Psalm 16
There is no fear even in death for those who belong to the Lord. As Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” It’s a far better deal for us when we depart and go to be with Christ! We need not fear the grave because Jesus has won the victory over death, and that victory is ours in Him!
As you read this psalm, read also through Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 and take note of how he applies these verses to Jesus’ resurrection victory. God did not abandon His soul to Hades or let His flesh see corruption, but raised Jesus up and exalted Him at His own right hand. “God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it!”
“Death has been swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Christian, let your heart and mind and soul soak in the great truths of this psalm. Know that you have a beautiful inheritance in the Lord. Bless the Lord for His counsel and guidance. Rejoice in His continual presence. He will not abandon your soul to death, but will make known to you the path of life, fill you up with joy in His presence and grant you pleasures from His right hand forevermore.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Never Shaken (Psalm 15)
Psalm 15
I can’t help but think of Edgar Sork when I read this psalm. I’d only known Ed for a year before he passed away, but all I knew of him answered the question of this passage positively.
O Lord, who may dwell in Your presence? An essential question for all, no doubt. In other words: Lord, what kind of person is bound for heaven? What do You desire of those who are saved and will inherit eternal life?
Take a long, hard, honest look at the way this psalm answers that question. What are the marks of a man who will live forever with the Lord? Does this describe you?
To be sure, salvation is not based on our works. One may be able to keep this list fairly well, but no one will ever measure up to God’s perfect standard. Only through the righteousness given to us in Christ Jesus can we be made perfect.
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received by faith, not of our own works, lest any man should boast. Through that faith the Spirit of God begins to change us, empowering and enabling us to do the good works which God has prepared for us.
I read this psalm at Ed’s funeral because his life displayed the character and deeds of one whose life Christ has changed, a man who was never shaken, a man who will dwell and is dwelling eternally in the presence of God.
I can’t help but think of Edgar Sork when I read this psalm. I’d only known Ed for a year before he passed away, but all I knew of him answered the question of this passage positively.
O Lord, who may dwell in Your presence? An essential question for all, no doubt. In other words: Lord, what kind of person is bound for heaven? What do You desire of those who are saved and will inherit eternal life?
Take a long, hard, honest look at the way this psalm answers that question. What are the marks of a man who will live forever with the Lord? Does this describe you?
To be sure, salvation is not based on our works. One may be able to keep this list fairly well, but no one will ever measure up to God’s perfect standard. Only through the righteousness given to us in Christ Jesus can we be made perfect.
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received by faith, not of our own works, lest any man should boast. Through that faith the Spirit of God begins to change us, empowering and enabling us to do the good works which God has prepared for us.
I read this psalm at Ed’s funeral because his life displayed the character and deeds of one whose life Christ has changed, a man who was never shaken, a man who will dwell and is dwelling eternally in the presence of God.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Salvation for Fools (Psalm 14)
Psalm 14
What floors me is that God took the initiative to come to us. It sure wasn’t because we were out looking for Him! It sure wasn’t because we were so good God looked down from heaven and was impressed with our righteousness. The glorious grace of God is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! What a demonstration of divine love!
The apostle Paul takes part of this psalm and uses it in Romans 3 to say that every single person is under sin, that we will all be held accountable to God, and that we are not even close to being able to measure up to His perfect standard. It sure doesn’t take long for any of us to look in the mirror and see how true this is! We know that we have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We’ve all been fools in this way.
It’s the fool, however, who keeps refusing to receive the one and only remedy for sin: Jesus Christ. It’s the fool who continues to reject the one source of salvation, the one hope for rescue from sin and death and hell. It’s the fool who fails to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
But God has indeed brought forth salvation out of Zion. With a love undeserved and unfathomable He sent His Son to save us. He gave us the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Because of the cross we’re forgiven for our foolish sin. Because of the empty tomb we’re raised up with Him in glory. Through faith in Christ even fools can be saved.
What floors me is that God took the initiative to come to us. It sure wasn’t because we were out looking for Him! It sure wasn’t because we were so good God looked down from heaven and was impressed with our righteousness. The glorious grace of God is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! What a demonstration of divine love!
The apostle Paul takes part of this psalm and uses it in Romans 3 to say that every single person is under sin, that we will all be held accountable to God, and that we are not even close to being able to measure up to His perfect standard. It sure doesn’t take long for any of us to look in the mirror and see how true this is! We know that we have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We’ve all been fools in this way.
It’s the fool, however, who keeps refusing to receive the one and only remedy for sin: Jesus Christ. It’s the fool who continues to reject the one source of salvation, the one hope for rescue from sin and death and hell. It’s the fool who fails to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
But God has indeed brought forth salvation out of Zion. With a love undeserved and unfathomable He sent His Son to save us. He gave us the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Because of the cross we’re forgiven for our foolish sin. Because of the empty tomb we’re raised up with Him in glory. Through faith in Christ even fools can be saved.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
But I Trust in Your Love (Psalm 13)
Psalm 13
Here’s an interesting study for you sometime: Search the Bible for the use of the word “but.” You’ll find some of the greatest revelations of God’s mercy, grace and purposes in what follows that little word.
In this psalm the writer expresses frustration with God’s timing. Have you noticed that God does not always spring into action and resolve our situations the moment we think He should? Maybe you’ve asked God for help for a very good reason, but He hasn’t done anything about it. If God seems distant, if it seems as though your prayers aren’t going anywhere, and if it seems like God’s enemies are gaining the upper hand, you can relate to this psalm.
And I hope you’ll come to the same conclusion as David. Even though God did not respond in David’s timing, even though he felt God had forgotten him, even though he was under great duress and sorrow, and even though his enemies seem to have defeated him, don’t miss David’s confident trust that God would yet be there for him.
Maybe you’re in the middle of a desperate situation and God has yet to act. Don’t despair. Don’t give up. Don’t think He doesn’t care or that He has abandoned you. Trust in His unfailing love, and your heart will follow with rejoicing. Keep lifting your heart to heaven. Keep singing to the Lord. You know He’s been good to you, and He always will.
Here’s an interesting study for you sometime: Search the Bible for the use of the word “but.” You’ll find some of the greatest revelations of God’s mercy, grace and purposes in what follows that little word.
In this psalm the writer expresses frustration with God’s timing. Have you noticed that God does not always spring into action and resolve our situations the moment we think He should? Maybe you’ve asked God for help for a very good reason, but He hasn’t done anything about it. If God seems distant, if it seems as though your prayers aren’t going anywhere, and if it seems like God’s enemies are gaining the upper hand, you can relate to this psalm.
And I hope you’ll come to the same conclusion as David. Even though God did not respond in David’s timing, even though he felt God had forgotten him, even though he was under great duress and sorrow, and even though his enemies seem to have defeated him, don’t miss David’s confident trust that God would yet be there for him.
Maybe you’re in the middle of a desperate situation and God has yet to act. Don’t despair. Don’t give up. Don’t think He doesn’t care or that He has abandoned you. Trust in His unfailing love, and your heart will follow with rejoicing. Keep lifting your heart to heaven. Keep singing to the Lord. You know He’s been good to you, and He always will.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
When Vileness Is Honored Among Men (Psalm 12)
Psalm 12
It can often seem, because of the prevalence of moral decay in our culture, that the godly have vanished from the face of the earth. It can seem that everyone lies, that no one can be trusted and that evil people are winning and flaunting it. It’s a sad commentary that “what is vile is honored among men.”
Truly we are living in the midst of a generation that knows no bounds to perversion and immorality, to deceit and greed. And these are traits for which many stand up and applaud!
Case in point: The 2010 People’s Choice Award for favorite pop artist is a young woman known as Lady Gaga whose lyrics and lifestyle define the word “vile.” The Award for favorite movie went to “Twilight,” where the vampire world takes a glamorized center stage. And the number one TV comedy Award went to “The Big Bang Theory,” a show whose laughs are generated through the lens of all things sexually immoral.
This is what America “honors” in our day. Are you aware that our elected Illinois representatives recently passed a bill approving civil unions for gay couples? Do you realize that for nearly 38 years now a mother has had the “right” to legally kill the unborn child in her womb?
Yet the Lord hears the groans of the faithful, He will arise and protect them from this generation forever. Against the vileness of our culture, His words are pure and flawless.
It can often seem, because of the prevalence of moral decay in our culture, that the godly have vanished from the face of the earth. It can seem that everyone lies, that no one can be trusted and that evil people are winning and flaunting it. It’s a sad commentary that “what is vile is honored among men.”
Truly we are living in the midst of a generation that knows no bounds to perversion and immorality, to deceit and greed. And these are traits for which many stand up and applaud!
Case in point: The 2010 People’s Choice Award for favorite pop artist is a young woman known as Lady Gaga whose lyrics and lifestyle define the word “vile.” The Award for favorite movie went to “Twilight,” where the vampire world takes a glamorized center stage. And the number one TV comedy Award went to “The Big Bang Theory,” a show whose laughs are generated through the lens of all things sexually immoral.
This is what America “honors” in our day. Are you aware that our elected Illinois representatives recently passed a bill approving civil unions for gay couples? Do you realize that for nearly 38 years now a mother has had the “right” to legally kill the unborn child in her womb?
Yet the Lord hears the groans of the faithful, He will arise and protect them from this generation forever. Against the vileness of our culture, His words are pure and flawless.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Trusting Christ in Crisis (Psalm 11)
Psalm 11
Think about a time you’ve faced a real crisis in your life. Maybe it was a life-threatening illness, a job loss or financial hardship. Perhaps it was a divorce or the death of a loved one.
People are always watching to see how those who claim the name of Christ respond when troubles come our way. When things seem to be falling apart, they want to know if you’ll crumble or if your faith in God will strengthen your stand.
How have you handled crises in your life? Did you lift your heart to heaven or wallow in the mire? Did you run to the Lord as your refuge or try to manage on your own? Did you trust in His sovereign grace or let worry and despair eat you up?
Could it be that the next trial that comes your way may be a test to measure the depth of your trust in God? Are you really depending on Him in all things? Are you certain that the Lord in heaven is in firm control of everything and that absolutely nothing you will ever go through is greater than His omnipotent ability to carry you through?
O righteous child of God in Christ, the Lord will never take His eyes off of you! That doesn’t mean He’ll exempt you from the crisis, but it does mean that He loves you and will see you through. In fact, He may even refine your faith in Him through suffering, proving it genuine and increasing your joy in Christ Jesus. Trust Him in your crisis.
Think about a time you’ve faced a real crisis in your life. Maybe it was a life-threatening illness, a job loss or financial hardship. Perhaps it was a divorce or the death of a loved one.
People are always watching to see how those who claim the name of Christ respond when troubles come our way. When things seem to be falling apart, they want to know if you’ll crumble or if your faith in God will strengthen your stand.
How have you handled crises in your life? Did you lift your heart to heaven or wallow in the mire? Did you run to the Lord as your refuge or try to manage on your own? Did you trust in His sovereign grace or let worry and despair eat you up?
Could it be that the next trial that comes your way may be a test to measure the depth of your trust in God? Are you really depending on Him in all things? Are you certain that the Lord in heaven is in firm control of everything and that absolutely nothing you will ever go through is greater than His omnipotent ability to carry you through?
O righteous child of God in Christ, the Lord will never take His eyes off of you! That doesn’t mean He’ll exempt you from the crisis, but it does mean that He loves you and will see you through. In fact, He may even refine your faith in Him through suffering, proving it genuine and increasing your joy in Christ Jesus. Trust Him in your crisis.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Calling the Wicked to Account (Psalm 10)
Psalm 10
I fear for those who arrogantly reject God and mistakenly think that they will not be held accountable for their wicked deeds. Our world is full of such men and women. From leaders of nations to ordinary citizens, a prideful heart dismisses God from all his thoughts. He boasts in his own prosperity. He takes advantage of the poor, ambushes the innocent and lies in wait to crush the helpless.
All the while he thinks he’ll get away with everything. He thinks he’s invincible and that nothing will shake him.
And since the psalmist knows that God is a just God, a defender of the fatherless and the oppressed, he pours out his complaint to the Lord wondering when God will arise and come to the help of the helpless.
Don’t you wonder the same thing sometimes? “God, you see the oppression of the poor. You see the persecution of Your people. You see how the wicked mock and revile Your name. Why aren’t You doing something about it? When will You rise up and bring down the wicked in your justice?”
Yet even as we plead with the Lord for help on behalf of the afflicted, we can also trust in His compassion and deliverance. He knows what’s going on, and He’ll soon enough vindicate those who commit themselves into His hand, calling the wicked to account.
I fear for those who arrogantly reject God and mistakenly think that they will not be held accountable for their wicked deeds. Our world is full of such men and women. From leaders of nations to ordinary citizens, a prideful heart dismisses God from all his thoughts. He boasts in his own prosperity. He takes advantage of the poor, ambushes the innocent and lies in wait to crush the helpless.
All the while he thinks he’ll get away with everything. He thinks he’s invincible and that nothing will shake him.
And since the psalmist knows that God is a just God, a defender of the fatherless and the oppressed, he pours out his complaint to the Lord wondering when God will arise and come to the help of the helpless.
Don’t you wonder the same thing sometimes? “God, you see the oppression of the poor. You see the persecution of Your people. You see how the wicked mock and revile Your name. Why aren’t You doing something about it? When will You rise up and bring down the wicked in your justice?”
Yet even as we plead with the Lord for help on behalf of the afflicted, we can also trust in His compassion and deliverance. He knows what’s going on, and He’ll soon enough vindicate those who commit themselves into His hand, calling the wicked to account.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Never Forsaken (Psalm 9)
Psalm 9
Enthroned forever. Righteous Judge. Refuge for the oppressed. Stronghold in times of trouble. Destroyer of the wicked. The Lord Most High.
Such are the characteristics of a God who inspires unwavering confidence in His ability to uphold His people when they seek His help against the attacks of their enemies. What a comfort to know that when the Lord is for us, none can stand against us! None!
No wonder the writer opens this psalm with an attitude of wholehearted praise and exuberant gladness in the wonderful deeds of the Lord. God had never let His people down in the past, and David believed He would come through for them again. Surely those who trust in the Lord Almighty and seek Him for help will never be forsaken!
Just as God had chosen Israel to be a light to the nations, He has chosen His church to shine out the light of Christ to the lost world. Keep trusting Him, dear friend. Keep seeking Him for help. Keep running to Him as your stronghold. Keep praising Him and proclaiming His wonders to the nations.
He kept His covenant with Israel, and He’ll keep His covenant with His church. Against His power and justice, the enemy doesn’t stand a chance. His people will never be forsaken.
Enthroned forever. Righteous Judge. Refuge for the oppressed. Stronghold in times of trouble. Destroyer of the wicked. The Lord Most High.
Such are the characteristics of a God who inspires unwavering confidence in His ability to uphold His people when they seek His help against the attacks of their enemies. What a comfort to know that when the Lord is for us, none can stand against us! None!
No wonder the writer opens this psalm with an attitude of wholehearted praise and exuberant gladness in the wonderful deeds of the Lord. God had never let His people down in the past, and David believed He would come through for them again. Surely those who trust in the Lord Almighty and seek Him for help will never be forsaken!
Just as God had chosen Israel to be a light to the nations, He has chosen His church to shine out the light of Christ to the lost world. Keep trusting Him, dear friend. Keep seeking Him for help. Keep running to Him as your stronghold. Keep praising Him and proclaiming His wonders to the nations.
He kept His covenant with Israel, and He’ll keep His covenant with His church. Against His power and justice, the enemy doesn’t stand a chance. His people will never be forsaken.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Still Captured By God's Care (Psalm 8)
Psalm 8
I remember our pastor at Trimble Bible Church where I grew up asking the congregation to think about our favorite psalm one week and come back the next ready to share about it. I was just a boy, but I clearly remember this Psalm being my favorite. Too young, however, and too shy to speak up in the middle of all those adults and say it! I regret that, because I’m sure it would have been an inspiration to them to see a young boy learning to love the Word of God!
Thirty years later, though, and I still love this majestic song. So I’m saying it now that this psalm still humbles me to the core when I think about the glory and the love of the Almighty Creator. When I think about the brilliance of the heavens and realize that the One who created the starry host and brings them out one by one and calls them each by name is the One who is also mindful of me, who cares for me, who loved me enough to send His very own Son to take my place on the cross, who calls me His very own child – my soul falls prostrate before Him in worship and gratitude and adoration.
Let the wonder of God’s glorious creation take hold of you. Consider the beauty of the mountain peaks, the vastness of the ocean’s depth, the limitless reaches of the galaxies – whatever spurs your awe of God’s design – and marvel at His handiwork. Then know that this majestic, omnipotent God knows your name and cares deeply for you.
I remember our pastor at Trimble Bible Church where I grew up asking the congregation to think about our favorite psalm one week and come back the next ready to share about it. I was just a boy, but I clearly remember this Psalm being my favorite. Too young, however, and too shy to speak up in the middle of all those adults and say it! I regret that, because I’m sure it would have been an inspiration to them to see a young boy learning to love the Word of God!
Thirty years later, though, and I still love this majestic song. So I’m saying it now that this psalm still humbles me to the core when I think about the glory and the love of the Almighty Creator. When I think about the brilliance of the heavens and realize that the One who created the starry host and brings them out one by one and calls them each by name is the One who is also mindful of me, who cares for me, who loved me enough to send His very own Son to take my place on the cross, who calls me His very own child – my soul falls prostrate before Him in worship and gratitude and adoration.
Let the wonder of God’s glorious creation take hold of you. Consider the beauty of the mountain peaks, the vastness of the ocean’s depth, the limitless reaches of the galaxies – whatever spurs your awe of God’s design – and marvel at His handiwork. Then know that this majestic, omnipotent God knows your name and cares deeply for you.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tell It to the Judge (Psalm 7)
Psalm 7
Have you noticed how many of the Psalms this week have emphasized the writer finding refuge in the Lord? David needed the Lord’s protection from his human enemies who wanted to tear him to pieces like a lion. How much more do we need the Lord’s help from our adversary, the Devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour?
In this chapter the context refers to a time in his life when David was slandered by a man from the tribe of Benjamin. Is there really anything worse than someone deliberately and maliciously raking your name and reputation through the mud? Spreading lies and saying false and unflattering things about you, about your family? And even if the rumors prove untrue, hasn’t damage already been done? Don’t you long for justice to prevail in such circumstances?
So did David. I imagine he would have loved to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge. But instead he left the vengeance to God. He understood that the Lord his God would ultimately save him while executing righteous judgment upon his enemies.
Friend, if you’re tempted to “get even” with someone who’s done you wrong, follow David’s example in this psalm. Take the matter to the Judge who will take care of it and give you cause to sing praise to His name.
Have you noticed how many of the Psalms this week have emphasized the writer finding refuge in the Lord? David needed the Lord’s protection from his human enemies who wanted to tear him to pieces like a lion. How much more do we need the Lord’s help from our adversary, the Devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour?
In this chapter the context refers to a time in his life when David was slandered by a man from the tribe of Benjamin. Is there really anything worse than someone deliberately and maliciously raking your name and reputation through the mud? Spreading lies and saying false and unflattering things about you, about your family? And even if the rumors prove untrue, hasn’t damage already been done? Don’t you long for justice to prevail in such circumstances?
So did David. I imagine he would have loved to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge. But instead he left the vengeance to God. He understood that the Lord his God would ultimately save him while executing righteous judgment upon his enemies.
Friend, if you’re tempted to “get even” with someone who’s done you wrong, follow David’s example in this psalm. Take the matter to the Judge who will take care of it and give you cause to sing praise to His name.
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