Tag: Psalms

Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 22

January 22nd, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 9:1-13; Acts 13:1-25; Psalm 21, Genesis 46-47. And if you hadn’t noticed – you’ve already completed reading 5% of the entire Scripture with today’s portion.

As I write this today, I am reminded of a repeated motif in Scripture which gets repeatedly overlooked. As in the 10 plagues which will come when God is ready to liberate Israel from Egyptian bondage, so here: God’s people are most often KEPT in the World’s trials, not utterly exempted from them.

If our faith is always bound up with God keeping us from trial, temptation and trouble, we will find ourselves doubting God at every turn – every time something grievous or overwhelming enters our lives. But He has not promised to keep us from all these things, but to keep us in them!

So all of Egypt and Canaan were suffering under this famine. And God’s chosen race was not exempted from it. Instead, what they were to find out, is that God had made provision for them – well ahead. And that, by redeeming for their good the very sin they had committed in selling Joseph into slavery. That doesn’t mitigate their sin. Because God can and does bring good out of evil is no justification for evil. But it does show how in His faithfulness to His people and His promises, even in our failures – He has made provision for us.

We may well witness the collapse of Western Culture as we know it. I don’t know. We may well see our political system undo itself or face ecological, biological or economic disaster. Individually and as a people there may be hard and dark days ahead that we never imagined. Individually you or I may suffer all forms of physical maladies, weaknesses, doubts, fear, confusion, distresses and challenges. But our God is faithful. Like preserving Noah in the Flood, or Israel during this famine – our God knows His own, and keeps His own. In the very midst of judgment and/or tragedy. He makes a table for us, in the very presence of our enemies. (Ps. 23:5)

What a good God we serve.
Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 15

January 15th, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 6:16-24; Acts 9:1-19; Psalm 15, Genesis 34-35.

Psalm 15 is both delightful, and terrifying. Delightful in the picture it paints of one who would walk with God. Terrifying in how far short I fall in every respect.

Who indeed can dwell on God’s holy hill, when what it takes to qualify to do so, I’ve long since failed at?

O that I would walk blamelessly. But even if I did from this moment forward, what about my past?

That I would always do what is right – but I fail in that every hour.

And falsehood still finds its way into my heart. I lie to myself about my own goodness; lie about others to feel better about myself; and worst of all, lie about God – failing to know the real truth of Him as fully revealed in Jesus. Still harboring the lies of Eden that God is not ALL good and has only my best interest at heart – without flaw.

How I have slandered others – especially those with whom I disagree.

And I’ve not always done only good to my neighbor – even my closest neighbor, my spouse, my child, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

And there have surely been times when I’ve reproached my friend needlessly.

I have often – and still have the tendency to be impressed and intimidated by the wicked as adding some perceived value to me if they are brilliant, talented, astute, accomplished, powerful, recognized, forceful, and attractive.

And I have failed to honor those who fear the Lord regardless of their station.

At times, when my promises appeared as though they would cost me more than I planned, I’ve reneged on them to spare myself.

I’ve lent not out of love, but to receive a return, and had a heart which can be bribed from being fully impartial.

What hope then is there for me that I might one day live with my God in His holy mountain?

But one.

That Christ my substitute has fulfilled all of this. He hasn’t erred in even the slightest. And that His perfect righteousness is imputed to all who put their trust in Him and Him alone.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Margin notes: A prayer from Psalm 105

December 19th, 2019

Psalm 105:4 (ESV) — 4 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Heavenly Father, the volumes that need to be written on this one thought.

How destitute we are of joy and comfort and peace and understanding and righteousness and instruction because we do not seek your presence continually.

Because we go back and forth.

We imagine that we go in and out of your presence.

But it is not so.

You are with us always.

We do not leave your presence, we merely ignore it.

Oh horror of horrors!

Please forgive us.

Forgive us for uttering one syllable as though you are not hearing in the room with us.

Forgive us for the way we speak to others.

For the ways we think – as though you are not privy to every thought.

For pursuing some sort of abstract “strength” in our weak moments, instead of simply seeking your presence – for there, for YOU, are our strength. It is not some “thing” disconnected from you.

For what we let our eyes see and our ears hear. All because we are not living in the seeking – the act of recognizing your presence with us.

May that never again be true from this day forward.

May we, may I seek your presence at all times and in all places.

For you will be found by those who seek you. That is your promise. 2 Chron. 15:2
Margin notes: The Forgotten parts of the Gospel

December 10th, 2019

Psalm 96:10 – “Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”

This is a vital part of our message to all men. This is part and parcel of the Gospel. Though it is seldom used in that capacity any more. Nevertheless, we have a command to proclaim it to the nations. To publish it everywhere.

Note these 3 elements:

a. The Lord reigns. God is indeed sovereign. Man is not. Man is morally responsible for his self-determined actions, and yet there is a God who rules over all.

b. The earth shall never be moved. Man’s notion that he can destroy this world is nothing but fallen bravado – another attempt at man declaring himself to be God. He is not. This is God’s world and it will remain until He is done with it. Yes, we will indeed be responsible for failed stewardship. Yes, we need to pay attention to disasters we may bring upon ourselves through the misuse and abuse of this present earthly home – but do not imagine we can do so to the utter thwarting of God’s plans, nor the negation of His promises.

c. He WILL judge the nations with equity. There is a judgment coming. Everyone will give an account for themselves, by the standard of God’s own righteousness. Russia and everyone in it will be judged. China and everyone in it will be judged. North Korea and everyone in it will be judged. Sweden and everyone in it will be judged. The United States and everyone in it will be judged. None of the 195 nations we have today or historically, none will escape. Leaders will be judged for how they led the nations. Populaces will be judged for how they followed their culture. Individuals will be judged. Are you ready? For in that day, the question will not be – as we hear so often today “were you on the right side of history?” as we imagine it and as moral (or immoral) movements ask – it will be, “have you been reconciled to the God of all the universe through the substitutionary atonement His Son made for sin on Calvary?” Have you “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come?” 1 Th 1:9–10.

If not, your eternity will be the issue, not the 70 or so years you thought were the end-all here. Not your profession of what you believe, or think or imagine – but where you stand in relation to the Living God – either in Christ, or in your sin.

Turn to Him today.

Psalm 96:11–13 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Margin notes: A “united” heart

December 5th, 2019

Psalm 86:1–17 (ESV) — 1 Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. 7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Psalm 86 bears the title: “A Prayer of David.” And I love how David prays, as much as I need to look at what he prays for.

In the “how” column, he prays as a “poor and needy” man. Cognizant that he has nothing in himself. He prays too as a “godly” man. Not perfect. Not righteous in himself. But one who looks to and desires to serve the one true and living God. He prays to the Lord who is “good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” To the God who does “great and wondrous things.”

The “what” he prays for is notable as well. Deliverance from opposing or oppressing enemies. That’s reasonable. But the real sum and substance of his concern is in vs. 11 ” Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” a. To know God’s ways as taught from God Himself. b. To walk in truth – in God’s reality. c. And above all – that his heart might be united that he might fear God’s name. How intriguing. A united heart.

A “united” heart; in other words, one that does not have any divided loyalties, but is wholly set upon finding its joy and satisfaction and fullness in Christ alone. One that fears God alone, and nothing nor anyone else. Oh how divided my own heart often is – torn by a host of loyalties and desires rather than unified in the fear and love of God in Jesus Christ.

So let’s pray with David today: Oh Holy Spirit, grant this heart to me! Heavenly Father, grant your Spirit to create this heart within this weak and brittle vessel. Give me, give we your servants, a singular, united heart – to fear your name. For the cause and glory of Christ we pray. Amen.
Margin notes: When God says “no” to a good thing

December 4th, 2019

Psalm 84:11–12 (ESV) — 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!

One of the mightiest weapons the Believer has against sin and temptation, is the firm conviction that “no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Now we must be clear here, the text does NOT say, everything which is simply good in and of itself is to be ours. Providence will teach us well that there are many things inherently good, which nevertheless a Believer might find themselves bereft of.

Freedom is something we might consider a universal good. But when the issue of slavery comes up in the New Testament for instance, we find that some Believers were in fact slaves, and that God called them to behave in certain ways in that circumstance. Would we not be right then in saying that in such cases – God had indeed withheld something good from one walking uprightly? Or, might we posit that if a Believer is a slave, that itself indicates they are NOT walking uprightly? We must answer no to both of those inquiries as nakedly stated.

Why? Because our God in His infinite wisdom and unfathomable love, knows what is best for each of us individually in terms of giving us the maximum opportunity to grow in grace and the image of Christ. And when that goal requires that something “good” be withheld, given the usefulness of that withholding for our spiritual, ultimate and eternal good.

He does indeed at times withhold some things which are natively “good” when they might mean some temporary happiness, but would be contrary to eternal and higher joy.

So how does this impact temptation? It defuses sin’s lie, that just because something is “good” in my estimation, or even in general, that it is necessarily the highest good. And it instead shifts my thoughts to the “Lord of hosts” (vs. 12) and the blessedness that comes from trusting Him and His judgment in it. i.e., we can reply to our sin – “I trust my God, that in my case, if I cannot have this specific “good” – there is a higher good He has ordained for me, and He is most loving in denying me the good I want right now, in favor of the better things He has ordained for me.”

That is a conversation we all need to engage in more regularly, especially when sin lies and tells us God is not good, and that the sin we are contemplating is the good we think we deserve.

Trust Him Beloved. For those are truly blessed, who can trust Him with all their desires – and who will not withhold any truly “good” thing, for those who walk uprightly before Him.

Trust Him.
Margin notes: A simple prayer about my cravings.

November 13th, 2019

Psalm 78:18 (ESV) — 18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.

In this Psalm of Asaph, he recounts the stubbornness of Israel in the way it has dealt with God, and the mercy and grace God has displayed in the face of Israel’s stubbornness. Vs. 18 seems to be the lynchpin on which their rebellion hung. And I could not help but feel the pinch of it myself as I reflected upon how often I’ve resented God loving me better than my cravings, by abundantly meeting my needs – far and above anything I could have imagined. He is so very, very good to us.

Heavenly Father, this is so much how I am. No matter how often or how wondrously you prove yourself to me, at the next crisis, it is as though you have done nothing in the past. It is as though you are constantly having to prove yourself to me. Please forgive my hardness and unfaithfulness. Make my mind recall your past graces, and let me stand secure in your love that I do not repeatedly put you to the test. Let my heart be free of its sinful doubting – and truly trust you. Make my only “demand” – that I might know you more. Keep me from demanding that you cater to my cravings above what your infinitely perfect love and wisdom deem best for me. Teach me to trust you above my own wicked heart. Teach me to “crave” better than I know or feel. Love me better than what I think love ought to be.
Margin notes: Teach your children well – Better than Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

November 12th, 2019

Psalm 78:1–8 (ESV) — 1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, 3 things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; 8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

If you didn’t get my byline – than LISTEN HERE first, and then come back to read this.

What a good thing it is for each generation to make known what they’ve come to know and have learned about the goodness, power and wonder of God. For parents to tell their children of their own conversion to Christ. To tell them how God rescued them in trouble, provided for them, walked with them, comforted them, sustained them and blessed them. Parents – do not be silent. Give your children the heritage of your life in Christ. Recount it. Glory in it, joy in it, and tell them of it.

The following verses tell us why we should do vss. 1-4 – So they should:

a. Set their hope in God; b. Not forget His works; c. Keep His commandments; d. Not be like their fathers in stubbornness, rebellion, and unfaithfulness.

We don’t share these things with others – especially our children according to the World’s wisdom. How often do we hear that the only goal parents have for their children is that they “be happy.” Or fulfill their dreams, etc.? BUt are there not higher goals in mind for those in Christ. To live in the eternal hope of the resurrection because of reconciliation to God through the Gospel of the finished work of Christ. Happiness beyond THIS life. Hope in the face of all opposition. And to know the wondrous power of God. The mightiest of all works that of rescuing us from our death n our sins. The most degenerate among us can kill – but who can bring to life? None but God. To live a life where one is in union and harmony with their Creator. Knowing the joy and intimacy of His presence. Oh how I want my grandchildren to know that in their lives too. And to avoid the multiplied sorrow, heartaches, defilements and tragic consequences of sin.

This, beloved, is a true education indeed. If they never learned anything beyond these – they will be prepared for eternity.

And note how much of the balance of this Psalm consists of a record of Israel’s sin and failure, but God’s goodness, grace, mercy and forgiveness in the face of it. Our testimonies to men ought not to be about OUR goodness, but His, in the face of our rebellion.

Teach your children “well”. And if you have none of your own, then find someone else’s to pour these into. Even if they are already adults. Teach them of Christ.
Margin notes: God’s Steady “pillars”

November 11th, 2019

Psalm 75:3 (ESV) — 3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah

3 Things in the 3rd verse from Asaph are so vital for Christians today to bear in mind.

First, there are times when the earth totters, stumbling and quaking and crumbling. The Psalm does not say “IF” these things happen – but “when.” They will. Great upheavals in the creation physically, politically in governments, economically and even religiously and personally. The earth and all earthly system stand presently under the judgment of God. And it is crumbling.

Second, The Lord knows there will be these seasons. He is not surprised by them, and so neither should we be. Comfort, ease and outward security are no inalienable rights. We live in a world that is passing away. And this entire world system suffers from its death spasms. This will not be reversed, even tho God in His grace does give seasons of respite as well. But we must make no mistake that this present world which is passing away – cannot be rescued. (1 Cor. 7 :31; 1 John 2:17)

Third. Those in Christ have this knowledge as well – that in spite of it all, even in its worst moments, the Lord still keeps those pillars of grace and mercy steady. We have a sureness and security those outside of Christ cannot conceive of. Like the Disciples in the boat with Jesus when the storm threatened to sink and drown them – they could not perish because HE could not perish. As long as we are with Him, in Him and He in us, though every piece of the fabric of human existence be torn, we have secure and steady pillars which cannot be shaken even in the least. 2 Timothy 2:19 a (ESV) — 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”

What a glorious Christ we serve.
Margin notes: Getting my vision back

October 24th, 2019

Psalm 73 (ESV) — A Psalm of Asaph. 1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. 5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. 7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. 8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. 9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. 10 Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. 11 And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. 13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children. 16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. 18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. 19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! 20 Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms. 21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. 23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73 has long been one of my favorites. Asaph has walked down the same streets I have. Thought the same thoughts. And needed the same correction. Perhaps you’ve been there too. So what I would call your attention to today is to a clearer vision of things, when they seem to get distorted. And let me do it by means of a homey but I pray useful paraphrase of this powerful and much-needed reminder. It runs verse by verse.

1. God IS good to His children.

2. But I almost blew it by a stupid error.

3. I was jealous, because it seems some people can get away with anything.

4. They have no fear of future punishment.

5. They live a life of ease.

6. So they gloat! But all is not well.

7. They LOOK satisfied.

8 & 9. They talk a big game.

10. And sometimes we Christians are intimidated by that.

11. They try to sway us by what they say about God.

12. And they point to other wicked men in ease as examples to us.

13. So I started to think: “I serve God for nothing!”

14. I don’t have the easy life they have.

15. And if I cop their attitude and admit its true, other Christians would be offended.

16. The more I thought about it, the worse it got.

17. UNTIL, until – until I went to God about it. And He showed me the bottom line.

18. These guys are on really thin ice – and ARE going to fall through.

19. In a split second their world will cave in on them.

20. Like being terrifyingly startled awake from a pleasant dream – God will start to judge them.

21. It hurt to see what an idiot I’ve been.

22. How stupid! I’ve got the brain of gopher!

23. And yet Lord, you still hang on to me.

24. In fact, you’ll continue to teach me until Christ comes, or I die.

25. If my future is wrapped up in you, my present must be also.

26. Even when my body and my heart give out, you will preserve me forever.

27. But the wicked ones will be destroyed as surely as if it is already done.

28. So my life will be spent in drawing nearer to you, for I have learned to trust you completely. And in so doing, others will come to know you as I have.