BibleGateway.com Psalm 27
The LORD is our light and salvation. How often do we think that this term "The LORD" just means a generic term for God? Kind of like calling God the King? When you see the term "The LORD" this is the name of God. Yahweh. You might know it as the mis-translation of Jehovah. The name of God is important. God told Moses what the he is "I AM". Which is the name of the LORD, or Yahweh translated. So when David writes here The LORD is my my light and my salvation he is pointing to a specific God. The same God that talked to Moses as the form of a burning bush. The same God that made a covenent with Abraham.
When Christians say that Jesus is Lord, they are connecting the dots of divinity from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David all the way to Jesus. The old testament points to Jesus at every turn it seems.
Some people may say, "Jesus never said he was Yahweh. He never claimed to be God." This is a lie. in John 8 Jesus says plainly, "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
He didn't say I am older than Abraham. If he had said that, the people would have known he was a fraud. When Jesus says, "I am" he is saying I am the always existing LORD. The I AM. We know this is what he meant and this is what was understood by the people he talked to by their reaction.
Read John 8 and see for yourself. He tries to tell the people who is numerous times, he finally has to be blunt enough to tie who he is to the same phrase he used when he talked to Moses in the burning bush. They know exactly who Jesus is, and they want to kill him for it.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Psalm 26
BibleGateway.com Psalm 26
Have a desire for the LORD. Love the house where he lives! Lord teach me to not sit idle while sin runs over this world. I pray I will not love the sin. Admire or even wish for my former days where I did whatever I wanted and sinned in new ways everyday. Lord I pray that you teach me to treasure your Kingdom and treasure your face above all. Lord I long for your presence. Please be with me now and always. Amen.
Have a desire for the LORD. Love the house where he lives! Lord teach me to not sit idle while sin runs over this world. I pray I will not love the sin. Admire or even wish for my former days where I did whatever I wanted and sinned in new ways everyday. Lord I pray that you teach me to treasure your Kingdom and treasure your face above all. Lord I long for your presence. Please be with me now and always. Amen.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Psalm 25
BibleGateway.com Psalm 25
Ask the Lord to teach you his ways. He is good and upright and he will teach you how to live the way he wants if you ask him. Ask him to forgive you for trying to do it all on your own, acknowledge the LORD's rightful place in your life. He really does know better. Only he can release you from your captivity.
Lord please make us to know you. Teach us to walk in your ways. I pray we learn that you are the source for our salvation. You release us! We don't release ourselves by a decision or prayer or walking to the front of the church. You change our hearts and we are never the same again. We will always be in your joy and protection. Thank you Jesus for the saving work on the cross. Now grace has made me free!
Ask the Lord to teach you his ways. He is good and upright and he will teach you how to live the way he wants if you ask him. Ask him to forgive you for trying to do it all on your own, acknowledge the LORD's rightful place in your life. He really does know better. Only he can release you from your captivity.
Lord please make us to know you. Teach us to walk in your ways. I pray we learn that you are the source for our salvation. You release us! We don't release ourselves by a decision or prayer or walking to the front of the church. You change our hearts and we are never the same again. We will always be in your joy and protection. Thank you Jesus for the saving work on the cross. Now grace has made me free!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Psalm 24
BibleGateway.com Psalm 24
How often do you think that something is yours? The "Supreme Court" of the United States just ruled the government can take your property for the public good. The fact is the LORD can take "your" property for any reason he wishes, because "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;" Do you know you belong to God. How must we sound like little children to him, squabling about what is mine and yours. When Jesus says give it all and follow me, it is no loss because it is all HIS. What do you have that you were not given by God. Hard to imagine in this country because of the "American dream" we think we can do anything. The fact is you can do nothing apart from Jesus. He give it all to you. Someday he will return and ask what you did with what he gave over to you. What will your response be?
Your answer will be dependant on your stance with God. Verse four gives some criteria. Verse five clues us completly in: "vindication from God his Savior." You can be saved only by God, you cannot climb his hill on your own, you cannot stand in his holy place. Seek the Lord, treasure His face.
Long for the gates to open and the King of Glory to come in. Lord I scream and ache for your presence on this earth. To make things right again. To end the ripping of my flesh between this world and my desire for you. I want to seek you with my whole heart to love you with my every molecule. The King of Glory is the LORD Almighty. The only true ruler and rightful King of my heart and yours. Make him king of your life and be free.
How often do you think that something is yours? The "Supreme Court" of the United States just ruled the government can take your property for the public good. The fact is the LORD can take "your" property for any reason he wishes, because "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;" Do you know you belong to God. How must we sound like little children to him, squabling about what is mine and yours. When Jesus says give it all and follow me, it is no loss because it is all HIS. What do you have that you were not given by God. Hard to imagine in this country because of the "American dream" we think we can do anything. The fact is you can do nothing apart from Jesus. He give it all to you. Someday he will return and ask what you did with what he gave over to you. What will your response be?
Your answer will be dependant on your stance with God. Verse four gives some criteria. Verse five clues us completly in: "vindication from God his Savior." You can be saved only by God, you cannot climb his hill on your own, you cannot stand in his holy place. Seek the Lord, treasure His face.
Long for the gates to open and the King of Glory to come in. Lord I scream and ache for your presence on this earth. To make things right again. To end the ripping of my flesh between this world and my desire for you. I want to seek you with my whole heart to love you with my every molecule. The King of Glory is the LORD Almighty. The only true ruler and rightful King of my heart and yours. Make him king of your life and be free.
Psalm 23
BibleGateway.com Psalm 23
Sorry this is a day late...
When the LORD is your shepherd. What do you need? He provides everything you need. Not ony that but the LORD will restore your soul. Why does he do this? His name's sake.
What does it mean for his name's sake? God's name is his reputation. He protects it always. Those that profane the name of God better beware, he will at once put an end to all mocking of his name. What do we as believers have to do with his name? The reason God restores us to the paths of righteousness is to reflect the glory of his name. When God makes us part of his family we become like mirrors that are meant to reflect his worth, reflect the glory of his name. We can not add to his glory or his worth. The worthiness of God is infinite and nothing you bring can add to it. All other pretend gods want to be served and carried around, they are needy. The worth of the fake gods of this world is reflected by how much man can give or do for him. The One True God gives to me because he has all worth already. When he makes me joyful in him, I reflect his worth to everyone around me.
Does this joy exempt me from the troubles of life? Shield me from the suffering of this world? Not at all, and sometimes it seems to be increased on those that have the Lord with them. In contrast though because the LORD is with me I will fear no evil. As Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The reason a Christian does not need to fear evil is because at death, eternity begins. The capacity to enjoy all that God is fully is that much closer. So do not protect your life as if it is all you have. You have been given the riches of the universe for all eternity.
Lord, how can I live today to reflect the glory of your name? I want the whole world to see how my cup overflows. I want them to come dwell with me in the joy of the Lord, forever.
Sorry this is a day late...
When the LORD is your shepherd. What do you need? He provides everything you need. Not ony that but the LORD will restore your soul. Why does he do this? His name's sake.
What does it mean for his name's sake? God's name is his reputation. He protects it always. Those that profane the name of God better beware, he will at once put an end to all mocking of his name. What do we as believers have to do with his name? The reason God restores us to the paths of righteousness is to reflect the glory of his name. When God makes us part of his family we become like mirrors that are meant to reflect his worth, reflect the glory of his name. We can not add to his glory or his worth. The worthiness of God is infinite and nothing you bring can add to it. All other pretend gods want to be served and carried around, they are needy. The worth of the fake gods of this world is reflected by how much man can give or do for him. The One True God gives to me because he has all worth already. When he makes me joyful in him, I reflect his worth to everyone around me.
Does this joy exempt me from the troubles of life? Shield me from the suffering of this world? Not at all, and sometimes it seems to be increased on those that have the Lord with them. In contrast though because the LORD is with me I will fear no evil. As Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The reason a Christian does not need to fear evil is because at death, eternity begins. The capacity to enjoy all that God is fully is that much closer. So do not protect your life as if it is all you have. You have been given the riches of the universe for all eternity.
Lord, how can I live today to reflect the glory of your name? I want the whole world to see how my cup overflows. I want them to come dwell with me in the joy of the Lord, forever.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Psalm 22
BibleGateway.com Psalm 22
The most amazing of the Psalms I have read so far. I hope you feel the same. How did David give such a vivid portayal of Christ's torture and death?
We are to understand that the Lord knew exactly what would happen before he even got there. Even more he knew that after his death what would happen. The poor would eat and be satisfied.
We are the people that are poor. Because of His gruesome death we can eat and be satisfied. How much more do we need to say that Jesus is the way, the truth and the Life.
Read this Psalm, and you are close to the Lord's heart about his own death here on earth. It was written hundreds of years before!
O LORD, we praise your name. You are amazing and holy and awesome and true. How can we see the reminders of what it took to make me know you and not fall to my knees and praise your name! I have nothing without you Jesus. Be my all. There is no way I can hide the joy you have given me at the cost of your Son o Lord. Praise you, o LORD God Almighty.
The most amazing of the Psalms I have read so far. I hope you feel the same. How did David give such a vivid portayal of Christ's torture and death?
We are to understand that the Lord knew exactly what would happen before he even got there. Even more he knew that after his death what would happen. The poor would eat and be satisfied.
We are the people that are poor. Because of His gruesome death we can eat and be satisfied. How much more do we need to say that Jesus is the way, the truth and the Life.
Read this Psalm, and you are close to the Lord's heart about his own death here on earth. It was written hundreds of years before!
O LORD, we praise your name. You are amazing and holy and awesome and true. How can we see the reminders of what it took to make me know you and not fall to my knees and praise your name! I have nothing without you Jesus. Be my all. There is no way I can hide the joy you have given me at the cost of your Son o Lord. Praise you, o LORD God Almighty.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Psalm 21
BibleGateway.com Psalm 21
God alone has the strength to make us victorious. We learn here that it will not be good to be an enemy of God. You will have no choice but run; but who can outrun God?
What attitude do we need to have in order to praise God for his might and power? We know that he can win any battle without effort. We know that his name alone will vanquish any foe. So how are we to act in response to this truth?
Be humble so that the Lord will be exalted. Proclaim the name of the LORD so that he will be glorified. Trust in his power, with your vary life!
This will look very weird to those on this earth that do not know Jesus. A person that is protected by ultimate power and knows it, yet acts like they are not worth it. A person who isn't worth the favor of God, yet he calls on others to realize the same and put their trust in Christ.
The Christian life is a paradox. The mystery of God soaks us in his mercy and grace. Then sends us to bring others to receive the same. O LORD, you are beyond our understanding.
God alone has the strength to make us victorious. We learn here that it will not be good to be an enemy of God. You will have no choice but run; but who can outrun God?
What attitude do we need to have in order to praise God for his might and power? We know that he can win any battle without effort. We know that his name alone will vanquish any foe. So how are we to act in response to this truth?
Be humble so that the Lord will be exalted. Proclaim the name of the LORD so that he will be glorified. Trust in his power, with your vary life!
This will look very weird to those on this earth that do not know Jesus. A person that is protected by ultimate power and knows it, yet acts like they are not worth it. A person who isn't worth the favor of God, yet he calls on others to realize the same and put their trust in Christ.
The Christian life is a paradox. The mystery of God soaks us in his mercy and grace. Then sends us to bring others to receive the same. O LORD, you are beyond our understanding.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Psalm 20
BibleGateway.com Psalm 20
Too often I try to fight through my struggles. Why don't I just call on the LORD. His name is able to protect me, for his glory.
When we win our brothers and sisters need to shout for joy. Sometimes we are so busy making sure that everyone thinks we are doing just fine that I don't know when to celebrate your victory. Especially if you have been struggling. To open our hearts enough to the people around us, may give us reason to celebrate together more.
When you are in distress it is good to hear stories of those that were helped by God to get through those issues. How can I ever be encouraged if you don't share? How can I proclaim your victory if I don't know it happened. God is the only one that can read your mind. So help me out.
Do not trust in what is in this world (v.7)! My trust is in the LORD God Almighty, the Creator, the Savior, the King of the Universe. Your BMW and fancy neighborhood will be vaporized in an instant at the appearance of my Lord. Rise up Christian! Stand firm. For your King is victorious.
What do you trust in place of God? Your job? Education? Plans? Government?
Do you look at verse 4 and wish it would be true? It will be! The desire of my heart is to see Jesus' glory. As a Christian the only desire that will last into eternity is that one. So do it today! Do not waste time on what you desire here.
Too often I try to fight through my struggles. Why don't I just call on the LORD. His name is able to protect me, for his glory.
When we win our brothers and sisters need to shout for joy. Sometimes we are so busy making sure that everyone thinks we are doing just fine that I don't know when to celebrate your victory. Especially if you have been struggling. To open our hearts enough to the people around us, may give us reason to celebrate together more.
When you are in distress it is good to hear stories of those that were helped by God to get through those issues. How can I ever be encouraged if you don't share? How can I proclaim your victory if I don't know it happened. God is the only one that can read your mind. So help me out.
Do not trust in what is in this world (v.7)! My trust is in the LORD God Almighty, the Creator, the Savior, the King of the Universe. Your BMW and fancy neighborhood will be vaporized in an instant at the appearance of my Lord. Rise up Christian! Stand firm. For your King is victorious.
What do you trust in place of God? Your job? Education? Plans? Government?
Do you look at verse 4 and wish it would be true? It will be! The desire of my heart is to see Jesus' glory. As a Christian the only desire that will last into eternity is that one. So do it today! Do not waste time on what you desire here.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Psalm 19
BibleGateway.com Psalm 19
The creation of God speaks of his works. They give us never ending knowledge of God. Especially the heavens. Imagine David looking into the stars and saying how this makes you want to call on God. How we can study the mysterious of space for an age and still be marveling at the Lord's creation.
The Word of the LORD is perfect. They can make you wise, even if you are simple. The word gives joy. The word lights your way, like light to your eyes. God's commands are precious and sweet. Keeping them there is a great reward.
God has made his ways known to us. To follow them makes the normal simple person wise and give him the promise of great reward. How often do we think that God's word is too complicated for us to understand. To gain understanding in it you must spend time in the word. Ask God to help you understand. If you are his child he will be gracious to you. You will understand more than you ever cared to, as long as you keep pressing to obtain the meaning of his word.
Today, ask God that the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be pleasing to Him.
What can come out of your mouth that will be pleasing to God?
What can you meditate on to be pleasing to our LORD?
The creation of God speaks of his works. They give us never ending knowledge of God. Especially the heavens. Imagine David looking into the stars and saying how this makes you want to call on God. How we can study the mysterious of space for an age and still be marveling at the Lord's creation.
The Word of the LORD is perfect. They can make you wise, even if you are simple. The word gives joy. The word lights your way, like light to your eyes. God's commands are precious and sweet. Keeping them there is a great reward.
God has made his ways known to us. To follow them makes the normal simple person wise and give him the promise of great reward. How often do we think that God's word is too complicated for us to understand. To gain understanding in it you must spend time in the word. Ask God to help you understand. If you are his child he will be gracious to you. You will understand more than you ever cared to, as long as you keep pressing to obtain the meaning of his word.
Today, ask God that the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be pleasing to Him.
What can come out of your mouth that will be pleasing to God?
What can you meditate on to be pleasing to our LORD?
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Psalm 18
BibleGateway.com Psalm 18
Can anyone say they have been victorious apart from the LORD? Everyone who is saved from the death they deserve is done so by the strength of the Lord God Almighty. Call to the LORD. He will lift you up. He is the one whose actions defeat the enemy. The victory over death is ours, for His glory alone. I am able to say so only be the grace of God.
In my life too many times I should have been swallowed up by my enemies. Those that sought out my destruction. Those that plotted to defile me. Even myself.
God saved me from Hell, and myself. Under my own power I would have destroyed my life trying to save it. Now the Lord Jesus has given me life eternal and I will forever delight in His name.
I love you, O LORD, my strength. v.1
Can anyone say they have been victorious apart from the LORD? Everyone who is saved from the death they deserve is done so by the strength of the Lord God Almighty. Call to the LORD. He will lift you up. He is the one whose actions defeat the enemy. The victory over death is ours, for His glory alone. I am able to say so only be the grace of God.
In my life too many times I should have been swallowed up by my enemies. Those that sought out my destruction. Those that plotted to defile me. Even myself.
God saved me from Hell, and myself. Under my own power I would have destroyed my life trying to save it. Now the Lord Jesus has given me life eternal and I will forever delight in His name.
I love you, O LORD, my strength. v.1
Monday, June 20, 2005
Psalm 17
BibleGateway.com Psalm 17
We call on God to save us from the evil in the world. The men that have reward in this world are those we want to be saved from (v 14)?
God stills the hunger of those he loves. What is it stilled for? In this world there is nothing that will satisfy you. We need the Lord God to keep us from desiring the temporary because just around the corner Jesus will give us our inheritance. We will see his likeness and have more than anyone here on earth can imagine.
Make Christ your treasure today because that is what you will do forever as Christians.
We call on God to save us from the evil in the world. The men that have reward in this world are those we want to be saved from (v 14)?
God stills the hunger of those he loves. What is it stilled for? In this world there is nothing that will satisfy you. We need the Lord God to keep us from desiring the temporary because just around the corner Jesus will give us our inheritance. We will see his likeness and have more than anyone here on earth can imagine.
Make Christ your treasure today because that is what you will do forever as Christians.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Psalm 16
BibleGateway.com Psalm 16
God has secured you and made your place in with him more delightful than you can ever think of. When we think of this we can't help but praise the Lord for he is good. Keep your focus on Jesus and you will not be shaken.
The pleasures of this world are nothing compared to the eternal pleasures God will give us. What can make the suffering in the world managable? How about knowing that in Christ you will get the ability to enjoy Him perfectly! Eternal pleasures, means that things will taste so good in Heaven you will never long for even the finest of food here on earth. The Joy of the Lord will be so complete that you never be distracted away from His glory.
Oh, Lord we long to be in your presence and to see your glory! Please come and end our wait! We will continue here until that day yearning for what is to come.
God has secured you and made your place in with him more delightful than you can ever think of. When we think of this we can't help but praise the Lord for he is good. Keep your focus on Jesus and you will not be shaken.
The pleasures of this world are nothing compared to the eternal pleasures God will give us. What can make the suffering in the world managable? How about knowing that in Christ you will get the ability to enjoy Him perfectly! Eternal pleasures, means that things will taste so good in Heaven you will never long for even the finest of food here on earth. The Joy of the Lord will be so complete that you never be distracted away from His glory.
Oh, Lord we long to be in your presence and to see your glory! Please come and end our wait! We will continue here until that day yearning for what is to come.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Psalm 15
BibleGateway.com Psalm 15
How often do we ask how can I stand strong in a land full of so many overwhelmingly wicked people?
Be blameless in your walk, do what is right, speak the truth from your heart.
Do not gossip or slander (even people that deserve it).
Do whatever you can for your neighbor.
Once again do not say bad things about other people.
Honor God's people (even when it is hard) do not lift up the vile (even if it is easy).
Do what you say your will, pay your bills, honor your debts even if it will make your life less comfortable.
Be generous,
do not accept underhanded tricks to become rich or take advantage of the poor and innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.
Be counter-cultural, there is a common culture in this world. Selfishness. Do what you can to take care of yourself, el numero uno. How can you stand strong against the tide of this world? Hold on to Jesus and move in a way that seems incorrect to this world. Too often as we live we conform our Christian walk to help us blend into this world. I want to call on myself to NOT blend.
What can I do today to follow Psalm 15, and not live like everyone else?
How often do we ask how can I stand strong in a land full of so many overwhelmingly wicked people?
Be blameless in your walk, do what is right, speak the truth from your heart.
Do not gossip or slander (even people that deserve it).
Do whatever you can for your neighbor.
Once again do not say bad things about other people.
Honor God's people (even when it is hard) do not lift up the vile (even if it is easy).
Do what you say your will, pay your bills, honor your debts even if it will make your life less comfortable.
Be generous,
do not accept underhanded tricks to become rich or take advantage of the poor and innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.
Be counter-cultural, there is a common culture in this world. Selfishness. Do what you can to take care of yourself, el numero uno. How can you stand strong against the tide of this world? Hold on to Jesus and move in a way that seems incorrect to this world. Too often as we live we conform our Christian walk to help us blend into this world. I want to call on myself to NOT blend.
What can I do today to follow Psalm 15, and not live like everyone else?
Friday, June 17, 2005
Psalm 14
BibleGateway.com Psalm 14
Could the most foolish people on the planet be the Atheists? To those that know God denying his existence is like denying that we live, breath, eat and drink. The most basic essence of life for humanity is a longing for God and to claim it is all for nothing is the act of a fool.
Seek God so that he may find you among the sons of men. Ask for understanding from him. Be with him as even those that deny His existence will be overwhelmed with dread.
The Lord is our refuge, and His ways cannot be frustrated.
For you who know the Lord Jesus Christ, long for his fortunes to be restored to his people! Treasure what is truly valuable. Rejoice that you have an inheritance with Him who sits on the throne.
Could the most foolish people on the planet be the Atheists? To those that know God denying his existence is like denying that we live, breath, eat and drink. The most basic essence of life for humanity is a longing for God and to claim it is all for nothing is the act of a fool.
Seek God so that he may find you among the sons of men. Ask for understanding from him. Be with him as even those that deny His existence will be overwhelmed with dread.
The Lord is our refuge, and His ways cannot be frustrated.
For you who know the Lord Jesus Christ, long for his fortunes to be restored to his people! Treasure what is truly valuable. Rejoice that you have an inheritance with Him who sits on the throne.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Psalm 13
BibleGateway.com Psalm 13
We often feel like God is no where to be found when we look around. You call and call and nothing ever changes. The bad people in the world seem to be doing just fine. They have everything they want and you are stuck with nothing. Everyone is watching you and rejoicing when you stumble. The world loves to see those who trust in Christ fail and struggle because to them it validates their life without hope, love, and purpose. We look only at the first four verses and that is all we see. I description of our darkest of days. How we think at times it will never end. Without verse five and six we would be in the same place as everyone else in the world.
How do we trust in the God's unfailing love? How did David do it? Without salvation from God we can never rejoice. How did David rejoice in salvation in the darkest of times? How can we say the LORD has been good to me in the lowest points in our lives?
Maybe 1 Peter 3:13-18 will help us.
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
The truth is it is Christ that enables us to say that God is good in the lowest parts of our lives. The hope that we have is that Christ was raised from the dead. Being dead is much lower than anywhere you can ever be. Not mention the way he died, alone on a cross, drained of blood and beaten beyond recognition.
So set apart Christ as Lord. Or the hard times may never have enough hope to make them bearable. For all people they may come and go. Some more than others. Without Jesus there is no purpose to suffer, no reason to perservere, and light to sustain you through the times when you feel most alone.
We often feel like God is no where to be found when we look around. You call and call and nothing ever changes. The bad people in the world seem to be doing just fine. They have everything they want and you are stuck with nothing. Everyone is watching you and rejoicing when you stumble. The world loves to see those who trust in Christ fail and struggle because to them it validates their life without hope, love, and purpose. We look only at the first four verses and that is all we see. I description of our darkest of days. How we think at times it will never end. Without verse five and six we would be in the same place as everyone else in the world.
How do we trust in the God's unfailing love? How did David do it? Without salvation from God we can never rejoice. How did David rejoice in salvation in the darkest of times? How can we say the LORD has been good to me in the lowest points in our lives?
Maybe 1 Peter 3:13-18 will help us.
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
The truth is it is Christ that enables us to say that God is good in the lowest parts of our lives. The hope that we have is that Christ was raised from the dead. Being dead is much lower than anywhere you can ever be. Not mention the way he died, alone on a cross, drained of blood and beaten beyond recognition.
So set apart Christ as Lord. Or the hard times may never have enough hope to make them bearable. For all people they may come and go. Some more than others. Without Jesus there is no purpose to suffer, no reason to perservere, and light to sustain you through the times when you feel most alone.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Psalm 12
BibleGateway.com Psalm 12
Do you ever feel like the only one around that wants to live your life for Jesus? Everyone around you is lying and cheating and give does not recognize that God is ruler and creator of all?
Verse 5 says,
"Because of the oppression of the weak
and the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise," says the LORD.
"I will protect them from those who malign them."
Even when you are outnumbered by the wicked on this earth and you always will be. God will protect you from them. Even when we are temporarily oppressed God will bring us to His presence for eternity.
What "vile" things honored in our culture? How do you know what is vile?
Is there any promise to be seperate from these wicked people?
Do you ever feel like the only one around that wants to live your life for Jesus? Everyone around you is lying and cheating and give does not recognize that God is ruler and creator of all?
Verse 5 says,
"Because of the oppression of the weak
and the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise," says the LORD.
"I will protect them from those who malign them."
Even when you are outnumbered by the wicked on this earth and you always will be. God will protect you from them. Even when we are temporarily oppressed God will bring us to His presence for eternity.
What "vile" things honored in our culture? How do you know what is vile?
Is there any promise to be seperate from these wicked people?
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Psalm 11
Psalm 11
In the LORD I take refuge. The Psalm asks, When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do (v3)? God is still in his temple, he is still on the throne. When you are persecuted, depressed and the world has collapsed around you God is still in the same place. Nothing in heaven has changed. The one place you can put your trust to always be what it says is in Christ. The upright will see his face. How do you know if you are upright? Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me." Do you know you will see his face at the end of this life or will fiery coals and burning sulfur rain on you? This isn't just for people who are murderers and thiefs. God will only accept those given to Christ to be in His presence. For in Christ alone are we made clean enough to be brought into the Holy of Holies.
In the LORD I take refuge. The Psalm asks, When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do (v3)? God is still in his temple, he is still on the throne. When you are persecuted, depressed and the world has collapsed around you God is still in the same place. Nothing in heaven has changed. The one place you can put your trust to always be what it says is in Christ. The upright will see his face. How do you know if you are upright? Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me." Do you know you will see his face at the end of this life or will fiery coals and burning sulfur rain on you? This isn't just for people who are murderers and thiefs. God will only accept those given to Christ to be in His presence. For in Christ alone are we made clean enough to be brought into the Holy of Holies.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Psalm 10
Psalm 10
The writer here describes wicked men and what they do. They openly defy God. The psalmist calls on The LORD to make things right, to "break the arm of the wicked and evil man". Those that prey on the innocent beware, God will not be mocked. Eventually what you do will come back to you. For eternity you will cry out for relief and have none. So today turn from your evil ways and call out for God to be your King. Live your life to Him that is on the thrown before he takes action against your wickedness. Our God is justified to do so. It is mercy that keeps him from crushing you this instant. Do not wait! His hand will not be stayed forever.
In the description of the wicked man, what reminds of you of our society?
Does it encourage you to know God will hear your cry when you are afflicted?
What is our duty to defend the fatherless and oppressed? Does scripture tell us what this will look like?
The writer here describes wicked men and what they do. They openly defy God. The psalmist calls on The LORD to make things right, to "break the arm of the wicked and evil man". Those that prey on the innocent beware, God will not be mocked. Eventually what you do will come back to you. For eternity you will cry out for relief and have none. So today turn from your evil ways and call out for God to be your King. Live your life to Him that is on the thrown before he takes action against your wickedness. Our God is justified to do so. It is mercy that keeps him from crushing you this instant. Do not wait! His hand will not be stayed forever.
In the description of the wicked man, what reminds of you of our society?
Does it encourage you to know God will hear your cry when you are afflicted?
What is our duty to defend the fatherless and oppressed? Does scripture tell us what this will look like?
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Psalm 9
Psalm 9
I will rejoice in your salvation. Why do we worship God like we do? Declare God's praises because he has rescued you from certain destruction. The point is not that I am praising the LORD just because he has saved me, even though I do. The point is not to rejoice because we have avoided "endless ruin", even though we do. The point is that Jesus will reign forever(v.7), he will judge in righteousness(v.8), and he has never forsaken those that seek him (v. 10). The LORD alone is worthy to be praised. He is the point of our salvation. You are saved to savor his worth. To stand in awe of His ways. To treasure the only one worth enough to treasure. All other things are nothing when placed against the awesome worth of the Lord God Almighty. The sin of the world is we forget God (v. 17) and put anything else we can find in His rightful place. To rejoice in His salvation is to know that you have been made to see the worth of Christ and the only possible reaction it to declare His praises. People that don't declare His praises can not see or else they would.
Even if you know Christ it is easy to let the world fool you into looking at something else with the praise you should be giving to Jesus.
What in your life has taken God's rightful place on the throne?
Why is it natural to "proclaim among the nations what he has done"?
If God is really worthy to be praise is there any reason to not proclaim Him to the nations?
I will rejoice in your salvation. Why do we worship God like we do? Declare God's praises because he has rescued you from certain destruction. The point is not that I am praising the LORD just because he has saved me, even though I do. The point is not to rejoice because we have avoided "endless ruin", even though we do. The point is that Jesus will reign forever(v.7), he will judge in righteousness(v.8), and he has never forsaken those that seek him (v. 10). The LORD alone is worthy to be praised. He is the point of our salvation. You are saved to savor his worth. To stand in awe of His ways. To treasure the only one worth enough to treasure. All other things are nothing when placed against the awesome worth of the Lord God Almighty. The sin of the world is we forget God (v. 17) and put anything else we can find in His rightful place. To rejoice in His salvation is to know that you have been made to see the worth of Christ and the only possible reaction it to declare His praises. People that don't declare His praises can not see or else they would.
Even if you know Christ it is easy to let the world fool you into looking at something else with the praise you should be giving to Jesus.
What in your life has taken God's rightful place on the throne?
Why is it natural to "proclaim among the nations what he has done"?
If God is really worthy to be praise is there any reason to not proclaim Him to the nations?
Friday, June 10, 2005
Psalm 8
Psalm 8
Our God is amazing. God uses children's praise to silence the enemy. God created all the wonders of creation and he made everything for a specific purpose. All creation reflects his majesty. Then he man to rule over the earth while we are here. He gave us special authority and power to take care of His creation.
How does our care for the Earth glorify God?
What did God entrust to you to rule over?
Read Matthew 25:14-30.
What are we to do with our responsibility here on earth?
Our God is amazing. God uses children's praise to silence the enemy. God created all the wonders of creation and he made everything for a specific purpose. All creation reflects his majesty. Then he man to rule over the earth while we are here. He gave us special authority and power to take care of His creation.
How does our care for the Earth glorify God?
What did God entrust to you to rule over?
Read Matthew 25:14-30.
What are we to do with our responsibility here on earth?
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Psalm 7
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%207&version=31
The Lord is going to have wrath on the wicked. Often we wonder why God seems to let people who are evil just keep on going with what they are doing. Romans 12:19 says "I will repay says the Lord". We ask the Lord to judge the world and give punishment on those who are doing evil. How often do we ask the Lord to judge us according to our righteousness? David asks God to judge himself, the only way we can do that is to know "My shield is God Most High" (v. 10). Without God interacting on our behalf we could never pass the judgment on our own righteousness.
Is it ok to delight in God's wrath on the wicked?
By what standard is God going to judge our righteousness? What is the only way to meet that standard?
What Bible verses can you remember that show what God demands in terms of our righteousness in order to be in His presence?
A verse to remember from Psalm 7
v.17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
A summary of what we are here on earth to do. Give the LORD glory by thanking Him for his righteousness and praising His name. Without his righteousness we could not know Him. Without His zeal for the glory of His name we would all be dashed by the wrath of the LORD Most High.
The Lord is going to have wrath on the wicked. Often we wonder why God seems to let people who are evil just keep on going with what they are doing. Romans 12:19 says "I will repay says the Lord". We ask the Lord to judge the world and give punishment on those who are doing evil. How often do we ask the Lord to judge us according to our righteousness? David asks God to judge himself, the only way we can do that is to know "My shield is God Most High" (v. 10). Without God interacting on our behalf we could never pass the judgment on our own righteousness.
Is it ok to delight in God's wrath on the wicked?
By what standard is God going to judge our righteousness? What is the only way to meet that standard?
What Bible verses can you remember that show what God demands in terms of our righteousness in order to be in His presence?
A verse to remember from Psalm 7
v.17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
A summary of what we are here on earth to do. Give the LORD glory by thanking Him for his righteousness and praising His name. Without his righteousness we could not know Him. Without His zeal for the glory of His name we would all be dashed by the wrath of the LORD Most High.
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