings, David takes up this prayer against those responsible. It seems to him that more and more people are born wicked, and in righteous indignation, he prays that they be rendered powerless by God's mighty hand.
As believers in a largely corrupt world, we must offer frequent prayers against injustice, especially in light of the following scripture:
...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. (James 5:16-17 Amp)
Prayer can accomplish what complaints and grumbling cannot. If you are willing, God can take you right in the midst of decision-makers to effect untold changes. As the above scripture tells us, Elijah was every bit as human as you and me, but through him, God accomplished tremendous victories against the corruption that ravaged Israel in his day. God's ultimate plan is that He be glorified in all the earth, and He uses the prayers of the saints to execute His will.
When you hear news of an impeding legislation that is clearly against the purpose and plan of God, pray for righteousness to flow through the courts of justice. If you see the weak and the poor oppressed by evil decrees, bring your petition to the Court of the Most High.
Sign up to God's prayer army today. Don't consider yourself too insignificant, too young or old to be used of God. The prerequisite for James 5:16 is righteousness, and that has been provided for you in Christ Jesus. As you set your self to pray, keep this other scripture in mind:
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] (Eph 5:20)
It's all by Him, in Him and for Him.
Be His willing vessel.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Psalm 57
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. (v 4)
As he writes this psalm, David's life is a complete mess. Like an Old Testament Robin Hood, he is surrounded by men who would kill for him at the drop of a hat. They have to live by their wits, not knowing what one day holds from the next. Far from becoming Israel's king and living in palatial splendour as prophesied by Samuel, he's taken up residence in a cave as leader of a pack of outlaws. And instead of being worship leader for the King and nation of Israel, he finds himself playing to an audience of One.
In a perfect world, life would run smoothly, with things happening how and when they're supposed to. But we all know that's not the case. Just when you've received a word telling you that God is about to take you to the next level of His blessing, things fall apart. You are convinced that the job you've applied for is God-sent, until the rejection letter drops through your letter box. And as soon as you set your heart on a closer walk with God, your fleshly desires flare up and you slip further away.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. (vv 7-8)
Thankfully, God's promises do not change in spite of our circumstances, for His ways are not ours. David is determined to turn the turmoil of adversity into a place of praise, since all he's going through is a prelude to glory. So, he sets his heart upon God, and calls on every thing within him to take note of his decision. It is not for David to sit around morose and depressed; instead, his voice of praise rouses everyone else in the morning. This King-in-the-making is triumphant in the face of difficulty.
I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations.
Caught up in the throes worship, David suddenly catches a glimpse of his future restoration.
God's plans never change.
Whatever you're struggling with today, fix your heart. Don't be moved and tossed around by your circumstances. Tarry (wait patiently) in God's presence until He becomes so real that you can feel Him, and receive a renewed awareness of His promises. And while you wait, keep your mind on this word from Him:
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
As he writes this psalm, David's life is a complete mess. Like an Old Testament Robin Hood, he is surrounded by men who would kill for him at the drop of a hat. They have to live by their wits, not knowing what one day holds from the next. Far from becoming Israel's king and living in palatial splendour as prophesied by Samuel, he's taken up residence in a cave as leader of a pack of outlaws. And instead of being worship leader for the King and nation of Israel, he finds himself playing to an audience of One.
In a perfect world, life would run smoothly, with things happening how and when they're supposed to. But we all know that's not the case. Just when you've received a word telling you that God is about to take you to the next level of His blessing, things fall apart. You are convinced that the job you've applied for is God-sent, until the rejection letter drops through your letter box. And as soon as you set your heart on a closer walk with God, your fleshly desires flare up and you slip further away.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. (vv 7-8)
Thankfully, God's promises do not change in spite of our circumstances, for His ways are not ours. David is determined to turn the turmoil of adversity into a place of praise, since all he's going through is a prelude to glory. So, he sets his heart upon God, and calls on every thing within him to take note of his decision. It is not for David to sit around morose and depressed; instead, his voice of praise rouses everyone else in the morning. This King-in-the-making is triumphant in the face of difficulty.
I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations.
Caught up in the throes worship, David suddenly catches a glimpse of his future restoration.
God's plans never change.
Whatever you're struggling with today, fix your heart. Don't be moved and tossed around by your circumstances. Tarry (wait patiently) in God's presence until He becomes so real that you can feel Him, and receive a renewed awareness of His promises. And while you wait, keep your mind on this word from Him:
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Psalm 56
David was a man whose life was fraught with troubles and danger, and in this psalm, he catalogues the ways his enemies plotted his downfall as follows:
But this song doesn't end with his fears, as we see in verse 3:
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
David was right to be afraid of his enemies, for they were capable of taking his life. So he turned to God - his Unseen Champion. You see, David knew God was greater than all his enemies put together, and that their might held no power over him when he was under God's covering. The writer of Psalm 91 put it this way:
This I declare about the Lord: he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him....The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. (Ps 91: 2,14-15)
Although David's enemies were mostly human, we all have one ultimate Enemy, who comes in guises human and otherwise. The thing to remember is that your Creator is greater than any enemy you may face. Encourage yourself in this: greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Run to that place of safety in Him today, and let His love and peace cast out your fears. Paraphrasing David's words in verse three: Whenever you are afraid, trust in God.
The key to doing this?
I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? (v 4 NLT)
As you praise God for His promises, you will become convinced that you are not without hope in this world. The Bible is stacked with His promises to protect, keep and guide you; to provide for, heal and deliver you. When you are able to focus on these facts and begin to praise Him for them, your heart will immediately be lifted up. And even when your situation appears insurmountable, keep one thing in mind: God never fails. He is faithful beyond what you can imagine. Faithfulness is His nature and He cannot deny Himself (see 2 Timothy 3:13).
Pore through and devour the scriptures for the promise concerning your situation. Meditate on both His faithfulness and that promise until it becomes a living, breathing word within you. Then look your enemy (in whatever guise) squarely in the face. You do not need to be afraid. Shout out your victory, like David did when he faced the terrifying hulk, Goliath. You have the Lord of Heaven's armies backing you up. Almighty God, the Possessor of all the earth, the great King above all gods is your father. He is the Lord that heals all your diseases, and forgives all your sins.
Any way you look at, you are covered, so why be afraid of what man (or anything else) can do to you?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Psalm 55
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. (vv 6-7) ...For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: but it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them (12-15).
Betrayal. Distress. Heartbreak. We all experience these at some point in our lives, and Psalm 55 disabuses us of the notion that great biblical figures were exempt from similar emotional traumas. David is so upset, he prays for death to swallow up his enemy.
You may be experiencing similar feelings as you read this entry. Perhaps you have suffered great disappointment from someone close to you, or you're surrounded by people whose dearest wish is to see your downfall; and without realising it, you find yourself praying for misfortune to strike and get them out of your way, if only for a short while.
While these feelings may be understandable, what is the Christian response to betrayal? In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ prescribes a five letter reaction that goes against the grain:
Grace.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matt 5:43-45)
The Lord Jesus experienced betrayal in its greatest form when His close friend gave him up to those who would eventually take His life. But in the face of such wickedness, Jesus did not pray that his enemies come to a bitter end. Instead, as He hung bruised and dying on the cross, He extended grace in those immortal words:
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
Grace was God's answer to the great Let-Down in the garden of Eden; to Israel as they continually threw His loving actions back in His face; and Grace remains His continued response to you and me today, as we repeatedly falter in our walk with Him.
Betrayal is just another tool the enemy uses to separate us in our relationships with one another. And while it is not pleasant, the Lord can use the experience to extend His love and mercy through you. Our Lord forgave those who betrayed Him (remember Peter's denial and the other disciples' fleeing when He needed them most?); and restored them to Himself, resulting in the loving relationship you enjoy with Him today.
If you've been affected by the hurtful actions of a friend, lay your feelings at the Master's feet today, and allow the healing balm of His presence to soothe your pain. Then, sincerely ask Him to help you forgive those who have hurt you, and to pray for the Lord to bless them.
With the Holy Spirit's ever present help, you will find yourself able to let go and let God do what He does best: make beauty out of the ashes of your relationship.
Dear Lord, heal the hurting heart today, replacing the pain of betrayal with the joy of the Lord. Strengthen weakened relationships, and pour out abundant measures of your restoring grace.
Betrayal. Distress. Heartbreak. We all experience these at some point in our lives, and Psalm 55 disabuses us of the notion that great biblical figures were exempt from similar emotional traumas. David is so upset, he prays for death to swallow up his enemy.
You may be experiencing similar feelings as you read this entry. Perhaps you have suffered great disappointment from someone close to you, or you're surrounded by people whose dearest wish is to see your downfall; and without realising it, you find yourself praying for misfortune to strike and get them out of your way, if only for a short while.
While these feelings may be understandable, what is the Christian response to betrayal? In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ prescribes a five letter reaction that goes against the grain:
Grace.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matt 5:43-45)
The Lord Jesus experienced betrayal in its greatest form when His close friend gave him up to those who would eventually take His life. But in the face of such wickedness, Jesus did not pray that his enemies come to a bitter end. Instead, as He hung bruised and dying on the cross, He extended grace in those immortal words:
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
Grace was God's answer to the great Let-Down in the garden of Eden; to Israel as they continually threw His loving actions back in His face; and Grace remains His continued response to you and me today, as we repeatedly falter in our walk with Him.
Betrayal is just another tool the enemy uses to separate us in our relationships with one another. And while it is not pleasant, the Lord can use the experience to extend His love and mercy through you. Our Lord forgave those who betrayed Him (remember Peter's denial and the other disciples' fleeing when He needed them most?); and restored them to Himself, resulting in the loving relationship you enjoy with Him today.
If you've been affected by the hurtful actions of a friend, lay your feelings at the Master's feet today, and allow the healing balm of His presence to soothe your pain. Then, sincerely ask Him to help you forgive those who have hurt you, and to pray for the Lord to bless them.
With the Holy Spirit's ever present help, you will find yourself able to let go and let God do what He does best: make beauty out of the ashes of your relationship.
Dear Lord, heal the hurting heart today, replacing the pain of betrayal with the joy of the Lord. Strengthen weakened relationships, and pour out abundant measures of your restoring grace.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Psalm 54
Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
While in hiding from King Saul in Ziphite territory (1 Samuel 23:19-24) David discovers that they have betrayed him into the hands of the king. Rather than taking matters into his own hands and defending himself against Saul, David reports the situation to God. He was determined not to touch the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24: 5-11), and spent many years avoiding the conflict with King Saul by running from him.
Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. (v 4)
In making the above statement, David shows absolute confidence in the fact that his enemies would eventually reap the rewards of their wickedness. Do you feel like your life or livelihood is in danger from a physical or spiritual enemy? Instead of trying to fight back or defend yourself, take the case to the high court of heaven. Bring the matter before the most High Judge, for He is able to vindicate and set you free. Whether your good name or your life is under threat, remember that those who seek your downfall do not know what God is able to do on your behalf (v 3).
As Paul told the Corinthians, the enemies of Christ knew nothing of His status or power, or they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Your enemy may be unaware that you have the might of the Lord of Hosts behind you, but you should not forget this fact. No matter the gravity of your situation, God will come to your aid. When David looked to men to protect him from Saul (even men on behalf of whom he defeated Philistines), God informed him that they would betray him at the first opportunity. You must place your whole-hearted trust in the Lord, because He alone will guarantee you help when you need it.
God is (y)our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
He is right there in the thick of your troubles, ready and waiting to help you. In fact, according to v 4 (NLT) of this psalm, the Lord is the one who keeps you alive! Be like David and choose the sacrifice of praise instead of worry. Place your confidence in the Lord, instead of fearing the enemy, and be assured that He will deliver you from your troubles and help you triumph over your enemies! (v 7)
While in hiding from King Saul in Ziphite territory (1 Samuel 23:19-24) David discovers that they have betrayed him into the hands of the king. Rather than taking matters into his own hands and defending himself against Saul, David reports the situation to God. He was determined not to touch the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24: 5-11), and spent many years avoiding the conflict with King Saul by running from him.
Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. (v 4)
In making the above statement, David shows absolute confidence in the fact that his enemies would eventually reap the rewards of their wickedness. Do you feel like your life or livelihood is in danger from a physical or spiritual enemy? Instead of trying to fight back or defend yourself, take the case to the high court of heaven. Bring the matter before the most High Judge, for He is able to vindicate and set you free. Whether your good name or your life is under threat, remember that those who seek your downfall do not know what God is able to do on your behalf (v 3).
As Paul told the Corinthians, the enemies of Christ knew nothing of His status or power, or they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Your enemy may be unaware that you have the might of the Lord of Hosts behind you, but you should not forget this fact. No matter the gravity of your situation, God will come to your aid. When David looked to men to protect him from Saul (even men on behalf of whom he defeated Philistines), God informed him that they would betray him at the first opportunity. You must place your whole-hearted trust in the Lord, because He alone will guarantee you help when you need it.
God is (y)our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
He is right there in the thick of your troubles, ready and waiting to help you. In fact, according to v 4 (NLT) of this psalm, the Lord is the one who keeps you alive! Be like David and choose the sacrifice of praise instead of worry. Place your confidence in the Lord, instead of fearing the enemy, and be assured that He will deliver you from your troubles and help you triumph over your enemies! (v 7)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Psalm 53
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. (v 2)
This psalm, a repetition of Psalm 14, shows the psalmist's concern for the condition of the wicked. Only a fool would say God does not exist. The psalmist, well aware of God's existence from his own relationship with His Creator, pities those who believe otherwise. He further states that God not only exists, but He searches throughout the earth for those who believe in, and seek after Him. According to 1 Chronicles 16:9:
...the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
God is scrutinising the earth, seeking to do mighty things for those who please Him, those who constantly seek His face. Would you classify yourself as such today? David says those who fix their minds on God have real understanding. In fact, unlike the fool who does not fear God, according to Proverbs 9:10, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. The man who fears God grows in wisdom and knowledge.
...There were they in great fear, where no fear was (v 5)
This fear of the Lord is not the terror experienced by the wicked fool, but an awe and reverence of His glory, a recognition of His greatness and majesty, and a realisation that nothing compares with Him, for all things, including the fool, are created by Him. As you develop a healthy fear of the Lord, something wonderful happens. The heart of the foolish will fail when terror grips them, but those who seek the Lord will fear no evil, even when under the shadow of death.
To be in this state of mind, though, you must dedicate yourself to knowing and fearing God. Make up your mind to meditate on God's word; to discover as much as you can about not only His exploits, but His ways. Spend time in His presence, basking in His glory and enjoying Him, and in due course, you will find your heart occupied with the things on His heart.
And, as your thoughts begin to line up with His thoughts, like the psalmist, you will begin to anticipate the return of the Lord Jesus and restoration of His people.
This psalm, a repetition of Psalm 14, shows the psalmist's concern for the condition of the wicked. Only a fool would say God does not exist. The psalmist, well aware of God's existence from his own relationship with His Creator, pities those who believe otherwise. He further states that God not only exists, but He searches throughout the earth for those who believe in, and seek after Him. According to 1 Chronicles 16:9:
...the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
God is scrutinising the earth, seeking to do mighty things for those who please Him, those who constantly seek His face. Would you classify yourself as such today? David says those who fix their minds on God have real understanding. In fact, unlike the fool who does not fear God, according to Proverbs 9:10, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. The man who fears God grows in wisdom and knowledge.
...There were they in great fear, where no fear was (v 5)
This fear of the Lord is not the terror experienced by the wicked fool, but an awe and reverence of His glory, a recognition of His greatness and majesty, and a realisation that nothing compares with Him, for all things, including the fool, are created by Him. As you develop a healthy fear of the Lord, something wonderful happens. The heart of the foolish will fail when terror grips them, but those who seek the Lord will fear no evil, even when under the shadow of death.
To be in this state of mind, though, you must dedicate yourself to knowing and fearing God. Make up your mind to meditate on God's word; to discover as much as you can about not only His exploits, but His ways. Spend time in His presence, basking in His glory and enjoying Him, and in due course, you will find your heart occupied with the things on His heart.
And, as your thoughts begin to line up with His thoughts, like the psalmist, you will begin to anticipate the return of the Lord Jesus and restoration of His people.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Psalm 52
Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually. (v 1)
In this response to betrayal by his enemy (1 Sam 21:1-9, 22:6-22), David contrasts the end of the wicked and the righteous. While his enemy may boast in his mischievous actions - his scheming lies resulted in the murder of godly priests - David's trust is in God.
First of all, it is worth noting that when Doeg betrayed David, his intention may have been to get into Saul's good books, but with a few words of betrayal, innocent lives were endangered and lost. The godly should guard the use of their tongues.
...A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. (James 3:5-6 TM)
The difference between the righteous and the wicked is where their confidence lies. The wicked trust completely in their wealth, which could only lead to more wickedness (v 7), whereas, David is certain he will prosper because his confidence is in the Lord. He looks forward to the demise of his enemy, and to experiencing God's unfailing love.
Children of God will experience betrayal and adversity because we have an Enemy who works through men to thwart our progress in life. If your plans have been derailed by someone used of the devil, encourage yourself with David's thoughts. The triumph of the wicked man is temporary. God will eventually strike down your Enemy once and for all (v 5 NLT).
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. (v 8)
With your eyes fixed on the Lord, hold your head up high in the knowledge that His love for you never fails. Instead of being a victim, triumph in what the Lord has already done and will do for you (v 9). Wait for His mercies, for He will vindicate you in due course (click here for further notes on this).
Like David, make the choice to dwell in the secret presence of God, where you will be safe and secure from the enemy's plans. And even if he appears to succeed, do not despair, for his reward will come in due course. Instead, keep your eyes on the prize and high calling in Jesus Christ.
The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. (Psalm 92:12-14 Amp)
Scripture quotations marked TM are taken from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
In this response to betrayal by his enemy (1 Sam 21:1-9, 22:6-22), David contrasts the end of the wicked and the righteous. While his enemy may boast in his mischievous actions - his scheming lies resulted in the murder of godly priests - David's trust is in God.
First of all, it is worth noting that when Doeg betrayed David, his intention may have been to get into Saul's good books, but with a few words of betrayal, innocent lives were endangered and lost. The godly should guard the use of their tongues.
...A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. (James 3:5-6 TM)
The difference between the righteous and the wicked is where their confidence lies. The wicked trust completely in their wealth, which could only lead to more wickedness (v 7), whereas, David is certain he will prosper because his confidence is in the Lord. He looks forward to the demise of his enemy, and to experiencing God's unfailing love.
Children of God will experience betrayal and adversity because we have an Enemy who works through men to thwart our progress in life. If your plans have been derailed by someone used of the devil, encourage yourself with David's thoughts. The triumph of the wicked man is temporary. God will eventually strike down your Enemy once and for all (v 5 NLT).
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. (v 8)
With your eyes fixed on the Lord, hold your head up high in the knowledge that His love for you never fails. Instead of being a victim, triumph in what the Lord has already done and will do for you (v 9). Wait for His mercies, for He will vindicate you in due course (click here for further notes on this).
Like David, make the choice to dwell in the secret presence of God, where you will be safe and secure from the enemy's plans. And even if he appears to succeed, do not despair, for his reward will come in due course. Instead, keep your eyes on the prize and high calling in Jesus Christ.
The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. (Psalm 92:12-14 Amp)
Scripture quotations marked TM are taken from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Psalm 51
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. (v 1)
David not only sinned in his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, but his attempts to cover his tracks had dire repercussions for all involved (2 Samuel 11-12:23). Once his sin was exposed, however, David no longer tried to hide his atrocities. In Psalm 51, he lays everything bare before the Lord and throws himself on God's mercy. It turns out that, in spite of his actions to the contrary, David's sin has constantly been on his mind:
For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. (vv 3-4 NLT)
Anyone who has been touched by, and truly loves God will never thrive in sinfulness. The effects of sin, like a cancer, will gnaw at the conscience until we either run from God completely, or take the brave steps David did and cast ourselves on His mercy. David recognised that his adulterous and murderous actions, even though they were against Uriah, were first and foremost, rebellion against God. Through this act of penitence, David reveals faith that God will hear his prayer, cleanse and forgive him and lead him in the way of wisdom (v 6).
In today's world, the concept of sin has been replaced by political correctness at best, and total absolution of moral responsibility in the farthest extreme. People cannot help their sexual proclivities, we are told, because it is in the genes, an unbreakable habit, or they were born that way. The spouse-beater shirks responsibility for their behaviour, claiming that fits of rage run in the family, or that they were provoked. Indiscipline is virtually encouraged, as deprivation is blamed for children robbing one another. Society then scrambles to work out how to deal with the resulting violence, vandalism, lack of respect and breakdown of family values.
Indeed, David admits that sin may be in his genetic make-up (v 5), but he realises that his relationship with God, can help him rise above the tendency to sin. We need to take responsibility for our actions. For as long as David tried to hide, his conscience ate away at him until he was no longer able to sleep at night, and he felt his intimacy with God slipping away.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Is sin disguised as a 'bad habit' in your life? Have you called adultery by any other name? Or are you running away from God because you think He has banished you from His presence? Repent before God so He can expose those hidden sins, and wash you with the cleansing blood of Jesus. There is no sin too great for Him to forgive, and no habit He cannot help you break. But you must sincerely ask, and be prepared to let God guide you in the path of righteousness.
Sin encroaches like a polluting darkness in the soul, and only true repentance can restore the light of God's favour and the joy of His presence.
David not only sinned in his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, but his attempts to cover his tracks had dire repercussions for all involved (2 Samuel 11-12:23). Once his sin was exposed, however, David no longer tried to hide his atrocities. In Psalm 51, he lays everything bare before the Lord and throws himself on God's mercy. It turns out that, in spite of his actions to the contrary, David's sin has constantly been on his mind:
For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. (vv 3-4 NLT)
Anyone who has been touched by, and truly loves God will never thrive in sinfulness. The effects of sin, like a cancer, will gnaw at the conscience until we either run from God completely, or take the brave steps David did and cast ourselves on His mercy. David recognised that his adulterous and murderous actions, even though they were against Uriah, were first and foremost, rebellion against God. Through this act of penitence, David reveals faith that God will hear his prayer, cleanse and forgive him and lead him in the way of wisdom (v 6).
In today's world, the concept of sin has been replaced by political correctness at best, and total absolution of moral responsibility in the farthest extreme. People cannot help their sexual proclivities, we are told, because it is in the genes, an unbreakable habit, or they were born that way. The spouse-beater shirks responsibility for their behaviour, claiming that fits of rage run in the family, or that they were provoked. Indiscipline is virtually encouraged, as deprivation is blamed for children robbing one another. Society then scrambles to work out how to deal with the resulting violence, vandalism, lack of respect and breakdown of family values.
Indeed, David admits that sin may be in his genetic make-up (v 5), but he realises that his relationship with God, can help him rise above the tendency to sin. We need to take responsibility for our actions. For as long as David tried to hide, his conscience ate away at him until he was no longer able to sleep at night, and he felt his intimacy with God slipping away.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Is sin disguised as a 'bad habit' in your life? Have you called adultery by any other name? Or are you running away from God because you think He has banished you from His presence? Repent before God so He can expose those hidden sins, and wash you with the cleansing blood of Jesus. There is no sin too great for Him to forgive, and no habit He cannot help you break. But you must sincerely ask, and be prepared to let God guide you in the path of righteousness.
Sin encroaches like a polluting darkness in the soul, and only true repentance can restore the light of God's favour and the joy of His presence.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Psalm 50
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. (vv 3-5)
According to 1 Peter 4:17, judgement begins in the house of the Lord, and in this psalm (addressed to those who call Him Lord and offer Him regular sacrifices), God sets the record straight: He is not looking for ritualistic worship, neither do insincere offerings bring Him pleasure.
I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me. I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.
The Israelites regularly brought suitable sacrifices before God but, as far as He is concerned, their religion is false. God's charge against His elect falls into two categories:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt 5:16)
According to 1 Peter 4:17, judgement begins in the house of the Lord, and in this psalm (addressed to those who call Him Lord and offer Him regular sacrifices), God sets the record straight: He is not looking for ritualistic worship, neither do insincere offerings bring Him pleasure.
I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me. I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.
The Israelites regularly brought suitable sacrifices before God but, as far as He is concerned, their religion is false. God's charge against His elect falls into two categories:
- Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: and call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (vv 14-15)
On the one hand, there are those who worship God as though they're doing Him a favour. They bring sacrifices, but exclude Him from every other area of their lives.
How would you categorise your relationship with God? Do you pay a routine, token visit to a church building on a Sunday, sit at the back, drop your weekly offering into the basket, and then live as though God has no part in the rest of your business? God accuses the Israelites of thinking they can compartmentalise their lives. They bring Him offerings, but trust in themselves for their existence. They pay Him no homage, but He is not at the centre of their day to day activities.
God wants to be first and last in your life. Anything short of this is unacceptable to Him. Instead He expects us to:
...be filled with the Spirit... making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Eph 5: 18-20)
God expects you to commune with Him daily. As the source of all that is good in your life, you should give thanks to Him at all times, trust Him fully, and give glory to Him for all He does. It's worth noting that as you give God the honour He deserves, He promises you deliverance. - The second indictment is against those who believe that if they bribe God, He will overlook their wickedness (vv 16-21). He accuses them of regularly spouting His word from their lips , while turning their backs on His commandments. They consort with thieves and adulterers, are full of lies and deceit, gossip and slander. These are among the things the Lord hates (see Prov 6:16-19), and He informs them that His silence should not be take for approval of their lifestyle.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt 5:16)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Psalm 49
Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him, (vv 5-7)
The writer of this psalm puts out a call to everyone - rich, poor, young and old - and draws their attention to some universal factors. Having spent time considering the evilness of his day, and being surrounded by the wicked, he decides he has nothing to fear. No matter how much they try to harass or distress him with their might and power, he has no reason to be afraid or feel any other negative emotion towards them. In fact, we suspect that he actually pities them.
His reason: their wealth, which is the substance of their lives, is fleeting, and cannot buy their lives from God or prevent one certainty - they will eventually die. The psalmist is pointing out the folly of placing our trust in worldly wealth or achievements; or building monuments to our egos:
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6: 19-21)
While God is not against us having riches or being wealthy, we are in great danger if we allow the pursuit of such things to rule our lives. For a start, we must remember that Christ has paid the ransom to rescue us from eternal death to life in God. By virtue of the price He's paid, all that we are and own now belong to Him.
Like the psalmist, you may be aware of some person/s whose entire lives revolve around their possessions or accomplishments. Spare a thought for them today. God provided Christ for their ransom as much as yours, and He desires their salvation just as much, for:
...even the Son of man came...to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Send a prayer their way, asking that Christ's sacrifice have as much effect on their lives as it has for you.
And while you are at it, take stock of where your treasures lie and ask yourself what kind of legacy you are building for eternity. If you have invested more in earthly riches than your heavenly heritage, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to help you fix your mind on the Author and Finisher of your faith, on the reason He created and saved you, and on things eternal.
The writer of this psalm puts out a call to everyone - rich, poor, young and old - and draws their attention to some universal factors. Having spent time considering the evilness of his day, and being surrounded by the wicked, he decides he has nothing to fear. No matter how much they try to harass or distress him with their might and power, he has no reason to be afraid or feel any other negative emotion towards them. In fact, we suspect that he actually pities them.
His reason: their wealth, which is the substance of their lives, is fleeting, and cannot buy their lives from God or prevent one certainty - they will eventually die. The psalmist is pointing out the folly of placing our trust in worldly wealth or achievements; or building monuments to our egos:
Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names. But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. (vv 11-12 Amplified)
The Lord Jesus solemnly warned us about the same thing:Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6: 19-21)
While God is not against us having riches or being wealthy, we are in great danger if we allow the pursuit of such things to rule our lives. For a start, we must remember that Christ has paid the ransom to rescue us from eternal death to life in God. By virtue of the price He's paid, all that we are and own now belong to Him.
Like the psalmist, you may be aware of some person/s whose entire lives revolve around their possessions or accomplishments. Spare a thought for them today. God provided Christ for their ransom as much as yours, and He desires their salvation just as much, for:
...even the Son of man came...to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Send a prayer their way, asking that Christ's sacrifice have as much effect on their lives as it has for you.
And while you are at it, take stock of where your treasures lie and ask yourself what kind of legacy you are building for eternity. If you have invested more in earthly riches than your heavenly heritage, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to help you fix your mind on the Author and Finisher of your faith, on the reason He created and saved you, and on things eternal.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Psalm 48
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. (vv 1-2)
God is continually praised in His dwelling place. In Revelation 4, we read of an everlasting worship service going on in heaven:
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
While God resided in the temple during the psalmist's days, we know He now lives in His born again children through His Holy Spirit:
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
The day you submitted to His Lordship, God's Spirit established His throne in your heart and life.
In today's psalm, we learn that the God's dwelling is a magnificent place of beauty. In the first instance, the psalmist is referring to Mount Zion; and perhaps, a prophetic picture of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-3); but we can also apply these words to our lives. Psalm 149:4 tells us that the Lord beautifies the humble with His salvation. When you turn the reins of your life over to the Holy Spirit, you become a carrier of God's presence. There is something striking about God's glory as it radiates in people who have been with Him. When Moses spent 40 days and nights with God on the mountain, the Lord rubbed off on him so much that Moses had to to wear a veil to shield the Israelites from the radiance.
The psalmist then goes on to talk about God's role as defender of His residence (vv 3-5). His glory terrifies the enemy, and they flee. Christ told His disciples:
...these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils.
The enemy flees from the power of God's presence in our lives. Of course, this power does not have the desired effect unless we spend ample time meditating on God's faithfulness (v 9); and giving Him the praise He deserves. We must attend to God for His power to fill and work through us. Paul told the Ephesians to be continually filled with the spirit:
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. (Eph 5:18 Amp)
To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be filled with God's power. The demons flee at His power. Sickness bows to the word spoken in His power. All creation is awaiting the manifestation of this power in His children.
God is calling you to His presence today, so that the whole world will see His beauty and glory through your life. Spend some time worshipping Him, as you consider this psalm; meditate on Him for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. As you do so, and watch His might explode through your life!
God is continually praised in His dwelling place. In Revelation 4, we read of an everlasting worship service going on in heaven:
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
While God resided in the temple during the psalmist's days, we know He now lives in His born again children through His Holy Spirit:
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
The day you submitted to His Lordship, God's Spirit established His throne in your heart and life.
In today's psalm, we learn that the God's dwelling is a magnificent place of beauty. In the first instance, the psalmist is referring to Mount Zion; and perhaps, a prophetic picture of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-3); but we can also apply these words to our lives. Psalm 149:4 tells us that the Lord beautifies the humble with His salvation. When you turn the reins of your life over to the Holy Spirit, you become a carrier of God's presence. There is something striking about God's glory as it radiates in people who have been with Him. When Moses spent 40 days and nights with God on the mountain, the Lord rubbed off on him so much that Moses had to to wear a veil to shield the Israelites from the radiance.
The psalmist then goes on to talk about God's role as defender of His residence (vv 3-5). His glory terrifies the enemy, and they flee. Christ told His disciples:
...these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils.
The enemy flees from the power of God's presence in our lives. Of course, this power does not have the desired effect unless we spend ample time meditating on God's faithfulness (v 9); and giving Him the praise He deserves. We must attend to God for His power to fill and work through us. Paul told the Ephesians to be continually filled with the spirit:
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. (Eph 5:18 Amp)
To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be filled with God's power. The demons flee at His power. Sickness bows to the word spoken in His power. All creation is awaiting the manifestation of this power in His children.
God is calling you to His presence today, so that the whole world will see His beauty and glory through your life. Spend some time worshipping Him, as you consider this psalm; meditate on Him for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. As you do so, and watch His might explode through your life!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Psalm 47
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (v 1)
We are invited to join the audience of the triumphant King as they joyously celebrate His awesome power. In reading this psalm, we sense that these people have just returned victorious in battle, but are well aware that they have accomplished this victory, not by their own hands, but the hand of God. We see in this a picture of a King who has led his people in battle and won. He has seized enemy territory and given it to them as their possession.
Several times in the Bible, we see God taking enemy nations to task on behalf of the Israelites, while the latter stood by, and then picked up the spoils. He led them by His mighty power out of Egyptian captivity into Canaan, which He had promised them (v 4), and delivered it into their hands.
We serve the same God today. He still appoints victory for His children. He still fights our battles when we align ourselves with Him. David puts it this way in Psalm 108:13:
Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
You do not need to fear, because God will fight your enemy on your behalf. All you need do, like a trusty soldier in battle, is ensure you have on your armour. Not only has God promised us the victory, He has supplied the armour so we are not harmed when we face the enemy's attacks. Since we face a battle of a spiritual nature, we clearly will not need to be kitted out in earthly armour. We are given further details in Ephesians 6:
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. (14-18 NLT)
Our weapons against the enemy of our souls are truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, God's word and prayer. When we clothe ourselves in these and go about our daily business, we give room for our King to fight deadly enemies for us, and we are assured of the victory.
Before you set off on your day, be sure to put on your spiritual armour, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit at all times, and rest in His victory.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. (vv 1-3)
This psalm makes one thing clear: it is vital to know God and familiarise ourselves with His character. Day after day, we hear news of plagues and earthquakes in far and near lands. There are wars and rumours of wars. Terrorism looms on the horizons of our lives as the media spews out tidings of random violence all over the world. Our only certainty in life is that, plan as we might, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring our way.
But the psalmist reminds us that we can absolutely depend on God, because in the midst of all the turmoil, He remains the same: loving, shielding, protecting, reassuring. The psalmist goes on to point out that in the city where God's glory dwells, He:
...is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early (v 5).
We are His dwelling place, and for as long as we remain on this earth, we can expect Him to come to our aid. However, unless we are truly familiar with this fact, we can struggle under the weight of the troubles we face daily.
What is your first reaction when you receive bad news? The psalmist encourages you to look to God when everything is shaken around you. When you need somewhere to hide, run to God - He is a great hiding place. This is how David says it elsewhere:
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. (Ps 32:7)
How well do you know Him? How many of God's exploits are you personally familiar with? If you cannot honestly say you've seen Him at work, then dive into your nearest bible. Spend enough time in there, and you will be amazed at the wonders he has performed in both the Old and New Testaments.
Study even more and you will begin to sense that these wonders were not reserved for biblical times. God's plan is to preserve your life when you place your trust in Him. Not only do you have the Holy Spirit to strengthen and help bear your burdens, God has awesome plans for your life that will bring glory to His name. Stay in His presence until you discover what they are.
Jesus told us that we would have tribulations in this life - our world is a fallen one, and will not be made perfect until His return - but He also encouraged us:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
This psalm makes one thing clear: it is vital to know God and familiarise ourselves with His character. Day after day, we hear news of plagues and earthquakes in far and near lands. There are wars and rumours of wars. Terrorism looms on the horizons of our lives as the media spews out tidings of random violence all over the world. Our only certainty in life is that, plan as we might, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring our way.
But the psalmist reminds us that we can absolutely depend on God, because in the midst of all the turmoil, He remains the same: loving, shielding, protecting, reassuring. The psalmist goes on to point out that in the city where God's glory dwells, He:
...is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early (v 5).
We are His dwelling place, and for as long as we remain on this earth, we can expect Him to come to our aid. However, unless we are truly familiar with this fact, we can struggle under the weight of the troubles we face daily.
What is your first reaction when you receive bad news? The psalmist encourages you to look to God when everything is shaken around you. When you need somewhere to hide, run to God - He is a great hiding place. This is how David says it elsewhere:
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. (Ps 32:7)
How well do you know Him? How many of God's exploits are you personally familiar with? If you cannot honestly say you've seen Him at work, then dive into your nearest bible. Spend enough time in there, and you will be amazed at the wonders he has performed in both the Old and New Testaments.
Study even more and you will begin to sense that these wonders were not reserved for biblical times. God's plan is to preserve your life when you place your trust in Him. Not only do you have the Holy Spirit to strengthen and help bear your burdens, God has awesome plans for your life that will bring glory to His name. Stay in His presence until you discover what they are.
Jesus told us that we would have tribulations in this life - our world is a fallen one, and will not be made perfect until His return - but He also encouraged us:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
He has given you the key to finding peace - peace is found in Him. While the present world system has nothing of eternal benefit to offer us, in Christ we find strength, peace, help, solace, and refuge. Make the following scripture your declaration today:
Psalm 46 Full Reading
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