"Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. O sons of men, how long will my honour become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? But know that the Lord has set apart the godly mane for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to him." ~NASB
I love the emotion seen in David's writing. It reminds us that God loves us and all of our humanness. Even in our anger and pain, God loves when we cry out to Him. He has promised to answer when we call, but we have to call first. It kind of seems silly that David would seem to direct or command God, but I think he is reminding himself of God's promise and His faithfulness more than he's trying to command God. I sometimes struggle with the same thing, remembering that God has always been and always will be faithful. That He will always give me an answer to my prayers. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes He asks that I wait for His answer, but it _always_ comes eventually.
In the last part of this passage, David speaks to the general public. People are speaking of that which David considers an honour (I'm guessing his faith in the Lord) as a mockery or as something reproachful. The people give their hearts to worthless and empty things, and they seek lies and deception. Not much has changed since David's time, especially people giving their hearts to vain, or empty, things. We tend to place emphasis on things that just aren't important, and without the reminder of God's love and His word to us, we wouldn't realize what is truly important. God knows those who love Him and strive to obey Him, and He always listens when we speak to Him. I looked up the definition of listen and hear in this context, and found that it means to listen with interest or to grant requests. Our prayers to God don't go in one ear and out the other, and He doesn't listen because He has to. He listens because he wants to, because we are truly important to Him.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Psalm 3:5-8
"I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For Thou hast smitten all my enemies on the cheek; Thou hast shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; Thy blessing be upon Thy people!' ~NASB
The first verse here helps me remember that I can feel safe, because God is taking care of me. Sleep is one of our most vulnerable times, physically, and remembering that God is looking out for us when we are at our most vulnerable is really important. There are times where I am very afraid that, having made myself vulnerable to someone, either through trusting them with a secret or caring about them more than most people, I will be hurt. It is something that happens in the past, and I find myself looking over my shoulder for it to happen again. It is something I must constantly remind myself to do, trust in God and relax in His protection. Even if hurt does come, it never lasts forever.
I found something interesting from verse 6. The context of this chapter is that David wrote it when he fled from his son Absalom who was trying to kill him. When verse 6 says "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves about me," the word people here doesn't mean just any people, it means family and friends. That seemed significant to me because family and friends are supposed to be the people we can trust and count on most in this life. It's not super surprising when random people don't like us or oppose us. I think that happens to everyone, and so we come to expect and though it may not be pleasant, I don't think it is as devastating as when our family and friends stand against us.
The last portion is a cry to God and a reminder that He has already defeated our enemies, we just need to remember His promise to be faithful and bring us through the fight. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and His blessings are indeed upon His people, which here again means friends and family. Every time I remember that God considers us His friends and family I feel so special.
The first verse here helps me remember that I can feel safe, because God is taking care of me. Sleep is one of our most vulnerable times, physically, and remembering that God is looking out for us when we are at our most vulnerable is really important. There are times where I am very afraid that, having made myself vulnerable to someone, either through trusting them with a secret or caring about them more than most people, I will be hurt. It is something that happens in the past, and I find myself looking over my shoulder for it to happen again. It is something I must constantly remind myself to do, trust in God and relax in His protection. Even if hurt does come, it never lasts forever.
I found something interesting from verse 6. The context of this chapter is that David wrote it when he fled from his son Absalom who was trying to kill him. When verse 6 says "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves about me," the word people here doesn't mean just any people, it means family and friends. That seemed significant to me because family and friends are supposed to be the people we can trust and count on most in this life. It's not super surprising when random people don't like us or oppose us. I think that happens to everyone, and so we come to expect and though it may not be pleasant, I don't think it is as devastating as when our family and friends stand against us.
The last portion is a cry to God and a reminder that He has already defeated our enemies, we just need to remember His promise to be faithful and bring us through the fight. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and His blessings are indeed upon His people, which here again means friends and family. Every time I remember that God considers us His friends and family I feel so special.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Psalm 3:1-4
"O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, 'There is no delivery for him in God.' But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain." ~NASB
Sometimes it seems we are beset on all sides by adversaries and trouble. It seem that everywhere we turn another problem presents itself. We feel alone and worn down, and some may even ask us "Where is your God now?" Or maybe they tell us our faith isn't strong enough, that we must not truly believe, for if we did then God would take our pain from us.
But! God is always with us. Sometimes it is necessary for us to go through trouble. Trouble comes in many forms. It tests our faith, it stretches us, it can be a consequence for a poor action, it can be a consequence of someone else's choice and we are being used to show God's love in some way. There are so many reasons why troubles come to us all, the foremost being that this is an imperfect world. But God is a shield around us. He protects us. I think this is a spiritual protection more than it is any other kind of protection. I do believe that He protects our physical body. He provides for our physical needs, but sometimes physical troubles do come. and sometimes good people die or get sick or lose their job, etc. Sometimes we face spiritual temptations and trials, but God will always protect our souls. He loves us and wants us to spend eternity with Him. This physical world doesn't truly matter in the long run, but the spiritual world most certainly does.
I love the phrase "the One who lifts my chin." I always picture God as a loving Father. And this phrase brings a picture of God putting two fingers under my chin, like you might a small child who is sad or discouraged, and lifting my head to meet His eyes. He looks through my eyes, into my heart, and smiles. That makes me feel as though I could face any trial that comes my way. To know that He sees my heart, and He cares enough to lift me when I'm sad and weary. Just one smile from Him is encouragement enough to face down anything.
If we cry out to God, in pain, in need, in love, in desire, in desperation, He will answer us.
Sometimes it seems we are beset on all sides by adversaries and trouble. It seem that everywhere we turn another problem presents itself. We feel alone and worn down, and some may even ask us "Where is your God now?" Or maybe they tell us our faith isn't strong enough, that we must not truly believe, for if we did then God would take our pain from us.
But! God is always with us. Sometimes it is necessary for us to go through trouble. Trouble comes in many forms. It tests our faith, it stretches us, it can be a consequence for a poor action, it can be a consequence of someone else's choice and we are being used to show God's love in some way. There are so many reasons why troubles come to us all, the foremost being that this is an imperfect world. But God is a shield around us. He protects us. I think this is a spiritual protection more than it is any other kind of protection. I do believe that He protects our physical body. He provides for our physical needs, but sometimes physical troubles do come. and sometimes good people die or get sick or lose their job, etc. Sometimes we face spiritual temptations and trials, but God will always protect our souls. He loves us and wants us to spend eternity with Him. This physical world doesn't truly matter in the long run, but the spiritual world most certainly does.
I love the phrase "the One who lifts my chin." I always picture God as a loving Father. And this phrase brings a picture of God putting two fingers under my chin, like you might a small child who is sad or discouraged, and lifting my head to meet His eyes. He looks through my eyes, into my heart, and smiles. That makes me feel as though I could face any trial that comes my way. To know that He sees my heart, and He cares enough to lift me when I'm sad and weary. Just one smile from Him is encouragement enough to face down anything.
If we cry out to God, in pain, in need, in love, in desire, in desperation, He will answer us.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Psalm 2:10-12
"Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!" ~NASB (New American Standard Bible)
The psalmist here tells us that what came previously was a warning to all those who try to escape God. He reminds us, asks us, to be wise, to show discernment, and take heed of the warning just given by God. He reminds us that God is to be feared (see King James Version), which in reference to God means to revere and respect Him above all else, not to be afraid of Him. We are to worship and rejoice in God, not buck and resist His authority. I think authority is really a secondary issue with God. He loves us first and foremost. Above all, he always loves us, but because of the nature of holiness and sin, He asks us to obey and follow His commands so that one day we will be able to stand in His presence without dying. Love comes first, but just as with good parenting, obedience comes with love. Truly, I find that I obey less because of God's authority, but more because He does love me, and I Him, and I would not want to disappoint Him. So the obedience comes out of love.
Next the psalmist refers back to God's anointed King and Son. Without loving, worshiping, and honoring Him, we cannot escape the judgment that is coming. As stated previously in the chapter, God has given all authority and control over the earth to His Son, and without acknowledging and worshiping Him as well, we face destruction.
It seems that many times when God issues a warning, He also gives a blessing. It is up to us to choose between the two. How blessed are those who take refuge in Him! King James Version says those who trust in Him. What it comes down to is _everyone_ who trusts in the Son (the reference is still specifically to the Son here, not to God in general), all who seek Him, who run to Him for protection and refuge, will be blessed. I don't always feel blessed, but when I seek Him, whether in pain or when things are going well, I am reminded that His peace and blessings are always there, if I ask for them.
The psalmist here tells us that what came previously was a warning to all those who try to escape God. He reminds us, asks us, to be wise, to show discernment, and take heed of the warning just given by God. He reminds us that God is to be feared (see King James Version), which in reference to God means to revere and respect Him above all else, not to be afraid of Him. We are to worship and rejoice in God, not buck and resist His authority. I think authority is really a secondary issue with God. He loves us first and foremost. Above all, he always loves us, but because of the nature of holiness and sin, He asks us to obey and follow His commands so that one day we will be able to stand in His presence without dying. Love comes first, but just as with good parenting, obedience comes with love. Truly, I find that I obey less because of God's authority, but more because He does love me, and I Him, and I would not want to disappoint Him. So the obedience comes out of love.
Next the psalmist refers back to God's anointed King and Son. Without loving, worshiping, and honoring Him, we cannot escape the judgment that is coming. As stated previously in the chapter, God has given all authority and control over the earth to His Son, and without acknowledging and worshiping Him as well, we face destruction.
It seems that many times when God issues a warning, He also gives a blessing. It is up to us to choose between the two. How blessed are those who take refuge in Him! King James Version says those who trust in Him. What it comes down to is _everyone_ who trusts in the Son (the reference is still specifically to the Son here, not to God in general), all who seek Him, who run to Him for protection and refuge, will be blessed. I don't always feel blessed, but when I seek Him, whether in pain or when things are going well, I am reminded that His peace and blessings are always there, if I ask for them.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Psalm 2:4-9
"He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury: 'But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.'
'I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, 'Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I will surely give you the nations as Thine inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt shatter them like earthenware.'" ~NASB
Today's reading was a long one, and a bit difficult for me to understand. There was one point where I was unsure of who exactly was speaking or being quoted, but I think I worked it out.
I thought the beginning of this was fairly self explanatory, and to be honest quite amusing. The beginning of this chapter tells of men trying to escape what they view as the "bondage" of God. They try to throw off His rule and judgment. God's response is twofold. First He laughs. He mocks them, and then responds by saying that they can attempt to throw off His authority all they want, but He's already put His own King on the throne of Jerusalem. Indeed, His ruler will rule over the whole world (which is shown in the next few verses).
This is the section that confused me at first. I originally thought it was David quoting God, but as I looked at the words, especially "Thou art My Son..." I realized that the quote was coming from God's King, who is Jesus. Jesus says that He is the official messenger of God (I will surely tell the decree of the Lord!). God Himself declared this King to be His Son, and them tells Him that He will give the whole world to Him as His inheritance. God gives Him the power to break the nations with His rulership.
This is all a warning from God. He is telling everyone who will listen what the consequences are for defying Him. He loves us first and foremost, but He cannot just allow us to do as we please with no consequences. That is where His anger, wrath and punishment enter into the picture. I did a bit of looking ahead again, and I think this warning is made clearer in the next few verses.
'I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, 'Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I will surely give you the nations as Thine inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt shatter them like earthenware.'" ~NASB
Today's reading was a long one, and a bit difficult for me to understand. There was one point where I was unsure of who exactly was speaking or being quoted, but I think I worked it out.
I thought the beginning of this was fairly self explanatory, and to be honest quite amusing. The beginning of this chapter tells of men trying to escape what they view as the "bondage" of God. They try to throw off His rule and judgment. God's response is twofold. First He laughs. He mocks them, and then responds by saying that they can attempt to throw off His authority all they want, but He's already put His own King on the throne of Jerusalem. Indeed, His ruler will rule over the whole world (which is shown in the next few verses).
This is the section that confused me at first. I originally thought it was David quoting God, but as I looked at the words, especially "Thou art My Son..." I realized that the quote was coming from God's King, who is Jesus. Jesus says that He is the official messenger of God (I will surely tell the decree of the Lord!). God Himself declared this King to be His Son, and them tells Him that He will give the whole world to Him as His inheritance. God gives Him the power to break the nations with His rulership.
This is all a warning from God. He is telling everyone who will listen what the consequences are for defying Him. He loves us first and foremost, but He cannot just allow us to do as we please with no consequences. That is where His anger, wrath and punishment enter into the picture. I did a bit of looking ahead again, and I think this warning is made clearer in the next few verses.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Psalm 2:1-3
"Why are the nations in an uproar, and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed (saying): 'Let us tear their fetters apart, and cast away their cords from us!'" ~ NASB
Wow, this certainly caught my attention. It seems prophetic, and perhaps it is. I broke this down as I was reading it, and looked up some of the words in an online concordance because I was curious about some of the context meanings. Here's what I found:
For verse one, I thought the beginning was pretty self explanatory. The whole world seems to always be in an uproar over something, the world is not a content and happy place. The second part I was curious about though. I looked up the words devising and vain. Devising more specifically refers to dwelling on or thinking about, considering. I was actually a little surprised by the translations I got for vain. Vain in this context means pointless, without purpose. How right this passage seems now! Sometimes I'm amazed at how pointless the things people choose to focus on really are. Even as a Christian I find myself thinking about things that don't really matter.
I thought verse two was very interesting and rather poignant. The leaders of the world set themselves. I looked up "set" and found that it means to put oneself in place. So this says, "the leaders of the world put themselves in place." I think this is a reference back to when God was the one who anointed kings. Now, we put who we want in-charge. God isn't even consulted in the matter, except sometimes as an empty gesture.
I looked at the last part in one big section. the leaders of the world consult with each other to figure out how they can limit the power of Christians, especially where their leadership is concerned. Not so long ago, leaders valued the input of Christian advisers to help them lead. They valued Christian morality. This is no longer the case. The world no longer cares about Christian morality. This can be seen in advertisements, entertainment, and many other mediums.
I stopped my devotion there for today, but I wanted a sneak peek, if you will, of tomorrow, and here it is. God laughs at them.
Wow, this certainly caught my attention. It seems prophetic, and perhaps it is. I broke this down as I was reading it, and looked up some of the words in an online concordance because I was curious about some of the context meanings. Here's what I found:
For verse one, I thought the beginning was pretty self explanatory. The whole world seems to always be in an uproar over something, the world is not a content and happy place. The second part I was curious about though. I looked up the words devising and vain. Devising more specifically refers to dwelling on or thinking about, considering. I was actually a little surprised by the translations I got for vain. Vain in this context means pointless, without purpose. How right this passage seems now! Sometimes I'm amazed at how pointless the things people choose to focus on really are. Even as a Christian I find myself thinking about things that don't really matter.
I thought verse two was very interesting and rather poignant. The leaders of the world set themselves. I looked up "set" and found that it means to put oneself in place. So this says, "the leaders of the world put themselves in place." I think this is a reference back to when God was the one who anointed kings. Now, we put who we want in-charge. God isn't even consulted in the matter, except sometimes as an empty gesture.
I looked at the last part in one big section. the leaders of the world consult with each other to figure out how they can limit the power of Christians, especially where their leadership is concerned. Not so long ago, leaders valued the input of Christian advisers to help them lead. They valued Christian morality. This is no longer the case. The world no longer cares about Christian morality. This can be seen in advertisements, entertainment, and many other mediums.
I stopped my devotion there for today, but I wanted a sneak peek, if you will, of tomorrow, and here it is. God laughs at them.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Psalm 1:4-6
"The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners stand in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." ~NASB
This passage begins with, "The wicked are not so..." The wicked are not firmly planted; they do not prosper in whatever they do. I am reminded of big CEOs who have the world at their feet, but they aren't happy or satisfied with what they have. Or all of the scandals, suicides, and things that happen in the celebrity world. Despite everything they have, they (or maybe more appropriately, it) is insubstantial, and the least little thing can make it blow away.
I will admit the next section confuses me a little bit. My interpretation is that only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, only those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior will appear before Him at the end of this world, to receive the rewards or lack thereof they sowed in life. Wickedness cannot exist in the presence of God.
This passage begins with, "The wicked are not so..." The wicked are not firmly planted; they do not prosper in whatever they do. I am reminded of big CEOs who have the world at their feet, but they aren't happy or satisfied with what they have. Or all of the scandals, suicides, and things that happen in the celebrity world. Despite everything they have, they (or maybe more appropriately, it) is insubstantial, and the least little thing can make it blow away.
I will admit the next section confuses me a little bit. My interpretation is that only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, only those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior will appear before Him at the end of this world, to receive the rewards or lack thereof they sowed in life. Wickedness cannot exist in the presence of God.
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