Psalm 45:10-17 - The King's Glorious Bride

Psalm 45:10-17
Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house; then the King will desire your beauty. Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him. The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; the rich among the people will seek your favor. The King’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is interwoven with gold. She will be led to the King in embroidered work; the virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to You. They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing; they will enter into the King’s palace. In place of your fathers will be your sons; you shall make them princes in all the earth. I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever.

Message: The King's Glorious Bride

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

To Cleave, One must Leave
This is an interesting passage, that I am growing to understand more and more. Verse 10 begins with, "Listen, O daughter." This could be the father of the bride speaking to his daughter, specifically addressing the daughters soon to be marriage and how she is to prepare and conduct herself as she begins that new life. "Incline your ear" which means these words are very important; listen carefully. We often walk through life with a big helping of junk food, primarily enjoying what brings immediate satisfaction, but this is a reminder to stop and prepare. Think seriously about the relationship and the union that you are embarking on here with your mate. "Forget your people and your father's house." Do not pine after that which you have left. When two become one, they leave father and mother and are united together. They begin a new life. Their focus is to be on each other. The daughter is told to not hold onto the past and her past surroundings and life. It can be normal because that past is comfortable and familiar. But, a daughter is now to focus on her husband and become familiar and comfortable in his presence. Often, the best thing 2 people can do that are married is not to live in the same town as their parents or nearby, but to begin to make a home for themselves that is unique.

Respecting the husband
"Then the King will desire your beauty" or then your husband will desire you. I wonder; wives often can't understand why their husbands are not more present with them, but are they present with their husband or are they living some place else? So, in response to leaving your current world, the King will desire you. The Bible is full of references of the new life we have in Christ. We are born again; killing the old man; a new creature, the old is gone. In the same way, a daughter leaves her world, forgetting her old home, and devotes herself to her new husband. She secures his affection.

"He is your Lord, bow down to Him" means that the wife is to show proper respect to Him.  These are words and actions that we normally use to describe our relationship with God or Jesus, but more intentionally here, they refer to the wife and her new allegiance to her husband. The tone of these words should spark in us not simply a leader/pupil mindset but more the union that should occur between husband and wife. The husband is to understand his role. This is tough because our culture has wandered so far from this type of wife/husband relationship.

Tyre was a city of great extent and splendor, and extensive commerce. It abounded in luxury and wickedness. There are no signs of the city today. This verse says Tyre will come with a gift; the rich among the people will seek your favor. I think the idea is our desire in life is for the good things, luxury, splendor, abundance. And the Psalmist is explaining that the result of having a proper respect toward your husband will bring great merit and outcomes to your life. Jesus said, "I did not come to be served, but to serve." Again, we must train ourselves according to God and His word; this is the best way, not societies way of every person for themselves. I was driving down the road yesterday and just looking at cars and reminding myself of the passenger seat that is present in every car. We are not meant to be alone, but to have someone with us.

Presenting the bride
Every marriage ceremony is the same: the father escorts the daughter down the aisle with the looking utterly beautiful, presenting herself, not to everyone, but to her future husband the best that she knows how. There is preparation; there is time spent getting ready. And it is always the same, the bride walks down the aisle ("Here comes the bride"). As this verse says, The King’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is interwoven with gold. I remember this in my own life. I was indeed starstruck like never before. It was indeed glorious. With Pamela that moment represented her well, as soft and gentle. It is easily the greatest gift that I have ever been given. And yes, it should remind me of the way I am to present myself before Christ. He is to receive my best.

But it is more than just a father and a bride, it is the bride's companions. We call it the wedding party, but what happens is amazing in our weddings. The men are all up front and then the wife's companions walk down the aisle one by one. She will be led to the King in embroidered work; the virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to You. Yet, here, it speaks of them following the bride. But, it is still the same idea. But they come in the same beautiful way, presenting themselves with glory and splendor.

Let's celebrate
The wedding is often an entire day of activity, but it can also be a celebration over several days. Obviously, some culture mark it with longer celebrations, but it is an event of joy and gladness and rejoicing. They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing; they will enter into the King’s palace. The honeymoon is meant to consummate the marriage.  Maybe in those times there was an immediate entrance to the new husband's home and palace.

The King's Distinction
As the focus of this Psalm is on the King and What he is receiving, here it points out that rather than his fame or celebrity or distinction being derived from his position, wealth, or performance, instead what will set him apart will be his sons (or his children). This should focus us on what is most important -- our children. In place of your fathers will be your sons; you shall make them princes in all the earth.

And then here more specifically, I see that the wife is speaking and saying that her actions will cause the King to be remembered. I think this is important. The wife has a lot to do with the greatness of the husband. I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever. But, this also could be talking about the man presenting the one that is over all, the Messiah because the people will give thanks forever and ever.  I think it could go either way.

Promise: It is all about the presentation.

Jesus Calling: January 24

My Peace is the treasure of treasures: the pearl of great price. It is an exquisitely costly gift, both for the Giver and the receiver. I purchased this Peace for you with My blood. You receive this gift by trusting Me in the midst of life's storms. If you have the world's peace--everything going your way--you don't seek My unfathomable Peace. Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials. Adverse circumstances are normal in a fallen world. Expect them each day. Rejoice in the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world.

Matthew 13:46 
New King James Version
...who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
 
James 1:2 
English Standard Version
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds...
 
John 16:33 
English Standard Version
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
 
My Prayer
Your word says in Romans that there is peace in Christ. This peace was not cheap. It came at a great price; the death of Jesus on the cross for each of us. Lord, too often the peace I seek in life is not your peace. I seek peace from my own decision making. Help me to know what it means to have my peace be in You. Lord, deepen me in Your Word each day so that your Words are in my life.

Help me Lord to be thankful for even the tough times or the hard times. Lord, it happens every day to me. There are expectations I have often of other people and how they are to act toward me and so there are unmet expectations. Those are trials for me. There are challenges with my job and getting work done or not getting work done because there is so much work to do. Those are trials. There are employees that do not do a level of work needed. Those are trials. Lord, I find that many of those trials right now are unmet expectations. Teach me Lord if what I want is out of line and perhaps not really waiting on You for patience. Like my children not being assertive in their future goals but instead it often seems they are content to just watch another television show or be entertained one more time. My son wants to quit soccer when soccer is a trial to him. He isn't getting the feedback that he used to get. I suppose I have these expectations and they are not getting met, but I suppose I am also concerned that they are making unwise decisions.

Lord, I do think of my mom and the trial she is going through of getting a cancer diagnosis for the 3rd time now in the last 10 years and contemplating surgery for a 3rd time and whether it is worth it to go through that again, given the last surgery had such a difficult and long-lasting recovery. That is definitely a trial.

But, Lord, throughout all these events, we can count these as joy? Throughout all these events our eyes need to be centered on You realizing that Peace is not found simply in getting all of our messes fixed. But Peace is something you purchased for us. True peace is bigger than all of these trials. It is knowing that I will always be in Your presence and eternity with You is always in the cards and I never have to question my eternal outcome. Lord, help me to be defined by that sort of peace and not simply the unrest that occurs with these momentary events. Granted, Lord, you care for these events and I thank you for caring, but help me walk through them, realizing you are by side and you will do as you desire. And through that I can have peace.


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: January 25

Let My Love enfold you in the radiance of My Glory. Sit still in the Light of My Presence, and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones.

Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out. As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will open up step by step.

Hebrews 13:15
English Standard Version

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

2 Corinthians 3:18
English Standard Version

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Psalm 73:23-24
English Standard Version

²³ Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

My Prayer
Lord, sometimes I need to sit in the quiet of You and not feel like I have to be busy all the time or engaged in activity. Activity includes sitting in front of a screen. Sometimes I wonder if I am really allowing You to work in my life or if I stack my life with so much that You can barely get a piece of it. Help me be a child that just holds my parents hand and is led. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Psalm 45:1-9 - The Divine and Davidic Throne

Psalm 45:1-9 

My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One, In Your splendor and Your majesty! And in Your majesty ride on victoriously, For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; Let Your right hand teach You awesome things. Your arrows are sharp; The peoples fall under You; Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy above Your fellows. All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad. Kings’ daughters are among Your noble ladies; At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.

Message: The Divine and Davidic Throne

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: 

This Psalm is a love song, written for the celebration of marriage between king and queen, though in the NASB (above) God is recognized throughout this Psalm as the ultimately the God who appoints kings.

This Psalm is also a hard Psalm. I am struggling a little with it, not real sure what I am supposed to get out of it. I have been looking at it for the past couple of days now and I'm not real sure about it.

This is a King or a monarchy that follows the Lord: You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Again, something I have struggled with or rather, found challenging, as I read these Psalms is how my prayer life often doesn't praise God or acknowledge God for who He is. My prayers are all about supplication and requests and needs versus praise and being satisfied for who God is and what He has done.

In a way, this is a Psalm that praises the King that we have in the King of Kings. He is fair. He is upright. His reign is forever and ever. He anoints people and gives His power to them. Grace is on His lips. He blesses earthly kings. He is full of splendor and majesty. People bow down before Him.

Lord, I want to serve You and speak to You through my prayers in a way that honors You correctly. Forgive me for simply coming to you with requests and what I need and not starting out singing your praises. Lord, you are the King of Kings. You are fair. You are upright. Your reign is forever and ever. You anoint people and give them power. Grace is on Your Lips. You bless us and all earthly kings. You are full of splendor and majesty and we bow down before you. You are great indeed.

Promise: Look for leaders that humbly serve God and His people. 

Jesus Calling: January 26

Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. This is a false hope! As I told My disciples, in the world you will have trouble. Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.
It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the mist of adverse circumstances. In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark. That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of My indwelling Spirit. When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway. I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way. 

John 16:33
English Standard Version

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Psalm 112:4,7
English Standard Version

⁴ Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

⁷ He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

My Prayer
Father, help me to know that trials are a part of life and they are not to be avoided, but counted as joy, as James says. Trouble will happen, as you have said, before You come again. Thank You for sending the Spirit to help us through those troubles. Keep my focus on You and my Hope in You at all times. My kids, they are each experiencing trouble right now in their lives; they are at a difficult place with 2 in college and 1 in high school. But, we all need to trust You through these difficulties. Pamela and I struggle along with them. I come back from a weekend getaway and notice that my stomach starts hurting again. Are my pains due to stress and heartache related to work and my kids' issues? Lord, I need to put my trust in You and You alone. I do not have to be in control of situations. I can trust You for the outcomes.

Lord, I am downcast and looking unhappy, like I have a right to, as I experience these difficulties. But, how quickly I forget that it is possible to continue to enjoy You and glorify You while I go through these difficulties. I do not need to be downcast or gloomy. I look at that 7th verse in Psalm: He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. Wow. 

I can trust in You, Lord. I can rely on Your strength and the indwelling of Your Spirit. You make me glad.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Psalm 29 - God's Glory of Creation

Psalm 29:1-11
Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders, The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful, The voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; Yes, the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, And Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord hews out flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord makes the deer to calve and strips the forests bare; and in His temple everything says, “Glory!” The Lord sat as King at the flood;Yes, the Lord sits as King forever. The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.
Message: God's Glory of creation

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

My first impressions about this song is the writer is seeing God's creation and seeing how it testifies of God's majesty and glory. For instance, it mentions the sea, the ocean, and the rolling waves that thunder sounds. Everything we see with our eyes is God's handiwork in action. There are names and descriptions in this chapter that I don't comprehend and so I will need some help from other resources.

In my own life, I noticed they're actually very few people in it that deny God's existence at all. The majority of people in the world, over 95% believe in the existence of a God. Atheism has to be taught because it is not natural. We have a conscience and it is natural to look at creation and think there is a creator.

This Psalm begins with a call to the sons of mighty or the heavenly host or heavenly beings which is around the throne to worship and give praise to God. Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array.

The Lord is to be glorified. The Lord is to be praised for his glory and strength. It just reminds me of how God's name is to be glorified.

The chapter talks about trees that fall to the ground. I was driving on the top of the mountain and noticing the tall pine trees. How is it that I could just think that those are random in the same way human life has been described as random? It seems clear rather that there is Providence even in those trees and their length and growth.  Why do some fall and others do not? Have I ever thought to describe this as God's providence? They grow so straight up. Oh God your creation is so glorious and majestic. Forgive me for not ascribing it to you more.

As I read God's word I am continually amazed at the beauty of it and how it reminds me to appreciate more the life that God has not only given me but that he has created in all of its beauty. The Word reminds me to appreciate him more than what he has done for me and for all of us. I am so fortunate to be at this moment and at this time.

Promise: God is a masterful designer and he is to be praised and glorified.

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 - The Vanity of Political Power

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.  For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.  I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him.  There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them, and even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him, for this too is vanity and striving after wind.

Message: The Vanity of Political Power

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The preceding four verses in this text spoke of "two are better than one." It was a wonderful text reminding me of the fact that we need one another. We need each other to be warm, to come to one another's aid, to encourage each other, and lift one another up. Today's passage follows those verses. 

This passage has its focus on rulers, kings and their successors, and their tenure and the memory of their service as king. The first verse mentions that a king needs to be teachable and wise. The leaders were often those that were wealthy, but wealth has no bearing on these qualities. This passage is not very clear in its purpose. It could be that these are bringing that kings, who are often revered, and looked up with extreme envy are not any greater. They still must have good character. And their reign may be pleasing to some, but by the end of their life different people may not see them as a great person. 

Even as I study commentaries there are different ideas as to what this passage is referencing. 

Promise: It's not the position that makes a person a wise and good person, but rather it is their character. 

Proverbs 3:11-12 - The Discipline of the Lord

Proverbs 3:11-12

¹¹ My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His reproof,
¹² For whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Message: The Discipline of the Lord

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

It is good to be corrected. This needs to be like a mantra in my life because correction is not seen as a good thing often in life. In school, students get graded and in a way, that is showing us where correction is needed, but sometimes the correction isn't requested. There is a difference between learning a subject and getting corrected on what you have learned and living your life and being corrected on your own decisions.

I also notice that in life we tend to only allow correction if the reason for the correction is clear and explained to us. But, do we really need to always have a clear reason? If God correct me, then I can trust that He knows why I need to be corrected. It is often through correction that enables me to have knowledge. It is funny because I think my children, at times, instinctively believe that they know what they are to do based upon experience; that learning and growth comes through repetitive behavior. But, it is through correction that they improve. I wonder if they see this. Why does a child kick or have a temper tantrum? Because the child doesn't want to be corrected and wants to have their own way.

I have a friend that recently experienced cancer. It was a surprise and it was intense. He began to describe that cancer as God disciplining him. It wasn't that he necessarily thought there was something specific in his life that he had done wrong, but he viewed the cancer as discipline from the Lord. One of my children is experiencing something in his life that has caused me to wake up and re-evaluate how I father. I am being disciplined by the Lord. The trials that I experience in life are often there to awaken me, thus discipline me, for what I should be doing differently; not always, but sometimes. I think this is one of the reasons James tells us to "consider it joy when you encounter various trials."

There is a significant phrase in this passage. Verse 12 states, "in whom he delights." The father corrects his son for a reason and that is because his son is his delight. He wants the best for his son and so he sees often things that need to be corrected. And often the son will not understand, but the correction still needs to take place.

Promise: Do not be surprised by discipline or correction. Pray that you would learn what needs corrected. God loves me and corrects me as see fit in order to make me mature in Christ.

Psalm 1 - The Purpose of Wisdom Literature

Psalm 1
¹ How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
³ He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.

⁴ The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
⁶ For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Message: The purpose of wisdom literature

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

I think this was the first passage of scripture I memorized. I think I was 14 or 15 when I tried to do it. I haven't been able to keep it to memory, though. My mom said that this was my dad's favorite passage of scripture. As a first chapter in the book of Psalm it almost seems like a chapter that shapes the rest of the book, for it summarizes everything that is expected from man in his life or not expected and the response of God. 

A Blessed Man Does Not
Here, the sign of a man that is blessed is one that does not co-habitat with wicked people. How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! Yet, it is not that this man doesn't just walk with the wicked, but that he doesn't even stand on their paths, nor sit in the places where they have sat. There is a progression here as well of sitting, then standing, and then walking. The man who is happy or blessed stays far from the wicked. And these are people that mock God (scorners). The issue here, I don't think, is not about one who is trying to minister to these folks, but one who's life is beginning to look like that of the wicked. Does the blessed man's life really abhor that life? That man may not be walking, but does the man accompany those ways?

Do we go along with shameful and behavior that, in the company of other blessed men, we wouldn't do? My life is to be lived above reproach. Is it or do I compromise in order to get the praise of others?

Also, this is talking about a man's walk. It is not talking about taking 5 or 10 minutes or even an hour to commit ourselves to the reading of God's word. Those things are important, but the blessed man's life is just that, a life. It is a walk. Throughout the day, my focus and desire should be to honor God. Every moment and in every act.

A Blessed Man Does
The Law of the Lord is what the blessed man dwells on. I think there can be no escaping the reading and studying of God's word in a person's life that wants to honor God. God's word is meant to be a delight to us. It is meant to be something that we long to read and study. In this law is what the blessed man not only listens (his delight is in) to, but what he wants to be in him at all times, so he meditates day and night. The Law is what we turn to to be our guide in all things. As a pastor said once, "when  you cut yourself, you should bleed Bible." 

A Blessed Man's Life
Here is the outcome of the blessed man that their delight is in the Law of the Lord, their life will be firmly planted. The rushing waters or the ways of the world will not be able to sway the man. He will be firmly planted. And said differently, the river of life or the waters of the spirit as they flow will continually be nourishing the tree or man: He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water.

The person's life will have fruit and will not wither and will prosper. This is the amazing thing about this man, is the outcomes will be sweet (fruit), healthy (leaf does not wither), and successful (prospers).  Is this not what every person wants in their life? To be infectious, sweet, what people want; to be healthy; to be successful. But, remember these things are defined by God and so look like God. This does not mean to the world and what it prioritizes that these things will look like that. But, let God define our lives and we will feel good about what they look like. 

The Wicked Man
What chronicles the wicked man's life? What does it look like? The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. In farming crops, there is a part of the growth that must be torn away and thrown away. Rice, barley, oats, wheat, even corn, is surrounded by a husk. This husk is waste material. There is a part that we eat and there is a part that is thrown away. It has little or no value. It is the chaff that is thrown away. This is the wicked life. It is the part that the wind picks up and carries away. It has no staying power. It has no eternal staying power. It may remain for a season and it may even look like it is healthy as the husk part of a plant is often large and abundant. But, in the end, it is discarded. This is what we need to focus on because often life is not focused on the outcome, but instead on how it looks here and now and today. If we focus on today only, then we will gravitate toward the wicked man and his ways. But, we must look at the end of the road and the end path. The wicked man's life will not remain. 

A Wicked Man's Result
This is what I was beginning to reference. In the end, Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. In the word of Covey, we must "Begin with the end in mind." If we want our lives to be marked by something it should be God and His word. This is why I have always like I Timothy 4:7-8, "Train yourself to be godly; for physical training has some value, but godliness has value for all things." This is what I cannot lose sight of in life. In the end, the wicked will not stand in judgment, but they will fall. And in the final standing company the sinners will not be a part of. They will not be with the righteous. 

The Lord Knows
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Our focus on life should be on what the Lord knows and remembers. So, the person that simply stays far from the way of the wicked man and instead stays close to the Law of the Lord will be known by God. 

This chapter chronicles the actions of man, but keep in mind, whether one is blessed or wicked is based upon the Grace of God. Abraham was called while he was worshiping pagan gods. The 10 commandments were given to the Israelites after they were chosen. God calls us and then we have a decision of what our lives will look like.   

Promise: If we truly seek to follow God's word and do what it says then we will be among the righteous. The way of the wicked, the selfish, man centered defined life will perish.

Proverbs 5:15-20 - Standing Firm Against Adultery

Proverbs 5:15-20
¹⁵ Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well.
¹⁶ Should your springs be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets?
¹⁷ Let them be yours alone and not for strangers with you.
¹⁸ Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.
¹⁹ As a loving hind and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love.
²⁰ For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a foreigner?

Message: Rejoice in your wife

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

In the previous 14 verses of Proverbs 5, Solomon gives clear warnings to his pupil regarding committing adultery. Between the two warnings are the points that (1) it is not how it may appear, and (2) it will yield a hard life both today and for eternity. 

Solomon continues the conversation here in these verses, but here talks about how we are to live, with this adultery in mind. It is true there can be application to other idolatrous passions in our lives but it is clear that this is talking about adultery and cheating on our wife, or the woman that God has given us. And it really goes without saying that marriage is sacred and these are passions that are not meant to be stirred prior to marriage and so adultery is viewed even as a warning that is presented in Song of Solomon as "do not arouse or awaken love before its proper time."

Only enjoy your wife
Verses 15-17 are the clear direction from Solomon that, the pupil, or son, is to keep in mind that his relationship with his wife and more specifically, the sensual relationship with his wife, is for his eyes only and to only be enjoyed by him and he is not to seek out anyone else for this enjoyment. It is not a sin to notice beauty or a beautiful person but to seek out after that person for further gazing and interest is a sin. Society knows that sex and beauty pulls people in and so this temptation is present in our world all the more. 

I've heard verse 15 mentioned several times and it is a verse I have loved reading in the Bible. It speaks clearly and reminds me that God is very concerned about my relationship with my wife and the importance of that relationship. Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well.

Adam Clarke (1760 or 1762 - 1832) was a British Methodist theologian and Biblical scholar. He wrote on this passage: Be satisfied with thy own wife; and let the wife see that she reverence her husband; and not tempt him by inattention or unkindness to seek elsewhere what he has a right to expect, but cannot find, at home. These are tough words especially to the wife to not tempt the husband to seek out attention and kindness from other sources.

Verse 16 says, Should your springs be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? Your springs or fountains are the lawful husband and wife relationship. The streams are their offspring. Children can be dispersed abroad when they are grown up and carrying on with other lawful relationships.

Not roving passions 
My passions are to be for my wife and my wife alone. They are not to be for anyone else. Again, this is hard as the world presents itself too many temptations. But, this is not their problem, but really my problem. My satisfaction is to only come from my wife and I am to be satisfied with her. Let them be yours alone. My passion is not for anyone else. If a person goes into a relationship with other women and their is offspring then it becomes unclear who's offspring is what. The harlot has many partners, so how can you be sure what is yours; and not for strangers with you.

Know (only) your wife
There is clearly an intimate union present between a husband and wife. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful wife; the Spirit of God is in her and she submits to me and satisfies me completely. This testifies more clearly to me God's graces. My wife is to be mine completely and it pains me to think of days when I have had the idea that she is not sufficient. At times, early in my life, non-married life, I trained my mind to think that I could engage in mind harlotry. Oh how this is contrary to God's perfect plan. I am to be patient and wait for the wife of my youth. When she came she was everything I could have dreamed of and more. 

The hind and does were prized and petted upon for their beauty and affectionate dispositions. They are not rough and tough creatures, but delicate and graceful and so they should be treated as such. The husband is to treat his wife with dignity and not simply an object for his desire. There is a union present there that is firm. Her bosom or breasts are to charm him and satisfy him, not for all days, but at all times. It is possible that sickness and illness may come to the wife. The important thing here is the body of the wife is for the husband and meant to be his charm. I often have thought of a mainstream song by Backstreet Boys which says she is my safest place to hind. The wife is my refuge and my safe place. I am to be exhilarated always with her love.  

It is clear that it makes no sense to be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a foreigner. Why should we seek after something that isn't kin to us and made for me? It makes no sense. 

Promise: Rejoice in the wife of my wife. She is everything that I need.

Proverbs 5:1-14 - The Trap of Adultery

Proverbs 5:1-14
¹ My son, give attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding;
² That you may observe discretion and your lips may reserve knowledge.
³ For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech;
⁴ But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death,  her steps take hold of Sheol.
⁶ She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it.

⁷ Now then, my sons, listen to me and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
⁸ Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house,
⁹ Or you will give your vigor to others and your years to the cruel one;
¹⁰ And strangers will be filled with your strength and your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien; 

 ¹¹ And you groan at your final end, when your flesh and your body are consumed;
¹² And you say, “How I have hated instruction! And my heart spurned reproof!
¹³ “I have not listened to the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to my instructors!
¹⁴ “I was almost in utter the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

Message: The Trap of Adultery

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The focus of today's passage is on adultery. This is long because it is meant to be clear. This is not fire to play with.

One thing that I looked at and noticed in my study yesterday of Proverbs 1, was that people are enticed and taken away by something often in their life. I often call this a temptation or that I have wandered off path and are engaging in sin. In actuality, in the Bible, this is referred to as having an idol in our lives. Idolatry is anything in our lives that we do to bring us joy and we do it in order to give us peace about life. We do it to give us joy. Our joy is not found in Christ, but it is found in this other thing that isn't just a part of our life but it becomes often what keeps us going. It becomes what we spend our money on or what we spend most of our time on. It becomes what we think about. And over time, God and His word are replaced more and more. No longer am I surrendering to God and His word and thinking that God's word is the highest source of good in my life. Now, I see this idol as that which can give me joy.

Their is idolatry in: video games, TV watching, Movie watching, eating, shopping, music, smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs, friends. There are many different idols in our lives, some not even so sin apparent.

This is rampant in our lives. The idol could be anything and often with people, it is anything. And yet what most people find, when they are honest with themselves is this idol does not necessarily bring them lasting joy. There isn't a peace in life like there is when Christ is on the throne. Testimonies from people resonate this when they say, "I tried ........ and it never brought complete satisfaction, but then I turned my life over to Christ and let Him take the reins and life became fulfilled."

In Proverbs 1:10-19 the enticement was friends that lured the pupil away to do things that were impure. The passage spoke of evil things but that evil could be anything. The key was it was with the wrong people, doing bad stuff, and that bad stuff ended up having a consequence. The last phrase of verse 19 says, "It takes away the life of its possessors." It's end is death. And today in this passage is immediately an equal warning as Solomon says in verse 5, "her feet go down to death; her steps take hold of Sheol."

What is it that I have done in my life to try and replace God in order to give me the peace and enjoyment that only He can bring? For me, money comes to mind. It's not that I have a lot, necessarily, but I often think that if I just had enough then life would be simpler. I say this because our wants are abundant and so I think that by having those things that I desire, and my family desires, that then I will be satisfied. Yet, I know it will be momentary because our desires never cease.

Very Important Subject Matter
First of all, I like how Solomon begins. Son, (1) Give your attention to me. Not an easy task sometimes in life to get someone to concentrate on what the other person is saying. Solomon clearly is saying that "I have something important to say. (2) Incline your ear to my understanding. Bend your ear not just to listen, but understand. We hear a lot of things each day, but how much do we really internalize or then practice? Solomon is saying to his pupils, what I have to say is meant to be followed. (3) That you may observe discretion. Retain these words in your heart. These words are my counsel to you. (4) Your lips may reserve knowledge. Literally, this is "Thy lips shall keep." This is life long understanding. This is life long "watch out." This is not momentary or just for a season. This is long-term. You need to be able to speak these words back to me. This is how important these words are. You need to be able to state this in your own words.

Warning
Verse 3 is interesting for the translation I have used has translated the word zur to mean adulteress. Zur is translated in the KJV as strange. The meaning is this is an apostate Israelite woman gone over to the idolatrous impurities of heathen religion. The idea of adultery here is someone that has traded in something they have been called to be for something else. It is not necessarily speaking of a woman that has started out with a husband and decided that her husband did not satisfy her desires, for whatever reason, and so is seeking out something else, not God-given, but what man has provided. God has been traded in for what people think is something better.

James 4:4 is a verse I have tried to memorize. It says, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James is speaking to people that have chosen to trade or replace God with the things of the world and for this he speaks to the people as adulterers.

This is significant because what is being spoken of here is not simply reserved for married people that are seeking after other people in their life and are practicing sex with someone else in their life. It is true that is adultery. God has given you a gift of a mate and you are saying to God, "The gift that you gave me is not what I think I need; I choose someone else and I think that person will fulfill my needs."

The application then for Proverbs 5 is far reaching. Adultery here is actually treason or any idol that we might have in our life.

And the idol or whatever we are being tempted to have in our life drips with honey. It is sweet. It is appealing. It suits my tastes. It drips honey and smoother than oil is her speech.  I can see why the word adulteress was chosen because this woman is using flattering speech, smooth talk, offering something which man desires, alluring speech. This is not, "Come over and clean the toilet" no this is come experience your wildest dreams. 

Not as it appears
Verses 4-6 then basically say, "things are not as they appear." Though this strange woman has spoken with flattery and allured you in her direction, in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps take hold of Sheol. She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it. 

Wormwood is an herb and an eastern medicine this was looked upon as being poisonous. Wormwood is the complete opposite of wormwood. It reminds me of the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the man that lured people by showing them sweet candy on his truck and then when they crawled in the truck it turned into a cell block. It went from sweetness to being a prisoner. 

Solomon says it affects the body (feet go down to death) and affects the soul (steps take hold of Sheol/grave/hell). Idols in our life don't just want a part of our life, but they want your entire life. She does not ponder the path of life. In her is not a big picture. If we could see our entire life in a moment, upon making a decision, it would affect our decision making. There are ramifications for our choices, but if we train ourselves into not looking at those consequences then over time we no longer have any long-term perspective thinking.

Heinrich Albert Schultens (1749-1793) stated that the design of the wise man seems to be, to point out the inconstancy, irregularity, and wickedness, of the strange woman's life. Her ways are inconstant; she is not attached to her husband, or to any one man, but abandons herself to the first comer; has neither knowledge, wisdom, nor discernment; she has no other rule than her passion, no other end than her pleasure. She is profligate, and wholly lost; affected neither by the fear of God, nor the care of her own salvation.

Second Warning
As if one warning was not enough, Solomon gives a second warning. This is a very significant event. In verse 7 and 8 he states further to: (1) Listen to me; He said previously that he wanted the pupil's attention and wanted his ear bent to understand. He says again, "listen to me." Listen to what I am going to tell you. The pupil will now hear of the consequence. (2) Do not depart from the words of my mouth; Don't choose the path; do not depart from my words. (3) Keep your way far from her; The last warning I saw in Proverbs 1:10-19 was Keep your feet from their path. With this issue the feet are to be far from the path. (4) Do not go near the door of her house. To clarify further, do not even go near the door of the house. We all know that going inside is a disaster, but do not even go near the door. 

A Hard Life
In a way this final part is similar to "God gave them over" found in Romans 1 (one of my favorite passages). The warnings have occurred. The danger sign is in place. "Keep Out" has been posted. But, if that isn't enough, he will now detail the results of going down that wrong path.

Or you will give your vigor to others and your years to the cruel one - Your strength; your person; your life and your future, will be handed over to the cruel one. The idea of vigor is what your life has meant thus far. Other translations use the word honor. Who you are is being given away. 

And strangers will be filled with your strength and your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien. Everything you have worked for is gone.  

And you groan at your final end, when your flesh and your body are consumed; And you say, “How I have hated instruction! And my heart spurned reproof! I have not listened to the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to my instructors! I was almost in utter the midst of the assembly and congregation.” Pride has taken over. Recovery in this moment is practically hopeless. 

Promise: Beware. Beware. Beware. Adultery always has destructive consequences. 

Proverbs 1:10-19 - The Enticement of Sinners

Proverbs 1:10-19
¹⁰ My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
¹¹ If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause;
¹² Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, even whole, as those who go down to the pit;
¹³ We will find all kinds of precious wealth, we will fill our houses with spoil;
¹⁴ Throw in your lot with us, we shall all have one purse,”
¹⁵ My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path,
¹⁶ For their feet run to evil and they hasten to shed blood.
¹⁷ Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net in the sight of any bird;
¹⁸ But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.
¹⁹ So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; it takes away the life of its possessors.

Message: The enticement of sinners

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

I have remembered reading this passage several times. It is a warning from a father, it seems to a son. But, in actuality, it is Solomon warning his pupils. It is a good warning. There are people that come into our life, especially at a young age, when we are more impressionistic and working to become not what we were raised, but our own person. And the lure from those who are at a similar place in their life, also breaking away from their parents ways, and being their own person, is certainly enticing. I know this first hand or rather, even more so, second hand, I witness it, as my children grow up and hit the high school age. They all have gone in different directions at that age, with the latest, having a slight desire to go down that wrong path. 

Verse 13 stands out because it speaks of the lure that is present and often praised in these times, to get wealth. We are about acquisition and having something that will keep us entertained. "We will find all of precious wealth" is a telling sign and one that is tempting. And then the idea of verse 14 and let's not do it alone, but "throw in your lot with us." The idea I read yesterday stating that two are better than one from Ecclesiastes can obviously be used for the wrong reasons as well.  

There are 3 clear warnings in this text: (1) Do not consent, (2) Do not walk in the way with them, and (3) Keep your feet from their path. I like what this says because each of these statements is a little different. 

Do not consent
Just don't do it. It is a clear and concise statement which is the command that children especially often need. It is quick word of "don't" like don't touch the hot iron. We need these quick warnings at times. They speak the truth. Do not go along. This is the first warning. It is the one that you would hope the children immediately do because you have trained them previously that you can be trusted because your warnings in the past have worked. 

Do not walk in the way with them
Do not hang around them. Do not go along with them. Do not say that you can be associated with them but will not do what they do. We think we are mightier than we are. We think we can hang around people and they won't affect us. We say this about what we listen to, watch, are entertained by; all the time we are saying it is innocent and it won't affect us. But, their is a danger, The verse of "do not be unequally yoked" takes on the meaning that those who are in bed with others of different ways than them will be a chameleon and will start looking differently. We must stay clear of these people.

Keep your feet from their path
Join a different company. Join a different group. Have a different belonging. It is not that we simply don't do it or that we don't walk with them, but our path is different. To be free from any enticement, I must stay free of any association. Before I can swim with the sharks, I must first learn to swim. I am always intrigued by people that minister to serious sinners, like prostitutes, strip dancers, drug addicts, but they can only do this if they are well grounded. The former homosexual who ministers to homosexuals must be very careful. This is why it is so important to stay grounded in God's word because we are called to minister to the lost, but we do not want to be swayed in their direction, so we must start each day on our knees and focused on God's word first. 

Promise: The enticement of sinners is deception. It lures us into thinking that we need "this" to be a part of our life and it will make us more complete, when in actuality, it will strip away what is in our life and replace it with something that will be to our detriment. This is everywhere present and is the basic understanding of sin and being tempted.


 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Strength in Numbers

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.  For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.  Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?   And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
  
Message: Two are better than One

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
 
What the Lord is Saying: 

Today's message is simple, as many are. The Preacher (writer of Ecclesiastes), through his travels and life journey, is now simply making the statement that, "Two are better than one" and then following this statement shows why this is so, giving a few examples. 

To start, the Tabletalk reading for the day made the comment that after each day of the creation story that God created, the end of the day was marked with the words, what God has made is good, but in regards to the creation of man, the remark was it is not good for man to be alone. We need each other, but more specifically, though we continue to need each other and community, the relationship between a man and a woman is unlike any other relationship, and this is why God made sure that man knew that the solution to him was not another person like him, but instead a woman. The woman completed the man. 

And yet, this particular passage is not necessarily communicating just about men and women, but it is putting forth the idea that two people, such as two men or two women or a man and a woman, two people are better than one. And our lives are a testimony of this. We do not want to do life alone. We want to have a friend and often young people, my children, are drawn to have at least one very good friend. And having that one person that shares your interests and that you walk with each day is very important to our lives. 

And this continues throughout life. As I go out and witness or share faith with others, having my friend with me makes it much easier. We are there to help each other if one stumbles. We challenge each other. There is teamwork in the discussion. We are drawn to fellowship with other people, seeking accountability and encouragement from one another. 

They have a good return for their labor
One thing I notice around the house is how much easier it is to do the dishes when 2 people are working on it together or how much easier it is to do a project outside. It just gets easier with 2 people versus just one. It's a simple concept. It's very simple. Yet, it is something I need to be reminded. 

If either falls, the one will lift up his companion
This is what makes labor or life or anything easier, one is there to pick us up.  

If two lie down together they keep warm
This reference is not necessarily for a husband and wife, but rather two people traveling together. It is better to have someone to lie next to, to give comfort and to keep warm. Again, we need each other. It makes life more bearable. 

If one overpowers one then two can resist him
Once again, if two people are present, when one is attacked, the other person is there to come to the aid. This is key because often the goal of any group is to divide people and make them to have discord among one another. Our children, can do this, in trying to pit mom against dad. The desire is to get what they want and so they 

Three are even better
I have often heard this phrase used to say that with man and woman together, then add in the Holy Spirit (thus three) and the cord is not quickly torn apart. The only problem with this is if the Holy Spirit is present, the cord would never be torn apart. But, in the context it really is simply saying that two are better than one and three are even better. 

Promise: Don't go it alone. It's better, any way you slice it, to be with others. 

Proverbs 17:9-10 - Discerning Rebuke

Proverbs 17:9-10
He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.  A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

Message: Being wise with our words

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

He who conceals a transgression seeks love
He who conceals a sin or hides a sin or covers a sin or does not bring that sin to light -- in his brother or sister takes the course which leads to gain. We live in a world that loves to find wrong in others. It is presidential election time and the goal often is to find something in the life of a candidate to discredit him. It is to find something that will make him look bad. Right now, we have a candidate that is speaking matter of fact, but I find that what people love the most is he assaults people and he brings to light the things that they have done wrong. It is kindness and forbearance that we forgive one another and not just forgive one another, but ignore sins. Verse 9 speaks of friends and so this phrase is even more talking about our attitude towards each other. 

He who repeats a matter separate intimate friends
How often have I in my life brought up a sin from my own kids that they have done in the past and held it against them once again? Too many times. I am embarrassed at how often I have done this. I am not to catalog sins so as to add more fuel to the fire and make people feel worse. My goal should be to encourage and mention things that can build others up. I am to be kind in my speech. I am to be encouraging. O God, how poor I have been at this. How wretched I am. Help me to learn to praise more and thank people more and forgive more. Forgiveness needs to be the mark of my life. But, I should not think this covers all sins. The point here is the minor sins and minor infractions that really do not need to be brought up again and again.

A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding
If a rebuke is needed, then it goes deeper, or will have more of an affect on one who has understanding.  A word is enough for the wise. If I am a person that has understanding, then rebukes or a harsh word will be more palpable. This seems like a personal characteristic at times. As I consider my children and how they respond to criticism; some seem to handle it better than others. And I think of employees that I have as well. Some accept the criticism better than others.

than a hundred blows into a fool
But a fool can't take even a hundred blows and come out unchanged. Lord, there are others that do not accept any sort of criticism. For the cypress tree, the more it is watered, the more it is withered. And even more of an issue is the person that has become so callous to correction. The horse has to have a bit and bridle in its mouth in order to be moved to change. Great lengths are necessary for some people to even hope that you can get a change out of them. 


Promise: The Bible over and over talks about our speech and its importance. I am to speak the truth in love, not seeking to crush sensitive souls but to build them up in Christ.

Psalm 119:57-64 - Not Forgetting God's Law

Psalm 119:57-64
The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. I sought Your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to Your word. I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments. The cords of the wicked have encircled me, but I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You
because of Your righteous ordinances. I am a companion of all those who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts. The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O Lord; Teach me Your statutes.

Message: Not Forgetting God's Law

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The previous section of Psalm 119 focused on God's comfort in times of trouble and how He comforts us through His commands and Law. In some ways this section begins with a response. Psalm 119:49-54 was all about what God does for us and then in 55-56 there begins a response to this: O Lord, I remember Your name in the night, and keep Your law.  This has become mine, that I observe Your precepts. The Psalmist is responding and saying Lord, your promises, your words, they affect me. I remember You. I keep Your Law. I observe Your precepts. And now the Psalmist continues. 

Immediately, there is something interesting in this prayer. As I have looked at and studied Psalms, I have noticed that it is tutoring me on how to pray. In these verses, what stands out to me is how when I pray I don't talk about myself and how I am keeping God's promises. It's interesting, but all my praying is fairly focused on "God, you are great; God, I am bad; God, fix these people's lives." But, what is not there is:

"God, I am following You; I am keeping your commandments. I have turned myself to Your ways and following after You and I have kept your commandments. People try to attack me and distract me from you, but I seek after you. I am friends with those that follow You. You are loving. Teach me Your statutes. Teach me Your ways." 

Wow, those words are almost difficult to even voice, even put together. It seems very odd to even put those words on paper; that those words would even come out of my mouth more than once. But, this is what is written and maybe should be a guide for me in praying. They are odd words, because so little of my praying is what I am doing to follow the Lord and instead my praying is what I need to do better or what I am not doing. But, that isn't right. I have the Lord living in me and it is His power in me, enabling me to do good works. The Holy Spirit is present and working and I should rest not on my ability, but on God through me, in Christ. 

One more note: This Psalm begins with The Lord is my portion. This is a phrase I see often, but never am real sure what it means. Portion to me is a segment or a piece of cake or a serving when talking about food consumption. So, to say the Lord is my portion seems odd. But, the Lord is mine. The Lord is my inheritance. The Lord is my sustenance. The Lord is my everything. He is all I need. In a world of trouble and discouragement, God is who I need and all I need.


Promise: Be confident in the Word of God. Be confident in the Gospel and Gospel alone to save lives and change people and change the church.

Psalm 119:49-56 - The Word of God in Times of Trouble

Psalm 119:49-56

Remember the word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me.  The arrogant utterly deride me, yet I do not turn aside from Your law.  I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O Lord, and comfort myself.  Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.  Your statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.  O Lord, I remember Your name in the night, and keep Your law.  This has become mine, that I observe Your precepts.

Message: The Word of God in times of trouble

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

In this part of Psalm 119, the longest Psalm and chapter of the Bible, the psalmist remembers the word that has been given to him, here referring to the scriptures given thus far in the Old Testament, but today being the full revelation of scripture, and the word provides aid to him in times of trouble. This is my comfort in my affliction. God's word is where we can go to revive us and give us comfort. 

But, what I find interesting in this passage is the word of God that gives him hope is more specifically, the law, God's ordinances, His statutes, His precepts. It is true that the words of God's word chronicle the Hope we have in the future, hope for a better place, a different place where intimate communion with God will be an everyday occurrence. But, how is that God's laws and ordinances and statutes are able to give us comfort in our affliction? 

Here the Psalmist states, "I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O Lord, and comfort myself." God's promises and words have been there throughout His life. His word provides us what we need. I always think of Proverbs 3:5-6 and how it reminds me that simply trusting in God will make my path straight. There is comfort in the way God has set up this world. In the garden, Adam and Eve had everything that they needed but still got lured away. They believed the serpent that they were to doubt God, and so they lusted for power, and for the greed that they could be like God and have everything. They had what they needed but they believed the lie that because they didn't have the entire picture, they didn't have everything. God had already given them a command and that command protects them. To this day God commands us. The 10 commandments as a reminder are not suggestions, but they are there to protect us. How often have I told my children that my wife and I really have their best interest in mind. They want to see it all but we are asking them to trust us, that we see it all. 

This to me is what it means to trust God and His word and His command. His command that they could eat everything in the garden but not one tree had their best in mind. God provides us with everything that we need. His commandments of loving Him, keeping the Sabbath holy, obeying our parents, are all there for our protection. They give us comfort that God is in charge and His ways are the best ways. 

Promise: God redeems us through His hand of providence, namely in providing His Son, Himself, our righteousness, so that we can enter His presence for all eternity. We have all we need in Him.

Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 - Pursuing Contentment

Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.

Message: Pursuing Contentment

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

This message is entitled contentment, which for me, is a difficult concept. I am not sure what it means to be content. I think I know what it means from an economic stance. I need to be content with what God has provided me and not feel like I need more. In fact, it seems like in life, the more I have the worse off I am. Every time I get a raise, the money is gone before I know it, being spent on other commitments.

But, contentment in life, on a time standpoint, as far as what I spend my time on, is also difficult. In my present job I could easily stay at work all night, but I know that I need to leave the office and get home. At home, I wonder how much time each day should really be spent in relaxation, sitting in front of a screen watching something. That is where I struggle to this day, often not real satisfied with just sitting in front of a TV, so I can get through such and such TV show that my wife and I have decided we like. I think about reading a book instead during that time or even doing a Bible Study. I think about the early days of dating and courting and how much time was spent in the Word, and now, it happens individually, but not very often as a couple.

In my TableTalk, the write-up begins with this idea of seeking contentment or balance in our lives.

The Preacher here in verse 4 brings up an interesting point to begin by stating, "every labor and every skill which is done is rivalry between a man and his neighbor." To me, he may be using this to set up a point because I am not sure this is the focus of man, but rather there is the potential of man to think that his work is basically the result of envy and we work because we want something better than our neighbor. I think I work hard to work for the Lord and provide for my family. Sure, there are times when I think my providing isn't enough and that "isn't enough" thought often is there because I look out on the landscape at other people and what they have been able to provide for their families and immediately, I think what I am doing is not good enough (and yet more is not always what I think is needed, but rather the right balance).

After this statement he remarks that this is vanity and striving after wind. This makes sense, if our desire is simply to do better than our neighbor then this is a losing battle. We will never be satisfied and even if we think we are accomplishing it, what does it matter, but temporal enjoyment.

So, that is the laborer, but then the Preacher mentions the fool or the lazy man. The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. The fool does nothing but sit idly. This is the person that equally disturbs me. This is the person that seems content to live off the government or their parents or both. If given the opportunity this person is going to do whatever it takes to basically do thinks that feed his flesh. The flesh likes to be entertained and fed -- once again spent time doing things that are fleeting and will pass away. In the end, the laborer and the fool or lazy person have the same outcome in their lives. They both are living an empty life of seeking after things that don't really matter. The hard worker amasses toys, the lazy person amasses nothing, but both are seeking things that will result in little. 

Verse 6 provides the conclusion. What is it that we should desire in life? One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind. It is better to possess what you can handle or what your one hand can hold versus living life wanting to fill up both hands or even folding his hands (verse 5). Rest is important in our lives and rest is often about trust. I should work hard six days and then the 7th rest and feel fine that I am resting because I do not have to be busy all the time.  

Promise: Pursue contentment, accepting what God has provided.

Psalm 113 - God Highly Exalted

Psalm 113

Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Message: God Highly Exalted

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

Purpose
This Psalm has been described as a Psalm used in churches settings or public worship as a call to worship and praise. It is interesting how this is used or even needed whereby something is read that brings people together and aligns them in bringing themselves before the throne of God.

Psalm 113 is one of the Hallel psalms grouped with Psalm 113-118 and was sung by the ancient Jews before the Passover meal, and is often used today. Hallel means, "praise El (God)."

Content
The call takes place in the first 3 verses: Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. The name of the Lord is to be praised. The name of the Lord is to be set apart from everything else in life. The name of the Lord is a constant in our lives from the start of the day to the end. No matter what occurs, the name of the Lord is to be praised. These words make sense that they need to be sung because we get off track in this world; I get distracted. Yesterday, even in going to church, I was feeling the loss of someone and not in the right frame of mind. This Psalm would have helped me get myself focused on worship. 

This Psalm begins with the words of praise and then gives the reason we are to be motivated to praise Him.

The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. The Lord rules over all creation. The Lord is our true commander and chief. He is our president. He ordains life. He is My King. He is My leader. He is the one I am to bow down to and worship.

Who is like the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth? There is no one like Him. God is not simply someone we insert into our lives; there is nothing like Him. He is our great creator. I need to understand my place in this world. I need to understand my position.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord! No matter the position or condition of man, the Lord exalts man. God makes us important. Man has a desire within him to be exalted. Man wants to be aligned as one of the leaders, as being in charge. I see this everywhere. We want to be on the winning team. We want to be a part of the group that knows all the answers. We want to be part of the group that knows better and more than anyone else. We want to be special and distinct. This is innately what man wants. Man wants to be victor. But, man does not place himself in this position, but is the Lord that makes us the chosen ones. He is the one that sets us apart. And this is why I praise Him. This moves me to praise Him because of who He has made me to be. The Lord chooses me out of His grace and mercy, not because He sees some greatness in me. He elects me and sets me a part. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! 

Promise: I come to him each day as empty, as needing Him. I have no righteousness of my own. Apart from Him I am nothing. He redeems me. This is what I do. I come to him on bend knee. He has made me glad.