1 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
Key Verse:
4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-3 The problem
2. v. 4-7 The answer
Key Observation:
Most of the psalms could properly be termed prayers, or since they were set to music, prayer-songs. Here is yet another talking about the end of the wicked: “he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone. and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup".
Memory Verse:
7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
Devotion:
Martin Luther reminds us that “first comes the tree and then come the fruits.” David is a man of faith. Though the doctrine of faith was not fully developed, even in the Old Testament it is recognized, for Habakkuk says, “but the righteous shall live by his faith”. David, anointed of God to be the next king and yet nothing but a young shepherd boy said, “The LORD delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (I Samuel 17:37) Martin Luther reminds us that “before David could achieve a single heroic deed he was already a man beloved of God, strong and constant in faith.” First comes the tree, then come the fruits.
Whenever I see “righteous” in the I need to remember that Abraham believed God and it was reckoned unto him as “righteousness". I am justified by my faith, nothing more. My calling is to live after the model of the life God gives us, but whenever Satan would accuse me of being in sin, he may be correct, but my reply will be that Jesus died for my sins. I need not stand being accused; forever the grace of God is given to me, and God declares me “innocent” because of that righteousness which Jesus imputed to me.
Last, I am reminded of fire and brimstone from Revelation when I read it here: “Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone.” In Revelation 9, it says: “18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.” Someday soon the patience of God will run out. He will declare it is time for judgment, and just in this one event foretold in Revelation, a third of mankind will be destroyed. I need to remember that the days are short, the time is almost at hand, and I need to proclaim His righteousness that comes by faith, persuading even those bound for judgment, that their souls might be saved from the wrath to come. A. W. Tozer reminds us that “the Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God”. May you and I be found together proclaiming redemption through faith when Jesus does return.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Psalm 10
1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?
2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.
6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.
7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.
9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.
10 He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.
11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.
12 Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.
13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.
14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.
17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:
18 To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
Key Verse:
4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-11 Prayer against the wicked and observations they seem to receive no judgment
2. v. 12-18 David prays for God to appear to judge these, and gives thanks that it is so.
Key Observation:
The wicked seem to be in control; in fact they are due to “perish out of his land”.
Memory verse:
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.
Devotion:
Augustine says of the proud: “With these miserable creatures, it is not enough that they are sick, but they boast of their sickness, and are ashamed of the medicine which could heal them.” I notice that in the Septuagint this psalm is actually conjoined to Psalm 9, but that is not true in the Hebrew. I mention that because David is continuing the same subject matter as in Psalm 9, “the judgment of the wicked”. My ESV notes say that it was the custom of the public to be given psalms to pray, and thus it would alert the kingdom that indeed their king did know what was going on in his kingdom. I notice that if this is true of the temporal kingdom of David, how much more it is true of the kingdom of the Son!
Joseph, when he revealed himself to his brothers, said, “So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land in Egypt.” Time after time, generation after generation, in life after life, God teaches his saints that he is able to confound the wicked. He makes them what Augustine said was to “go in a circle”. David prays in this psalm that they may be taken in the devices that they have contrived. He prays that God will break the arm of the wicked, thus rendering them powerless. One day soon, the Lord will return, and upon this earth He will establish justice, and a kingdom without end.
2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.
6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.
7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.
9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.
10 He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.
11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.
12 Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.
13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.
14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.
17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:
18 To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
Key Verse:
4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-11 Prayer against the wicked and observations they seem to receive no judgment
2. v. 12-18 David prays for God to appear to judge these, and gives thanks that it is so.
Key Observation:
The wicked seem to be in control; in fact they are due to “perish out of his land”.
Memory verse:
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.
Devotion:
Augustine says of the proud: “With these miserable creatures, it is not enough that they are sick, but they boast of their sickness, and are ashamed of the medicine which could heal them.” I notice that in the Septuagint this psalm is actually conjoined to Psalm 9, but that is not true in the Hebrew. I mention that because David is continuing the same subject matter as in Psalm 9, “the judgment of the wicked”. My ESV notes say that it was the custom of the public to be given psalms to pray, and thus it would alert the kingdom that indeed their king did know what was going on in his kingdom. I notice that if this is true of the temporal kingdom of David, how much more it is true of the kingdom of the Son!
Joseph, when he revealed himself to his brothers, said, “So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land in Egypt.” Time after time, generation after generation, in life after life, God teaches his saints that he is able to confound the wicked. He makes them what Augustine said was to “go in a circle”. David prays in this psalm that they may be taken in the devices that they have contrived. He prays that God will break the arm of the wicked, thus rendering them powerless. One day soon, the Lord will return, and upon this earth He will establish justice, and a kingdom without end.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Psalm 9
1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
7 But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
19 Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.
20 Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
Key Verse:
17The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-2 Praise to the Lord
2. v. 3-17 Judgment of the wicked
3. v. 18-19 Petition for God to make it so
Key Observation:
A Messianic psalm: “he shall judge to world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Memory Verse:
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Devotion:
To be part of this world is to suffer wickedness at the hands of evil man. How good it is for me to realize the Lord has a time limit, that He shall be “known by the judgment”, that wickedness is coming to a time when it shall no longer prevail.
God takes the time to tell us three times in Ezekiel that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but would rather that he turn from his wicked ways. Strong proof that God has given choices to men for which He is going to hold them responsible.
I remember Joseph and his brothers, who sold him into slavery, hoping to be rid of him forever. Joseph declares the sovereignty of God, saying, “because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (NIV) The wicked, as we learned first in Psalm 2 are always in the hands of a sovereign God, and will never ever succeed. Those who wait on him in faith must but wait a little longer “that the nations may know themselves to be but men.”
2 Timothy 2:24 says that we Christians should “patiently endure evil” and that we should be “apt to teach” that the wicked might be brought to repentance. John Piper has said that one way Satan enslaves people “is with the misery and suffering that comes from making us think there is no good God worth trusting.” I have been a Christian for nearly 40 years now, but it is not so long ago that I cannot remember discovering that there was a God personally interested in my life, and who had many times, unseen by my ignorant self, intervened in my young life (19) already. To find that God was Truth was a turning point in my life, and if I am patient with others (as 2 Timothy would direct me) perhaps they themselves will “be led to a knowledge of the truth”.
I think of the third verse of the song Martin Luther gave us:
And though this world,
with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
May God make us willing to be patient and give “an answer to every man that asketh” that we might see some snatched from the fires of judgment as even David foresaw so long ago. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
7 But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
19 Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.
20 Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
Key Verse:
17The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-2 Praise to the Lord
2. v. 3-17 Judgment of the wicked
3. v. 18-19 Petition for God to make it so
Key Observation:
A Messianic psalm: “he shall judge to world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Memory Verse:
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Devotion:
To be part of this world is to suffer wickedness at the hands of evil man. How good it is for me to realize the Lord has a time limit, that He shall be “known by the judgment”, that wickedness is coming to a time when it shall no longer prevail.
God takes the time to tell us three times in Ezekiel that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but would rather that he turn from his wicked ways. Strong proof that God has given choices to men for which He is going to hold them responsible.
I remember Joseph and his brothers, who sold him into slavery, hoping to be rid of him forever. Joseph declares the sovereignty of God, saying, “because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (NIV) The wicked, as we learned first in Psalm 2 are always in the hands of a sovereign God, and will never ever succeed. Those who wait on him in faith must but wait a little longer “that the nations may know themselves to be but men.”
2 Timothy 2:24 says that we Christians should “patiently endure evil” and that we should be “apt to teach” that the wicked might be brought to repentance. John Piper has said that one way Satan enslaves people “is with the misery and suffering that comes from making us think there is no good God worth trusting.” I have been a Christian for nearly 40 years now, but it is not so long ago that I cannot remember discovering that there was a God personally interested in my life, and who had many times, unseen by my ignorant self, intervened in my young life (19) already. To find that God was Truth was a turning point in my life, and if I am patient with others (as 2 Timothy would direct me) perhaps they themselves will “be led to a knowledge of the truth”.
I think of the third verse of the song Martin Luther gave us:
And though this world,
with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
May God make us willing to be patient and give “an answer to every man that asketh” that we might see some snatched from the fires of judgment as even David foresaw so long ago. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Psalm 8, a devotion
1 O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Key Verse:
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-2 Postulate: The Lord is excellent!
2. v. 3-8 Proofs of His excellence
3. v. 9 Restate: The Lord is excellent!
Key Observation:
First praise psalm of Creator. David proves the excellence of the Lord with examples and then restates His excellence.
Memory Verse:
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Devotion:
This psalm is the first of its kind. It is a Messianic psalm, foretelling of the Son of man, and this is proved by Hebrews 2:6&7. But in its plain meaning, it stands as praise of God for everything in His creation. Thus it is also a “Creator” psalm.
David sets up his thesis in the first verse, repeated as proved in the last verse. Highly poetical, it is also a logical proof of a characteristic of God: that is, His excellence. A. W. Tozer famously said: “The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.” David, capturing the heart of this saying exactly, extols and knows the excellence of His Creator.
Augustine says: “Narrow is the mansion of my soul; enlarge Thou it, that Thou mayest enter in.” I am troubled more when I lose sight of the excellence of God. I may know He is there, I may know He is the Creator, and I have all of his Word to rest upon. Nevertheless day-to-day I lose sight of how excellent He truly is. I must fall to my knees, admit my lack, and focus on His greatness. When I do this I find my “tank” replenished and my focus sharper.
When I consider the heavens, the stars which God not only made, but named, when I consider all of his creation, who am I that He should have put in charge of all this? He has given me dominion over much, and I am responsible to Him for my care of his charge.
But more than that, Hebrews teaches us that this psalm teaches of our Savior. God has put him in charge over us, and his dominion is over all. I look at His creation anew, attempting to see it through His eyes. You may not believe me, but there are times when I see the very branches of the trees paying homage to Him as their boughs dance in the wind. I look at my cat and dog, and wonder at what He created. I lift my eyes to the skies, seeing the starry host testify of its Creator, watching the very thunder and lightening of the storm declare his Power. Look about you with eyes baptized anew. Does not Creation sparkle the signs of the Creator? No wonder Paul tells us that His nature is “understood from what has been made” so we are without excuse. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Key Verse:
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-2 Postulate: The Lord is excellent!
2. v. 3-8 Proofs of His excellence
3. v. 9 Restate: The Lord is excellent!
Key Observation:
First praise psalm of Creator. David proves the excellence of the Lord with examples and then restates His excellence.
Memory Verse:
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Devotion:
This psalm is the first of its kind. It is a Messianic psalm, foretelling of the Son of man, and this is proved by Hebrews 2:6&7. But in its plain meaning, it stands as praise of God for everything in His creation. Thus it is also a “Creator” psalm.
David sets up his thesis in the first verse, repeated as proved in the last verse. Highly poetical, it is also a logical proof of a characteristic of God: that is, His excellence. A. W. Tozer famously said: “The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.” David, capturing the heart of this saying exactly, extols and knows the excellence of His Creator.
Augustine says: “Narrow is the mansion of my soul; enlarge Thou it, that Thou mayest enter in.” I am troubled more when I lose sight of the excellence of God. I may know He is there, I may know He is the Creator, and I have all of his Word to rest upon. Nevertheless day-to-day I lose sight of how excellent He truly is. I must fall to my knees, admit my lack, and focus on His greatness. When I do this I find my “tank” replenished and my focus sharper.
When I consider the heavens, the stars which God not only made, but named, when I consider all of his creation, who am I that He should have put in charge of all this? He has given me dominion over much, and I am responsible to Him for my care of his charge.
But more than that, Hebrews teaches us that this psalm teaches of our Savior. God has put him in charge over us, and his dominion is over all. I look at His creation anew, attempting to see it through His eyes. You may not believe me, but there are times when I see the very branches of the trees paying homage to Him as their boughs dance in the wind. I look at my cat and dog, and wonder at what He created. I lift my eyes to the skies, seeing the starry host testify of its Creator, watching the very thunder and lightening of the storm declare his Power. Look about you with eyes baptized anew. Does not Creation sparkle the signs of the Creator? No wonder Paul tells us that His nature is “understood from what has been made” so we are without excuse. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Psalm 7
1 O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
3 O LORD my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Key Verse:
11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-9 The Petition
2. v. 10-17 The answer is received
Key Observation:
God does not neglect the prayers of his people; judgment of the wicked shall surely come in the future, but now frequently those who plan the demise of the ungodly are trapped by their own plans.
Memory Verse:
10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
Devotion:
Haman in the book of Esther comes to mind readily here. Haman schemed against Mordecai by building a gallows high above all other gallows, and not being content with revenge on Mordecai, he schemed to attack all the Jewish people. God turns the scheme against Mordecai’s people by an edict allowing the Jews to kill their enemies. Not only was Haman hung on the gallows he himself had built, but his ten sons were hung also. Because the king himself was behind the edict, even the common people joined the Jews, and seventy five thousand of the enemies of the Jews were killed.
David says: “He made a pit and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he had made.” It pleases God to confound his enemies by taking their own schemes and allowing them to be taken by them. When we read Psalm 2, we found the Lord laughing at the counsel of the enemies of Israel, and we are told in Revelation that Christ was able to stop all the vast energies of all the kings of the world with one word.
Here David is praying to his God for the destruction of the wicked. Evidently he has been wrongfully accused by “Cush, a Benjamite”. David, when confronted with his sin, readily confesses his need for forgiveness (see Psalm 51). In this case, however, unspecified charges have been brought against David, of which he feels he is completely innocent.David strongly feels innocence here and he feels his very integrity is threatened, and his direct prayer is for the confusion of his enemies, that their mischief might return upon their own head.
I know from Hebrews 11, the chapter of the hall of faith, that righteous comes, not by works, but by faith. David seems to intuitively understand this at times, though the doctrine of justification by faith was not to come until much later. Reflecting on his view, I remember the words of Andrew Murray in his fine book titled, Absolute Surrender: “The condition for obtaining God’s full blessing is absolute surrender to Him.” David had that surrender. He had that faith. He had the hunger for righteousness demonstrated in his prayers. Oh that we might find and keep that deep faith of David, that our hearts might be surrendered to our Creator!
2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
3 O LORD my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Key Verse:
11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-9 The Petition
2. v. 10-17 The answer is received
Key Observation:
God does not neglect the prayers of his people; judgment of the wicked shall surely come in the future, but now frequently those who plan the demise of the ungodly are trapped by their own plans.
Memory Verse:
10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
Devotion:
Haman in the book of Esther comes to mind readily here. Haman schemed against Mordecai by building a gallows high above all other gallows, and not being content with revenge on Mordecai, he schemed to attack all the Jewish people. God turns the scheme against Mordecai’s people by an edict allowing the Jews to kill their enemies. Not only was Haman hung on the gallows he himself had built, but his ten sons were hung also. Because the king himself was behind the edict, even the common people joined the Jews, and seventy five thousand of the enemies of the Jews were killed.
David says: “He made a pit and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he had made.” It pleases God to confound his enemies by taking their own schemes and allowing them to be taken by them. When we read Psalm 2, we found the Lord laughing at the counsel of the enemies of Israel, and we are told in Revelation that Christ was able to stop all the vast energies of all the kings of the world with one word.
Here David is praying to his God for the destruction of the wicked. Evidently he has been wrongfully accused by “Cush, a Benjamite”. David, when confronted with his sin, readily confesses his need for forgiveness (see Psalm 51). In this case, however, unspecified charges have been brought against David, of which he feels he is completely innocent.David strongly feels innocence here and he feels his very integrity is threatened, and his direct prayer is for the confusion of his enemies, that their mischief might return upon their own head.
I know from Hebrews 11, the chapter of the hall of faith, that righteous comes, not by works, but by faith. David seems to intuitively understand this at times, though the doctrine of justification by faith was not to come until much later. Reflecting on his view, I remember the words of Andrew Murray in his fine book titled, Absolute Surrender: “The condition for obtaining God’s full blessing is absolute surrender to Him.” David had that surrender. He had that faith. He had the hunger for righteousness demonstrated in his prayers. Oh that we might find and keep that deep faith of David, that our hearts might be surrendered to our Creator!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Psalm 6
1O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Key Verse:
2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
Key Outline:
v. 1-7 The Petition
v. 8-10 The answer celebrated
Key Observation:
David is in a place where evidently his sufferings are eliciting the scoffing of the wicked. His soul feels empty, bereft of the presence of God, and David cries out for the company of his God. His cries come from deepest needs, perhaps sickness or illness, but more likely because he was promised many mercies of God, but is in an “oppositional environment” that suggests, at least to his scoffers, that God is not blessing him.
Memory Verse:
9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
Devotion:
David’s soul is vexed to the point of desperation. Remember that David spent many years being hunted by Saul, fighting with the enemies of Israel, and even feigned madness once to escape a king. Not the David that fought Goliath! Not the David that Samuel anointed to be king over Israel! Instead he found himself running through the desert, hiding in caves, and depending on the whims of Israelites for kindness in providing even food. I can imagine that David must have wondered at the stark contrast between what God had promised and the evidence of what he had received. In a moment of sharp distress he cries out to his God, telling God of his deep hurt and need.
It is exactly at points like that where God hears my prayer. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. I think it is at the point of my deep need, when I cry from the emptiness of my soul for the filling of God’s goodness that I can know, as David knew, that my God hears me and will answer. In spite of the evidences of my eyes!
E. M. Bounds, a man known by his deep prayer life, said it this way: “Only God can move mountains, but faith and prayer move God.” David knows God hears his weeping. He confidently states, “The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.” What a joy to know I can have the faith of David and like David, I can cry out to my God knowing that He hears my supplications and prayers. With confidence I can leave Him to move the mountains!
All too often I am the fool who cannot find time to spend with his God. I fall into slovenly habits, and become ineffectual in my prayers. A. W. Tozer explains this attitude: “Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people.” It is true, at least from my perspective, that God moves mightily when my needs are the greatest, when I am driven to my knees by my convictions of my utter destitute condition. My foolish heart! Do I not know that I am but feeble and destitute all the time? Open my heart to you, O God, that seeing you, I may see and know my utter, compelling, and deep need, and pray more strongly.
2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Key Verse:
2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
Key Outline:
v. 1-7 The Petition
v. 8-10 The answer celebrated
Key Observation:
David is in a place where evidently his sufferings are eliciting the scoffing of the wicked. His soul feels empty, bereft of the presence of God, and David cries out for the company of his God. His cries come from deepest needs, perhaps sickness or illness, but more likely because he was promised many mercies of God, but is in an “oppositional environment” that suggests, at least to his scoffers, that God is not blessing him.
Memory Verse:
9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
Devotion:
David’s soul is vexed to the point of desperation. Remember that David spent many years being hunted by Saul, fighting with the enemies of Israel, and even feigned madness once to escape a king. Not the David that fought Goliath! Not the David that Samuel anointed to be king over Israel! Instead he found himself running through the desert, hiding in caves, and depending on the whims of Israelites for kindness in providing even food. I can imagine that David must have wondered at the stark contrast between what God had promised and the evidence of what he had received. In a moment of sharp distress he cries out to his God, telling God of his deep hurt and need.
It is exactly at points like that where God hears my prayer. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. I think it is at the point of my deep need, when I cry from the emptiness of my soul for the filling of God’s goodness that I can know, as David knew, that my God hears me and will answer. In spite of the evidences of my eyes!
E. M. Bounds, a man known by his deep prayer life, said it this way: “Only God can move mountains, but faith and prayer move God.” David knows God hears his weeping. He confidently states, “The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.” What a joy to know I can have the faith of David and like David, I can cry out to my God knowing that He hears my supplications and prayers. With confidence I can leave Him to move the mountains!
All too often I am the fool who cannot find time to spend with his God. I fall into slovenly habits, and become ineffectual in my prayers. A. W. Tozer explains this attitude: “Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people.” It is true, at least from my perspective, that God moves mightily when my needs are the greatest, when I am driven to my knees by my convictions of my utter destitute condition. My foolish heart! Do I not know that I am but feeble and destitute all the time? Open my heart to you, O God, that seeing you, I may see and know my utter, compelling, and deep need, and pray more strongly.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Psalm 5
1Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
2Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
7But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Key Verse:
4For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-3 Offered prayer to be heard
2. v. 4-6 God has no place for wicked
3. v. 7-8 Prayer for victory over wicked
4. v. 9-11 Protect righteous from wicked
Key Observation:
The wicked will not escape destruction; it is those made righteous who will be blessed.
Memory Verse:
3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Devotion:
David pleas with God to hear his prayer, certain that he will. It is repeated three times, a common device for Hebrew poetry, and being repeated like this adds to the certainty in the mind of the writer. Again David is returning to an already familiar theme of the Psalms: the sanctification of the righteous. The righteous in Psalms are frequently spoken of as those who follow his law; the new testament shows us that this is better understood as those who have faith in God, and following the law was the preeminent sign of such faith. It fits well with the concept of James who says show me your faith and replies I will show you my faith by my works. The righteous are those who try to observe his law because of their trust.
God is faithful to both the righteous and the wicked. With the former, he will bless and give them reasons for “shouting with joy”. To the wicked, he will bring them just judgment and condemnation “for they have rebelled against thee”. Both may be regarded as sanctification, or a setting apart. One group is set apart to life; the other is set apart to condemnation.
J. Vernon McGee tells us of Samuel Johnson: “It was Samuel Johnson who said, “Every man knows that of himself which he dares not tell his dearest friend.” I think of the character in the story of Langston Hughes who famously said, “There are things I did which I would not tell God, if He did not already know.” I have my many secret sins, and my not-so-secret sins that many of my friends read all too easily through their associations with me. I am not only wicked, I am deeply wicked and beyond all hope. I need to remember, but for the grace of God in his redemption, that I would certainly face a judgment for my wickedness that would bring eternal condemnation. My faith in Christ had marked my debt paid in full, and I may rest assured forever that I will not be held accountable for my sins. I am not numbered with the wicked here in Psalms; I am counted with the righteous, but not because of my actions, but because of the unmerited grace of Jesus. Therefore, as David says, the Lord will bless me and compass me with his favor.
2Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
7But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Key Verse:
4For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-3 Offered prayer to be heard
2. v. 4-6 God has no place for wicked
3. v. 7-8 Prayer for victory over wicked
4. v. 9-11 Protect righteous from wicked
Key Observation:
The wicked will not escape destruction; it is those made righteous who will be blessed.
Memory Verse:
3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Devotion:
David pleas with God to hear his prayer, certain that he will. It is repeated three times, a common device for Hebrew poetry, and being repeated like this adds to the certainty in the mind of the writer. Again David is returning to an already familiar theme of the Psalms: the sanctification of the righteous. The righteous in Psalms are frequently spoken of as those who follow his law; the new testament shows us that this is better understood as those who have faith in God, and following the law was the preeminent sign of such faith. It fits well with the concept of James who says show me your faith and replies I will show you my faith by my works. The righteous are those who try to observe his law because of their trust.
God is faithful to both the righteous and the wicked. With the former, he will bless and give them reasons for “shouting with joy”. To the wicked, he will bring them just judgment and condemnation “for they have rebelled against thee”. Both may be regarded as sanctification, or a setting apart. One group is set apart to life; the other is set apart to condemnation.
J. Vernon McGee tells us of Samuel Johnson: “It was Samuel Johnson who said, “Every man knows that of himself which he dares not tell his dearest friend.” I think of the character in the story of Langston Hughes who famously said, “There are things I did which I would not tell God, if He did not already know.” I have my many secret sins, and my not-so-secret sins that many of my friends read all too easily through their associations with me. I am not only wicked, I am deeply wicked and beyond all hope. I need to remember, but for the grace of God in his redemption, that I would certainly face a judgment for my wickedness that would bring eternal condemnation. My faith in Christ had marked my debt paid in full, and I may rest assured forever that I will not be held accountable for my sins. I am not numbered with the wicked here in Psalms; I am counted with the righteous, but not because of my actions, but because of the unmerited grace of Jesus. Therefore, as David says, the Lord will bless me and compass me with his favor.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Psalm 4
1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the LORD.
6 Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Key verse:
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Key Outline:
1. v 1 The Petition
2. v 2 Sanctification improper
3. v 3 – 8 Sanctification proper
Key Observation:
This psalm is aimed at the wayward people under David. It has no particular timing attached to it; merely the note that it is for the director of music, perhaps to make a song out of. David notes his people are pursuing a wrong lifestyle, loving delusions and seeking false gods. He then corrects them by showing them his own personal sanctification.
Memory Verse:
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Or in the NIV, (my favorite)
8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
Devotion:
A.W. Tozer writes about prayer this way: “He hears and answers the prayers of those who walk in his way.” In a very short summation, that is what David is writing about in this psalm. The key verse is a question to David’s people as he looks upon their wasted lives. The people are turning the very glory of God into shame, loving delusions, and seeking false gods. For me to understand this key verse I need to remember that David lived in a time when his society was deeply pulled into false religions, the glitter of which even attracted the Jewish people. Some of these pagan religions even taught child-sacrifice. David is appalled when he sees all of the ungodliness. I should be appalled at the ungodliness of my day, not congratulating myself because of my tolerance, but rather speaking out as John the Baptist did against the sin of his day. Even the sight of ungodliness in others ought to make my skin cringe in utter repugnance, though always my goal should be to show others mercy, “hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
As Psalm 2 was addressed to the kings of the earth, this psalm is more addressed to those who should be God’s people, but who in all probability are not. In it David (and God through David) is adjuring the people to offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. As they learn to do so they will find the bountiful provision of God (noted in v. 6). God rewards faith. God delights in faith. Faith is the one area where the saint can truly please God. I need to put away all the temporal things of this world and fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.
D. L. Moody observes: “I believe that if there is one thing which pierces the Master’s heart with unutterable grief, it is not the world’s iniquity, but the Church’s indifference.” Christ asks the question, “When the Son of Man returns, will he find faith on the earth?” It is your trust and mine he will look for at once. David had that trust. Do I? Do you? David trusted much for he says: I will lie down and sleep in peace,for you alone, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Blessed is the sleep of the man who knows his salvation is unalterably in the palm of his Saviour.
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the LORD.
6 Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Key verse:
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Key Outline:
1. v 1 The Petition
2. v 2 Sanctification improper
3. v 3 – 8 Sanctification proper
Key Observation:
This psalm is aimed at the wayward people under David. It has no particular timing attached to it; merely the note that it is for the director of music, perhaps to make a song out of. David notes his people are pursuing a wrong lifestyle, loving delusions and seeking false gods. He then corrects them by showing them his own personal sanctification.
Memory Verse:
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Or in the NIV, (my favorite)
8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
Devotion:
A.W. Tozer writes about prayer this way: “He hears and answers the prayers of those who walk in his way.” In a very short summation, that is what David is writing about in this psalm. The key verse is a question to David’s people as he looks upon their wasted lives. The people are turning the very glory of God into shame, loving delusions, and seeking false gods. For me to understand this key verse I need to remember that David lived in a time when his society was deeply pulled into false religions, the glitter of which even attracted the Jewish people. Some of these pagan religions even taught child-sacrifice. David is appalled when he sees all of the ungodliness. I should be appalled at the ungodliness of my day, not congratulating myself because of my tolerance, but rather speaking out as John the Baptist did against the sin of his day. Even the sight of ungodliness in others ought to make my skin cringe in utter repugnance, though always my goal should be to show others mercy, “hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
As Psalm 2 was addressed to the kings of the earth, this psalm is more addressed to those who should be God’s people, but who in all probability are not. In it David (and God through David) is adjuring the people to offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. As they learn to do so they will find the bountiful provision of God (noted in v. 6). God rewards faith. God delights in faith. Faith is the one area where the saint can truly please God. I need to put away all the temporal things of this world and fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.
D. L. Moody observes: “I believe that if there is one thing which pierces the Master’s heart with unutterable grief, it is not the world’s iniquity, but the Church’s indifference.” Christ asks the question, “When the Son of Man returns, will he find faith on the earth?” It is your trust and mine he will look for at once. David had that trust. Do I? Do you? David trusted much for he says: I will lie down and sleep in peace,for you alone, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Blessed is the sleep of the man who knows his salvation is unalterably in the palm of his Saviour.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Psalm 3
1Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Key Verse:
v.7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly
Key Outline:
1. v. 1 & 2- The complaint described
2. v. 3 & 4- The complaint answered even as David prays
3. v. 5 & 6- All sufficient answer in God
4. v. 7 & 8- The answer claimed and thanks given
Key Observation:
“When he fled from Absolam” reads the introduction. David spent decades running from Saul, and watching the Lord deliver him time after time. He is confident his prayer is heard this time based on his prior experience, and exults in that hearing. He is able to look through the eyes of faith to the end: “thou hast smitten all mine enemies”. Salvation here is best understand as a present rescue from distress, but it also definitely has an eternal application, especially for those of us reading it today.
Memory Verse:
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Devotion:
What faith I see in the man after God’s heart! He has much experience with being hunted, with a price on his head, standing as bounty for any who would obtain his carcass. He knows the deliverance of God, time after time. He has faith, a faith that looks forward with a surety of knowledge from experience that His God will save him. I see David crying a prayer of distress for God’s help, but with every confidence that God hears his prayer.
E.M. Bounds, a man of prayer has this to say, and I think it is highly applicable to the attitude of David here: “In the ultimate issue, prayer is simply faith, claiming its natural yet marvelous prerogatives—faith taking possession of its illimitable inheritance.” I believe David here had that kind of prayer faith.
I know of this faith-building, for as a young man in Bible school, I needed the provision of God time after time. As I saw Him continue to support me through college amid the most dismal of finances, I came to recognize those hard times as times that God would glorify his name and I began to look forward to them because I knew God would be a help. Now as an older man, I remember those days, and when I pray, I pray expecting an answer. God put me through difficult times to build my faith, just as he did David.
Isn’t David sure of the answer from his God? Shouldn’t we approach God “with freedom and confidence”, knowing that God will answer? I ought to have even more faith than David (though I confess readily I do not) because I know of the work of my Redeemer. He did everything for me. As He cried out, “It is finished.” I know of that completed redemption, something that David could only look forward to by faith. My God should be as he was to David, everything.
2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Key Verse:
v.7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly
Key Outline:
1. v. 1 & 2- The complaint described
2. v. 3 & 4- The complaint answered even as David prays
3. v. 5 & 6- All sufficient answer in God
4. v. 7 & 8- The answer claimed and thanks given
Key Observation:
“When he fled from Absolam” reads the introduction. David spent decades running from Saul, and watching the Lord deliver him time after time. He is confident his prayer is heard this time based on his prior experience, and exults in that hearing. He is able to look through the eyes of faith to the end: “thou hast smitten all mine enemies”. Salvation here is best understand as a present rescue from distress, but it also definitely has an eternal application, especially for those of us reading it today.
Memory Verse:
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Devotion:
What faith I see in the man after God’s heart! He has much experience with being hunted, with a price on his head, standing as bounty for any who would obtain his carcass. He knows the deliverance of God, time after time. He has faith, a faith that looks forward with a surety of knowledge from experience that His God will save him. I see David crying a prayer of distress for God’s help, but with every confidence that God hears his prayer.
E.M. Bounds, a man of prayer has this to say, and I think it is highly applicable to the attitude of David here: “In the ultimate issue, prayer is simply faith, claiming its natural yet marvelous prerogatives—faith taking possession of its illimitable inheritance.” I believe David here had that kind of prayer faith.
I know of this faith-building, for as a young man in Bible school, I needed the provision of God time after time. As I saw Him continue to support me through college amid the most dismal of finances, I came to recognize those hard times as times that God would glorify his name and I began to look forward to them because I knew God would be a help. Now as an older man, I remember those days, and when I pray, I pray expecting an answer. God put me through difficult times to build my faith, just as he did David.
Isn’t David sure of the answer from his God? Shouldn’t we approach God “with freedom and confidence”, knowing that God will answer? I ought to have even more faith than David (though I confess readily I do not) because I know of the work of my Redeemer. He did everything for me. As He cried out, “It is finished.” I know of that completed redemption, something that David could only look forward to by faith. My God should be as he was to David, everything.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Psalm 2
1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Key Verse:
4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-3 Kings exerting their strength against the Lord
2. v. 4-5 God’s judgment
3. v. 6-9 The kingdom and rule of the Son
4. v. 10-12 Warning to kings and judges
Key Observation:
This Psalm is directed especially to the kings of the earth. As such it has applications all the way down through history. The rulers of this world are almost always opposed to their Creator. This Psalm stands as a stern warning to those leaders who would trust in themselves rather than their creator. Few and far between are those exceptions who stand out in history as leading nations and also following God. David was one such exception, of whom God himself declared, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart.”
Memory Verse:
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Devotion:
In this psalm, near the beginning of all psalms, it addresses an unusual audience, the scope of which is enlarged to include all the rulers, or kings, of the earth. It is the first psalm with a direct Messianic reference—that is, it speaks of our Lord. And because we know the Christ who is promised, there is much to be gleaned when we see promises from God concerning His Son. This psalm has such a promise concerning His Son, and it should be the delight of the church to read.
But because of the Messianic references(“I have set my king on my holy hill”), I believe this psalm will have a special application to those kings opposing Christ at the time of his return. On that day all the effort they amass against the King from Zion shall amount to no more than a speck of dust being waved away from the Master’s eye. Some people doubt that God would ever intrude so openly and visibly, so poignantly and powerfully. But I remember something that John Wesley said: “God created the heavens and the earth and didn’t even half try.” The God who created the whole universe is not going to have any trouble at all with the worldly kings. On that day the words of this Psalm will stand as testimony against all their foolishness. On that day we in the church will be returning from heaven with Christ. We will see the end of the foolish kings who schemed against God, and heeded not this warning. “He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh; the LORD will have them in derision.”
2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Key Verse:
4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
Key Outline:
1. v. 1-3 Kings exerting their strength against the Lord
2. v. 4-5 God’s judgment
3. v. 6-9 The kingdom and rule of the Son
4. v. 10-12 Warning to kings and judges
Key Observation:
This Psalm is directed especially to the kings of the earth. As such it has applications all the way down through history. The rulers of this world are almost always opposed to their Creator. This Psalm stands as a stern warning to those leaders who would trust in themselves rather than their creator. Few and far between are those exceptions who stand out in history as leading nations and also following God. David was one such exception, of whom God himself declared, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart.”
Memory Verse:
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Devotion:
In this psalm, near the beginning of all psalms, it addresses an unusual audience, the scope of which is enlarged to include all the rulers, or kings, of the earth. It is the first psalm with a direct Messianic reference—that is, it speaks of our Lord. And because we know the Christ who is promised, there is much to be gleaned when we see promises from God concerning His Son. This psalm has such a promise concerning His Son, and it should be the delight of the church to read.
But because of the Messianic references(“I have set my king on my holy hill”), I believe this psalm will have a special application to those kings opposing Christ at the time of his return. On that day all the effort they amass against the King from Zion shall amount to no more than a speck of dust being waved away from the Master’s eye. Some people doubt that God would ever intrude so openly and visibly, so poignantly and powerfully. But I remember something that John Wesley said: “God created the heavens and the earth and didn’t even half try.” The God who created the whole universe is not going to have any trouble at all with the worldly kings. On that day the words of this Psalm will stand as testimony against all their foolishness. On that day we in the church will be returning from heaven with Christ. We will see the end of the foolish kings who schemed against God, and heeded not this warning. “He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh; the LORD will have them in derision.”
Monday, June 20, 2011
Psalm One
Psalm One
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Key verse:
6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Key Outline:
1. Verses 1-3 Blessings of the righteous
2. Verses 4-5 The end of the ungodly
3. v. 6 Key verse comparing righteous man and ungodly man
Key Observation:
This entire Psalm is worthy of memory and is frequently recited by the godly saints. It teaches sanctification on the part of the saint in a two fold manner. First the saint will walk circumspectly keeping himself away from the companies of ungodly, sinners, or the scornful. Second, he will constantly immerse himself in the word of God, meditating on the scriptures that declare both the glory of the Creator, and the responsibility of the created.
The end of those who do not chose the godly course is plain. They will be winnowed out purposefully, and the wind will blow them away so that they will not have any part with the judgment or the congregation of the righteous. They “shall perish”.
Memory verse: (if you have to choose one)
v. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Devotion:
I am to be marked by others as someone who stays away from associations which will pull me away from God. My walk with God should be one where I decidedly do not follow the ungodly; instead my life is to be marked by dwelling in the Word of God, meditating on it. One of Jonathan Edward’s early resolutions was exactly this: “Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.”
Biblical meditation means to fill my mind up with the wonders of my Creator, and the best means of doing that is by constant attention to the Word of God. I think about what he says, I fill my mind up with his tenets, and I allow my heart to be exalted when I consider God and the fact that He is mindful of me. If I do that, the Psalm says that I will be strong with a foundation that is not easily shaken (a tree planted by a stream), and I shall see “fruit” come forth in its season, and I shall be prospered.
When I meet the many others, the ungodly, who seem to be so much of the world, I am to keep in mind their end. They are as chaff that the wind will blow away, they perish, and, most importantly, they matter not at all. Nothing that they do or say should dissuade me from following my God.
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Key verse:
6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Key Outline:
1. Verses 1-3 Blessings of the righteous
2. Verses 4-5 The end of the ungodly
3. v. 6 Key verse comparing righteous man and ungodly man
Key Observation:
This entire Psalm is worthy of memory and is frequently recited by the godly saints. It teaches sanctification on the part of the saint in a two fold manner. First the saint will walk circumspectly keeping himself away from the companies of ungodly, sinners, or the scornful. Second, he will constantly immerse himself in the word of God, meditating on the scriptures that declare both the glory of the Creator, and the responsibility of the created.
The end of those who do not chose the godly course is plain. They will be winnowed out purposefully, and the wind will blow them away so that they will not have any part with the judgment or the congregation of the righteous. They “shall perish”.
Memory verse: (if you have to choose one)
v. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Devotion:
I am to be marked by others as someone who stays away from associations which will pull me away from God. My walk with God should be one where I decidedly do not follow the ungodly; instead my life is to be marked by dwelling in the Word of God, meditating on it. One of Jonathan Edward’s early resolutions was exactly this: “Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.”
Biblical meditation means to fill my mind up with the wonders of my Creator, and the best means of doing that is by constant attention to the Word of God. I think about what he says, I fill my mind up with his tenets, and I allow my heart to be exalted when I consider God and the fact that He is mindful of me. If I do that, the Psalm says that I will be strong with a foundation that is not easily shaken (a tree planted by a stream), and I shall see “fruit” come forth in its season, and I shall be prospered.
When I meet the many others, the ungodly, who seem to be so much of the world, I am to keep in mind their end. They are as chaff that the wind will blow away, they perish, and, most importantly, they matter not at all. Nothing that they do or say should dissuade me from following my God.
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