“The Lord orders the steps of a good man, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” [1]
Recently, two words have come to the forefront of my mind: perception and revelation.
Perception:
“The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.”
“The state of being or process of becoming aware of something through the senses.”
Revelation:
“The divine disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world.” [2]
Both perception and revelation are vital to good navigation.
God gave us our natural senses to help us perceive situations and navigate through them. We can use our natural senses to observe and make conclusions.
God also gives us revelation by His Holy Spirit. He advises us to pray to Him...
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” [3]
There are so many matters that surpass our understanding, but the Lord says that we can ask about those matters and receive help from Him. We can even give thanks for those matters, knowing He will protect us and help us through them.
God says that He orders the steps of a good person. He leads people in good ways.
God delights in walking with us in this way. We are not perfect. We make mistakes. We totally mess up sometimes, but even then, He uphold us with His hand. He corrects us and continues to help us in life’s journey. God is a very gracious and kind life coach.
[1] Psalm 37:23-24
[2] Oxford Languages
[3] Philippians 4:6-7
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
Monday, May 31, 2021
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Play Skillfully with Joy
“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” [1]
David’s aim as a song leader and musician was to foster a desire for God and for God’s glory. His lyrics focus our rejoicing... our celebrating... on God.
Who are righteous and upright? They are the chosen of God. God has been gracious to them, and they are being gracious to others. As Paul remarked to the Corinthians, “And what do you have that you did not receive?” [2] Our Lord Jesus took our sins away and gave us His Holy Spirit so that we may serve God rightly and with uprightness.
Worship is about ascribing worth to God. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “To rejoice in temporal comforts is dangerous, to rejoice in self is foolish, to rejoice in sin is fatal, but to rejoice in God is heavenly.” [3]
Worshipping God is beautiful. It pleases Him and creates the sense of appreciation for beauty.
“Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody with an instrument of ten strings.” Here, the Lord calls out musicians to offer their skills to help His people praise and worship Him.
Musician, have you ever offered your skill to idols? The idol of self-worship? The idol of self-pleasure? In this Psalm, the Lord provides an opportunity to be freed from self-serving motives to receive a higher calling... namely, to serve Him and others with the gifts and talents that you have received from God. To lead people to God instead of astray from Him!
“Sing to Him a new song.” God is the Creator of creativity. As we offer our voices and musical talents to Him, we should not be surprised when creative ideas for new songs to praise Him come to us.
“Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Do learn! Do rehearse! Don’t be bashful when it comes to praising God with song and music! Turn up the volume. Skillful musicianship and joy to sing for God is good. It pleases God and it pleases those who love to worship Him.
[1] Psalm 33:1-3
[2] 1 Corinthians 4:7
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
David’s aim as a song leader and musician was to foster a desire for God and for God’s glory. His lyrics focus our rejoicing... our celebrating... on God.
Who are righteous and upright? They are the chosen of God. God has been gracious to them, and they are being gracious to others. As Paul remarked to the Corinthians, “And what do you have that you did not receive?” [2] Our Lord Jesus took our sins away and gave us His Holy Spirit so that we may serve God rightly and with uprightness.
Worship is about ascribing worth to God. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “To rejoice in temporal comforts is dangerous, to rejoice in self is foolish, to rejoice in sin is fatal, but to rejoice in God is heavenly.” [3]
Worshipping God is beautiful. It pleases Him and creates the sense of appreciation for beauty.
“Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody with an instrument of ten strings.” Here, the Lord calls out musicians to offer their skills to help His people praise and worship Him.
Musician, have you ever offered your skill to idols? The idol of self-worship? The idol of self-pleasure? In this Psalm, the Lord provides an opportunity to be freed from self-serving motives to receive a higher calling... namely, to serve Him and others with the gifts and talents that you have received from God. To lead people to God instead of astray from Him!
“Sing to Him a new song.” God is the Creator of creativity. As we offer our voices and musical talents to Him, we should not be surprised when creative ideas for new songs to praise Him come to us.
“Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Do learn! Do rehearse! Don’t be bashful when it comes to praising God with song and music! Turn up the volume. Skillful musicianship and joy to sing for God is good. It pleases God and it pleases those who love to worship Him.
[1] Psalm 33:1-3
[2] 1 Corinthians 4:7
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
Friday, May 28, 2021
You Shall Love the Lord Your God
From the beginning, the enemy of our soul, the devil, questioned why we should trust God? He began by questioning our first mother, Eve, and then, proceeded by advocating that she should fully mistrust God.
When Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth, He demonstrated in many ways that God is 100% trustworthy. His miracles involved helping people who could not repay Him – such as blind beggars, lepers, and paralyzed people. The Holy Spirit anointed Him for this ministry.
This morning, I want to advocate for loving God. Think about it! What an adventure! To love the God who created and sustains all things! And to know that He values and accepts your love and mine. Though He is Almighty, He embraces our love for Him.
In my adventure this morning to love the Lord, my first stop was the verse in the Bible where Jesus tells a lawyer of the Pharisees what the great commandment of the Law is. I was surprised when I saw the context in which a human being, even a religious leader at that time, was asking this question. He was one of many that day trying to entangle Jesus in His talk. The three prominent religious groups of that day, the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians, were working together to get a soundbite from Jesus that they could use against Him. [1] It is in this context, that Jesus declares that loving God is the great commandment.
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.” [2]
So, we see there is a battle for our affections. The enemy hurls questions and accusations (sometimes even via elite religious leaders) at us to change the trajectory of our heart. Jesus says to us, “Love God with all your heart, soul and mind.” Keep loving God always.
King David had many challenges throughout his life. His own father-in-law tried to kill him multiple times. After David became king, his own son turned many in the country against him and a civil war ensued. To his great sorrow, his son, Absalom, was killed. He continued as king but lost a son that he loved. What did David resolve to do?
He wrote, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, we love You. Thank You that You loved us long before we ever started loving You but thank You as well for bringing us to this place where we realize that You value and appreciate our love for You. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Refer to Matthew 22:15-16, 23, 35
[2] Matthew 22:37-38
[3] Psalm 18:1
When Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth, He demonstrated in many ways that God is 100% trustworthy. His miracles involved helping people who could not repay Him – such as blind beggars, lepers, and paralyzed people. The Holy Spirit anointed Him for this ministry.
This morning, I want to advocate for loving God. Think about it! What an adventure! To love the God who created and sustains all things! And to know that He values and accepts your love and mine. Though He is Almighty, He embraces our love for Him.
In my adventure this morning to love the Lord, my first stop was the verse in the Bible where Jesus tells a lawyer of the Pharisees what the great commandment of the Law is. I was surprised when I saw the context in which a human being, even a religious leader at that time, was asking this question. He was one of many that day trying to entangle Jesus in His talk. The three prominent religious groups of that day, the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians, were working together to get a soundbite from Jesus that they could use against Him. [1] It is in this context, that Jesus declares that loving God is the great commandment.
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.” [2]
So, we see there is a battle for our affections. The enemy hurls questions and accusations (sometimes even via elite religious leaders) at us to change the trajectory of our heart. Jesus says to us, “Love God with all your heart, soul and mind.” Keep loving God always.
King David had many challenges throughout his life. His own father-in-law tried to kill him multiple times. After David became king, his own son turned many in the country against him and a civil war ensued. To his great sorrow, his son, Absalom, was killed. He continued as king but lost a son that he loved. What did David resolve to do?
He wrote, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, we love You. Thank You that You loved us long before we ever started loving You but thank You as well for bringing us to this place where we realize that You value and appreciate our love for You. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Refer to Matthew 22:15-16, 23, 35
[2] Matthew 22:37-38
[3] Psalm 18:1
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Overcoming a Significant Loss
Let us pray for those who are struggling to overcome a significant loss.
Grief is a natural response to loss. After a person has a surgery such as rotator cuff, it can take up to a year to gain full range of motion again. A significant loss can be like that emotionally. It is a wound that requires time to heal.
The Good News is God doesn’t abandon us during our times of grief. God assures of His help in His Word. For example...
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” [1]
When we cannot be our normal self, due to grief, some may distance themselves from us, but the Lord draws near to us. The word for crushed in the original Hebrew means to be pulverized into powder. When a person is crushed, the Lord is ready to save them and restore them. It is a very vulnerable and fearful place to be. Praise the Lord! He does not depart from the broken heart and the crushed spirit; He provides His presence and salvation.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” [2]
What did the Holy Spirit’s anointing work Jesus to do? Preach good news to the poor! Heal the brokenhearted... and so forth. God’s Spirit worked through Jesus in this way, and He is the same Holy Spirit today. He wants to work through our lives in similar ways.
“And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.” [3]
The word for compassion in the original language of this passage is σπλαγχνίζομαι. It means to have the bowels yearn, i.e. (figuratively) feel sympathy—have (be moved with) compassion. Jesus actually feels a stirring in His gut when He sees people who are hurting.
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” [4]
Wait on the Lord! Let Him heal you! Don’t go alone. It is hard to rule over your emotions when something so emotionally difficult is thrown at you. Let the Lord encourage you! He is the One who strengthens faint hearts. His goodness will come to you in many ways that you did not imagine or expect as you wait on Him.
[1] Psalm 38:14
[2] Luke 4:18
[3] Matthew 14:14
[4] Psalm 28:13-14
Grief is a natural response to loss. After a person has a surgery such as rotator cuff, it can take up to a year to gain full range of motion again. A significant loss can be like that emotionally. It is a wound that requires time to heal.
The Good News is God doesn’t abandon us during our times of grief. God assures of His help in His Word. For example...
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” [1]
When we cannot be our normal self, due to grief, some may distance themselves from us, but the Lord draws near to us. The word for crushed in the original Hebrew means to be pulverized into powder. When a person is crushed, the Lord is ready to save them and restore them. It is a very vulnerable and fearful place to be. Praise the Lord! He does not depart from the broken heart and the crushed spirit; He provides His presence and salvation.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” [2]
What did the Holy Spirit’s anointing work Jesus to do? Preach good news to the poor! Heal the brokenhearted... and so forth. God’s Spirit worked through Jesus in this way, and He is the same Holy Spirit today. He wants to work through our lives in similar ways.
“And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.” [3]
The word for compassion in the original language of this passage is σπλαγχνίζομαι. It means to have the bowels yearn, i.e. (figuratively) feel sympathy—have (be moved with) compassion. Jesus actually feels a stirring in His gut when He sees people who are hurting.
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” [4]
Wait on the Lord! Let Him heal you! Don’t go alone. It is hard to rule over your emotions when something so emotionally difficult is thrown at you. Let the Lord encourage you! He is the One who strengthens faint hearts. His goodness will come to you in many ways that you did not imagine or expect as you wait on Him.
[1] Psalm 38:14
[2] Luke 4:18
[3] Matthew 14:14
[4] Psalm 28:13-14
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Fully Experiencing God’s Love
“When that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. “[1]
What is perfect or complete? What is partial? The original word for perfect in the above verse also has the meaning of complete. Earlier in this chapter Paul spoke of great feats such as personal sacrifice and heavenly gifts of prophesying and speaking in tongues. But he does so to emphasize that apart from love these actions are only partially complete and imperfect.
“Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” [2]
Sin has so marred our world that it is difficult to find a clear reflection of God’s love. We can read of the acts of Jesus in the Gospels and acts of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts, but our ability to sense all the love of God for us and others in these passages are dull. Therefore, though God is giving us clear pictures via the Scripture and by His Spirit’s presence, we still are not experiencing the depth of love that exists in heaven.
Paul’s prayer for us was that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith; and that we would be rooted and grounded in Christ’s love. He prayed that we would be able to comprehend with all the saints the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love. Christ’s love surpasses knowledge. We need more than book knowledge of Him. We need an ongoing personal relationship with Him. [3]
“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [4]
We will not need faith when we see God face to face. We will not need to hope in the coming of Jesus once He comes. But we will always need love for love is what binds us together. Love is the key ingredient to all wonderful and meaningful relationships. Love perfects that which is partially completed.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us experience the fullness of Your love today. Yes, please grant us faith in You. Please grant us hope in You. But primarily, please grant each of us the depths of Your love in ever increasing manner until we see You face to face. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:10
[2] 1 Corinthians 13:12
[3] Ephesians 3:17-19
[4] 1 Corinthians 13:13
What is perfect or complete? What is partial? The original word for perfect in the above verse also has the meaning of complete. Earlier in this chapter Paul spoke of great feats such as personal sacrifice and heavenly gifts of prophesying and speaking in tongues. But he does so to emphasize that apart from love these actions are only partially complete and imperfect.
“Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” [2]
Sin has so marred our world that it is difficult to find a clear reflection of God’s love. We can read of the acts of Jesus in the Gospels and acts of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts, but our ability to sense all the love of God for us and others in these passages are dull. Therefore, though God is giving us clear pictures via the Scripture and by His Spirit’s presence, we still are not experiencing the depth of love that exists in heaven.
Paul’s prayer for us was that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith; and that we would be rooted and grounded in Christ’s love. He prayed that we would be able to comprehend with all the saints the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love. Christ’s love surpasses knowledge. We need more than book knowledge of Him. We need an ongoing personal relationship with Him. [3]
“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [4]
We will not need faith when we see God face to face. We will not need to hope in the coming of Jesus once He comes. But we will always need love for love is what binds us together. Love is the key ingredient to all wonderful and meaningful relationships. Love perfects that which is partially completed.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us experience the fullness of Your love today. Yes, please grant us faith in You. Please grant us hope in You. But primarily, please grant each of us the depths of Your love in ever increasing manner until we see You face to face. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:10
[2] 1 Corinthians 13:12
[3] Ephesians 3:17-19
[4] 1 Corinthians 13:13
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Holy Spirit Inspired Worship to the Lord
“Thus says the man raised up on high, the ANOINTED OF the GOD of Jacob, and the SWEET PSALMIST of Israel: ‘The SPIRIT OF the LORD spoke by me, and HIS WORD was on my tongue.’” [1]
By God’s Holy Spirit King David brought forth sweet songs to glorify God. Can you imagine having a singer/song writer for a president whose speeches and songs were about the goodness and mercy of God!
David spoke to his priestly leaders to appoint from among them singers and musicians with stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals. They were to raise their voices with resounding joy. [2]
Being a percussionist, I enjoy music that involves strumming, crashing, and beating. Why? Because rhythm tends to draw people into clapping and movement. Participation!
“Heman and Jeduthun... were designated by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because His mercy endures forever; ...to sound aloud with trumpets and cymbals and the musical instruments of God.” [3]
The goal of David’s worship leaders was to inspire people to give thanks to the Lord because the Lord’s mercy endures forever.
God’s mercy is vital to us individually and corporately. So, why not revolve our music around the theme of His mercy? Let the trumpets, cymbals and musical instruments resound! We have no idea as to the number of ways in which we offend God each day, but He has mercy on us like a father pities his child. Let us praise Him for that!
“David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. ...Who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord.” [4]
“The captains of the army took part in the selection and organization of the worship leaders for Israel. David sensed a connection between the security of the kingdom and the honoring of God. David employed 4,000 Levitical musicians in the service of praising the Lord. Their service related to prophesy in the sense that God inspired it. Their music was a gift of the Holy Spirit for the people of God. Their praise was seen as ‘prophecy’ in that it proclaimed God’s Word with God’s authority.” [5]
“Holy Spirit, please inspire in us delight to bring glory, honor, and praise to the Lord with music and singing. Please be glorified in our lives.”
[1] 2 Samuel 23:1-2
[2] 1 Chronicles 15:16
[3] 1 Chronicles 16:41-42
[4] 1 Chronicles 25:1, 3
[5] Enduring Word Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25 and a reference to 1 Chronicles 23:5
By God’s Holy Spirit King David brought forth sweet songs to glorify God. Can you imagine having a singer/song writer for a president whose speeches and songs were about the goodness and mercy of God!
David spoke to his priestly leaders to appoint from among them singers and musicians with stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals. They were to raise their voices with resounding joy. [2]
Being a percussionist, I enjoy music that involves strumming, crashing, and beating. Why? Because rhythm tends to draw people into clapping and movement. Participation!
“Heman and Jeduthun... were designated by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because His mercy endures forever; ...to sound aloud with trumpets and cymbals and the musical instruments of God.” [3]
The goal of David’s worship leaders was to inspire people to give thanks to the Lord because the Lord’s mercy endures forever.
God’s mercy is vital to us individually and corporately. So, why not revolve our music around the theme of His mercy? Let the trumpets, cymbals and musical instruments resound! We have no idea as to the number of ways in which we offend God each day, but He has mercy on us like a father pities his child. Let us praise Him for that!
“David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. ...Who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord.” [4]
“The captains of the army took part in the selection and organization of the worship leaders for Israel. David sensed a connection between the security of the kingdom and the honoring of God. David employed 4,000 Levitical musicians in the service of praising the Lord. Their service related to prophesy in the sense that God inspired it. Their music was a gift of the Holy Spirit for the people of God. Their praise was seen as ‘prophecy’ in that it proclaimed God’s Word with God’s authority.” [5]
“Holy Spirit, please inspire in us delight to bring glory, honor, and praise to the Lord with music and singing. Please be glorified in our lives.”
[1] 2 Samuel 23:1-2
[2] 1 Chronicles 15:16
[3] 1 Chronicles 16:41-42
[4] 1 Chronicles 25:1, 3
[5] Enduring Word Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25 and a reference to 1 Chronicles 23:5
Monday, May 24, 2021
Humility and Resolve
“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” [1]
When Jesus considered what the Father was leading Him to do for others, He asked if the task could be taken from Him, but ultimately surrendered Himself to His Father’s will.
Jim Collins wrote in the Harvard Business Review: “The most powerfully transformative executives have a paradoxical mixture of personal humility and professional will. They are timid and ferocious. Shy and fearless. They are rare—and unstoppable.” [2]
During His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus showed humility as He kneeled to the ground. He showed humility as He did not seek friends to rescue Him from what to many would be an unreasonable expectation. He showed humility as in recognition of His weakness, He prayed, “Take this cup away from Me.”
The troops were coming...
A betrayer had betrayed Him
Arresters would arrest Him
False accusers would falsely accuse Him
Mockers would mock Him
Whippers would whip Him
Executioners would execute Him
Jesus showed resolve when He prayed, “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Ferocious, fearless, unstoppable! Like a soldier rushing into a battle, Jesus showed unswerving commitment to the desired outcome. He defied every influence to divert Him from His calling.
Jesus proved that "when we are alone with God, the forces that would drain our will are diminished of their strength. God purifies and strengthens our choices. He who demands the most surrender of our will is the One who wants and makes our will to be its strongest and best. " [3]
An angel appeared to Jesus from heaven to strengthen Him. The strengthening angel from the Father needs to be factored into any decision to go forward with God’s will and not our own.
Annie J. Flint lost her parents when she was just a child. Both her foster parents also passed away. Her budding career as a pianist was cut short by crippling arthritis. Yet, the Lord gave her grace to write inspirational songs to encourage others. I especially like the third verse of her song entitled, “He Giveth More Grace.”
“When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.”
[1] Luke 22:41-43
[2] Harvard Business Review, January 2001, Jim Collins
[3] John Ortberg on The Strong-Willed Leader
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Implement Psalms 1, 2, 3 for Victory
Psalm 1 – Make the Right Choice
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” [1]
Notice the progression... walking, standing, sitting...
Then... ungodly... sinners... scornful...
Who is blessed? The answer is the person who avoids those who have no desire to follow or imitate God. Don’t conform to those who prefer to sin and react scornfully when warned of the grave consequences of sin!
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” [2]
The right choice is to delight in God’s Word... think on it while awake! The outcome will be favorable! You will be well-watered and nurtured by it. It will bring forth good fruit in your life. That which is prone to dry up first, namely the leaf, won’t dry up, and your work will prosper.
“The ungodly are not so but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” [3]
Chaff is light. It is easily blown away by wind. When divine judgment comes, it is rejected. The lover of sin is allowed to live among the righteous in this life but will be cast out on judgment day. The Lord is the difference between the righteous and the ungodly. The righteous embraced Him. The ungodly reject Him.
Psalm 2 – An Appeal to Kings and Judges to Kiss the Son
“Be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” [4]
To “kiss to” is another way of saying to worship. The Bible urges kings and judges (leaders) to worship, serve and rejoice in the Lord. Efforts in other directions will not produce a good ending. Blessed or happy are those who trust in the Son. This “Son” is a reference to the coming Savior Jesus Christ. “Leaders turn to the Lord to save yourselves and to save those you serve!”
Psalm 3 – Victory over Persecution
“I will not be afraid of 10,000’s of people who have set themselves against me all around. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people.” [5]
God and one are a majority. Though you are vastly outnumbered when you choose to follow God, follow God anyway. The devil and his crowd are highly overrated. Salvation is from the Lord! Not from compromising with or tolerating the devil! God blesses all who stand with Him. Praise the Lord!
[1] Psalm 1:1
[2] Psalm 1:2-3
[3] Psalm 1:4-6
[4] Psalm 2:10-12
[5] Psalm 3:6, 8
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” [1]
Notice the progression... walking, standing, sitting...
Then... ungodly... sinners... scornful...
Who is blessed? The answer is the person who avoids those who have no desire to follow or imitate God. Don’t conform to those who prefer to sin and react scornfully when warned of the grave consequences of sin!
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” [2]
The right choice is to delight in God’s Word... think on it while awake! The outcome will be favorable! You will be well-watered and nurtured by it. It will bring forth good fruit in your life. That which is prone to dry up first, namely the leaf, won’t dry up, and your work will prosper.
“The ungodly are not so but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” [3]
Chaff is light. It is easily blown away by wind. When divine judgment comes, it is rejected. The lover of sin is allowed to live among the righteous in this life but will be cast out on judgment day. The Lord is the difference between the righteous and the ungodly. The righteous embraced Him. The ungodly reject Him.
Psalm 2 – An Appeal to Kings and Judges to Kiss the Son
“Be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” [4]
To “kiss to” is another way of saying to worship. The Bible urges kings and judges (leaders) to worship, serve and rejoice in the Lord. Efforts in other directions will not produce a good ending. Blessed or happy are those who trust in the Son. This “Son” is a reference to the coming Savior Jesus Christ. “Leaders turn to the Lord to save yourselves and to save those you serve!”
Psalm 3 – Victory over Persecution
“I will not be afraid of 10,000’s of people who have set themselves against me all around. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people.” [5]
God and one are a majority. Though you are vastly outnumbered when you choose to follow God, follow God anyway. The devil and his crowd are highly overrated. Salvation is from the Lord! Not from compromising with or tolerating the devil! God blesses all who stand with Him. Praise the Lord!
[1] Psalm 1:1
[2] Psalm 1:2-3
[3] Psalm 1:4-6
[4] Psalm 2:10-12
[5] Psalm 3:6, 8
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Building with Grace, Gratitude and Love
“According to the grace of God, which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed of how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” [1]
God’s grace allowed Paul to be a worker on God’s building. “Thank You Heavenly Father for Your grace!” King David went as far as to sing loud praises God to while on his bed...
“Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.” [2]
How many of us have thought of our beds as a stage from which to put on a music concert in honor of God? David did.
As God’s builders it is important to keep an attitude of gratitude lest the enemy spoil our progress with discontentment. When the Israelites found fault with God’s leading and His leader, Moses, it did not lead to blessings, but great loss.
“When Paul founded the church in Corinth (Acts 18), he set the only foundation that can be laid – the person and work of Jesus Christ. Yet he knew that others would come after him and build on the foundation he set.” [3]
The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. We should not only begin with the foundation of Christ but continue steadfastly building with Him. Jesus said...
“If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” [4]
All our work should be to the Lord and for His glory. Christ is overall. Our Heavenly Father honors individuals, churches, communities and countries who serve Christ.
We serve Christ well when led by His Spirit via the Bible; when praising Him from whom all blessings flow; when praying for one another; and when loving for one another. As Jesus said... “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for the blueprint and for the grace to will and to do Your good pleasure. Thank You for Your love. Help us to love one another as we build. May You be glorified! In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
[2] Psalm 149:5
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
[4] John 12:26
[5] John 13:35
God’s grace allowed Paul to be a worker on God’s building. “Thank You Heavenly Father for Your grace!” King David went as far as to sing loud praises God to while on his bed...
“Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.” [2]
How many of us have thought of our beds as a stage from which to put on a music concert in honor of God? David did.
As God’s builders it is important to keep an attitude of gratitude lest the enemy spoil our progress with discontentment. When the Israelites found fault with God’s leading and His leader, Moses, it did not lead to blessings, but great loss.
“When Paul founded the church in Corinth (Acts 18), he set the only foundation that can be laid – the person and work of Jesus Christ. Yet he knew that others would come after him and build on the foundation he set.” [3]
The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. We should not only begin with the foundation of Christ but continue steadfastly building with Him. Jesus said...
“If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” [4]
All our work should be to the Lord and for His glory. Christ is overall. Our Heavenly Father honors individuals, churches, communities and countries who serve Christ.
We serve Christ well when led by His Spirit via the Bible; when praising Him from whom all blessings flow; when praying for one another; and when loving for one another. As Jesus said... “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for the blueprint and for the grace to will and to do Your good pleasure. Thank You for Your love. Help us to love one another as we build. May You be glorified! In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
[2] Psalm 149:5
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
[4] John 12:26
[5] John 13:35
Monday, May 17, 2021
Christ Crucified Emphasis
“When I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” [1]
Paul’s arrival in Corinth is described in Acts 18. He came and met a Christian couple named Aquila and Priscilla, who were tentmakers by trade, like Paul. He ministered in Corinth for more than a year and a half, supporting himself by tent making.
Paul didn’t come as a philosopher or a salesman. He emphasized Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He was an ambassador, not a salesman. He didn’t cater to what his audience wanted. [A]
“That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” [2]
Preaching strategies centered on the wisdom of men – around emotion, entertainment and human personality – may yield response, but fail to bring people to Christ. What you draw them with is what you draw them to. If someone can be persuaded into the kingdom by human wisdom, they can also be persuaded out of the kingdom by human wisdom. [B]
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” [3]
God reveals His thoughts to us via His Spirit. We must have a relationship with Him to have the benefits of knowing who He is and what He knows.
“The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” [4]
The ancient Greek word for natural man is “psuchikos.” It describes the materialist, who lives as if there were nothing beyond this physical life. This is the kind of life common to all animals. Life on this level is without spiritual insight. [C]
This brings us back to Christ. If a person or group of people reject Christ and Him crucified, there is no use trying to teach them about God. They want us to create a back door or another way to God, and there is no other way to the Father, or to be filled with the Holy Spirit, than to embrace Jesus Christ and to confess Him as Lord and Savior.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ and thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Please lead us to those whose hearts You have prepared to embrace and confess Jesus Christ. For it is in His Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 2:1-2
[2] 1 Corinthians 2:5
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:14
[ABC] Comments derived from the Enduring Word Commentary
Paul’s arrival in Corinth is described in Acts 18. He came and met a Christian couple named Aquila and Priscilla, who were tentmakers by trade, like Paul. He ministered in Corinth for more than a year and a half, supporting himself by tent making.
Paul didn’t come as a philosopher or a salesman. He emphasized Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He was an ambassador, not a salesman. He didn’t cater to what his audience wanted. [A]
“That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” [2]
Preaching strategies centered on the wisdom of men – around emotion, entertainment and human personality – may yield response, but fail to bring people to Christ. What you draw them with is what you draw them to. If someone can be persuaded into the kingdom by human wisdom, they can also be persuaded out of the kingdom by human wisdom. [B]
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” [3]
God reveals His thoughts to us via His Spirit. We must have a relationship with Him to have the benefits of knowing who He is and what He knows.
“The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” [4]
The ancient Greek word for natural man is “psuchikos.” It describes the materialist, who lives as if there were nothing beyond this physical life. This is the kind of life common to all animals. Life on this level is without spiritual insight. [C]
This brings us back to Christ. If a person or group of people reject Christ and Him crucified, there is no use trying to teach them about God. They want us to create a back door or another way to God, and there is no other way to the Father, or to be filled with the Holy Spirit, than to embrace Jesus Christ and to confess Him as Lord and Savior.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ and thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Please lead us to those whose hearts You have prepared to embrace and confess Jesus Christ. For it is in His Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 2:1-2
[2] 1 Corinthians 2:5
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:14
[ABC] Comments derived from the Enduring Word Commentary
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Let God be God
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” [1]
Almost everything we do in life requires knowledge, understanding and wisdom. For example, how to bake a cake or how to assemble an object that requires assembly. If we assume we can do whatever it is without reading the instructions, we may lose the investment due to irreversible damage to the ingredients or parts. Life and death is this way. We should not assume that we are on the right track if we have not checked the instructions. Very people get a second chance, that is, to die, and get their life on earth back again.
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” [2]
The Psalmist wisely asks the Lord for instruction. He rightly believes that God is God, and that His Spirit is good, and that God will lead him uprightly.
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” [3]
God, in His Word, the Bible, states that we all have a sin problem. Sin separates us from God. We need someone to pay our sin debt. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay our sin debt. God forgives and helps those who believe in His Son. So, Christ is God’s Savior for us.
“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. As it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’” [4]
The world wants to be ooed and awed with over-the-top theatrics, but God has chosen weak things to bring salvation – like a shepherd boy putting down a giant warrior with a sling and stone (David) – like an uncle and a niece halting the annihilation of their people by fasting, praying and following the Lord’s guidance (Esther) – like His Son dying and resurrecting from the dead (Jesus). Rather than boasting, “I did it my way,” the Bible urges us to glory in the Lord.
“Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” [5]
Life is so much better when we let God be God, and we simply be His people.
[1] Proverbs 16:25
[2] Psalm 143:10
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:18
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:27, 31
[5] Psalm 144:15
Almost everything we do in life requires knowledge, understanding and wisdom. For example, how to bake a cake or how to assemble an object that requires assembly. If we assume we can do whatever it is without reading the instructions, we may lose the investment due to irreversible damage to the ingredients or parts. Life and death is this way. We should not assume that we are on the right track if we have not checked the instructions. Very people get a second chance, that is, to die, and get their life on earth back again.
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” [2]
The Psalmist wisely asks the Lord for instruction. He rightly believes that God is God, and that His Spirit is good, and that God will lead him uprightly.
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” [3]
God, in His Word, the Bible, states that we all have a sin problem. Sin separates us from God. We need someone to pay our sin debt. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay our sin debt. God forgives and helps those who believe in His Son. So, Christ is God’s Savior for us.
“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. As it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’” [4]
The world wants to be ooed and awed with over-the-top theatrics, but God has chosen weak things to bring salvation – like a shepherd boy putting down a giant warrior with a sling and stone (David) – like an uncle and a niece halting the annihilation of their people by fasting, praying and following the Lord’s guidance (Esther) – like His Son dying and resurrecting from the dead (Jesus). Rather than boasting, “I did it my way,” the Bible urges us to glory in the Lord.
“Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” [5]
Life is so much better when we let God be God, and we simply be His people.
[1] Proverbs 16:25
[2] Psalm 143:10
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:18
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:27, 31
[5] Psalm 144:15
Friday, May 14, 2021
Hope in the Lord
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” [1]
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to pray for a dearly loved brother in Christ who has and is experiencing a great test of his faith in Christ. His breathing was labored. His sister testified to me of how before this trial began that he had a sense of urgency to believe in Christ. Throughout this trial, he has been leaning on the Lord and His Word, even posting Scripture on Facebook. In the midst of the most severe trial, he has found hope in God’s Word and in God.
Please pray for this brother in Christ, the Lord knows his name.
My prayer for all who read this post is...
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [in Christ], that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [2]
[1] Romans 15:4
[2] Romans 15:13
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to pray for a dearly loved brother in Christ who has and is experiencing a great test of his faith in Christ. His breathing was labored. His sister testified to me of how before this trial began that he had a sense of urgency to believe in Christ. Throughout this trial, he has been leaning on the Lord and His Word, even posting Scripture on Facebook. In the midst of the most severe trial, he has found hope in God’s Word and in God.
Please pray for this brother in Christ, the Lord knows his name.
My prayer for all who read this post is...
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [in Christ], that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [2]
[1] Romans 15:4
[2] Romans 15:13
Friday, May 7, 2021
Overcoming Discouragement and Experiencing Victories
“I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word.” [1]
David, the Psalmist, rejoiced in, meditated on, contemplated, delighted in, and intentionally remembered God’s Word. He was happy to say so!
His relationship with the Lord yielded for his faith when others cast doubt on him. Take for example, the day that he conquered the bully Goliath. Before he fought the giant, he had to overcome the skeptical dispositions of an older brother and his king.
His oldest brother, Eliab, said to him, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” [2]
His king said to him, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” [3]
After hearing David’s testimonies about what the Lord had done for him, Saul put his own armor on David. If David had wore it, he would have died that day. Instead of relishing in the opportunity to be dressed like a king for battle, David resolved to remain with the formula that had worked for him in the past... Slingshot + stones + God = victory. [4]
Next, the words of the giant were shot at David. The giant looked down on David in a demeaning way and said, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” He cursed David by his gods. [5]
David was not discouraged. He was not demoralized. Why? He had faith in God and what God can do because he had been reading God’s Word...
1) “I come to you in the LORD’s name... whom you have defied.”
2) “This day THE LORD will deliver you into my hand...”
3) “The battle is the LORD’s. HE will give you into our hands.” [6]
God gave David numerous victories as he continued to read God’s Word and trust in God!
[1] Psalm 119:14-16
[2] 1 Samuel 17:28
[3] 1 Samuel 17:33
[4] 1 Samuel 17:38-40
[5] 1 Samuel 17:43
[6] 1 Samuel 17:45-47
David, the Psalmist, rejoiced in, meditated on, contemplated, delighted in, and intentionally remembered God’s Word. He was happy to say so!
His relationship with the Lord yielded for his faith when others cast doubt on him. Take for example, the day that he conquered the bully Goliath. Before he fought the giant, he had to overcome the skeptical dispositions of an older brother and his king.
His oldest brother, Eliab, said to him, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” [2]
His king said to him, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” [3]
After hearing David’s testimonies about what the Lord had done for him, Saul put his own armor on David. If David had wore it, he would have died that day. Instead of relishing in the opportunity to be dressed like a king for battle, David resolved to remain with the formula that had worked for him in the past... Slingshot + stones + God = victory. [4]
Next, the words of the giant were shot at David. The giant looked down on David in a demeaning way and said, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” He cursed David by his gods. [5]
David was not discouraged. He was not demoralized. Why? He had faith in God and what God can do because he had been reading God’s Word...
1) “I come to you in the LORD’s name... whom you have defied.”
2) “This day THE LORD will deliver you into my hand...”
3) “The battle is the LORD’s. HE will give you into our hands.” [6]
God gave David numerous victories as he continued to read God’s Word and trust in God!
[1] Psalm 119:14-16
[2] 1 Samuel 17:28
[3] 1 Samuel 17:33
[4] 1 Samuel 17:38-40
[5] 1 Samuel 17:43
[6] 1 Samuel 17:45-47
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Triumph with the Trinity
Our Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is our source of life, peace, identity, righteousness, holiness, leadership, familial belonging, strength, prayer-life, knowledge of divine will, victory over every kind of trial, and of abiding love. This is according to the Bible.
I have highlighted below phrases and sentences from Romans 8 that focus on what the Spirit, Son and Father do for us who are in Christ Jesus.
If you are not in Christ Jesus, I urge you to ask Him to forgive your sins and to be your Lord and Savior. Place your trust in Him! He will give you His Holy Spirit to help you walk with God.
“The Spirit gives life!” (vs. 2)
“The righteous requirement of the law is fully met in us who live according to the Spirit.” (vs. 4)
“Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (vs. 5)
“The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (vs. 6)
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” (vs. 9)
“The Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” (vs. 10)
“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (vs. 11)
“If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (vs. 13)
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (vs. 14)
“The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (vs. 15)
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (vs. 16)
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (vs. 26)
“The Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (vs. 27)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (vss. 31-32)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (vs. 37)
“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (vss. 38-39)
I have highlighted below phrases and sentences from Romans 8 that focus on what the Spirit, Son and Father do for us who are in Christ Jesus.
If you are not in Christ Jesus, I urge you to ask Him to forgive your sins and to be your Lord and Savior. Place your trust in Him! He will give you His Holy Spirit to help you walk with God.
“The Spirit gives life!” (vs. 2)
“The righteous requirement of the law is fully met in us who live according to the Spirit.” (vs. 4)
“Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (vs. 5)
“The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (vs. 6)
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” (vs. 9)
“The Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” (vs. 10)
“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (vs. 11)
“If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (vs. 13)
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (vs. 14)
“The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (vs. 15)
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (vs. 16)
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (vs. 26)
“The Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (vs. 27)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (vss. 31-32)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (vs. 37)
“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (vss. 38-39)
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
By the Spirit They Won
Enemies were besieging their city. The city’s leaders asked for terms of peace. The enemy’s condition for peace was that everyone in the city had to have their right eye gouged out. The city’s leaders replied, “Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue us, we will surrender to you.” The enemy granted their request.
“When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him... [Praise God!]
King Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.”
The terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one... [Praise God!]
Saul had an united military force 330,000 strong. By the Spirit of God, they won.
After the battle was over, Samuel the prophet gathered the people together to make fellowship offerings unto the Lord and to celebrate their victory. [1]
Samuel addressed the participants at this celebration, saying:
“If you fear the Lord and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against His commands, His hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.”
“Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be a sacrifice for our sins... a sacrifice who brought us into fellowship with You and with one another. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to bring us into fellowship with you and with one another. Thank You for giving us Your commands in the Bible. Thank You for Your grace that gives us will to do according to Your good pleasure. We praise You for protecting us from evil. May we ever worship and serve You faithfully! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Samuel 11:1-15
[2] 1 Samuel 12:14-15, 21, 24
“When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him... [Praise God!]
King Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.”
The terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one... [Praise God!]
Saul had an united military force 330,000 strong. By the Spirit of God, they won.
After the battle was over, Samuel the prophet gathered the people together to make fellowship offerings unto the Lord and to celebrate their victory. [1]
Samuel addressed the participants at this celebration, saying:
“If you fear the Lord and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against His commands, His hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.”
“Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be a sacrifice for our sins... a sacrifice who brought us into fellowship with You and with one another. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to bring us into fellowship with you and with one another. Thank You for giving us Your commands in the Bible. Thank You for Your grace that gives us will to do according to Your good pleasure. We praise You for protecting us from evil. May we ever worship and serve You faithfully! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Samuel 11:1-15
[2] 1 Samuel 12:14-15, 21, 24
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Blessedness
“To him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” [1]
The work referred to here is the work of trying to justify oneself before God. Trying to behave in a god-like (godly) way to impress oneself or God! Such a futile lifestyle!
The Lord revealed to King David of Israel a more blessed way...
“David describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” [2]
The word “Blessed" here is from the Greek word makarios (Μακάριος), which means to be happy or blissful, but it also means a self-contained happiness. The idea is that our happiness is independent of our circumstances. It is self-contained, meaning that regardless of what is happening to us externally, we can be truly happy internally.” [3]
To David “blessedness” was:
God imputing righteousness to him apart from works (God did the work)
God forgiving and covering his lawless deeds (God had him covered)
God imputing no sin to him (because his sin was placed on another - Christ)
This is a grace-based salvation from sin... God’s grace!
Jesus “was delivered up because of our offenses and was raised because of our justification.” [4]
Jesus took care of our righteous standing before God on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead.
King David understood this “blessedness.” God’s “blessing” yielded for David songs of praise to God. He used the word “praise” 164 times and the word “sing” 59 times in the Book of Psalms. Thanks to the Lord, his mouth was filled with praise and his heart with song.
May the Lord bless you today!
[1] Romans 4:5
[2] Romans 4:6-8
[3] http://christianity.com/.../teachi.../what-does-blessed-mean
[4] Romans 4:25
The work referred to here is the work of trying to justify oneself before God. Trying to behave in a god-like (godly) way to impress oneself or God! Such a futile lifestyle!
The Lord revealed to King David of Israel a more blessed way...
“David describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” [2]
The word “Blessed" here is from the Greek word makarios (Μακάριος), which means to be happy or blissful, but it also means a self-contained happiness. The idea is that our happiness is independent of our circumstances. It is self-contained, meaning that regardless of what is happening to us externally, we can be truly happy internally.” [3]
To David “blessedness” was:
God imputing righteousness to him apart from works (God did the work)
God forgiving and covering his lawless deeds (God had him covered)
God imputing no sin to him (because his sin was placed on another - Christ)
This is a grace-based salvation from sin... God’s grace!
Jesus “was delivered up because of our offenses and was raised because of our justification.” [4]
Jesus took care of our righteous standing before God on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead.
King David understood this “blessedness.” God’s “blessing” yielded for David songs of praise to God. He used the word “praise” 164 times and the word “sing” 59 times in the Book of Psalms. Thanks to the Lord, his mouth was filled with praise and his heart with song.
May the Lord bless you today!
[1] Romans 4:5
[2] Romans 4:6-8
[3] http://christianity.com/.../teachi.../what-does-blessed-mean
[4] Romans 4:25
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