Proverbs 20:18 - Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance.
Message: Our Need for Counsel
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:
As a reminder, Proverbs are generally counsel given by parents to their children.
In this case, Solomon mentions that we are prepare plans by consultation. I am seeing that this can be a good thing and it can also be a not good thing. Right now, the issue we are having with my youngest son, who is 15, is that he is taking counsel from other 15 year old's in his life, and trusting their counsel over mine or my wife's. In this vein, it is causing us unrest because the counsel he is getting is not wise counsel. It is dangerous counsel that is putting him in precarious situations that he does not recognize as being unwise.
I just wish he would not take my counsel and consider it with a greater weight than his friends. It is a hard lesson to learn. Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."
I think of my other son who is often not taking the counsel of anyone, but instead living in the manner that he thinks is best.
And in this same light, I believe Solomon is saying that if you must go to war, be wise about it. Think about others and consider the advice of many, make war by wise guidance. As we engage in spiritual warfare, we need to understand that we cannot do it alone. We need help. We need to seek the Lord and we need to seek the help of others in our life. I think it is also saying to not just plunge into war. I think I need to remember this and be careful about waging war, even as I relate to my children.
Promise: Take care in choosing the company we keep, always heed wise, godly advice.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 - Timely Payment of Vows
Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.
Message: Timely payment of vows
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 first 3 verses of this chapter were very good as they spoke of being careful with our words and it reminded me of the song, "let the words of my mouth" and the line, "be pleasing to you." I am not to be hasty with my words and it is better that my words are few rather than plentiful.
These next 4 verses continue to expand on that thought and idea. More specifically, this passage is focused on vows or oaths that we make before God. I am reminded of the foxhole confessions that have been made, "God, get me out of this moment and I will serve you all the days of my life" or "I will become a priest." Those confessions I always found interesting because when you are at the end of your rope you then realize that it is only God that can save and the thought that God wants everyone to be a priest or always faithful before he will intervene and rescue a person.
I think the vow word means different words today: promise, contract, legal tender. We must be careful in what we say we are going to provide. This chapter started off by saying I need to be careful with the words I say; I need to also be careful about the promises I make for I am to be faithful in carrying out those promises. And do i ever try to deviate from a promise?
[I have been working on this lesson for 2 days now. I guess I am struggling with the word vow and what that means to me. It just seems like a word that we do not use much and yet it is a word I hear from religious people when I watch historical religious movies.]
It seems like verses 1-3 of this chapter were about keeping your words few and not saying more than you should. It was about being careful with your speech. And this one is still speaking of being careful, but it is also about being a man of your word. It reminds me of the DeGarmo and Key song called just that:
This passage ends with the phrase that in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.
Promise: Lean on God rather than leaning on our words.
When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.
Message: Timely payment of vows
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 first 3 verses of this chapter were very good as they spoke of being careful with our words and it reminded me of the song, "let the words of my mouth" and the line, "be pleasing to you." I am not to be hasty with my words and it is better that my words are few rather than plentiful.
These next 4 verses continue to expand on that thought and idea. More specifically, this passage is focused on vows or oaths that we make before God. I am reminded of the foxhole confessions that have been made, "God, get me out of this moment and I will serve you all the days of my life" or "I will become a priest." Those confessions I always found interesting because when you are at the end of your rope you then realize that it is only God that can save and the thought that God wants everyone to be a priest or always faithful before he will intervene and rescue a person.
I think the vow word means different words today: promise, contract, legal tender. We must be careful in what we say we are going to provide. This chapter started off by saying I need to be careful with the words I say; I need to also be careful about the promises I make for I am to be faithful in carrying out those promises. And do i ever try to deviate from a promise?
[I have been working on this lesson for 2 days now. I guess I am struggling with the word vow and what that means to me. It just seems like a word that we do not use much and yet it is a word I hear from religious people when I watch historical religious movies.]
It seems like verses 1-3 of this chapter were about keeping your words few and not saying more than you should. It was about being careful with your speech. And this one is still speaking of being careful, but it is also about being a man of your word. It reminds me of the DeGarmo and Key song called just that:
He that obeys will be holyI just remember that simple song and that simple reminder.
He that believes will obey
Say what you mean but remember
To do what you say
So be a man of your word
This passage ends with the phrase that in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.
Promise: Lean on God rather than leaning on our words.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Psalm 117 - Praising the Lord's Faithful Love
Psalm 117
Praise the Lord, all nations;
Laud Him, all peoples!
For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the Lord!
Message: Praising the Lord's Faithful Love
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:
All nations are to praise the Lord. Everyone. This Psalm was obviously given to Israel and yet the call was to all nations. The goal was for all nations to Praise the Lord. This could have been a doxology or praise benediction in our service. Our church often does these before or at the end of a service. This would be a good one to do in a service.
As God's people, we have a responsibility before God to praise Him on behalf of all people and with the goal that all people will praise Him. If I think about it, praise dispels anger and jealousy. It has a powerful effect on people. We can see this and understand it. So, in turn we can understand that this is what we need to say to the Lord.
And why do we praise the Lord?
Promise: As in this chapter our lives and days should begin with "Praise the Lord!"
Praise the Lord, all nations;
Laud Him, all peoples!
For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the Lord!
Message: Praising the Lord's Faithful Love
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:
All nations are to praise the Lord. Everyone. This Psalm was obviously given to Israel and yet the call was to all nations. The goal was for all nations to Praise the Lord. This could have been a doxology or praise benediction in our service. Our church often does these before or at the end of a service. This would be a good one to do in a service.
As God's people, we have a responsibility before God to praise Him on behalf of all people and with the goal that all people will praise Him. If I think about it, praise dispels anger and jealousy. It has a powerful effect on people. We can see this and understand it. So, in turn we can understand that this is what we need to say to the Lord.
And why do we praise the Lord?
- His Lovingkindness is great - his mercy, compassion and kindness is great towards us. God wants the best for us. And he sees what is best for us. Even when we do not see it, he knows. And this is why we praise Him because he acts toward us in a way that is great and just what we need.
- The truth of the Lord is everlasting - what God has affirmed at any one time will always remain the same in all ages and in all lands. What was truth to Abraham is truth to us; what was truth to Paul is truth to us; what was truth to the martyrs is truth to us; what is truth to us will be truth to all generations of the world in all lands, and will be truth forever.
Promise: As in this chapter our lives and days should begin with "Praise the Lord!"
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Proverbs 16:7 - Granting Us Peace
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Message: Granting us peace
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:
According to the TableTalk reading on this passage for today, the fall of Adam and Eve introduced several wars into creation.
This makes sense, if I follow the Lord's commands to not lie, steal, commit adultery, murder, then it naturally will result in people not being harmed or feeling harmed. But, I cannot guarantee that all people all the time will be kind with me, no matter how I act. And yet Jesus pronounces a blessing upon those who are hated in Matthew 5 reminding us to look toward heaven and the hope we have with him there. And yet we do know that things will work out for good. Matthew Henry comment:
When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Message: Granting us peace
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:
According to the TableTalk reading on this passage for today, the fall of Adam and Eve introduced several wars into creation.
- War with God - every thought of the fallen heart is only evil continually, and people seek to overthrow the Lord's rightful place as ruler over their lives. In Genesis 8:21, the Lord said that the intention of man's heart is evil, since his youth. In Romans 3:1-20 speaks of how the unrighteousness of man upholds the righteousness of God. Man does not want to do good; there is none righteous, not even one; no one understands, no one seeks for God; all have turned aside. Man's tongue, mouth, feet are swift to inflict evil.
- War with Himself - Romans 2 says the Law is written on our hearts; right and wrong is written on our heart and accuses us all of our days. This is a plain and simple reality, yet one that causes us tension all of our days. The pain is no matter how hard we try, we will never be fully good and proper.
- War with Other People - The moment after Adam and Eve sinned, Adam immediately laid the blame on Eve. Human society has been characterized by strife, disagreement, and hatred between people.
The third point is the focus of today's passage from Proverbs with the result of this promise that man's enemies will be at peace with us when our ways please the Lord. And it is interesting because in this passage the way we have peace with our fellow man is not by being a better person towards them or having more sensitivity; this may be the result, but our focus is to be on pleasing the Lord.
"God can turn foes into friends when he pleases. He that has all hearts in his hand has access to men's spirits and power over them, working insensibly, but irresistibly upon them, can make a man's enemies to be at peace with him, can change their minds, or force them into a feigned submission. He can slay all enemies, and bring those together that were at the greatest distance from each other."
Promise: This is a good reminder. We are programmed to solve problems through time management, leadership development, becoming a better communicator, conflict resolutions -- but I must remember that the real focus of my heart should be doing things that please the Lord.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Proverbs 16:9 - Sovereign Over Our Steps
Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Message: The Lord is sovereign over our steps
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:
Part of me just doesn't want to see a verse like this again. I have looked at similar verses previously in this study of the wisdom literature, but this is the verse that came up in TableTalk today so I will address it again. There just remains this tension in life between God and what he does and man's responsibility. It's a message I read and know, but still struggle understanding. Maybe it is because I am accountant and like to know step by step how something is done. And with this issue, I must trust God.
I have intentions. I make plans. I choose certain courses of action. To be honest, I feel somewhat in control of what I do each day. I feel responsible for my choices. I know this is so, but as I read in TableTalk, God has the final say. Ultimately, he works things out according the counsel of His will. I have choices and I tend to make choices on what I think is best for me, at the time. And yet, even these choices I make, don't always have good outcomes. Sometimes these choices end up being bad choices. Granted, sometimes I am reckless and not careful, but I am thinking more of the times when I am intentional and yet my choices yield unfavorable experiences.
I think the idea is then that through all of those choices, while there is a right path and wrong path, nevertheless, God can teach me things through the path that I choose.
I also see another idea from this verse. "The Lord establishes my steps." He directs my steps. He knows what steps are best for me. Does that mean I stop and pray before every step? I do not think so, but I think it does mean I surrender to him daily and trust Him. Again, this is hard and sometimes hard to write out in step by step fashion. But, the important thing is to acknowledge that God's ways are the best ways. He will protect me. When I choose my paths or steps there are consequences. They are not always immediate, but I do see consequences.
But, again, this doesn't always mean good outcomes. Last week, I heard about an untimely death, in a man's life that was walking with God. He had back surgery and went to sleep afterwards. And he didn't wake up. Also that week I heard of a man, also serving God, that had a wife that died in a car accident. Can I really say that both of these paths were directed? Boy, I don't know. It seems hard. Tragedy strikes and yet the most important thing is both of these people are now with God in heaven. So, even those outcomes seemed untimely their destination is secure. I think this is what we must focus on. We must see the thankfulness and trust our Maker. In light of eternity mates with see one another again. But, it is still hard, and that is okay.
Promise: When I choose my paths or steps there are consequences. They are not always immediate, but I do see consequences. God will protect me as he directs my steps.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Message: The Lord is sovereign over our steps
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:
Part of me just doesn't want to see a verse like this again. I have looked at similar verses previously in this study of the wisdom literature, but this is the verse that came up in TableTalk today so I will address it again. There just remains this tension in life between God and what he does and man's responsibility. It's a message I read and know, but still struggle understanding. Maybe it is because I am accountant and like to know step by step how something is done. And with this issue, I must trust God.
I have intentions. I make plans. I choose certain courses of action. To be honest, I feel somewhat in control of what I do each day. I feel responsible for my choices. I know this is so, but as I read in TableTalk, God has the final say. Ultimately, he works things out according the counsel of His will. I have choices and I tend to make choices on what I think is best for me, at the time. And yet, even these choices I make, don't always have good outcomes. Sometimes these choices end up being bad choices. Granted, sometimes I am reckless and not careful, but I am thinking more of the times when I am intentional and yet my choices yield unfavorable experiences.
I think the idea is then that through all of those choices, while there is a right path and wrong path, nevertheless, God can teach me things through the path that I choose.
I also see another idea from this verse. "The Lord establishes my steps." He directs my steps. He knows what steps are best for me. Does that mean I stop and pray before every step? I do not think so, but I think it does mean I surrender to him daily and trust Him. Again, this is hard and sometimes hard to write out in step by step fashion. But, the important thing is to acknowledge that God's ways are the best ways. He will protect me. When I choose my paths or steps there are consequences. They are not always immediate, but I do see consequences.
But, again, this doesn't always mean good outcomes. Last week, I heard about an untimely death, in a man's life that was walking with God. He had back surgery and went to sleep afterwards. And he didn't wake up. Also that week I heard of a man, also serving God, that had a wife that died in a car accident. Can I really say that both of these paths were directed? Boy, I don't know. It seems hard. Tragedy strikes and yet the most important thing is both of these people are now with God in heaven. So, even those outcomes seemed untimely their destination is secure. I think this is what we must focus on. We must see the thankfulness and trust our Maker. In light of eternity mates with see one another again. But, it is still hard, and that is okay.
Promise: When I choose my paths or steps there are consequences. They are not always immediate, but I do see consequences. God will protect me as he directs my steps.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Proverbs 24:1-2 - Envying Evil Men
Proverbs 24:1-2
Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their minds devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.
Message: Do not envy evil men
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:
This seems to be an obvious statement here that begins the 24th chapter of Proverbs. I am not to envy evil men. To envy is to desire something that I feel is better that what I have. Even if a person has it in mind to be envious, Solomon puts forth that the evil mind devises violence and their lips talk of trouble.
While this is obvious, evil is personified in a very glamorous way in these times. A lot of evil behavior is now classified as acceptable behavior by our culture. Society accepts all different types of behavior now, so there are no more immediate or societal consequences for practicing this lifestyle that would be called evil.
We are struggling with this verse right now in our family as my son is watching a friend engage in an evil practice and getting away with it. He has been doing it for 2 years and isn't getting in any trouble. So, my son thinks he is able to do the same practice.
This is very difficult in raising children because they reach an age where they start engaging in different types of behavior. The counsel of their parents begins to not have the same level of respect or value as it did earlier. They are hearing and seeing different viewpoints and perspectives. They are liking things and not seeing immediate consequences. Sin is more widely accepted by society and society isn't punishing wrong behavior. I see myself with these problems. When there are no consequences I tend to think that the behavior is okay. It may be speeding on roads. Yet, even consequences may not curb the behavior.
It's at times like these, that I continue to look at every possible resource to help educate my son, but most importantly, I drop to my knees and ask the Lord to intervene. My son's heart is what needs changed.
Promise: Proverbs are needed in our life. They are not always obvious. We need wisdom from above.
Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their minds devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.
Message: Do not envy evil men
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:
This seems to be an obvious statement here that begins the 24th chapter of Proverbs. I am not to envy evil men. To envy is to desire something that I feel is better that what I have. Even if a person has it in mind to be envious, Solomon puts forth that the evil mind devises violence and their lips talk of trouble.
While this is obvious, evil is personified in a very glamorous way in these times. A lot of evil behavior is now classified as acceptable behavior by our culture. Society accepts all different types of behavior now, so there are no more immediate or societal consequences for practicing this lifestyle that would be called evil.
We are struggling with this verse right now in our family as my son is watching a friend engage in an evil practice and getting away with it. He has been doing it for 2 years and isn't getting in any trouble. So, my son thinks he is able to do the same practice.
This is very difficult in raising children because they reach an age where they start engaging in different types of behavior. The counsel of their parents begins to not have the same level of respect or value as it did earlier. They are hearing and seeing different viewpoints and perspectives. They are liking things and not seeing immediate consequences. Sin is more widely accepted by society and society isn't punishing wrong behavior. I see myself with these problems. When there are no consequences I tend to think that the behavior is okay. It may be speeding on roads. Yet, even consequences may not curb the behavior.
It's at times like these, that I continue to look at every possible resource to help educate my son, but most importantly, I drop to my knees and ask the Lord to intervene. My son's heart is what needs changed.
Promise: Proverbs are needed in our life. They are not always obvious. We need wisdom from above.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Psalm 119:73-80 - God's Word, Affliction, and Glory
Psalm 119:73-80
Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant. May Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Your precepts. May those who fear You turn to me, even those who know Your testimonies. May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, so that I will not be ashamed.
Message: God's Word, Affliction, and Glory
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:
So after several stanza's on the need and love for God's word, the Psalmist takes a moment to mention that there was a time in his life when God was not on the throne and he turned away in his affliction. And in these verses he continues a little with those thoughts.
The first verse of each of these stanza's I notice end up being sort of a theme for the section. This is an acrostic psalm, a prayer, and each of the 22 stanza's begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Lord, your hands made me and fashioned me
There is maybe a new thought here, but I also look back and the preceding verses where he says, "It is good for me that I was afflicted that I may learn Thy statutes. The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver." God's law is of the highest value in my life. It is in my afflictions that I get to know this law better, that I get to know God better. Lord, I do hope this is what comes of difficult times, more devotion to You and Your laws.
Give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments
As my maker and my creator, my understanding is dependent on Him. Lord, I yield to You and ask that You teach me. I desire to be obedient to Your commandments and to learn them, but I need Your understanding. Give my children and wife understanding, that they may learn Thy commandments. Give the people that I speak to online and the people at church; help us be a people that are following You all of our days.
May those who fear Thee see me and be glad because I wait for Thy word
I desire to be friends to those that serve and honor You. The Christian desires to be around other good Christians. People don't want to be like evil, but want to be around those that are good. Lord, keep me in the path of the saints and keep my children and wife in those paths. I pray their highest desire and goal would be to be around other strong in faith people.
I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteous
Lord, afflictions are right; they are indeed the highest form of being right; they are righteous. The goal of each person it to be seen right in the presence of God. Jesus, in dying for us, transfers his righteousness to us by faith. It is here I think about God's dealings with me in times of affliction. It is a good thing. It's funny we see these people and do not want to be like them and yet they appear to be the strongest people around, such as Joni Eareckson Tada or Nick Vujicic. It is amazing to hear them talk about the ministry they have. O Lord, I want to run from the darkness, but not from hard times. Show me what it is to be close to You in hard times.
And that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me
What an amazing thought -- that in God's faithfulness to me he has afflicted me. It was in my best interest. The affliction is not done in malice or by chance; it was because God saw a good reason why it must be done. It needed to be done. Again, I do not think this way, but affliction is a sign of God's faithfulness.
O may Thy lovingkindness comfort me, according to Thy word to Thy servant
It is through the mercy of God that I am comforted. God will comfort me. Everything else in life is a placebo that provides momentary comfort, but true comfort comes from God. It is through God's mercy that I have any happiness. God and His word brings me peace. Give me comfort God according to Your lovingkindness.
May Thy compassion come to me that I may live
It is the Lord's tender mercies that I need...to live. What a great promise that is found here in God's words. Lord let me experience thy mercy and favor.
For Thy law is my delight
I will find my happiness in obedience to Your words. God, protect me in times of trouble. You are able. You are completely everything to me.
May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Thy precepts
Light and darkness do not work together. It really should not be a big surprise when the lawless, arrogant, wicked ones treat God's children with contempt and lies. There is no reason that people should be mean and wicked, but they are. They do not like the light. The evil one does not want to change his ways so he will not be kind to the righteous.
May those who fear Thee turn to me, even those who know Thy testimonies
I need friends that are God's children. There may be those that are arrogant and wicked and living in darkness that do not desire my companionship, but O God, keep Your children near to me and in my sight. Keep me close to those that are near to You.
May my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be ashamed
Lord, I pray that there is no defect in me, no imperfection in regard to Thy Laws and commandments; keep me close to them, guided by them because I do not want to be ashamed. Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel meaning he had no reason to deny its power and his love for it as he speaks to others and so may my obedience to your statutes be in a way that I am not ashamed at how I live or am living.
Promise: Affliction sometimes is the result of evil people, not ourselves being evil.
Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant. May Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Your precepts. May those who fear You turn to me, even those who know Your testimonies. May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, so that I will not be ashamed.
Message: God's Word, Affliction, and Glory
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:
So after several stanza's on the need and love for God's word, the Psalmist takes a moment to mention that there was a time in his life when God was not on the throne and he turned away in his affliction. And in these verses he continues a little with those thoughts.
The first verse of each of these stanza's I notice end up being sort of a theme for the section. This is an acrostic psalm, a prayer, and each of the 22 stanza's begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Lord, your hands made me and fashioned me
There is maybe a new thought here, but I also look back and the preceding verses where he says, "It is good for me that I was afflicted that I may learn Thy statutes. The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver." God's law is of the highest value in my life. It is in my afflictions that I get to know this law better, that I get to know God better. Lord, I do hope this is what comes of difficult times, more devotion to You and Your laws.
Give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments
As my maker and my creator, my understanding is dependent on Him. Lord, I yield to You and ask that You teach me. I desire to be obedient to Your commandments and to learn them, but I need Your understanding. Give my children and wife understanding, that they may learn Thy commandments. Give the people that I speak to online and the people at church; help us be a people that are following You all of our days.
May those who fear Thee see me and be glad because I wait for Thy word
I desire to be friends to those that serve and honor You. The Christian desires to be around other good Christians. People don't want to be like evil, but want to be around those that are good. Lord, keep me in the path of the saints and keep my children and wife in those paths. I pray their highest desire and goal would be to be around other strong in faith people.
I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteous
Lord, afflictions are right; they are indeed the highest form of being right; they are righteous. The goal of each person it to be seen right in the presence of God. Jesus, in dying for us, transfers his righteousness to us by faith. It is here I think about God's dealings with me in times of affliction. It is a good thing. It's funny we see these people and do not want to be like them and yet they appear to be the strongest people around, such as Joni Eareckson Tada or Nick Vujicic. It is amazing to hear them talk about the ministry they have. O Lord, I want to run from the darkness, but not from hard times. Show me what it is to be close to You in hard times.
And that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me
What an amazing thought -- that in God's faithfulness to me he has afflicted me. It was in my best interest. The affliction is not done in malice or by chance; it was because God saw a good reason why it must be done. It needed to be done. Again, I do not think this way, but affliction is a sign of God's faithfulness.
O may Thy lovingkindness comfort me, according to Thy word to Thy servant
It is through the mercy of God that I am comforted. God will comfort me. Everything else in life is a placebo that provides momentary comfort, but true comfort comes from God. It is through God's mercy that I have any happiness. God and His word brings me peace. Give me comfort God according to Your lovingkindness.
May Thy compassion come to me that I may live
It is the Lord's tender mercies that I need...to live. What a great promise that is found here in God's words. Lord let me experience thy mercy and favor.
For Thy law is my delight
I will find my happiness in obedience to Your words. God, protect me in times of trouble. You are able. You are completely everything to me.
May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Thy precepts
Light and darkness do not work together. It really should not be a big surprise when the lawless, arrogant, wicked ones treat God's children with contempt and lies. There is no reason that people should be mean and wicked, but they are. They do not like the light. The evil one does not want to change his ways so he will not be kind to the righteous.
May those who fear Thee turn to me, even those who know Thy testimonies
I need friends that are God's children. There may be those that are arrogant and wicked and living in darkness that do not desire my companionship, but O God, keep Your children near to me and in my sight. Keep me close to those that are near to You.
May my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be ashamed
Lord, I pray that there is no defect in me, no imperfection in regard to Thy Laws and commandments; keep me close to them, guided by them because I do not want to be ashamed. Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel meaning he had no reason to deny its power and his love for it as he speaks to others and so may my obedience to your statutes be in a way that I am not ashamed at how I live or am living.
Promise: Affliction sometimes is the result of evil people, not ourselves being evil.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Psalm 119:65-72 - The Word of God and Affliction
Psalm 119:65-72
You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes. The arrogant have forged a lie against me; with all my heart I will observe Your precepts. Their heart is covered with fat, but I delight in Your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Message: The Word of God and Affliction
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 my reading of Psalm 119 thus far, I have looked at:
In just reviewing those passages, it is interesting the emphasis thus far by the author of this Psalm. I guess it is interesting in light of today's passage. The writer has been pressing forward that God's Law and it's keeping, its place in our heart, our desire for it, our longing, our desire to follow it and obey, being inclined to it, testify of it, it is there for us in times of trouble and we do not forget it. It is what we need. And today we see that God's word in his heart has not always been this way.
I just think about the author and what he penned. He is thrilled with God's Word and has seen there is nothing like it. It is everything to him, but he also wants to convey that life has not always been this way for him. He is real; he is human; he has made mistakes - "I was afflicted and I went astray." Sometimes pain sends us away from God. I need to always have empathy for others and the way they are reacting to god in the midst of trials. Our responses are not always wonderful and faith and trust based. Sometimes those responses are turning from God. But, what a great testimony that this person who just spent 64 verses speaking of the greatness of God's word was at another time at a low point.
He sees that afflictions were for our best. It is what we needed in our lives. He recognizes this now; he didn't recognize this before. Being afflicted gave him the instruction he needed to learn the statutes and laws of God.
Promise: Sometimes we do not understand the sweetness of the Law of the Lord. God disciplines whom He loves, and if we endure affliction at His loving hand, we are conformed more and more to the image of Christ.
You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes. The arrogant have forged a lie against me; with all my heart I will observe Your precepts. Their heart is covered with fat, but I delight in Your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Message: The Word of God and Affliction
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 my reading of Psalm 119 thus far, I have looked at:
- The Blessedness of Keeping God's Law (v. 1-8)
- God's Word in the Heart (v. 9-16)
- A Longing for God's Word (v. 17-24)
- The Power and Desire to Obey (v. 25-32)
- A Heart Inclined to God's Law (v. 33-40)
- Saved to Testify (41-48)
- The Word of God in times of trouble (v. 49-56)
- Not Forgetting God's Law (v. 57-64)
In just reviewing those passages, it is interesting the emphasis thus far by the author of this Psalm. I guess it is interesting in light of today's passage. The writer has been pressing forward that God's Law and it's keeping, its place in our heart, our desire for it, our longing, our desire to follow it and obey, being inclined to it, testify of it, it is there for us in times of trouble and we do not forget it. It is what we need. And today we see that God's word in his heart has not always been this way.
I just think about the author and what he penned. He is thrilled with God's Word and has seen there is nothing like it. It is everything to him, but he also wants to convey that life has not always been this way for him. He is real; he is human; he has made mistakes - "I was afflicted and I went astray." Sometimes pain sends us away from God. I need to always have empathy for others and the way they are reacting to god in the midst of trials. Our responses are not always wonderful and faith and trust based. Sometimes those responses are turning from God. But, what a great testimony that this person who just spent 64 verses speaking of the greatness of God's word was at another time at a low point.
He sees that afflictions were for our best. It is what we needed in our lives. He recognizes this now; he didn't recognize this before. Being afflicted gave him the instruction he needed to learn the statutes and laws of God.
Promise: Sometimes we do not understand the sweetness of the Law of the Lord. God disciplines whom He loves, and if we endure affliction at His loving hand, we are conformed more and more to the image of Christ.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Jesus Calling: February 10
Trust Me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day. Refuse to feel guilty about something that is so pleasing to Me, the King of the universe. Because I am omnipotent, I am able to bend time and events in your favor. You will find that you can accomplish more in less time, after you have given yourself to Me in rich communion. Also, as you align yourself with My perspective, you can sort out what is important and what is not.
Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go. Many, many things people do in My Name have no value in My kingdom. To avoid doing meaningless works, stay in continual communication with Me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
Luke 10:41-42
English Standard Version
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Psalm 32:8
English Standard Version
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
My Prayer
Lord, help me to start each day with you, making you the first priority, so that I spend time with you before I read the newspaper, turn on the TV, or even prepare and eat my breakfast. Lord, I want you to be my priority. I often fail to live like this, but I know the day is better when I begin with you. Lord, I want you to be my community and my most important time. Lord, when I turn to You, You show me what is most important in my life.
Forgive me for the trap of being on the go, feeling like I'm lost each day if I don't check my facebook page or twitter. So much of those times drown you out. I want Your Name to have the most value in my life. Help me to choose you each day so that I am crying out to You. Thank You for being there always.
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: February 9
Seek My Face more and more. You are really just beginning your journey of intimacy with Me. It is not an easy road, but it is a delightful and privileged way: a treasure hunt. I am the Treasure, and the Glory of My Presence glistens and shimmers along the way. Hardships are part of the journey, too. I mete them out ever so carefully, in just the right dosage, with a tenderness you can hardly imagine. Do not recoil from afflictions, since they are among My most favored gifts. Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song.
Psalm 27:8
English Standard Version
You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
2 Corinthians 4:7
English Standard Version
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
Isaiah 12:2
English Standard Version
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
My Prayer
Lord, I seek your face, your presence, and your help. You are my salvation. Make it my daily desire and goal to treasure You and Your presence. Hardships will be present. I notice I always want to get out of those hard times as fast as possible, and yet You teach me so much during those times. Right now, with 2 children out of the house at college and one at home, and the challenges that are present with them, I am finding that my trust in You is growing. When things are good, I think I'm in control, so hard times reminds me that You are My Strength and Song. Retrain me in the idea that afflictions and trials are a good thing for Me.
God, you are my salvation. I will trust and will not be afraid. You have the Power, not me.
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.
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.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 - Measured Speech
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
Let the words of my mouth
Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.
Message: Measured speech
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.
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:
I have always enjoyed the Phillips Craig and Dean song, "Let My words be few." Fernando Ortega also has a song, "Let the Words of My Mouth" based upon Psalm 19:14 and Philippians 4:8.
Be pleasing to You, pleasing to You
The meditation of my heart
Be pleasing to you, pleasing to You
Oh Lord, my strength and my Redeemer
Whatever is true
Whatever is pure
Whatever is lovely
Whatever is worthy
Think on these things
Think on these things
Let the words of my mouth
Be pleasing to You Pleasing to You
That is what I think of as I open up and read these words and think about my speech. With my staff last week, in our weekly meeting, we talked about kindness. It reminded me how ill my words are often. I even found myself speaking ill of my wife and had to apologize to her as my response was not at all kind.
Entering His Courts
As we enter the House of God, may our words be few and our ears be wide open. Our focus needs to be more on listening than on speaking. I appreciate this so much about our church for the focus is supremely on worship and knowing God through Song and His message. But, it's not simply that, it's confessing sin and rejoicing in God's grace. Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil.
Isn't that interesting that fools do not know they are doing evil. They may even offer gifts
Think before Speaking
Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. Do not hasten with your mouth, weigh your words, think much, speak little.
For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words. Dreams are generally about the business of the day, multiple words evidence a foolish heart.
Promise: Be purposeful about what I say.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Psalm 47 - Praising God the King
Psalm 47:1-9
O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy. For the Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet. He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah. God has ascended with a shout, the Lord, with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.
Message: Praising God the King
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 passage is probably an ode to a victory celebration, like a military incident.
It begins with a proclamation to clap your hands and make a joyful noise because of the victory we have been given by God. O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy.
With our celebration is acknowledging that our God is to be feared and set apart. He has absolute power over all the nations. For the Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth.
God only has to speak and the nations are subdued and under His feet. We celebrate the triumph we have in God Almighty. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet.
At this time, the people were rejoicing in the Land in which God had them dwell. This was the prophets' land. This was a land like any other. He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves.The land came into the possession of the people at the time of Jacob's sons.
With poetic words, the Psalmist remarks that God has come to His people, to rescue them and then returned to the heavens with a shout, the sound of a trumpet. Almost like, "it is done." God has ascended with a shout, the Lord, with the sound of a trumpet.
The heart is full of praise. It is overcome with the work of God. I think at times I struggle with this or seeing that God has indeed worked and He is to be praised. It's hard to see sometimes in the world of "want" in which we live. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm. We are to be instructed through these praises. He is King over all the earth. He is sovereign. He reigns. He is over all. We are amazed. All people should discover this.
The idea here is that God is over all, not necessarily that he reigns over people that are not of faith, but God's dominion is over the entire world. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.
Everyone will come together under the throne of God. All people will be established under His dominion. Everyone will bow down one day. The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God
Promise: He is highly exalted.
O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy. For the Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet. He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah. God has ascended with a shout, the Lord, with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.
Message: Praising God the King
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 passage is probably an ode to a victory celebration, like a military incident.
It begins with a proclamation to clap your hands and make a joyful noise because of the victory we have been given by God. O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy.
With our celebration is acknowledging that our God is to be feared and set apart. He has absolute power over all the nations. For the Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth.
God only has to speak and the nations are subdued and under His feet. We celebrate the triumph we have in God Almighty. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet.
At this time, the people were rejoicing in the Land in which God had them dwell. This was the prophets' land. This was a land like any other. He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom He loves.The land came into the possession of the people at the time of Jacob's sons.
With poetic words, the Psalmist remarks that God has come to His people, to rescue them and then returned to the heavens with a shout, the sound of a trumpet. Almost like, "it is done." God has ascended with a shout, the Lord, with the sound of a trumpet.
The heart is full of praise. It is overcome with the work of God. I think at times I struggle with this or seeing that God has indeed worked and He is to be praised. It's hard to see sometimes in the world of "want" in which we live. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm. We are to be instructed through these praises. He is King over all the earth. He is sovereign. He reigns. He is over all. We are amazed. All people should discover this.
The idea here is that God is over all, not necessarily that he reigns over people that are not of faith, but God's dominion is over the entire world. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.
Everyone will come together under the throne of God. All people will be established under His dominion. Everyone will bow down one day. The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God
Promise: He is highly exalted.
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