Psalm 20
There are millions of things you could put your trust in. Some trust in stocks and some in bonds. Some trust in jobs and some in luck. Some trust in abilities and some in education. Some trust in power and some in popularity. Some trust in government and some in themselves. But we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Everything else will eventually wear out, fade out, burn out or run out. The only confidence we have in prayer is the confidence we have in the name of the Lord our God. We can approach His throne of grace with great boldness in the name of Jesus, knowing that in Him we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So I wonder, what would happen if we prayed these first five verses for our fellow believers? What might God do in response to our sincere prayers for victory in the lives of others, as Israel here pleads for victory on behalf of their king?
For pastors, for Sunday School teachers, for missionaries, for deacons, for committee members, for greeters, for ushers, for church clerks, secretaries and treasurers, for pew sitters and the homebound – God, give great victory to your people today! Answer them in their hour of need. Help them rise up and stand firm. Show off your power and love through their lives, and we’ll rejoice in the saving power of your right hand! For we trust in your name alone, O Lord our God!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
God Is Speaking - Are You Listening (Psalm 19)
Psalm 19
This beautiful psalm highlights two distinct ways God speaks into our world. One is through the declaration of His glory in creation. The other is through His written Word. Both reveal the greatness of God and draw us humbly to Him.
Honestly, I can’t understand how anyone could gaze upon the countless stars at night or peer into the spacious skies without being blown away in awe. Studying the world’s design, how could anyone conclude this all came into being by random chance? How could anyone not see there is indeed a mighty Maker and Sustainer of all things?
And as if the voice of creation were not enough to draw us in worship to God, He speaks even more clearly through His Word. God wants us to know Him, and His Word tells us more about His love, His mercy, His grace, His power, than the skies would have space to begin to say.
And consider closely the rich blessings God pours out into the hearts of those who receive His teaching. His Word revives the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes and endures forever. His Word will keep you from sin and teach you how to live to please the One who has redeemed you and calls you by name. There’s great reward in keeping His commands. Live in the Word of God today, and let His Word come alive in you. God has something to say. Are you listening?
This beautiful psalm highlights two distinct ways God speaks into our world. One is through the declaration of His glory in creation. The other is through His written Word. Both reveal the greatness of God and draw us humbly to Him.
Honestly, I can’t understand how anyone could gaze upon the countless stars at night or peer into the spacious skies without being blown away in awe. Studying the world’s design, how could anyone conclude this all came into being by random chance? How could anyone not see there is indeed a mighty Maker and Sustainer of all things?
And as if the voice of creation were not enough to draw us in worship to God, He speaks even more clearly through His Word. God wants us to know Him, and His Word tells us more about His love, His mercy, His grace, His power, than the skies would have space to begin to say.
And consider closely the rich blessings God pours out into the hearts of those who receive His teaching. His Word revives the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes and endures forever. His Word will keep you from sin and teach you how to live to please the One who has redeemed you and calls you by name. There’s great reward in keeping His commands. Live in the Word of God today, and let His Word come alive in you. God has something to say. Are you listening?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Song of Deliverance (Psalm 18)
Psalm 18
You’ll be tempted to rush through this psalm. Don’t do it!
Instead, try to put yourself in David’s sandals, praising God for His mighty deliverance. Remember that David had many enemies, but God delivered him from them all.
This psalm comes straight out of 2 Samuel 22 where David glorifies God for hearing His cry for help and saving Him from his foes. When you look at the victories God gave David in 2 Samuel 21, you see that he was at war with some pretty big dudes – in fact, descendents of the giants. God saved him from one guy who carried an 8-pound spear. He saved him from another man of “great stature” who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.
Time and time again God rescued David from the hand of his enemies. No wonder he burst forth in this song of deliverance, giving praise to the Lord, his rock, his fortress, his strength, his deliverer, his refuge, his shield, his stronghold and his salvation.
He’s done the same for you, dear friend. The giants of worry, fear and doubt may threaten to undo you, but they cannot overcome you when you let the Lord fight your battles for you! Call upon the Lord who is worthy of praise, and trust Him to save you from the enemy. Lift your heart to heaven and you’ll find yourself singing your own song of deliverance!
You’ll be tempted to rush through this psalm. Don’t do it!
Instead, try to put yourself in David’s sandals, praising God for His mighty deliverance. Remember that David had many enemies, but God delivered him from them all.
This psalm comes straight out of 2 Samuel 22 where David glorifies God for hearing His cry for help and saving Him from his foes. When you look at the victories God gave David in 2 Samuel 21, you see that he was at war with some pretty big dudes – in fact, descendents of the giants. God saved him from one guy who carried an 8-pound spear. He saved him from another man of “great stature” who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.
Time and time again God rescued David from the hand of his enemies. No wonder he burst forth in this song of deliverance, giving praise to the Lord, his rock, his fortress, his strength, his deliverer, his refuge, his shield, his stronghold and his salvation.
He’s done the same for you, dear friend. The giants of worry, fear and doubt may threaten to undo you, but they cannot overcome you when you let the Lord fight your battles for you! Call upon the Lord who is worthy of praise, and trust Him to save you from the enemy. Lift your heart to heaven and you’ll find yourself singing your own song of deliverance!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Safe in the Shadow of His Wings (Psalm 17)
Psalm 17
A mother bird is fiercely jealous for her young. She guards them under the cover of her wings. She keeps them from danger, from predators and from themselves. She unfailingly provides for their needs. She is their shelter, their lifeline. Without her protection they would surely not survive.
That’s how God cares for His own. Left alone we would surely not survive. We would be devoured by the deadly enemy. We would be ambushed by those with evil intent. And we would be so quick to fall into many dangers, toils and snares.
But by His grace God cares for us like a mother bird watching over her young. He protects those who seek refuge in His strong and mighty hand. He provides faithfully for our needs. And yes, He will deliver us from the adversary and vindicate us in His righteousness.
Jesus told His disciples they would experience troubles and persecutions along the way, as will we. But He also said, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble; but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Lift your heart to heaven, dear follower of Christ, calling upon His name and resting in His peace, whatever circumstances may come. And know He will hide you safely in the shadow of His wings. He is fiercely jealous for His own!
A mother bird is fiercely jealous for her young. She guards them under the cover of her wings. She keeps them from danger, from predators and from themselves. She unfailingly provides for their needs. She is their shelter, their lifeline. Without her protection they would surely not survive.
That’s how God cares for His own. Left alone we would surely not survive. We would be devoured by the deadly enemy. We would be ambushed by those with evil intent. And we would be so quick to fall into many dangers, toils and snares.
But by His grace God cares for us like a mother bird watching over her young. He protects those who seek refuge in His strong and mighty hand. He provides faithfully for our needs. And yes, He will deliver us from the adversary and vindicate us in His righteousness.
Jesus told His disciples they would experience troubles and persecutions along the way, as will we. But He also said, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble; but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Lift your heart to heaven, dear follower of Christ, calling upon His name and resting in His peace, whatever circumstances may come. And know He will hide you safely in the shadow of His wings. He is fiercely jealous for His own!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Victory in Jesus (Psalm 16)
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.
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.
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.
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