Thursday, September 13, 2012

D - Gems from Psalms - 4


D – GEMS FROM PSALMS – 4

Ps.31:15   The Lord upholds all things in His hands.  Heb.1:3   Is it any wonder that our times are in His hands.  Often this verse is considered as the singular of time as when the Lord will take us.  It is plural.  All events of life are in God’s hands.  God created all things and He then sustains all things.  Rev.4:11; Acts 17:26   So not only times are set but places as well.  It was all in hopes that men would seek and find the Lord.  Acts 17:27   Our very existence is in His hands.  Acts 17:28   We live and move and have our being in His hands.

Even though our lives are in His hands, He did give us free will.  We make a choice with our own will but it is secondary to God’s will.  God can work through our choices.  He can take a poor choice and make it into something good for His purpose and to His glory.  One example is the life of Joseph.  His attitude of pride caused his brothers to make a bad choice in attempting to get rid of him.  Gen.50:20   Not only did these choices work out for the good of individuals and family.  It led to the good of a nation.

Job had spoken to God out of turn when God began asking him question after question in the 38th through the 41st chapters of Job.  Of course Job has to give up as he has no answers for God except in Job 42:2.  Job admits that God can do all things and no purpose of yours can be thwarted.   Nebuchadnezzar came to the same conclusion as he was brought back as a normal human being.  Dan.4:35   He does according to His will and no one can ward off His hand.

Christ suffered agony and finally death on the cross.  God had predetermined this plan and had the foreknowledge that it would take place even though it was performed by the wickedness of the Jews and Roman soldiers.   Acts 2:23; Acts 4:27,28   This was the only way that man could be redeemed.  Christ knew this was God’s will as He prayed in the garden.  Lk.22:42   It fulfilled the purpose that God had for mankind.  Our times are in His hands as we are able to accept Jesus as our Savior and serve Him.  This was the purpose of Christ.  Lk.19:10

God has His purpose and will see that it is carried out.  Isa.46:10,11   God is not happy with disobedience and He acts accordingly.  Jer.23:20   If we love Him with obedience (1 Jhn.2:5), then He will cause things to work together for goodRom.8:28  

As we think about our times in His hands, we are shown the great love that He shows toward us that He may be glorified.  Rom.11:33-36   From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  This love is beyond our comprehension.  Rom.8:38,39

Because God has given us free-will, He may permit us to do things that send us in the wrong direction.  He does not cause it to happen.  Adam and Eve had such perfect conditions.  All was in place for a joyous walk with God.  They had just one stipulation—don’t eat of this one tree.  They were given free will.  Either they could obey or they could eat—and they ate.  Consequences followed.  Their disobedience separated them from God.  Our sin also separates us from God.  Isa.59:2   God does not cause us to sin.  A change can be to God’s glory.  Our weakness becomes His strength.  2 Cor.12:9  

God can prevent or permit.  He permitted nations to go to their own destruction.  Acts 14:16   We do not want to go about life in our own decisions but if the Lord wills.  Jam.4:15   God can direct us through His Word and our prayers for He is all-knowing and ever present with us.  Prov.3:5

We will all suffer troubles, pain, and death with either our loved ones or ourselves.  We cannot blame God for these.  He set in order natural law as well as free-will.  Many of these tragedies happen because of sin ( not living within God’s law), but also because of  carelessness, ignorance, etc.  God has his choice and power to permit or prevent.  Many of these tragedies can be turned into a blessing for us or for others.  Whatever happens, a Christian must trust God and serve Him with faith that is put into action.  Jam.2:17

God does not wish for any of us to perish.  2 Pet.3:9   God not only loves us but sees us in a very special way.  Matt.10:29-31   Not only is pain removed in death but Isaiah tell us that the righteous are taken away from evil.  Isa. 57:1,2   Even our death is precious in the sight of the Lord.  Ps.116:15   We can take confidence in death.  2 Cor.4:16-18   

As the events in our lives carry on with joy and success or with problems, pain, and/or death, God is with us and knows.  We cannot loose our faith in discouragement and despondency but fight the good fight of faith so that we may lay hold of eternal life as Paul so aptly stated in 1 Tim.6:12.  Our hope in eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord, ties us down to reality.  Heb.6:19   Our hope is that anchor of the soul. 

As we realize that our times are in God’s hands, may not only our life now be lived in the Lord, but may we prepare that when the time comes, our death will be in the Lord.  Rev.14:13   So the final admonishment is in Rev.2:10.

    

Saturday, September 8, 2012

C - GEMS FROM PSALMS - 3


C – GEMS FROM PSALMS – 3

Ps.23:1   This psalm is one of the best known and loved of the psalms.  It gives hope and comfort to many and well it should.  The Lord is my shepherd.  Who could be a better and more trusted shepherd than my Lord?  The Lord is all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-knowing (omniscience).  God knows our needs even before we ask.  Phil.4:19   He is able to protect and provide in times of trouble and temptation.  Ps.84:11,12   We can trust God to lead us in the right way.

The Lord IS my shepherd.  The Lord is not only presently my shepherd but will continue to be my shepherd in time to come.  As long as I willingly follow Him, He will lead me.  He is everywhere at all times (omnipresent).  There is no waiting for God to hear me for He knows when I am in trouble.  God is there.  Ps.139:1,2; Prov.15:3   God fills the earth.  Jer.23:24   No better shepherd could ever be found.

The Lord is MY shepherd.  This is personal.  He cares for me as an individual.  Eph.2:4   When we read “us” we don’t stop to take into consideration that I am included in “us”.  The same is true in Rev.1:5.  The Lord shed His blood for me and loves me and will be my shepherd to lead and protect me.

The Lord is my shepherd.  David, probably the author of this psalm, was a shepherd.  He knew the responsibility that belonged to a shepherd.  Each shepherd had his own call for his sheep.  The sheep of two shepherds could be intermingled but when one shepherd called his sheep, his own sheep separated from the others and followed their shepherd.  Jhn.10:3-5   How well do we know the voice of our shepherd?  It comes through His Word.

We have only one shepherd.  Jhn.10:11   The real shepherd will protect his sheep while one who is just a servant will face a beast who would kill the sheep and then run away.  Jhn.10:12,13   We want to be sure we are following the right shepherd.  Our shepherd is Jesus and His Word.  Matt.7:15; Acts 20:29

Sheep are helpless creatures.  The shepherd is their protector.  Isa.53:6; Rom.3:10   We have all strayed to our own way; but we have a shepherd that is fully aware of our weakness and He wants us to return to Him.  Ps.119:176   Jesus spoke of the lost lamb—just one out of a hundred—and yet He found that one that was lost.  We are important to our shepherd—every one of us.  Lk.15:4-6   Heaven contains thousands of angels and yet when just one comes to Jesus, they all rejoice.  Lk.15:7   The tenderness of our shepherd is shown in Isa.40:11.  The shepherds of the people of Israel had not kept their responsibility.  Ezek.34:4-6   We know our shepherd, Jesus Christ, will be trustworthy and care for us in every way.

I shall not want.  We have the assurance that our needs will be met.  Ps.34:9,10   God will keep His part of the promise but we have our part—seek Him first.  Matt.6:33   We can put our troubles in the lap of our shepherd and not suffer worry and anxiety.  Phil.4:6,7   Our shepherd will love us, protect us, provide for us, and guide us.  2 Cor.9:8
Ps.23:2   The good shepherd provides rest and comfort.  Sometimes in our frustrations of life, we have the feeling of Ps.55:6.  Oh, that I had the wings of a doveI would fly away and be at rest.  With Jesus as our shepherd, we can put our trust in Him and find that rest.  Matt.11:28   The unfailing love of our shepherd is our comfort.  Ps.86:5   We are abundantly comforted so that we in turn may comfort others.  2 Cor.1:3-5

Jesus, our good shepherd, leads us to the place we should go.  However, we must follow.  Matt.10:38,39   Without our shepherd leading us, we would not know the way.  We may think we know and have confidence in our way, but it is a probability that we would be lost.  It is humbling to follow but following Jesus is not an alternative.  1 Pet.2:21

Ps.23:3   Do you ever feel that your soul is dry and unresponsive?  David has an answer in Ps.19:7.  Too often when this feeling comes over us, we are failing to be fed by the Word of God and our fellowship with our shepherd.   When our spiritual strength is restored, then we have the vigor to follow our shepherd in the paths that are right.  Without our guide, we flounder as a blind man.  Isa.42:16   Occasions of suffering or trouble have occurred that God allowed so that His glory would be seen.  God allowed many problems to come to Job to show His glory.  Paul was not cured of his problem but the Lord told him, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Jesus did not go to Lazarus immediately when he was dying for the glory of the Lord was to be evident to the people as Jesus brought him back to life.  Jhn.11:14,15   The path of righteousness may include problems.  Jam.1:2,3   We are strengthened by them and it is all to the glory of God.

Ps.23:4  At some point in life we will all face death and sorrow.  We will witness pain and sorrow with those we love and eventually we, ourselves, will face death unless Jesus returns first.  Our Lord has given us assurance and hope if we follow our shepherd.  Jhn.10:27,28: Isa.41:10   “Rod” was used in many ways in the Bible but for a shepherd it was a fairly short and thick piece of a limb to lean on or use as a weapon against enemies of the sheep.  A “staff” was longer with a crook at one end which would enable a shepherd to put around a lamb to rescue it.  At times the two words were used interchangeably.  In either instance the rod and staff were symbols of protection.

Ps.23:5   The picture changes from the shepherd and his sheep to a host of a banqueting table.  The Lord provides in a way that is greater than sufficient.  Ps.31:19  The Lord wants us to have an abundant life.  Jhn.10:10   Oil poured on the head was a favor done to a special guest.  Lk.7:46   The cup running over was a sign of abundance.  

Ps.23:6   God is so good!  Ps.36:7-10; 2 Tim.4:18   The desire of a true follower of Christ is to dwell in His house (His presence) forever.  Ps.27:4        



  
 

Monday, September 3, 2012

UNSTOPPABLE by Nick Vujicic


UNSTOPPABLE by Nick Vujicic

To quote the author’s own words, “It’s about having faith in yourself, your talents, your purpose, and most of all, in God’s great love and His divine plan for your life.”  This is a good summary of Vujicic’s book of believing and achieving.  This godly man without arms and legs from birth has shown the world a life that has been unstoppable in his desire to help others with their problems and win the world for Jesus.

Throughout the book many inspiring examples are given of the importance of faith, however, not just faith but faith in action.  Life is full of valleys. Vujicic tries to convince the world that these valleys make us stronger if we will learn by them.  They also prove God’s unlimited power through our weakness.  Vujicic certainly is an example of this quote from him.  “One day at a time with Christ by our side.” 

Ample examples with reliable counsel is give with such problems as finding a mate (one with which he found with great success), bullying, and marital problems.  With his background of experiences, Vujicic is able to relate to many people around the world.

Giving love is important to receive love. Being a servant takes humility and also surrender of our ways, possessions, and goals as well as surrender to God’s purpose for our lives.  The ultimate quote at the end of this book is “When you are deeply rooted in faith, you are unstoppable.”

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

B-Gems from Psalms-2


B – GEMS FROM PSALMS – 2

Ps.14:1   This thought might not be considered a “gem” except for the fact that we can believe that God exists, act upon that belief, and be rewarded for it.  The word “fool” is only used when speaking of humanity.  It describes a person who hates knowledge.  Prov.1:22   A fool is described as one who takes no pleasure in understanding.  Ps.92:6   What he thinks and has to say is the only thing of importance to him.  Prov.18:2   Doing acts of wickedness are like a game to the fool.  Prov.10:23   The fool will receive no honor for the life he lives.  Prov.3:35   A good description is given in Jer.4:22.

Today, many say there is no God.  Too often this belief is found in circles that are considered “intelligent”.  However, many in all circles of culture have this belief.  Could it be that inwardly they don’t want to be accountable to anyone for their actions?  Rom.14:12   What a blessing to truly believe and have faith in the Creator and giver of all good things including our salvation through His Son.  Heb.11:1; Eph.1:7

If a man thinks there is no God, his life will be acted out in an ungodly way.  Prov.23:7   Affliction will become a way of life as a result.  Ps.107:17   Even though affliction may follow fools, yet they will not turn from their evil ways.  Prov.13:19   They proceed in their own way and hence to their own destruction.  Ps.10:4   in all his thoughts there is no room for God.  The rich man had his thoughts and plans all on his riches and could not let go.  Jesus had words for him.  Lk.12:20

All of our lives we make choices.  God is evident in the world surrounding us.  Rom.1:19,20  … so they are without excuse.  Yet, even though they knew God, they did not  honor Him or give Him thanks.  (Do we fail in this respect?)  They had no room in their heart for God so they became fools.  Rom.1:21,22   Just as in the days of Noah, God finally gives up and lets us go our way.  Rom.1:24  

A description of an evil man is given in Job 15:16. …who drinks up evil like water!  We may have salvation through Christ; however, we are not sinless.  Rom.3:23; Ps.14:3   The Pharisees thought they had it made.  Matt.12:34   We may look good on the outside but what is on the inside will eventually show.  Lk.11:42; Matt.15:19   Warnings are rampant throughout the Scripture about what we show on the outside but how evil can lurk in our hearts.  Titus 1:16   They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.

A warning was given to those in JerusalemZeph.1:12   They were warned that God would punish those who are complacent.  Those were the ones who would think, The Lord will do nothing either good or bad.   Those that are complacent do not need to worry.  Everything is fine.  Whatever will be, will be.  We are satisfied one way or the other.  Complacency is a dangerous ground to walk upon.  The slide is down.  No effort need to be made to follow or please the Lord.  It will all work out just fine.  (for Satan’s wished)  Complacency is not good.

Pro.1:7   Both wisdom and knowledge are connected to the fear of the Lord.  …fools despise wisdom…  It is important that we don’t just know about God but that we know God in a personal way.  God is omnipotent (all powerful).  God’s power threatens the wicked or fool; but God’s power is a source of comfort to the Christian.  We know that He is in control.  Job 42:2  I know that you can do everything and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.  Remember that God cannot do something apart from His purpose and God cannot lie.  Heb.6:18

God is fully present everywhere.  This is called His omnipresence.  This is also a comfort to a Christian for He is with us all of the time and at our call when we need Him.  The fool wants to run and hide from God. A fool is separated from God.  Isa.59:2   God’s infinite Spirit is everywhere at all times.  Ps.139:7-10; Heb.4:13  

God knows everything—His omniscience.  His judgment is fair and true.  Rom.11:33; Ezek.11:5   God even knows the secrets of our heart.  Ps.44:21; Lk.16:15   The fool does not want Light to shine into his heart; therefore, he resists it and refuses to believe.  We can rest assured that the Lord knows those who are His.  2 Tim.2:19  

The Lord is ready to come to the rescue of those that know and love Him.  2 Pet.2:9   The Lord know how to rescue godly men from trials…Jesus prayed that God would keep us from the evil one.  Jhn.17:15   The Thessalonians were given the same encouragement in 2 Thess.3:3   May we never say in our heart that there is no God but forever love and serve Him with thankfulness.  1 Jhn.5:10,13      





A-GEMS FROM PSALMS-1


A – GEMS FROM PSALMS – 1

A majority of the psalms were written by David, a man after God’s heart.  Acts 13:22   Although he committed sin, he sincerely repented and mourned over his sin.  He tried to do what God wanted him to do.  David was not afraid to pour his heart out to God in times of trouble, times of repentance, and also times of joy and thankfulness.  We want to look at some of these great Scriptures in the book of Psalms that will help us as we want to pour our hearts out to God and learn of Him.

Psalm 1 is a great contrast of good and evil. Ps.1:1  Blessed begins this chapter.  Sometime this word is used with regard to some favor that has been given.  This Hebrew word is used to indicate “Oh, the happiness that man experiences”.  Then follows what is not experienced by a man that does not follow God.

Who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked (or ungodly as some versions say).  Our lives are guided by some one or some goal.  Who do we follow?  A little boy wants to walk in the shoes of his father.  We grow up but we still attempt to be like someone we admire.  Too often it is someone popular in the media.  Then we find they are living a life of complete unhappiness and maybe eventually take their life.  Prov.4:14,15   What a contrast of light and darkness when we follow our Lord.  Jhn.8:12

When we are constantly with ungodly people, the tendency put into our heart by Satan, is to do as they do.  This is why Jesus prayed for us in Jhn.17:15-17   When we are walking alongside one who does not have God is his life, then his example and advice will be a downfall for us.

Stand in the way of sinners  It is dangerous enough to walk with ungodly, but when we stop and stand in their way, we become closer to absorbing their ways.  We are not to stand in their way but stand firm in God’s way.  Standing takes determination.  Sinners are not just those that have nothing to do with God.  Sinner is a term used for those that commit specific sins of any kind in the sight of God.  They have no regard for changing.  They are set in their way of sin and we are willing to stand with them?  No!  We put on the armor of the Christian and stand firmly.  Eph.6:11  

Sit in the seat of scoffers   A scoffer mocks God and anything associated with Him.  This would include an atheist and anyone who scorns immortality and God’s law.  When we sit with such, the danger is that our minds and hearts can be turned completely away from God.  This is Satan’s plan and desire.  Eph.6:12,13

Sin is progressive.  If we get our advice from the ungodly.  Then we stand in the way of those that think nothing of committing sin and continue to do so.  At last we are hardened into sitting with those that even deny God.  Jam.1:14,15

True happiness is not fulfilled in disregard of God and His will.   The man of God finds his pleasure, his affection, his goals, and every desire of his heart in law of the Lord.  Ps.1:2   The joy of the Lord is in the Truth.  Neh.8:10   Jesus is the Truth.  Jhn.14:6   Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim.3:16) the gospel is Truth.  Col.1:5; Heb.1:1,2   As we meditate on His Word, we apply it to our lives and our hearts are made full of love and desire to follow Jesus.  We can talk to Him day and night.  Lk.11:28

Ps.1:3   A tree that has had the proper care will bring forth good fruit.  Jer.17:7,8; Matt.7:17-19   The man of God wants to be filled with the proper spiritual food from the Word of God.  Paul speaks to the Colossians about bearing good fruit.  Col.1:10  We need to grow in knowledge and bear fruit in every good work to live a life worthy of the Lord.  This will take proper care as the good tree had.

Ps.1:4   There is nothing substantial in the ungodly.  They are like dust that blows away into nothingness.  John the Baptist speaks of separating the chaff from the good grain. Matt.3:12   Another similar description is given in Hos.13:3. 

Ps.1:5   Therefore because of their worthlessness, they will not be able to stand up to the revealing of wickedness when judged.  Rom.14:11,12; Mal.3:2    Even though they will eventually confess Jesus, it will be too late.  Phil.2:10,11   They will try to hide and even wish rocks would fall on them but to no avail.  Rev.6:16

Ps.1:6   Here is the last contrast statement of the psalm—the righteous verses the wicked.  A temporary success and a shallow happiness may occur during the lifetime of the wicked; however, the comparison of the two is obvious.  Prov.14:12   This should thrill our souls that godliness will bring everlasting joy.  Never should we want to walk with the wicked or stand with the sinner or sit with the scoffer.  2 Tim.2:19   The Lord is aware of the path we follow.  Jhn.10:14   He takes care of us and loves us as we love His Son.  1 Jhn.5:1

May our love and obedience have its final fruit in eternity.  1 Jhn.4:16,17