Psalm 150 is the last chapter in the book of Psalms. It is a closing hymn of praise. The author is not known, but he shares with us that God's creation praises him everywhere in every way. We should join this rejoicing song of praise.
Music and song were an integral part of Old Testament worship. David introduced music into the tabernacle and temple services, found in 1 Chronicles 16:4-6. The music must have been loud and joyous as was also evidenced by the list of instruments and the presence of choirs and song leaders. Music was also important in New Testament worship as well
(Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16).
1 Chronicles 16:4-6 - "He (David) appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. 6-Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab,Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets before the ark of the covenant of God"
Ephesians 5:19 - "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord"
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God"
Psalm 150:6 - "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD"
How could the message be any more clear? The writer was telling the individual listeners to praise God. What a fitting way to end this book of praise - with a direct encouragement for you to praise God too. Remember to praise him every day!
In a way, the book of Psalms parallels our spiritual journey through life. It begins by presenting us with two roads - the way to life and the way to death. If we choose God's way to life, we still face both blessings and troubles, joy and grief, successes and obstacles. Throughout it all, God is at our side, guiding, encouraging, comforting and caring.
As the wise and faithful person's life draws to an end, he or she realizes clearly that God's road is the right road, Knowing this will cause us to praise God for leading us in the right direction and for assuring our place in the perfect world God has in store for those who have faithfully followed him.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Psalm 149 - A Victory Celebration
Psalm 149 is known as a victory celebration. The author, who is not known, shares with us that we have the assurance that God truly enjoys his people.
Although the Bible invites us to praise God, we often are not sure how to go about it. In verses 3-5, several ways are suggested - in the dance, with the voice, with musical instruments. God enjoys his people, and we should enjoy praising him!
In verses 6 and 7, we read about a double-edged sword. This symbolizes the completeness of judgment that will be executed by the Messiah when he returns to punish all evildoers.
Psalm 149 / New International Version
Although the Bible invites us to praise God, we often are not sure how to go about it. In verses 3-5, several ways are suggested - in the dance, with the voice, with musical instruments. God enjoys his people, and we should enjoy praising him!
In verses 6 and 7, we read about a double-edged sword. This symbolizes the completeness of judgment that will be executed by the Messiah when he returns to punish all evildoers.
Psalm 149 / New International Version
1 Praise the Lord.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.
his praise in the assembly of the saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with tambourine and harp.
4 For the Lord takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with tambourine and harp.
4 For the Lord takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.
6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them—
this is the glory of all his saints.
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them—
this is the glory of all his saints.
Praise the Lord.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Psalm 148 - Let All Creation Praise and Worship
The author of Psalm 148 is not known, however, the author brings to our attention a psalm that praises the Lord and allows us to worship our Lord whole-heartedly.
All creation is like a majestic symphony or a great choir composed of many harmonious parts that together offer up songs of praise. Each part (independent, yet part of the whole) is caught up and carried along in the swelling tides of praise. This is a picture of how we as believers should praise God - individually, yet as part of the great choir of believers worldwide. Are you singing your part well in the worldwide choir of praise?
Psalm 148 / New International Version
1 Praise the Lord.
All creation is like a majestic symphony or a great choir composed of many harmonious parts that together offer up songs of praise. Each part (independent, yet part of the whole) is caught up and carried along in the swelling tides of praise. This is a picture of how we as believers should praise God - individually, yet as part of the great choir of believers worldwide. Are you singing your part well in the worldwide choir of praise?
Psalm 148 / New International Version
1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 and He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.
for he commanded and they were created.
6 and He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
old men and children.
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Psalm 147 - God's Greatest Joy
The author of Psalm 147 is not known, but the author shares with us that God's greatest joy comes from our genuine worship and trust.
Psalm 147:5 - "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit"
Sometimes we feel as if we don't understand ourselves - what we want, how we feel, what's wrong with us, or what we should do about it. But God's understanding has no limit and therefore he understands us fully. If you feel troubled and don't understand yourself, remember that God understands you perfectly. Take your mind off yourself and focus it on God. Strive to become more and more like him. The more you learn about God and his ways, the better you will understand yourself.
Psalm 147:10 - "... the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love"
We spend much effort trying to sharpen our skills or increase our strength. There is nothing wrong with doing so, and in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God. But when we use our skills with no regard for God, they are indeed worth little. It is our fear (reverence) and trust that God desires. When he has those then he will use our skills and strength in ways far greater than we can imagine.
Psalm 147:19,20 - "He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. 20-He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD"
The nation of Israel (the descendants of Jacob) was special to God because to its people God brought his laws and through its people he sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Now any individual who follows God is just as special to him. In fact, the Bible says that the real nation of Israel is not a specific people or geographic place, but the community of all who believe in and obey God.
Psalm 147:5 - "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit"
Sometimes we feel as if we don't understand ourselves - what we want, how we feel, what's wrong with us, or what we should do about it. But God's understanding has no limit and therefore he understands us fully. If you feel troubled and don't understand yourself, remember that God understands you perfectly. Take your mind off yourself and focus it on God. Strive to become more and more like him. The more you learn about God and his ways, the better you will understand yourself.
Psalm 147:10 - "... the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love"
We spend much effort trying to sharpen our skills or increase our strength. There is nothing wrong with doing so, and in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God. But when we use our skills with no regard for God, they are indeed worth little. It is our fear (reverence) and trust that God desires. When he has those then he will use our skills and strength in ways far greater than we can imagine.
Psalm 147:19,20 - "He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. 20-He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD"
The nation of Israel (the descendants of Jacob) was special to God because to its people God brought his laws and through its people he sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Now any individual who follows God is just as special to him. In fact, the Bible says that the real nation of Israel is not a specific people or geographic place, but the community of all who believe in and obey God.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Psalm 146 - The Help of Man vs. The Help of God
The author of Psalm 146 is not known, but it shares with us a contrast between the help of man vs the help of God in our lives. Help from man is temporal and unstable, but help from God is lasting and complete. As an extra bit of information, these next five psalms (146-150), overflow with praise. Each begins and ends with "Praise the LORD." They show us where, why and how to praise God.
What does praise do?
It takes our minds off our problems and shortcomings, and focuses them on God; it leads us from individual meditation to corporate worship; it causes us to consider and appreciate God's character; and it lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.
In verses 3-8 (below), the psalmist portrays man as an inadequate savior, a false hope, even princes cannot deliver. God is the hope and help of the needy. Jesus affirms his concern for the poor and afflicted in Luke 4:18-21 and 7:21-23. He does not separate the social and spiritual needs of people, but attends to both. While God, not the government, is the hope of the needy, we are his instruments to help here on earth.
Psalm 146:9 - "The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked"
God's plans frustrate the "ways of the wicked" because his values are the opposite of society's. Jesus turned society's values upside down when he proclaimed the "many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first" (Matthew 19:30), and that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it"
(Matthew 16:25). Don't be surprised when others don't understand your Christian values, but don't give into theirs.
What does praise do?
It takes our minds off our problems and shortcomings, and focuses them on God; it leads us from individual meditation to corporate worship; it causes us to consider and appreciate God's character; and it lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.
In verses 3-8 (below), the psalmist portrays man as an inadequate savior, a false hope, even princes cannot deliver. God is the hope and help of the needy. Jesus affirms his concern for the poor and afflicted in Luke 4:18-21 and 7:21-23. He does not separate the social and spiritual needs of people, but attends to both. While God, not the government, is the hope of the needy, we are his instruments to help here on earth.
Psalm 146:9 - "The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked"
God's plans frustrate the "ways of the wicked" because his values are the opposite of society's. Jesus turned society's values upside down when he proclaimed the "many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first" (Matthew 19:30), and that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it"
(Matthew 16:25). Don't be surprised when others don't understand your Christian values, but don't give into theirs.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Psalm 145 - A Time Will Come
Psalm 145 was written by David and he shares with us that a time will come when all people will join together in recognizing and worshiping God.
Psalm 145:14 - "The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down"
Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak intersection of life's road and points toward the Lord, the great burden-bearer. God is able to lift us up because his greatness is unfathomable (v3); because he does mighty acts across many generations (v4); because he is full of glorious splendor and majesty (v5); because he does wonderful and awesome works (v5-6); because he is righteous (v7); because he is gracious, compassionate, patient and loving (v8-9); because he rules over an everlasting kingdom (v13); because he is our source of all our daily needs
(v15-16); because he is righteous and loving in all his dealings (v17); because he remains near to those who call on him (v18); because he hears our cries and saves us (v19-20). If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.
Psalm 145:14 - "The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down"
Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak intersection of life's road and points toward the Lord, the great burden-bearer. God is able to lift us up because his greatness is unfathomable (v3); because he does mighty acts across many generations (v4); because he is full of glorious splendor and majesty (v5); because he does wonderful and awesome works (v5-6); because he is righteous (v7); because he is gracious, compassionate, patient and loving (v8-9); because he rules over an everlasting kingdom (v13); because he is our source of all our daily needs
(v15-16); because he is righteous and loving in all his dealings (v17); because he remains near to those who call on him (v18); because he hears our cries and saves us (v19-20). If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Psalm 144 - Rejoicing In God's Care
Most of the psalms are prayers and most of the prayers include praise to God. Praise expresses admiration, appreciation, and thanks. Praise in the book of Psalms is often directed to God and just as often the praise is shared with others. Considering all that God has done and does for us, what could be more natural than outbursts of heartfelt praise?
As you read Psalms, note the praise given to God, not only for what he does - his creation, his blessings, his forgiveness - but also for who he is - loving, just, faithful, forgiving, patient.
Psalm 144 was written by David and he shares with us that in times of prosperity or adversity, blessed are those who believe in the Lord, because we CAN rejoice in God's care. It may be tough sometimes - but believing and trusting in His ways, can bring you through hard times and allow you to see a beautiful horizon in the future.
Psalm 144:3,4 - "O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? 4-Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow"
Life is short! David reminds us that it is "like a breath" and that our "days are like a fleeting shadow." James says that our lives are "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). Because life is short, we should live for God while we have the time. Don't waste your life by selecting an interior purpose that has no lasting value. Live for God! He alone can make your life worthwhile, purposeful, and meaningful.
As you read Psalms, note the praise given to God, not only for what he does - his creation, his blessings, his forgiveness - but also for who he is - loving, just, faithful, forgiving, patient.
Psalm 144 was written by David and he shares with us that in times of prosperity or adversity, blessed are those who believe in the Lord, because we CAN rejoice in God's care. It may be tough sometimes - but believing and trusting in His ways, can bring you through hard times and allow you to see a beautiful horizon in the future.
Psalm 144:3,4 - "O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? 4-Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow"
Life is short! David reminds us that it is "like a breath" and that our "days are like a fleeting shadow." James says that our lives are "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). Because life is short, we should live for God while we have the time. Don't waste your life by selecting an interior purpose that has no lasting value. Live for God! He alone can make your life worthwhile, purposeful, and meaningful.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Psalm 143 - A Prayer in the Midst of Hopelessness
David, a constant author of many of the Psalms, writes Psalm 143 as a prayer in the midst of hopelessness and depression. This psalm shares with us that our prayers should fit into what we know is consistent with God's character and plans.
Psalm 143:7 - "Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit"
David was losing hope, caught in paralyzing fear and deep depression. At times, we too feel caught in deepening depression and we are unable to pull ourselves out. At those times, we can come to the Lord and, like David, express our true feelings.
Then he will help us as we ...
Remember his works (143:5 - "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done")
Reach out to him in prayer (143:6 - "I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land")
Trust him (143:8 - "Let the morning bring of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul")
And then decide to do his will (143:10 - "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground").
Psalm 143:7 - "Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit"
David was losing hope, caught in paralyzing fear and deep depression. At times, we too feel caught in deepening depression and we are unable to pull ourselves out. At those times, we can come to the Lord and, like David, express our true feelings.
Then he will help us as we ...
Remember his works (143:5 - "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done")
Reach out to him in prayer (143:6 - "I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land")
Trust him (143:8 - "Let the morning bring of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul")
And then decide to do his will (143:10 - "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground").
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Psalm 142 - A Prayer When Overwhelmed & Desperate
The author of Psalm 142 was David. He wrote a prayer that could be used for times when you feel overwhelmed or desperate for life to be different or better. When we feel cornered by our enemies, only God can keep us safe. Depend on him for all things and he will make a way for you.
Psalm 142:4,5 - "Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. 5-If I cry to you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the and of the living.'"
Have you ever felt that no one cared what happened to you? David had good reason to feel that way, and he wrote, "I cry to you, O LORD." Through prayer we can pull out of our tailspin and be reminded hat God cares for us deeply!
Psalm 142:7 - "Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me"
David was losing hope, caught in paralyzing fear and deep depression. At times, we feel caught in deepening depression too, and we are unable to pull ourselves out. At those times, we can come to the Lord and, like David, express our true feelings.
Psalm 142:4,5 - "Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. 5-If I cry to you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the and of the living.'"
Have you ever felt that no one cared what happened to you? David had good reason to feel that way, and he wrote, "I cry to you, O LORD." Through prayer we can pull out of our tailspin and be reminded hat God cares for us deeply!
Psalm 142:7 - "Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me"
David was losing hope, caught in paralyzing fear and deep depression. At times, we feel caught in deepening depression too, and we are unable to pull ourselves out. At those times, we can come to the Lord and, like David, express our true feelings.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Psalm 141 - A Prayer For Help When Facing Temptation
The author of Psalm 141 was David and he shares with us a prayer that can be used to help us when we are facing the temptations of this world. David asked God to protect him and to give him wisdom in accepting criticism. Be open to criticism, as hard as that is sometimes, because God may be speaking to you through others!
Psalm 141:3 - "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips"
James wrote that "the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts" (James 3:5). On the average, a person opens his or her mouth approximately 700 times a day to speak. David wisely asked God to help him from speaking evil - sometimes even as he underwent bad times. Knowing the power of the tongue, we would do well to ask God to guard what we say so that our words will bring honor to his name.
Psalm 141:4 - "Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies"
David asked God to guard his heart. Evil acts begin with evil desires. It isn't enough to ask God to keep you away from temptation, make you stronger, or change your circumstances. You must ask him to change you on the inside too - at the level of your desires.
Psalm 141:5 - "Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers"
David says that being rebuked or opposed by a righteous person is a kindness. Nobody really likes criticism, but everybody can benefit from it when it is given wisely and taken humbly. David suggested how to accept criticism: (1) don't refuse it; (2) consider it a kindness, and (3) keep quiet (don't fight back). Putting these suggestions into practice will help you control how you react to criticism, making it productive rather than destructive, no matter how it was originally intended.
Psalm 141:3 - "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips"
James wrote that "the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts" (James 3:5). On the average, a person opens his or her mouth approximately 700 times a day to speak. David wisely asked God to help him from speaking evil - sometimes even as he underwent bad times. Knowing the power of the tongue, we would do well to ask God to guard what we say so that our words will bring honor to his name.
Psalm 141:4 - "Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies"
David asked God to guard his heart. Evil acts begin with evil desires. It isn't enough to ask God to keep you away from temptation, make you stronger, or change your circumstances. You must ask him to change you on the inside too - at the level of your desires.
Psalm 141:5 - "Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers"
David says that being rebuked or opposed by a righteous person is a kindness. Nobody really likes criticism, but everybody can benefit from it when it is given wisely and taken humbly. David suggested how to accept criticism: (1) don't refuse it; (2) consider it a kindness, and (3) keep quiet (don't fight back). Putting these suggestions into practice will help you control how you react to criticism, making it productive rather than destructive, no matter how it was originally intended.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Psalm 140 - Prayer for Protection
The author of Psalm 140 was David. He shares with us a prayer for protection against those who slander or threaten us.
Psalm 140:12 - "I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy"
To who can the poor turn when they are persecuted? They lack the money to get professional help; they may be unable to defend themselves. But there is always someone on their side -- the Lord will stand by them and ultimately bring about justice. This should be a comfort for us all. No matter what our situation may be, the Lord is with us. But this truth should also call us to responsibility. As God's people, we are required to defend the rights of the powerless.
Psalm 140 / New International Version
1 Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men;
protect me from men of violence,
2 who devise evil plans in their hearts
and stir up war every day.
3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;
the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Psalm 140:12 - "I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy"
To who can the poor turn when they are persecuted? They lack the money to get professional help; they may be unable to defend themselves. But there is always someone on their side -- the Lord will stand by them and ultimately bring about justice. This should be a comfort for us all. No matter what our situation may be, the Lord is with us. But this truth should also call us to responsibility. As God's people, we are required to defend the rights of the powerless.
Psalm 140 / New International Version
1 Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men;
protect me from men of violence,
2 who devise evil plans in their hearts
and stir up war every day.
3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;
the poison of vipers is on their lips.
4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from men of violence,
who plan to trip my feet.
5 Proud men have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path.
protect me from men of violence,
who plan to trip my feet.
5 Proud men have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path.
6 O Lord, I say to you, "You are my God.”
Hear, O Lord, my cry for mercy.
7 O Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,
who shields my head in the day of battle --
8 do not grant the wicked their desires, O Lord;
do not let their plans succeed.
Hear, O Lord, my cry for mercy.
7 O Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,
who shields my head in the day of battle --
8 do not grant the wicked their desires, O Lord;
do not let their plans succeed.
or they will become proud.
9 Let the heads of those who surround me
be covered with the trouble their lips have caused.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them;
may they be thrown into the fire,
into miry pits, never to rise.
11 Let slanderers not be established in the land;
may disaster hunt down men of violence.
be covered with the trouble their lips have caused.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them;
may they be thrown into the fire,
into miry pits, never to rise.
11 Let slanderers not be established in the land;
may disaster hunt down men of violence.
12 I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
and upholds the cause of the needy.
13 Surely the righteous will praise your name,
and the upright will live before you.
and upholds the cause of the needy.
13 Surely the righteous will praise your name,
and the upright will live before you.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Psalm 139 - He knows us ... He is with us ...He loves us
The author of Psalm 139 was David. He wrote a psalm to share with us that God is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful and everywhere present. God knows us, he is with us, he loves us and his greatest gift is to allow us to know him!
Psalm 139:1-5 - "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2-You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3-You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4-Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. 5-You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me"
Sometimes we don't let people get to know us completely because we are afraid they will discover something about us that they won't like. But God already knows everything about us, even to the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30), and still he accepts and loves us. God is with us through every situation, in every trial - protecting, loving, guiding. He knows and loves us completely!
Psalm 139:1-5 - "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2-You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3-You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4-Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. 5-You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me"
Sometimes we don't let people get to know us completely because we are afraid they will discover something about us that they won't like. But God already knows everything about us, even to the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30), and still he accepts and loves us. God is with us through every situation, in every trial - protecting, loving, guiding. He knows and loves us completely!
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Psalm 138 - Thanksgiving for Answered Prayer
The author of Psalm 138 was David. He shares with us that when prayers have been answered it is always a time of good thanksgiving for what we have today, tomorrow and for the blessings and / or prayers we have yet to be answered.
Psalm 138:1 - "I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise"
"Before the 'gods' " may mean in the presence of subordinate heavenly beings (angels) or more likely, it may be a statement ridiculing he kings or gods of the pagan nations. God is the highest in the whole earth.
Psalm 138:2,3 - "I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3-When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted"
Thanksgiving should be an integral part of our praise to God. This theme is woven throughout the psalms. As we praise and thank God for material and spiritual blessings, we should also thank him for answered prayers. Remember when you asked God for protection, strength, comfort, patience, love or other special needs, and he supplied them? Beware of taking God's provision and answered prayer for granted.
Psalm 138:8 - "The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not abandon the works of your hands"
Every person dreams and makes plans for the future. Then they work hard to see those dreams come true. But to make the most of life, we must include God's plan in our plans. He alone knows what is best for us, he alone can fulfill his purpose for us. As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them.
Psalm 138:1 - "I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise"
"Before the 'gods' " may mean in the presence of subordinate heavenly beings (angels) or more likely, it may be a statement ridiculing he kings or gods of the pagan nations. God is the highest in the whole earth.
Psalm 138:2,3 - "I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3-When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted"
Thanksgiving should be an integral part of our praise to God. This theme is woven throughout the psalms. As we praise and thank God for material and spiritual blessings, we should also thank him for answered prayers. Remember when you asked God for protection, strength, comfort, patience, love or other special needs, and he supplied them? Beware of taking God's provision and answered prayer for granted.
Psalm 138:8 - "The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not abandon the works of your hands"
Every person dreams and makes plans for the future. Then they work hard to see those dreams come true. But to make the most of life, we must include God's plan in our plans. He alone knows what is best for us, he alone can fulfill his purpose for us. As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Psalm 137 - The Bitterness of Captivity
The author of Psalm 137 is not known and as we read this particular Psalm we see that it is about an individual who may have been in exile and as they weep over the bitterness of captivity their heart is hardened and they do not know how they can possibly be joyful or even sing joyfully at that particular moment in time. Have you ever felt like that? Of course, you have. We all have.
To give you some history about this psalm, the Edomites were related to the Israelites, both nations having descended from Isaac and his father Abraham. Although Israel shared its southern border with Edom, there was bitter hatred between the two nations. The Edomites did not come to help when the city of Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonian army. In fact, they rejoiced when the city was destroyed.
God destroyed Babylon and its offspring for their proud assault against God and his kingdom. The Medes and the Persians destroyed Babylon in 539 B.C. Many of those who were oppressed lived to see the victory. The phrase about the infants in verse 9 is harsh because the psalmist s crying out for judgment: "Treat the Babylonians the way they treated us."
To give you some history about this psalm, the Edomites were related to the Israelites, both nations having descended from Isaac and his father Abraham. Although Israel shared its southern border with Edom, there was bitter hatred between the two nations. The Edomites did not come to help when the city of Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonian army. In fact, they rejoiced when the city was destroyed.
God destroyed Babylon and its offspring for their proud assault against God and his kingdom. The Medes and the Persians destroyed Babylon in 539 B.C. Many of those who were oppressed lived to see the victory. The phrase about the infants in verse 9 is harsh because the psalmist s crying out for judgment: "Treat the Babylonians the way they treated us."
Friday, March 4, 2016
Psalm 136 - The Never Ending Story of God's Love
Psalm 136 is a very unique and different psalm. Repeated throughout the psalm is the phrase "His love endures forever." The author of this psalm is not known, but it may have been a responsive reading with the congregation saying these words in unison after each sentence. The repetition made this important lesson sink in God's love includes aspects of love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness.
We never have to worry that God will run out of love because it flows from a well that will never run dry.
"Forgetful as we are, things must be often repeated to us. By "mercy" we understand the Lord's frame of mind to save those whom sin has rendered miserable and vile, and all the provision he has made for the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ. The counsels of this mercy have been from everlasting, and the effects of it will endure forever, to all who are interested in it. The Lord continues equally ready to show mercy to all who seek for it, and this is the source of all our hope and comfort.
In verses 10-22 (shown below), we see the great things God did for Israel, when he brought them out of Egypt, where mercies which endured long to them; and our redemption by Christ, endures forever.
God's everlasting mercy (shown in verses 23-26) are praised for the redemption of his church; in all his glories, and all his gifts. Blessed be God, who has provided and made known to us salvation through his Son. May we know and feel his redeeming power, that we may serve him in righteousness all our days. Let us acknowledge all that we receive to this true source, and offer praise continually"
(Words in quotations provided by Matthew Henry Commentary)
We never have to worry that God will run out of love because it flows from a well that will never run dry.
"Forgetful as we are, things must be often repeated to us. By "mercy" we understand the Lord's frame of mind to save those whom sin has rendered miserable and vile, and all the provision he has made for the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ. The counsels of this mercy have been from everlasting, and the effects of it will endure forever, to all who are interested in it. The Lord continues equally ready to show mercy to all who seek for it, and this is the source of all our hope and comfort.
In verses 10-22 (shown below), we see the great things God did for Israel, when he brought them out of Egypt, where mercies which endured long to them; and our redemption by Christ, endures forever.
God's everlasting mercy (shown in verses 23-26) are praised for the redemption of his church; in all his glories, and all his gifts. Blessed be God, who has provided and made known to us salvation through his Son. May we know and feel his redeeming power, that we may serve him in righteousness all our days. Let us acknowledge all that we receive to this true source, and offer praise continually"
(Words in quotations provided by Matthew Henry Commentary)
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Psalm 135 - A Hymn of Praise
The author of Psalm 135 is not known; but the author shares with us a hymn of praise which contrasts the greatness of God with the powerlessness of idols. If you are a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only one you worship is the living God!
Those who worshiped idols in the time this psalm was written, were as blind and insensitive as the idols themselves. They could not hear or see what God had to say. In subtle, imperceptible ways we become like the idols we worship. If the true God is your God, you will become more like him as you worship him.
What are your goals? What takes priority in your life? Choose carefully because you will take on the characteristics of whatever you are putting first in your life. Are you putting God first or second or is he third or fourth? Choose to put God first and then you will take the characteristics of the Lord as you praise and worship him.
Those who worshiped idols in the time this psalm was written, were as blind and insensitive as the idols themselves. They could not hear or see what God had to say. In subtle, imperceptible ways we become like the idols we worship. If the true God is your God, you will become more like him as you worship him.
What are your goals? What takes priority in your life? Choose carefully because you will take on the characteristics of whatever you are putting first in your life. Are you putting God first or second or is he third or fourth? Choose to put God first and then you will take the characteristics of the Lord as you praise and worship him.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Psalm 134 - The Joy of His Blessings
The author of this short psalm is not known; however, some believe it may have been Hezekiah. The psalm is about a very small group - the Levites who served as temple watchman. Singing this psalm, the last of the "songs of the ascent" (Psalms 120-134), the worshipers would ascend the hill where the temple sits and see the watchmen who protected it day in and day out. They saw them work as an act of praise to God, done reverently and responsibly.
Make your job or your responsibility in church an act of praise by doing it with reverence to God. Honor him by the quality of your work and the attitude of service you bring to it.
Psalm 134 / New International Version
1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
Make your job or your responsibility in church an act of praise by doing it with reverence to God. Honor him by the quality of your work and the attitude of service you bring to it.
Psalm 134 / New International Version
1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
(Zion is another name for Jerusalem)
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Psalm 133 - The Joy of Harmonious Relationships
The author of Psalm 133 was David. It is a very short psalm, only three verses, but it shares with us the joy of a harmonious relationship that Aaron had with Moses and how unity is always good to have so that relationships with church, family, friends and co-workers is good.
David stated that unity is pleasant and precious. Unfortunately, unity does not abound in the church as it should. People disagree and cause division over unimportant issues. Some delight in causing tension by discrediting others. And that can also happen with family, relationships, jobs and even with friendships. Unity is important because (1) it makes the church a positive example to the world and helps draw others to us, (2) it helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to, giving us a foretaste of heaven; and (3) it renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy.
Living in unity does not mean that we will agree on everything, there will be many opinions just as there are many rules in a musical chord. But we must agree on our purpose in life - to work together for God. Our outward expression of unity will reflect our inward unity of purpose.
In verse 2, notated below, we read about "precious oil." This expensive oil was used by Moses to anoint Aaron as the first high priest of Israel (found in Exodus 29:7) and to dedicate all the priests to God's service. Brotherly unity, like the anointing oil, shows that we are dedicated to serving God wholeheartedly.
As a side note, in verse 3 where it says "the dew of Hermon" - Mount Hermon is the tallest mountain in Palestine, located northeast of the Sea of Galilee.
David stated that unity is pleasant and precious. Unfortunately, unity does not abound in the church as it should. People disagree and cause division over unimportant issues. Some delight in causing tension by discrediting others. And that can also happen with family, relationships, jobs and even with friendships. Unity is important because (1) it makes the church a positive example to the world and helps draw others to us, (2) it helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to, giving us a foretaste of heaven; and (3) it renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy.
Living in unity does not mean that we will agree on everything, there will be many opinions just as there are many rules in a musical chord. But we must agree on our purpose in life - to work together for God. Our outward expression of unity will reflect our inward unity of purpose.
In verse 2, notated below, we read about "precious oil." This expensive oil was used by Moses to anoint Aaron as the first high priest of Israel (found in Exodus 29:7) and to dedicate all the priests to God's service. Brotherly unity, like the anointing oil, shows that we are dedicated to serving God wholeheartedly.
As a side note, in verse 3 where it says "the dew of Hermon" - Mount Hermon is the tallest mountain in Palestine, located northeast of the Sea of Galilee.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)