There is nothing that you do that you do not have a good reason for doing. Even if you know it is wrong, you at least have a good excuse. There is nothing that you believe that you do not have good reason for believing, or at least sufficient reason to convince yourself. We always believe our opinions are right or else they would not be our opinions. We always believe our actions are justified or we would not pursue them. We always believe our convictions are true or they would not be our convictions.
The point in all of this is very simple: We always believe we are right!
The truth of the matter though is that we seldom are. We need to get outside ourselves to form our opinions, convictions, beliefs, and test our actions and motivations.
Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
By the time our “ways” are out in the open, we have justified them perfectly, its the manufacturing going on in the heart that is the problem! We need to set up guards in our lives to keep our “hearts” and “ways” pure. Here are a couple of ways to do so. Keep ourselves open before the Word. Whether private study or corporate worship, incline our hearts to the Word. It is the proper standard to test our actions and beliefs. Secondly, keep ourselves open to one another. Allow brothers and sisters to lovingly offer correction and insight. An accountability partner can see what we cannot see, and in order to keep our way pure, we need his insight. Whatever we do, we must not let ourselves be our only guide!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Plans and Lots - Proverbs 16-20
What are your best laid plans? Ever have them totally disrupted? We all have. The answer is simple. We make plans; God makes reality! And sometimes those two are headed in opposite directions.
Is it wrong to make plans? Absolutely not. Plans keeps us moving instead of becoming slothful, helps us be good stewards instead of wasteful. At the end of the day, though, God’s plan is the one that will unfold. Therefore, we should seek the Lord’s plan rather than developing our own. God’s purpose for us is always better than our best laid plans. Because He ensures that His purposes never fail, we are always the beneficiaries! It’s really a good thing that we don’t get our way and chart our own course!
Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Not only is the Lord directing our lives towards His purpose, He is also directing the seemingly unimportant details of life so that everything works to His glory and our good!
A lot is something like a dice. In the ultimate scheme of things, who really cares where the lot falls from a thousand different casters? God does. Every outcome has a role to play in the grand scheme of things! God is directing all of history and everyone in it! He is truly an awesome, Sovereign God!
Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
Is it wrong to make plans? Absolutely not. Plans keeps us moving instead of becoming slothful, helps us be good stewards instead of wasteful. At the end of the day, though, God’s plan is the one that will unfold. Therefore, we should seek the Lord’s plan rather than developing our own. God’s purpose for us is always better than our best laid plans. Because He ensures that His purposes never fail, we are always the beneficiaries! It’s really a good thing that we don’t get our way and chart our own course!
Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Not only is the Lord directing our lives towards His purpose, He is also directing the seemingly unimportant details of life so that everything works to His glory and our good!
A lot is something like a dice. In the ultimate scheme of things, who really cares where the lot falls from a thousand different casters? God does. Every outcome has a role to play in the grand scheme of things! God is directing all of history and everyone in it! He is truly an awesome, Sovereign God!
Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Loving Discipline - Proverbs 11-15
In our day, spanking is viewed as an out-dated, abusive form of punishment. The question is posed, “How do you teach kids not to hit by hitting them?” Of course, it’s a loaded question. Spanking is not hitting. The words convey two very different notions. When you hit someone, you do so out of anger or self-defense. When you spank a child, you are punishing bad behavior and correcting them, out of love.
Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
The Bible is not advocating child abuse. There is a vast difference between conforming behavior and bodily harm! What the Bible is advocating is the necessary tough love in order to mold character and develop a child’s worldview. Loving discipline teaches a child that some barriers are not to be crossed. Loving discipline teaches a child that wrong behavior results in consequences. Loving discipline teaches a child that those consequences are undesirable. Loving discipline teaches a child that self-denial and submission to authority are expected and rewarded while selfishness and disrespect are punished. Loving discipline fosters maturity. Most importantly, loving discipline provides Gospel opportunities with children. The first Gospel lesson a child needs to learn is that breaking the law results in punishment. They need to be taught that they are lawbreakers in need of God’s grace in Christ.
“Time-out” just does not convey these lessons. The loving way is the biblical way. If you are still not sure, just observe the child who has no loving discipline in his life and the one who does!
Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
The Bible is not advocating child abuse. There is a vast difference between conforming behavior and bodily harm! What the Bible is advocating is the necessary tough love in order to mold character and develop a child’s worldview. Loving discipline teaches a child that some barriers are not to be crossed. Loving discipline teaches a child that wrong behavior results in consequences. Loving discipline teaches a child that those consequences are undesirable. Loving discipline teaches a child that self-denial and submission to authority are expected and rewarded while selfishness and disrespect are punished. Loving discipline fosters maturity. Most importantly, loving discipline provides Gospel opportunities with children. The first Gospel lesson a child needs to learn is that breaking the law results in punishment. They need to be taught that they are lawbreakers in need of God’s grace in Christ.
“Time-out” just does not convey these lessons. The loving way is the biblical way. If you are still not sure, just observe the child who has no loving discipline in his life and the one who does!
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Grass is Not Greener - Proverbs 6-10
Oh it sure seems to be much greener. It has every appearance of complete and utter satisfaction. The more you look at it, the more you think about it, the more lush that field grows. It is the field of sexual immorality. The field of crossing the line before marriage or outside of marriage. It is enticing. It is pleasing to the mind and body. It promises to fill you. It charms you. It wines and dines you. And once you give in, it destroys you!
Adultery, fornication, pornography, and all sexual perversion are malicious facades. The outer shell gives the appearance of excitement, fulfillment, and understanding. The outer shell pretends to know you and offers itself for your needs. The outer shell promises to secretly satisfy. The outer shell, however, is very thin.
Once you enter into a forbidden relationship, the consequences follow you the rest of your life! What promised to fulfill, excite, and satisfy now haunts and destroys. Trust is broken. Covenant is transgressed. Sacred lines are crossed. People are abused. Marriages are corrupted and severed. Sex is perverted. Emotions are twisted. Sometimes lives are even taken. The grass on the other side of sexual fidelity is not greener. It just looks that way. It’s just painted by a fallen world, a selfish flesh, and a sworn enemy!
Proverbs 7:21-23 “With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life!”
Keeping oneself pure is the greenest, most satisfying, joyful field!
Adultery, fornication, pornography, and all sexual perversion are malicious facades. The outer shell gives the appearance of excitement, fulfillment, and understanding. The outer shell pretends to know you and offers itself for your needs. The outer shell promises to secretly satisfy. The outer shell, however, is very thin.
Once you enter into a forbidden relationship, the consequences follow you the rest of your life! What promised to fulfill, excite, and satisfy now haunts and destroys. Trust is broken. Covenant is transgressed. Sacred lines are crossed. People are abused. Marriages are corrupted and severed. Sex is perverted. Emotions are twisted. Sometimes lives are even taken. The grass on the other side of sexual fidelity is not greener. It just looks that way. It’s just painted by a fallen world, a selfish flesh, and a sworn enemy!
Proverbs 7:21-23 “With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life!”
Keeping oneself pure is the greenest, most satisfying, joyful field!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Trusting for Direction - Proverbs 1-5
I’ll take care of this. I need to make an informed decision. I have to do something about this right now. I feel like I’m lost. I don’t know which way to go. How did I end up here? Where do I go from here? I’ll never get out of this. What am I going to do with the rest of my life?
These are all reactions to crossroads and chaos. On our own, we make wrong turns down the road of life, choose wrong paths, avoid seen dangers only to fall into unseen pitfalls. We end up at dead ends. We end up in a world of turmoil. Or maybe we just need wisdom for life. Discernment for a decision. Wisdom to make the most excellent choice. Whatever the cause, we need God’s direction but words do not appear written in the sky!
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Having your paths made straight is music to our ears! It’s the three preceding conditions that trouble us! Trusting the Lord with all of our heart is difficult because we always want to keep a little corner for ourselves. To not lean on our understanding is not easy when our way seems to make so much sense. Keeping God in charge of every detail of life seems too intrusive because we want to do it our way!
The lesson is plain. As long as we keep holding back, the road keeps dead-ending! When we surrender everything to His will, the fog lifts, the sun shines, and the path is made clear. Trust and obey. There really is no other way!
These are all reactions to crossroads and chaos. On our own, we make wrong turns down the road of life, choose wrong paths, avoid seen dangers only to fall into unseen pitfalls. We end up at dead ends. We end up in a world of turmoil. Or maybe we just need wisdom for life. Discernment for a decision. Wisdom to make the most excellent choice. Whatever the cause, we need God’s direction but words do not appear written in the sky!
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Having your paths made straight is music to our ears! It’s the three preceding conditions that trouble us! Trusting the Lord with all of our heart is difficult because we always want to keep a little corner for ourselves. To not lean on our understanding is not easy when our way seems to make so much sense. Keeping God in charge of every detail of life seems too intrusive because we want to do it our way!
The lesson is plain. As long as we keep holding back, the road keeps dead-ending! When we surrender everything to His will, the fog lifts, the sun shines, and the path is made clear. Trust and obey. There really is no other way!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
It's Good to Know - Psalm 145-150
It’s good to know that God is good! He is not some detached Deity. He is not some unfeeling force. He is not an Almighty Dictator. He is Divine. He is the greatest force in the Universe. He is completely Sovereign. And . . . He is much more!
The Creator of the Universe is a Personal God who is personally involved in His creation. He is Triune. Therefore, He is and always has been relational! He did not create in order to pass the time. He created for purpose, our good and His glory.
He is not only ultimate existence, ultimate presence, and ultimate power, He is also ultimate love, ultimate grace, and ultimate mercy. The one true God of all is in Himself goodness and truth. He is a good God!
Psalm 145:17-19 “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them.”
Yes, He is good and He does good. We rightly fear Him because He is God. We rightly long to be near Him because He is Good and He is God! What joy and comfort to know He is righteous and kind, He will come near to those who call on Him in truth, He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him, and He saves them!
Praise Him today for He is a good God. He is good in His very nature, and He is good to us in Christ! God is good—all the time!
The Creator of the Universe is a Personal God who is personally involved in His creation. He is Triune. Therefore, He is and always has been relational! He did not create in order to pass the time. He created for purpose, our good and His glory.
He is not only ultimate existence, ultimate presence, and ultimate power, He is also ultimate love, ultimate grace, and ultimate mercy. The one true God of all is in Himself goodness and truth. He is a good God!
Psalm 145:17-19 “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them.”
Yes, He is good and He does good. We rightly fear Him because He is God. We rightly long to be near Him because He is Good and He is God! What joy and comfort to know He is righteous and kind, He will come near to those who call on Him in truth, He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him, and He saves them!
Praise Him today for He is a good God. He is good in His very nature, and He is good to us in Christ! God is good—all the time!
Friday, December 24, 2010
You Have Searched Me - Psalm 139-144
Psalm 139:1-6 “O Lord, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.”
You have no secrets hidden from God! That is what the psalm means when it says, “You have searched me and known me!” Nothing is tucked away in the history of your life, the corner of your mind, or the secrecy of times when you are alone that God does not know—fully! He is “acquainted” with all our ways. Whatever we are hiding, trying to cover, deny, suppress, or forget, He knows! He even knows those things we have forgotten!
His knowledge of us goes even deeper. We have no secrets kept from Him, but He knows secrets about us! He not only knows what we’ve done, said, and thought, He knows what we are going to do, say, and think! Furthermore, He knows the “why” behind all of our thoughts and actions. Finally, He knows the where, when, and how of our last action! He knows. He knows it all! This is all overwhelming to fathom. In fact, in agreement with the psalmist, it is too much to fathom.
We have been searched out by God. There is nowhere to run. There is nowhere to hide. Surprisingly, that is actually a good thing! For He created us, is mindful of us, and is for us! Knowing that He knows it all, we don’t have to run from Him any longer. Now we run to Him! Knowing that He knows all, we come before Him longing for Him to search us more!
You have no secrets hidden from God! That is what the psalm means when it says, “You have searched me and known me!” Nothing is tucked away in the history of your life, the corner of your mind, or the secrecy of times when you are alone that God does not know—fully! He is “acquainted” with all our ways. Whatever we are hiding, trying to cover, deny, suppress, or forget, He knows! He even knows those things we have forgotten!
His knowledge of us goes even deeper. We have no secrets kept from Him, but He knows secrets about us! He not only knows what we’ve done, said, and thought, He knows what we are going to do, say, and think! Furthermore, He knows the “why” behind all of our thoughts and actions. Finally, He knows the where, when, and how of our last action! He knows. He knows it all! This is all overwhelming to fathom. In fact, in agreement with the psalmist, it is too much to fathom.
We have been searched out by God. There is nowhere to run. There is nowhere to hide. Surprisingly, that is actually a good thing! For He created us, is mindful of us, and is for us! Knowing that He knows it all, we don’t have to run from Him any longer. Now we run to Him! Knowing that He knows all, we come before Him longing for Him to search us more!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Steadfast Love of the Lord - Psalm 133-138
The love of the Lord is something to sing about! Indeed the whole of psalm 136 is rooted in this marvelous truth. Everything in the psalm is traced back to the love of the Lord. Not just some generalized, mushy notion of love, but rather the very specific, objective love of the Lord.
His love is said to be “steadfast” and it “endures forever.” Those are two very precious qualities of God’s love. It is “steadfast,” meaning it is unchanging, it is committed! It “endures forever,” meaning it will never tire or fail. God’s love for His people is an immovable, unalterable reality
The psalmist opens with thanksgiving concerning the nature of God (vv1-3). He then meditates on the great act of God in creation (vv4-9). After creation, the psalmist reflects on God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt (vv10-16). Next, he remembers how God enabled Israel to conquer and settle in the Promised Land (vv17-22). Finally, he rejoices in God special care for His people and His provision for all of His creation (vv23-26).
When we think of the nature of God, the act of creation, the exodus, and the conquest, we normally uphold God’s attribute of ultimate power. But not so in this psalm. Here the psalmist upholds God’s attribute of ultimate love for His children!
Look around you my friend. Journey through the Word my friend. And know that everything about God and everything God has done has a cord tied to it. Trace that cord and you will eventually find the other end tied to the love of God. His love is a vast, powerful, shoreless ocean, and if you are His child, you are in it!
His love is said to be “steadfast” and it “endures forever.” Those are two very precious qualities of God’s love. It is “steadfast,” meaning it is unchanging, it is committed! It “endures forever,” meaning it will never tire or fail. God’s love for His people is an immovable, unalterable reality
The psalmist opens with thanksgiving concerning the nature of God (vv1-3). He then meditates on the great act of God in creation (vv4-9). After creation, the psalmist reflects on God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt (vv10-16). Next, he remembers how God enabled Israel to conquer and settle in the Promised Land (vv17-22). Finally, he rejoices in God special care for His people and His provision for all of His creation (vv23-26).
When we think of the nature of God, the act of creation, the exodus, and the conquest, we normally uphold God’s attribute of ultimate power. But not so in this psalm. Here the psalmist upholds God’s attribute of ultimate love for His children!
Look around you my friend. Journey through the Word my friend. And know that everything about God and everything God has done has a cord tied to it. Trace that cord and you will eventually find the other end tied to the love of God. His love is a vast, powerful, shoreless ocean, and if you are His child, you are in it!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
While You Wait - Psalm 128-132
Waiting. Waiting in line. Waiting in traffic. Waiting for a special occasion. It’s difficult to wait. Whether it’s a five minute, five month, or five year wait, it seems like an eternity because it seems that we are not accomplishing anything while we wait.
The hardest wait for us to endure is to wait on the Lord. When we are waiting on the Lord we are usually in a state of desperation. We have normally run out of all other options. Now we stand at the door of heaven, and the Lord says, “Wait.” We know His will is best. We know His timing is best. But the last thing we want to do is wait because our future, our lives, our families, something extremely important to us is in the balance.
So what do we do while we wait? We don’t have to become a frantic bundle of nerves. We don’t have to grab a pill to numb our way through it. We don’t have to lose faith. God has granted us a most precious provision to cling to, to live by, while we wait. It is His Word.
There are hundreds of lessons the Lord has for us while we sit in the Lord’s waiting room, and patience is just skimming the surface! Waiting is for building faith. Waiting is for drawing near to Him. Waiting is for embracing and learning to love and live on the Word of God.
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.”
While you wait, you can hope! Turn to the Word. Turn to His promises. Turn to the Treasures of Scripture. If you find yourself in the Lord’s waiting room today, read The Good Book and cast yourself on It!
The hardest wait for us to endure is to wait on the Lord. When we are waiting on the Lord we are usually in a state of desperation. We have normally run out of all other options. Now we stand at the door of heaven, and the Lord says, “Wait.” We know His will is best. We know His timing is best. But the last thing we want to do is wait because our future, our lives, our families, something extremely important to us is in the balance.
So what do we do while we wait? We don’t have to become a frantic bundle of nerves. We don’t have to grab a pill to numb our way through it. We don’t have to lose faith. God has granted us a most precious provision to cling to, to live by, while we wait. It is His Word.
There are hundreds of lessons the Lord has for us while we sit in the Lord’s waiting room, and patience is just skimming the surface! Waiting is for building faith. Waiting is for drawing near to Him. Waiting is for embracing and learning to love and live on the Word of God.
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.”
While you wait, you can hope! Turn to the Word. Turn to His promises. Turn to the Treasures of Scripture. If you find yourself in the Lord’s waiting room today, read The Good Book and cast yourself on It!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Count Your Blessings - Psalm 123-127
We are conditioned by our nature and surroundings to confine God’s blessings to the material realm. When we think of the blessings of God in our lives, we immediately think of our own health, our homes, our food, our vehicles, our clothes, and our bank accounts. There is no question, these are indeed blessings from God. We should be thankful for these things. However, our thanksgiving stops too short. If all we know of God’s blessings concerns the material blessings, it says something about our spiritual awareness and maturity. God’s blessings extends to all realms of life, and in fact, His blessings are right in front of us every day. It is tragic if we miss them.
One such blessing is the gift of children. In our hectic, selfish culture, children are so often viewed as hinderances, obstacles, and delays. We could do so much more and get so much more accomplished if we didn’t have to bother with children! It’s interesting how differently we respond to the blessing of children as opposed to the blessing of one million dollars. For the latter, with no hesitation, we would gladly receive it. With the former, we have to “plan,” prepare, and pray about it!
God’s word is clear—children are a blessing! They bring joy to the heart, responsibility to the home, and self-denial (finally!) to the parents. They are gifts, straight from the Lord. You don’t know the fullness of this until your little girl runs up and gives you a kiss for no reason at all! Or your little “buddy” cuddles with you in the recliner to watch the latest Disney film.
Psalm 127:3,5 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward . . . Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!”
One such blessing is the gift of children. In our hectic, selfish culture, children are so often viewed as hinderances, obstacles, and delays. We could do so much more and get so much more accomplished if we didn’t have to bother with children! It’s interesting how differently we respond to the blessing of children as opposed to the blessing of one million dollars. For the latter, with no hesitation, we would gladly receive it. With the former, we have to “plan,” prepare, and pray about it!
God’s word is clear—children are a blessing! They bring joy to the heart, responsibility to the home, and self-denial (finally!) to the parents. They are gifts, straight from the Lord. You don’t know the fullness of this until your little girl runs up and gives you a kiss for no reason at all! Or your little “buddy” cuddles with you in the recliner to watch the latest Disney film.
Psalm 127:3,5 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward . . . Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!”
Monday, December 20, 2010
Looking for Help in the Right Place - Psalm 118-122
Psalm 121:1-2 “I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
It’s usually not the first place (or person) we go to for help. We have all heard the familiar phrase “Looking for love in all the wrong places.” It is our tendency to not only look for love in all the wrong places but to look for the fulfillment of all of our needs in the wrong places.
There are thousands of commercials, examples, people, sayings, feelings, and thoughts that tug us in every direction except the direction in which we should run! There are always other options rather than the One who alone can satisfy! They are always there. They are always promising. Their grass always appears greener. In the end, they are always empty, void, and destructive. Whether it be the charm of a forbidden lover, the luring of an addictive escape, or the fantasy of autonomy, all other forms of help, all other forms of love, all other forms of salvation are dead ends!
That is not the case with the Lord, however. After all, He made heaven and earth! He, all by Himself, with no external aid or existing provision, made everything! No question about it, He can tackle and handle our needs. Whether they be emotional, relational, physical, or especially spiritual, the Lord is our answer! The Lord is our help. The Lord is our salvation!
Are you weary and beaten down under a load of sin, addiction, sorrow, depression, loneliness, etc.? Lift your eyes to the heavens. Time to trade the momentary escapes for the lasting Answer. Our help will come from only one place, only one person, the Lord!
It’s usually not the first place (or person) we go to for help. We have all heard the familiar phrase “Looking for love in all the wrong places.” It is our tendency to not only look for love in all the wrong places but to look for the fulfillment of all of our needs in the wrong places.
There are thousands of commercials, examples, people, sayings, feelings, and thoughts that tug us in every direction except the direction in which we should run! There are always other options rather than the One who alone can satisfy! They are always there. They are always promising. Their grass always appears greener. In the end, they are always empty, void, and destructive. Whether it be the charm of a forbidden lover, the luring of an addictive escape, or the fantasy of autonomy, all other forms of help, all other forms of love, all other forms of salvation are dead ends!
That is not the case with the Lord, however. After all, He made heaven and earth! He, all by Himself, with no external aid or existing provision, made everything! No question about it, He can tackle and handle our needs. Whether they be emotional, relational, physical, or especially spiritual, the Lord is our answer! The Lord is our help. The Lord is our salvation!
Are you weary and beaten down under a load of sin, addiction, sorrow, depression, loneliness, etc.? Lift your eyes to the heavens. Time to trade the momentary escapes for the lasting Answer. Our help will come from only one place, only one person, the Lord!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Becoming an Idol - Psalm 113-117
American culture is fascinated with pop stars, whom we call idols. Entire industries survive on “idol” news. Many dream to become a star, an idol.
The truth is that apart from Christ, we all become idols, just not the kind the paparazzi follow around! Psalm 115 speaks of the vanity of idol fabrication. Man-made gods do not speak, do not hear, do not see. They are spiritually useless and unable to help us. However, the worship of our own idols has a profound effect upon the worshipper. 115:8 “Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.” Idol worshippers eventually become idols! This is the case in at least these two ways.
First, as the idol itself is void of senses and life, so the idol worshipper is void of all spiritual sense and life! The idolator reflects the traits of the idol. The idol cannot see and neither can the idolator. He is spiritually blind, spiritually dead, and as long as the focus of his heart is directed to a dead, blind god, he will remain dead and blind as well!
Second, false gods are actually projections of self. We fashion idols in our own image according to our opinions. The result is that whether we are bowing down to a gold statute, a booming career, a pursuit of fame and power, or even our own interpretation of Scripture, we are essentially worshipping ourselves. Therefore, to worship an idol is actually to be an idol because we are worshipping ourselves! An idolator will eventually become an idol. We are not only guilty of discarding God for a false god, but at bottom, we replace God with our “self!”
May we tear down our idols and worship God alone!
The truth is that apart from Christ, we all become idols, just not the kind the paparazzi follow around! Psalm 115 speaks of the vanity of idol fabrication. Man-made gods do not speak, do not hear, do not see. They are spiritually useless and unable to help us. However, the worship of our own idols has a profound effect upon the worshipper. 115:8 “Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.” Idol worshippers eventually become idols! This is the case in at least these two ways.
First, as the idol itself is void of senses and life, so the idol worshipper is void of all spiritual sense and life! The idolator reflects the traits of the idol. The idol cannot see and neither can the idolator. He is spiritually blind, spiritually dead, and as long as the focus of his heart is directed to a dead, blind god, he will remain dead and blind as well!
Second, false gods are actually projections of self. We fashion idols in our own image according to our opinions. The result is that whether we are bowing down to a gold statute, a booming career, a pursuit of fame and power, or even our own interpretation of Scripture, we are essentially worshipping ourselves. Therefore, to worship an idol is actually to be an idol because we are worshipping ourselves! An idolator will eventually become an idol. We are not only guilty of discarding God for a false god, but at bottom, we replace God with our “self!”
May we tear down our idols and worship God alone!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Testimony Time - Psalm 109-112
Do you have something special to share with other believers? Has the Lord been gracious to you recently? Have you reflected on the great works of God throughout history and in our own day? What is it about God that has been an enormous blessing to you in recent days?
Did you know that a very vital component of gathering together in corporate worship is the sharing of testimonies? It doesn’t have to be a scheduled in the bulletin. In fact, it’s probably better for it not to be in order to avoid rigidity. The best way is for God’s children to just naturally share with one another about God’s greatness and goodness in ordinary conversation.
This takes some effort on our part. We do not naturally notice the hand of God around us nor do we understand the ways of God. We must become keen observers of our surroundings and astute students of the Word. It is work, but if you delight in the Lord, you joy in the work.
This kind of atmosphere results in many blessings. First, we are blessed when we keep an alert eye to the ways of God. We miss hundreds of God’s works because we simply do not pay attention. Through study of the Scripture and everyday life, we come to see the hand of God more and more. Second, as we share our findings with others, they are blessed. Third, if this is happening in large numbers, the whole fellowship of God’s people takes on a God-centered view of the world.
Psalm 111:1-2 “Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”
Did you know that a very vital component of gathering together in corporate worship is the sharing of testimonies? It doesn’t have to be a scheduled in the bulletin. In fact, it’s probably better for it not to be in order to avoid rigidity. The best way is for God’s children to just naturally share with one another about God’s greatness and goodness in ordinary conversation.
This takes some effort on our part. We do not naturally notice the hand of God around us nor do we understand the ways of God. We must become keen observers of our surroundings and astute students of the Word. It is work, but if you delight in the Lord, you joy in the work.
This kind of atmosphere results in many blessings. First, we are blessed when we keep an alert eye to the ways of God. We miss hundreds of God’s works because we simply do not pay attention. Through study of the Scripture and everyday life, we come to see the hand of God more and more. Second, as we share our findings with others, they are blessed. Third, if this is happening in large numbers, the whole fellowship of God’s people takes on a God-centered view of the world.
Psalm 111:1-2 “Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”
Friday, December 17, 2010
Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So - Psalm 105-108
Speak up and speak out if you have been redeemed! It’s too good to keep in. It’s too exciting to keep quiet about it. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! That is the upbeat, joyous tone of Psalm 107.
There are numerous ways the Lord redeems His people. The psalm mentions those who wandered in the desert searching for shelter. The Lord led them to a city. Some had rebelled against the Lord and this found themselves in prison on the verge of death. They cried to the Lord, and he delivered them. Some suffered from the consequences of their own sin. The Lord sent His Word and healed them. Some were caught in a storm on the sea. The Lord brought them to a safe haven.
The Lord performs great works for His people all the time. Don’t miss the hand of God in all these circumstances. He not only brought the seafarers to a safe haven, but He had brought the storm too! He “turns rivers into a desert” and “turns a desert into pools of water.” He shows us our need and then meets it! When we know we are spent, cry to the Lord, and see Him deliver, we then have something to sing about!
Of course, the greatest act of deliverance for His children is not from hunger, prison, or storm but from emptiness and sinfulness of soul! “For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things” (v9).
We, as God’s children, have much to sing about. God has delivered us in numerous ways but especially in a saving way! Let us “tell of His deeds in songs of joy” (v22). Say so—you who have been redeemed!
There are numerous ways the Lord redeems His people. The psalm mentions those who wandered in the desert searching for shelter. The Lord led them to a city. Some had rebelled against the Lord and this found themselves in prison on the verge of death. They cried to the Lord, and he delivered them. Some suffered from the consequences of their own sin. The Lord sent His Word and healed them. Some were caught in a storm on the sea. The Lord brought them to a safe haven.
The Lord performs great works for His people all the time. Don’t miss the hand of God in all these circumstances. He not only brought the seafarers to a safe haven, but He had brought the storm too! He “turns rivers into a desert” and “turns a desert into pools of water.” He shows us our need and then meets it! When we know we are spent, cry to the Lord, and see Him deliver, we then have something to sing about!
Of course, the greatest act of deliverance for His children is not from hunger, prison, or storm but from emptiness and sinfulness of soul! “For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things” (v9).
We, as God’s children, have much to sing about. God has delivered us in numerous ways but especially in a saving way! Let us “tell of His deeds in songs of joy” (v22). Say so—you who have been redeemed!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Bless the Lord - Psalm 101-104
What does it mean to “bless the Lord?” How can we finite beings perform any action that would result in blessing the Infinite? When we bless each other, we are essentially asking for God to place His divine favor upon one another. So how are we to understand blessing God? This is important to ponder because we are called to “bless the Lord” in the psalms. Therefore, we should look to the psalms for an understanding of “blessing the Lord.”
Psalms 103 and 104 are a good place to start. Both of these psalms open and close with the words “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” One can safely conclude that what is described throughout these two psalms is closely related. Here are a few pointers to help us purposefully “bless the Lord.”
Blessing the Lord involves describing the various graces God has bestowed upon us in our salvation (103:1-5, 10-13).
Blessing the Lord involves meditating on the wondrous attributes of God (103:6-9).
Blessing the Lord involves recounting the providential ways God especially cares for His children (103:14-19).
Blessing the Lord involves calling on all creation to join in praising His name because He is worthy of all praise (103:20-22).
Blessing the Lord involves listing all of the various miracles of God in the acts of creation and providence because these distinctly set Him apart from every other god as the true God (104).
Basically, to “bless the Lord” is to acknowledge, proclaim, and rejoice in the character of God, His mighty acts, and His grace to us in Christ with thankful, worshipful hearts. Tell your soul often, “Bless the Lord!”
Psalms 103 and 104 are a good place to start. Both of these psalms open and close with the words “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” One can safely conclude that what is described throughout these two psalms is closely related. Here are a few pointers to help us purposefully “bless the Lord.”
Blessing the Lord involves describing the various graces God has bestowed upon us in our salvation (103:1-5, 10-13).
Blessing the Lord involves meditating on the wondrous attributes of God (103:6-9).
Blessing the Lord involves recounting the providential ways God especially cares for His children (103:14-19).
Blessing the Lord involves calling on all creation to join in praising His name because He is worthy of all praise (103:20-22).
Blessing the Lord involves listing all of the various miracles of God in the acts of creation and providence because these distinctly set Him apart from every other god as the true God (104).
Basically, to “bless the Lord” is to acknowledge, proclaim, and rejoice in the character of God, His mighty acts, and His grace to us in Christ with thankful, worshipful hearts. Tell your soul often, “Bless the Lord!”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Lord Our God is Holy - Psalm 97-100
The key theme of Psalm 99 is that the Lord is holy, that is, He is totally different from all of His creation in every one of His attributes and entirely perfect in them too. He is more love, more pure, more just, more life, more grace, more wisdom, etc., etc. than we can ever imagine. And He is absolutely perfect in them all. He is holy.
Psalm 99 is structured so that there are three ways God’s holiness is addressed. The first is a description of proper response to the holiness of God. Psalm 99:1-3 “The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! The Lord is great in Zion; He is exalted over all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awesome name! Holy is He!” Fear and Praise are proper responses to God’s holiness. Healthy fear is simply acknowledging that God is entirely holy and we are entirely sinful in and of ourselves. Healthy fear is understanding what we deserve in His presence and realizing we do not receive it! Therefore, what else can we do but praise Him?
Second, several aspects of God’s holiness are described. vv 4-5 “The King in His might loves justice. You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God; worship at His footstool! Holy is He!” God is absolutely just and righteous, and therefore, He is to be praised.
Third, God, who is so far above us in His holiness, has come down to us in His grace! This is the main point of vv 6-8, ending in v 9 “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy!” The end therefore of the holiness of God is the praise of His people!
Psalm 99 is structured so that there are three ways God’s holiness is addressed. The first is a description of proper response to the holiness of God. Psalm 99:1-3 “The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! The Lord is great in Zion; He is exalted over all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awesome name! Holy is He!” Fear and Praise are proper responses to God’s holiness. Healthy fear is simply acknowledging that God is entirely holy and we are entirely sinful in and of ourselves. Healthy fear is understanding what we deserve in His presence and realizing we do not receive it! Therefore, what else can we do but praise Him?
Second, several aspects of God’s holiness are described. vv 4-5 “The King in His might loves justice. You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God; worship at His footstool! Holy is He!” God is absolutely just and righteous, and therefore, He is to be praised.
Third, God, who is so far above us in His holiness, has come down to us in His grace! This is the main point of vv 6-8, ending in v 9 “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy!” The end therefore of the holiness of God is the praise of His people!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
All Other Gods - Psalm 93-96
There is a glorious, definite, clearly visible, divine distinction, namely, the God of the Bible is the one Lord of the universe and all other gods are false!
Psalm 96:5a “For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols” Notice three important elements of this statement. First, “all” is a very dogmatic declaration. There is no room left for maybes or possibilities. Every single other god is no god at all! Second, these gods are described as “worthless.” That is, they are of no saving, eternal, lasting benefit to their followers whatsoever. They are no good and can do no good. They cannot see. They cannot hear. They cannot help. They cannot save! Third, these gods are actually “idols.” In other words, they are not simply misplaced affections, they are intentional replacements to the adoration and worship of God. This means their followers are not seekers but rather idolators! They are enemies of the true God.
Now see the remaining half of this verse. Psalm 96:5b “but the Lord made the heavens.” In other words, it should be very evident to adherents of false religions that their gods are false! The Creator of the heavens is not contained in a form of iron, stone, or wood! The Creator of the heavens is not some person who lived long ago, made some philosophical observations, or wrote a few thoughtful words! Just one look at the heavens should clarify that God dwells not in our creations. However, that is exactly the point of created gods. If we can make our own god, we will not have to bow to the true God. Or so we think! Jesus, on the other hand, does not fit the mold of other gods. He came, lived perfectly, died willingly, and rose again victoriously, which unmistakably affirmed His deity!
Psalm 96:5a “For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols” Notice three important elements of this statement. First, “all” is a very dogmatic declaration. There is no room left for maybes or possibilities. Every single other god is no god at all! Second, these gods are described as “worthless.” That is, they are of no saving, eternal, lasting benefit to their followers whatsoever. They are no good and can do no good. They cannot see. They cannot hear. They cannot help. They cannot save! Third, these gods are actually “idols.” In other words, they are not simply misplaced affections, they are intentional replacements to the adoration and worship of God. This means their followers are not seekers but rather idolators! They are enemies of the true God.
Now see the remaining half of this verse. Psalm 96:5b “but the Lord made the heavens.” In other words, it should be very evident to adherents of false religions that their gods are false! The Creator of the heavens is not contained in a form of iron, stone, or wood! The Creator of the heavens is not some person who lived long ago, made some philosophical observations, or wrote a few thoughtful words! Just one look at the heavens should clarify that God dwells not in our creations. However, that is exactly the point of created gods. If we can make our own god, we will not have to bow to the true God. Or so we think! Jesus, on the other hand, does not fit the mold of other gods. He came, lived perfectly, died willingly, and rose again victoriously, which unmistakably affirmed His deity!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Counting Days - Psalm 89-92
Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
“Our days” refers to our individual life spans. Interesting to note, Our life spans are referred to as “days” instead of “months” or “years.” And what’s more, they are countable, easy to number! That is, in the end, when the counting is done, they will be few! Sobering, huh?
Moses pleas for the Lord to “teach” him to number his days. Moses, like the rest of us, needed to be reminded of the brevity of life. We always assume we have plenty of time. We always assume we have tomorrow. That being the case, we become procrastinators in the most important areas of our short lives. We keep putting off the things of God like forgiveness, repentance, and godliness, because we are just too busy today and after all, we can begin working on that tomorrow. If we do not number our days, tomorrow never comes!
That is why Moses wants to be reminded often that he only has a few more days to live for the Lord and bring Him glory! The purpose of keeping up with our days is so that we may get a heart of wisdom. That is, that we may make every one of our countable days count! Wisdom is to quit putting off until tomorrow what we can do today, especially when it concerns the things of God! Wisdom is knowing that we need to make the best of this day for the glory of God because we don’t really have that many left! The purpose for our lives and the means of greatest joy is making the most of each day for the glory of God! At its heart, Moses’ prayer was asking God to make sure he doesn’t waste his short life! May we not waste ours either!
“Our days” refers to our individual life spans. Interesting to note, Our life spans are referred to as “days” instead of “months” or “years.” And what’s more, they are countable, easy to number! That is, in the end, when the counting is done, they will be few! Sobering, huh?
Moses pleas for the Lord to “teach” him to number his days. Moses, like the rest of us, needed to be reminded of the brevity of life. We always assume we have plenty of time. We always assume we have tomorrow. That being the case, we become procrastinators in the most important areas of our short lives. We keep putting off the things of God like forgiveness, repentance, and godliness, because we are just too busy today and after all, we can begin working on that tomorrow. If we do not number our days, tomorrow never comes!
That is why Moses wants to be reminded often that he only has a few more days to live for the Lord and bring Him glory! The purpose of keeping up with our days is so that we may get a heart of wisdom. That is, that we may make every one of our countable days count! Wisdom is to quit putting off until tomorrow what we can do today, especially when it concerns the things of God! Wisdom is knowing that we need to make the best of this day for the glory of God because we don’t really have that many left! The purpose for our lives and the means of greatest joy is making the most of each day for the glory of God! At its heart, Moses’ prayer was asking God to make sure he doesn’t waste his short life! May we not waste ours either!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Grace to Know and Live - Psalm 85-88
Psalm 86:10-12 “For You are great and do wondrous things; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. I give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Your name forever.”
When one comes to recognize that the Lord is God and that He is great and does wondrous things, that person has come to faith in Christ. Now he begins the Christian journey, and he will soon find out that just like his new birth, he will only know the Lord and live for the Lord by grace! This is why immediately after making the profession of faith in v10, the psalmist asks the Lord to teach him.
We need grace to know Him more. The eyes of our hearts are shaded and blurred and often focused on worthless things. We need the Lord to speak through His Word, to open our eyes to the Word, to open our hearts to the Word so that we “get” it.
We need grace to live for the Lord. This is exactly why the psalmist follows his request for teaching with a request for his heart, “unite my heart.” When the Lord teaches us, we will walk in His truth. When He unites our hearts to His, we will rightly thank Him and glorify Him.
As believers we want to know Him and live for Him so strongly. It is the desire of our new hearts to glorify Him. Without His grace though, we simply will not. Left on our own, we will live for self. With grace, we will live for Him. Since therefore all aspects of our salvation, new birth and new life, are by grace, God receives all the glory!
When one comes to recognize that the Lord is God and that He is great and does wondrous things, that person has come to faith in Christ. Now he begins the Christian journey, and he will soon find out that just like his new birth, he will only know the Lord and live for the Lord by grace! This is why immediately after making the profession of faith in v10, the psalmist asks the Lord to teach him.
We need grace to know Him more. The eyes of our hearts are shaded and blurred and often focused on worthless things. We need the Lord to speak through His Word, to open our eyes to the Word, to open our hearts to the Word so that we “get” it.
We need grace to live for the Lord. This is exactly why the psalmist follows his request for teaching with a request for his heart, “unite my heart.” When the Lord teaches us, we will walk in His truth. When He unites our hearts to His, we will rightly thank Him and glorify Him.
As believers we want to know Him and live for Him so strongly. It is the desire of our new hearts to glorify Him. Without His grace though, we simply will not. Left on our own, we will live for self. With grace, we will live for Him. Since therefore all aspects of our salvation, new birth and new life, are by grace, God receives all the glory!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A Thousand to One - Psalm 81-84
Psalm 84:10 “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”
Think of the most exciting, fun, thrilling place that you love to visit or would even live there if given the chance. Some would think of Disney World. Some would think of foreign, exotic places. Some would think of the warm beach or the cool mountains. Some would think anywhere with family. Some would think mission trip. The psalmist considers this question and thinks, “I would rather be near God than anywhere else on the earth!”
Let that sink in. Would we trade a thousand days at our favorite spot for one day in the Lord’s presence? Would we trade a thousand days of life on earth for one single day with the Lord? Yes and No; it depends. If we have known the thrill and satisfaction of the Lord, as does the psalmist, there really is no choice to make. Our cup overflows in His presence. There is nowhere else we want to be. Yes, we would give it all just to be with Him.
On the other hand, if we have not encountered the living Lord, we have no idea, nor can we imagine, just how captivating and blissful is the nearness of the Lord! If you haven’t tasted, you can’t know. If you have tasted, you can’t get enough!
The brilliant, soul-satisfying, glorious presence of the Lord overcomes, outshines, outlasts, and overshadows any other worldly pleasure. There is simply no comparison. You just think you have been to an awesome place. If you have not met Jesus, you “ain’t” seen nothing yet!
Think of the most exciting, fun, thrilling place that you love to visit or would even live there if given the chance. Some would think of Disney World. Some would think of foreign, exotic places. Some would think of the warm beach or the cool mountains. Some would think anywhere with family. Some would think mission trip. The psalmist considers this question and thinks, “I would rather be near God than anywhere else on the earth!”
Let that sink in. Would we trade a thousand days at our favorite spot for one day in the Lord’s presence? Would we trade a thousand days of life on earth for one single day with the Lord? Yes and No; it depends. If we have known the thrill and satisfaction of the Lord, as does the psalmist, there really is no choice to make. Our cup overflows in His presence. There is nowhere else we want to be. Yes, we would give it all just to be with Him.
On the other hand, if we have not encountered the living Lord, we have no idea, nor can we imagine, just how captivating and blissful is the nearness of the Lord! If you haven’t tasted, you can’t know. If you have tasted, you can’t get enough!
The brilliant, soul-satisfying, glorious presence of the Lord overcomes, outshines, outlasts, and overshadows any other worldly pleasure. There is simply no comparison. You just think you have been to an awesome place. If you have not met Jesus, you “ain’t” seen nothing yet!
Friday, December 10, 2010
For the Glory of His Name - Psalm 77-80
There is no greater way to appeal to God than to appeal to Him on behalf of His name’s sake. This is true for at least two reasons. First, there is no higher appeal. We can appeal to Him based on His love for His creation or His love for us. That is certainly true, but it is not the chief motive for His actions. We can appeal to Him based on what we think would be good for us as His children. It is true that He is always loving and good toward His children, but sometimes conflict arises between what we call good and what is actually good for us in the long run.
Second, to act on behalf of God’s name is the desire of God’s own heart. When we appeal to Him on behalf of His name, we align ourselves with the will of God by seeking the glory that is due Him.
This is especially true concerning our salvation. God saves us by grace based on His love for us. True. God saves us by grace in order to do us good. True. Foremost, however, God saves us by His grace for the glory of His name! Just think about it. Who will receive 100% of the credit for our salvation? God. Who will we glorify forever for our salvation? God.
Psalm 79:9 “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for Your name’s sake!”
Learning to pray according to God’s will certainly involves a few key elements, but central to every prayer is the realization that every action of God has the same goal, the same ending, the same ultimate purpose in mind, the glory of God. He is the Giver of Life, the Fountain of Grace, and the Source of Salvation. Where else could the glory rightfully be placed?
Second, to act on behalf of God’s name is the desire of God’s own heart. When we appeal to Him on behalf of His name, we align ourselves with the will of God by seeking the glory that is due Him.
This is especially true concerning our salvation. God saves us by grace based on His love for us. True. God saves us by grace in order to do us good. True. Foremost, however, God saves us by His grace for the glory of His name! Just think about it. Who will receive 100% of the credit for our salvation? God. Who will we glorify forever for our salvation? God.
Psalm 79:9 “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for Your name’s sake!”
Learning to pray according to God’s will certainly involves a few key elements, but central to every prayer is the realization that every action of God has the same goal, the same ending, the same ultimate purpose in mind, the glory of God. He is the Giver of Life, the Fountain of Grace, and the Source of Salvation. Where else could the glory rightfully be placed?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Heaven and Earth - Nothing Without God - Psalm 73-76
Psalm 73:25 “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.”
Most people will reason, “If there is in fact a heaven, I want to go.” Surely all of their friends and family members will go to heaven too, right? The problem arises when people begin to explain why they should be able to go to heaven. “I’ve been a good person.” “I’ve done some good things for others.” “I’ve never really done anything terribly wrong or bad.” “When I get to the pearly gates, surely St. Peter will let me in!”
It’s not St. Peter people should be concerned about. Entrance to heaven is not up to him. The psalmist knows that God alone grants entrance to heaven by grace, through faith, in His Son Jesus Christ! It’s not that the psalmist does not care for the heroes of faith, the loved ones, and the angels who will be there as well, but in terms of salvation, if Christ is not our Advocate nobody may as well be there! If Christ is not for us in heaven, we have nothing!
If Christ does not rule our hearts while on earth, we have nothing! Sure, we may have houses, pleasures, indulgences, trinkets, gadgets, vacations, financial securities, luxuries, and be surrounded by people who love us. They fill the void temporarily. They satisfy temporarily. But sooner or later the thirst surfaces in our soul again that nothing on this earth can satisfy! If we do not have Christ, we have nothing!
May the Lord direct our hearts to that which alone can fit us for heaven and fill us on earth - the Lord Jesus Christ!
Most people will reason, “If there is in fact a heaven, I want to go.” Surely all of their friends and family members will go to heaven too, right? The problem arises when people begin to explain why they should be able to go to heaven. “I’ve been a good person.” “I’ve done some good things for others.” “I’ve never really done anything terribly wrong or bad.” “When I get to the pearly gates, surely St. Peter will let me in!”
It’s not St. Peter people should be concerned about. Entrance to heaven is not up to him. The psalmist knows that God alone grants entrance to heaven by grace, through faith, in His Son Jesus Christ! It’s not that the psalmist does not care for the heroes of faith, the loved ones, and the angels who will be there as well, but in terms of salvation, if Christ is not our Advocate nobody may as well be there! If Christ is not for us in heaven, we have nothing!
If Christ does not rule our hearts while on earth, we have nothing! Sure, we may have houses, pleasures, indulgences, trinkets, gadgets, vacations, financial securities, luxuries, and be surrounded by people who love us. They fill the void temporarily. They satisfy temporarily. But sooner or later the thirst surfaces in our soul again that nothing on this earth can satisfy! If we do not have Christ, we have nothing!
May the Lord direct our hearts to that which alone can fit us for heaven and fill us on earth - the Lord Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
What Consumes You? Psalm 69-72
What stays at the front of your mind 24/7? Where are you directing your time, resources, and energy? What are you working toward, planning for, anticipating? What activity are found doing most often? What is the one thing that you simply cannot live without?
Are you consumed by a hobby? Are you constantly reading about it, watching shows about it, purchasing the latest gadgets for it? Are you consumed with work? Are you basically a stranger at home because you practically live at work? Are you consumed with a secret sin? Do you arrange your entire life around the next opportunity to indulge?
We are prone to think addiction is always bad, but that’s not true. Being consumed by someone or something else can be unhealthy or very healthy. David, for example, was consumed by God! Psalm 69:9 “For zeal for Your house has consumed me.” “House” can be understood in several ways. It can be the worship of the Lord, the place set aside to encounter the Lord, or even the people of the Lord. Whatever David had in mind, his point was that he was captivated by the things of God, he was “addicted” to God! That is the only kind of addiction that is good for you!
Out tendency is to be easily distracted by the things that matter the least. That item seems so essential. That activity would be so fun. That person could make life so special. We find ourselves in an endless race chasing down things that never satisfy. Let us give ourselves, our attention, our energy and our lives to that which fills every void! May we not avoid being consumed but may we be consumed by the greatest, most thrilling One of all, the Lord Jesus Christ!
Are you consumed by a hobby? Are you constantly reading about it, watching shows about it, purchasing the latest gadgets for it? Are you consumed with work? Are you basically a stranger at home because you practically live at work? Are you consumed with a secret sin? Do you arrange your entire life around the next opportunity to indulge?
We are prone to think addiction is always bad, but that’s not true. Being consumed by someone or something else can be unhealthy or very healthy. David, for example, was consumed by God! Psalm 69:9 “For zeal for Your house has consumed me.” “House” can be understood in several ways. It can be the worship of the Lord, the place set aside to encounter the Lord, or even the people of the Lord. Whatever David had in mind, his point was that he was captivated by the things of God, he was “addicted” to God! That is the only kind of addiction that is good for you!
Out tendency is to be easily distracted by the things that matter the least. That item seems so essential. That activity would be so fun. That person could make life so special. We find ourselves in an endless race chasing down things that never satisfy. Let us give ourselves, our attention, our energy and our lives to that which fills every void! May we not avoid being consumed but may we be consumed by the greatest, most thrilling One of all, the Lord Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Saved for a Saving Purpose - Psalm 65-68
The purpose for which we were saved does not end with us. Beyond our personal salvation lies a glorious, global, God-centered purpose. We were saved for a saving purpose!
Psalm 67:1-3 “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face to shine upon us.” (The psalmist clearly has the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 in mind here. This is a very important connection because it provides interpretation for the rest of this psalm. Remember the words of blessing in Numbers, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” Asking for God’s face to shine upon you is to earnestly desire salvation. Therefore, the blessing of Psalm 67 is not a material blessing, but rather desiring the Lord to graciously grant eternal salvation!)
“that Your way may be known on the earth, Your saving power among all nations.” (The psalmist immediately begins to declare how his salvation will work towards the salvation of the nations. He knows his salvation is part of a global plan for others to be saved all over the world!)
“Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You!” (Every salvation ends in the glory of God! But note, the psalmist knows this, and he wants this! That is, he has learned to love and labor for that which God loves and sent His Son to die for, namely, the salvation of all peoples for the glory of God!)
Yes believer, you are a part of something immensely wonderful and eternal! May we desire its fulfillment and give ourselves in pursuit of it.
Psalm 67:1-3 “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face to shine upon us.” (The psalmist clearly has the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 in mind here. This is a very important connection because it provides interpretation for the rest of this psalm. Remember the words of blessing in Numbers, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” Asking for God’s face to shine upon you is to earnestly desire salvation. Therefore, the blessing of Psalm 67 is not a material blessing, but rather desiring the Lord to graciously grant eternal salvation!)
“that Your way may be known on the earth, Your saving power among all nations.” (The psalmist immediately begins to declare how his salvation will work towards the salvation of the nations. He knows his salvation is part of a global plan for others to be saved all over the world!)
“Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You!” (Every salvation ends in the glory of God! But note, the psalmist knows this, and he wants this! That is, he has learned to love and labor for that which God loves and sent His Son to die for, namely, the salvation of all peoples for the glory of God!)
Yes believer, you are a part of something immensely wonderful and eternal! May we desire its fulfillment and give ourselves in pursuit of it.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Desperately Craving God - Psalm 61-64
In absolute desperation for communion and intimacy and fellowship with Almighty God—that seems to be the exact state of David’s heart in Psalm 63. He is yearning, he is longing, and he will not be content until he is in enveloped in His presence. He feels as if he will die unless he knows in a real sense the embrace of the Father. That is his state of mind. How I pray it would be ours as well.
Psalm 63:1 “O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” How long can you go without water, especially when you realize you are in a dry land with no water and no water in sight. You become frantic, not necessarily because you have no water on hand but that you know a search for water is vain. David compares that state of frantic desperation with his desire for God! “I’m thirsty to the point of losing my mind, and only God can quench it!”
63:2 “So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory.” David knows the only relief, the only answer, for the cry of his soul is to bask in the glory of God! That is what our souls are craving. Not this world. Not even love and relationships! Our souls crave to gaze upon Him!
63:3-4 “Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift up my hands.” As far as David is concerned, he would rather have God than life! He wants God more than he wants his next breath! Therefore, he spends in life in worship unto the Lord! May it be the same for us!
Psalm 63:1 “O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” How long can you go without water, especially when you realize you are in a dry land with no water and no water in sight. You become frantic, not necessarily because you have no water on hand but that you know a search for water is vain. David compares that state of frantic desperation with his desire for God! “I’m thirsty to the point of losing my mind, and only God can quench it!”
63:2 “So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory.” David knows the only relief, the only answer, for the cry of his soul is to bask in the glory of God! That is what our souls are craving. Not this world. Not even love and relationships! Our souls crave to gaze upon Him!
63:3-4 “Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift up my hands.” As far as David is concerned, he would rather have God than life! He wants God more than he wants his next breath! Therefore, he spends in life in worship unto the Lord! May it be the same for us!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Treated Wrongly for Acting Rightly - Psalm 57-60
Receiving punishment for wrong behavior is entirely understandable. Whether the correction comes from parents or the courts, if you have done wrong, you realize you will have to face the consequences. You reap what you sow. When you sin, you harm, injure, or insult other people. Naturally, they seek justice. They desire to see you receive punishment in return. This is all easy to comprehend, even if you are the wrongdoer.
On the other hand, it is very difficult to understand why some will seek punishment for your good or right behavior! It’s not so much difficult to understand rationally. We understand persecution, rejection of Truth, envy of good, etc. It’s difficult to understand personally. In other words, when it actually does happen to us, we think, “Why would so-and-so treat me this way when I have done him no harm?” The truth is that not only will some desire your harm, but they will actually plot, scheme, and implement harm toward you in return for nothing you have done wrong. You may be treated wrongly for acting rightly, especially if you are a pastor!
Should this happen to us, the Christian response is to forgive those who mistreat us, seek reconciliation where possible, and rejoice in the Lord. In other words, continue to act rightly! Don’t allow being treated wrongly to influence you into wrong behavior! Remember sinless Christ on the cross!
The faith response is to rest in the Lord. Pray to Him. Give it to Him. Trust in Him. He sees. He knows. He will reward and punish accordingly. Let it go! Psalm 59:3-4 “For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord, for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see!”
On the other hand, it is very difficult to understand why some will seek punishment for your good or right behavior! It’s not so much difficult to understand rationally. We understand persecution, rejection of Truth, envy of good, etc. It’s difficult to understand personally. In other words, when it actually does happen to us, we think, “Why would so-and-so treat me this way when I have done him no harm?” The truth is that not only will some desire your harm, but they will actually plot, scheme, and implement harm toward you in return for nothing you have done wrong. You may be treated wrongly for acting rightly, especially if you are a pastor!
Should this happen to us, the Christian response is to forgive those who mistreat us, seek reconciliation where possible, and rejoice in the Lord. In other words, continue to act rightly! Don’t allow being treated wrongly to influence you into wrong behavior! Remember sinless Christ on the cross!
The faith response is to rest in the Lord. Pray to Him. Give it to Him. Trust in Him. He sees. He knows. He will reward and punish accordingly. Let it go! Psalm 59:3-4 “For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord, for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see!”
Saturday, December 4, 2010
When Friends Turn Against You - Psalm 53-56
Psalm 55:12-14 “For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.”
Prepare yourself. Expect it to happen eventually. Sooner or later it will happen, and it will hurt. Somewhere down the road of life, as you live imperfectly for the Lord, as you try to walk in love and integrity, a blinding blow will suddenly catch you off guard. A friend will betray. A friend will deny. A friend will oppose. A friend will depart. It happened to Jesus; it will happen to you!
The hurt runs deep because a relationship of trust has been severed. You became dependent. You learned to lean on it. You truly loved it. It will hurt when it is gone. It also hurts because it is so unexpected. You expect enemies to crucify you. You do not expect friends to take a shot or walk away too!
You could grow angry and bitter. You could decide to never trust again. You could walk away from all friendships so as to not get hurt again. Or, you could take the best action possible in this situation; you could run to God!
Psalm 55:16 “But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.” That may be the purpose for the severed relationship all along! Hardly nothing proves the Lord’s love, faithfulness, and goodness towards us like being greatly disappointed by others. Just remember, you’ve let friends down too!
Prepare yourself. Expect it to happen eventually. Sooner or later it will happen, and it will hurt. Somewhere down the road of life, as you live imperfectly for the Lord, as you try to walk in love and integrity, a blinding blow will suddenly catch you off guard. A friend will betray. A friend will deny. A friend will oppose. A friend will depart. It happened to Jesus; it will happen to you!
The hurt runs deep because a relationship of trust has been severed. You became dependent. You learned to lean on it. You truly loved it. It will hurt when it is gone. It also hurts because it is so unexpected. You expect enemies to crucify you. You do not expect friends to take a shot or walk away too!
You could grow angry and bitter. You could decide to never trust again. You could walk away from all friendships so as to not get hurt again. Or, you could take the best action possible in this situation; you could run to God!
Psalm 55:16 “But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.” That may be the purpose for the severed relationship all along! Hardly nothing proves the Lord’s love, faithfulness, and goodness towards us like being greatly disappointed by others. Just remember, you’ve let friends down too!
What To Give The One Who Owns It All - Psalm 49-52
Each Christmas my wife and I face this challenge. What do you give someone who seemingly has everything? It’s a tough decision. We certainly want to give items that will be appreciated, but given our budget and given their possessions, that is a hard task. We have discovered that giving something with some kind of significance attached to it is the answer. Trinkets, toys, and techno gadgets are too expensive, too temporary, and too meaningless!
Now the task of giving becomes enormous when you turn from thinking of friends and family to thinking of God! He really and truly owns it all! In Psalm 50:10-12 the Lord declares that every beast, every cattle, every bird, everything that moves, the world, and all its fullness is His! The point was that when Israel sacrifices animals to God, they are not really “giving” Him anything. He already owns them.
What do we give God? Our lives? Not really, He owns those. Our breath? Not really, He owns that. Our tithe and offerings? Not really, He owns our money. What do we give to the One who owns it all?
Part of the answer is found in Psalm 50:23, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me.”
Thanksgiving is giving to God because thanksgiving acknowledges it is all God’s to begin with! Secondly, thanksgiving gives the glory to God, and that is our chief end in life! Giving glory to God, glorifying God, living to and for His glory, these are ways in which we give to God. The ONLY ways in which we can give to God!
Now the task of giving becomes enormous when you turn from thinking of friends and family to thinking of God! He really and truly owns it all! In Psalm 50:10-12 the Lord declares that every beast, every cattle, every bird, everything that moves, the world, and all its fullness is His! The point was that when Israel sacrifices animals to God, they are not really “giving” Him anything. He already owns them.
What do we give God? Our lives? Not really, He owns those. Our breath? Not really, He owns that. Our tithe and offerings? Not really, He owns our money. What do we give to the One who owns it all?
Part of the answer is found in Psalm 50:23, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me.”
Thanksgiving is giving to God because thanksgiving acknowledges it is all God’s to begin with! Secondly, thanksgiving gives the glory to God, and that is our chief end in life! Giving glory to God, glorifying God, living to and for His glory, these are ways in which we give to God. The ONLY ways in which we can give to God!
A Very Present Help - Psalm 45-48
Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
That God is “a very present help” to us who believe is a profoundly, comforting truth! He is “present.” That is, He is never, ever, in any way imaginable absent! He is never missing. He is never sleeping, slumbering, unaware, unknowing, uncaring, unseeing. He is present. Always!
He is a “very” present help. He is not only there, He is really, truly, faithfully, lovingly there! He is “very” near us and with us. He is watching over us with an eternal love, an infinite wisdom, and a Father’s heart!
He is a very present “help.” He is always as close as our next breath, as our help. He is our true refuge and strength. Without Him, we could never make it. With Him, there is nothing we cannot make it through!
Since God is a very present help in trouble for us who believe, fear gives way to faith! Where God is present and trusted in, fear of others or circumstances is absent! Notice particularly the kind of earth-shattering, cataclysmic circumstances the psalmist describes here. He does not have little “bumps in the road” in mind here. No, he is thinking of overwhelming, traumatizing, excruciating experiences. The kind of “life” that feels like the Rocky Mountains just imploded! It is then, when life is enormous, shaky, and out of control, that we can rest in God. He is a “very” “present” “help,” especially “in trouble!”
That God is “a very present help” to us who believe is a profoundly, comforting truth! He is “present.” That is, He is never, ever, in any way imaginable absent! He is never missing. He is never sleeping, slumbering, unaware, unknowing, uncaring, unseeing. He is present. Always!
He is a “very” present help. He is not only there, He is really, truly, faithfully, lovingly there! He is “very” near us and with us. He is watching over us with an eternal love, an infinite wisdom, and a Father’s heart!
He is a very present “help.” He is always as close as our next breath, as our help. He is our true refuge and strength. Without Him, we could never make it. With Him, there is nothing we cannot make it through!
Since God is a very present help in trouble for us who believe, fear gives way to faith! Where God is present and trusted in, fear of others or circumstances is absent! Notice particularly the kind of earth-shattering, cataclysmic circumstances the psalmist describes here. He does not have little “bumps in the road” in mind here. No, he is thinking of overwhelming, traumatizing, excruciating experiences. The kind of “life” that feels like the Rocky Mountains just imploded! It is then, when life is enormous, shaky, and out of control, that we can rest in God. He is a “very” “present” “help,” especially “in trouble!”
Handling Spiritual Depression - Ps 41-44
Depression has become a very widespread diagnosis. Many are “clinically” depressed, and as a result, “chemically” dependent. Since we are dwelling in fallen bodies, the mind can fail just as any other part of the body might fail. There may be a chemical imbalance in the brain that, if treated carefully with medicines, enables one to regain composure and face life again. However, if the medication becomes an addiction or a means of “escaping” and numbing the mind, that’s not treatment; that’s enablement.
Many times depression is a spiritual condition not a physical one. When our focus has turned from the Lord to circumstances, when “self” has become the center of our world instead of Christ, when we cover sin, or when we live out of fellowship with God or our brother in Christ, we can become depressed. There are many reasons for and expressions of spiritual depression. How do we handle it? The psalmist gives us an example.
First, we should preach to ourselves! Keep telling yourself over and over the truth! Don’t allow yourself to believe a lie. Psalm 43:5 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” Second, direct ourselves back to God! God is our refuge! God is the source of peace! “Hope in God” (v5). Third, believe that this state of depression is temporary and God will bring you out of it! “for I shall again praise Him” (v5). Fourth, remember to Whom it is that you pray! “my salvation and my God” (v5). If He is your salvation and your God, you are in no better hands than His!
When spiritual depression slams your soul, tell your soul the Truth and give your soul to God. The Lord will triumph over our spiritual depression!
Many times depression is a spiritual condition not a physical one. When our focus has turned from the Lord to circumstances, when “self” has become the center of our world instead of Christ, when we cover sin, or when we live out of fellowship with God or our brother in Christ, we can become depressed. There are many reasons for and expressions of spiritual depression. How do we handle it? The psalmist gives us an example.
First, we should preach to ourselves! Keep telling yourself over and over the truth! Don’t allow yourself to believe a lie. Psalm 43:5 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” Second, direct ourselves back to God! God is our refuge! God is the source of peace! “Hope in God” (v5). Third, believe that this state of depression is temporary and God will bring you out of it! “for I shall again praise Him” (v5). Fourth, remember to Whom it is that you pray! “my salvation and my God” (v5). If He is your salvation and your God, you are in no better hands than His!
When spiritual depression slams your soul, tell your soul the Truth and give your soul to God. The Lord will triumph over our spiritual depression!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Patiently Waiting - Psalm 37-40
The words “patiently” and “waiting” usually do not occur together unless we are confessing that we were NOT patiently waiting! We grow impatient rather quickly when we are forced to wait. Drive-thru lines at fast food restaurants, waiting rooms, waiting for a special delivery, and the slow driver in front of us all test our patience. Why are we so impatient?
Impatience is more than just a personality flaw; it is sin. Impatience uncovers an ugly truth about our nature, namely, we are selfish and self-centered. Why if those people or obstacles would get out of our way, then we could get what we want right now! You see? Impatience becomes even more disturbing when our it is directed toward God. Our impatience toward God says we believe God should be serving us instead of us serving God. It says that we are on the throne of our lives and not Christ!
Patience, though, quiet, resting, patience toward God communicates a far different message. Patience for God’s will in God’s timing says we know God is Sovereign and Father. He will act wisely, faithfully, timely, in our best interest, and for His greatest glory! Patience says “I trust Him! I submit to Him. I lean upon Him. I want what He wants for me!” That kind of patient resting in the Father’s will comes from the indwelling of the Spirit. We must pray for godly patience and fight against self-absorption!
Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”
Impatience is more than just a personality flaw; it is sin. Impatience uncovers an ugly truth about our nature, namely, we are selfish and self-centered. Why if those people or obstacles would get out of our way, then we could get what we want right now! You see? Impatience becomes even more disturbing when our it is directed toward God. Our impatience toward God says we believe God should be serving us instead of us serving God. It says that we are on the throne of our lives and not Christ!
Patience, though, quiet, resting, patience toward God communicates a far different message. Patience for God’s will in God’s timing says we know God is Sovereign and Father. He will act wisely, faithfully, timely, in our best interest, and for His greatest glory! Patience says “I trust Him! I submit to Him. I lean upon Him. I want what He wants for me!” That kind of patient resting in the Father’s will comes from the indwelling of the Spirit. We must pray for godly patience and fight against self-absorption!
Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A Taste Test - Psalm 33-36
A frequent dinner conversation between my parents and I has now become a frequent dinner conversation between my children and me. It goes something like this: Child: “I don’t like these vegetables.” Parent: “Have you tried them?” Child: “No.” Parent: “Then how do you know you do not like them if you haven’t tried them. Taste them. They’re good. You’ll like them.” Guess what? After a few tries, those green things did grow on me. I now love my vegetables; they are good! (Brussels sprouts excluded, of course!)
Some people treat God like their vegetables. They reason, “I’ll give Him a try, but if things don’t turn out like I want them to, then I’m done with this whole Jesus thing!” So they claim to have made a profession of faith, receive baptism, join the church, and even get involved in a few activities. Then, life comes at them fast and they blame God instead of clinging to Him! They conclude, “Well, I tried religion, but it didn’t work for me.”
The problem with those scenarios is that they tried “religion,” they tried “their own version of God,” and they tried “worshipping a god made on their own image to serve their own ends.” They did NOT try the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Psalm 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
When you truly “taste” the Lord, when you truly come in repentance and faith and surrender to Jesus Christ, you find nothing in Him but goodness, delight, peace, and joy! It is those who have truly tasted who joyfully declare, “He is good!” Go ahead. Taste and See!
Some people treat God like their vegetables. They reason, “I’ll give Him a try, but if things don’t turn out like I want them to, then I’m done with this whole Jesus thing!” So they claim to have made a profession of faith, receive baptism, join the church, and even get involved in a few activities. Then, life comes at them fast and they blame God instead of clinging to Him! They conclude, “Well, I tried religion, but it didn’t work for me.”
The problem with those scenarios is that they tried “religion,” they tried “their own version of God,” and they tried “worshipping a god made on their own image to serve their own ends.” They did NOT try the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Psalm 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
When you truly “taste” the Lord, when you truly come in repentance and faith and surrender to Jesus Christ, you find nothing in Him but goodness, delight, peace, and joy! It is those who have truly tasted who joyfully declare, “He is good!” Go ahead. Taste and See!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
It's Going to Take a Long Time - Psalm 29-32
When we get to heaven we will finally fulfill our created purpose. We will at last find ultimate satisfaction when the God-given yearning of our souls meets its God-given end! We strive toward that goal as believers in this life because we have new hearts, a new Guide, and we have been made new creatures. Yet, for all of this advantage and difference, huge barriers still exist which hinder us from completely becoming all that God means for us to be in Christ. Those barriers are sin, the flesh, and the Enemy. They are constantly attacking and distracting, therefore, we are constantly fighting. They hold our attention . . . for a while!
There is coming the day, however, when they will hold us no more! There is coming a day when their power and allurement will be snuffed out. Christ, the Victor over death, hell, and sin will finalize His victory and send every barrier to the lake of fire! Not only will our enemies be removed, but we will be better suited to serve our purpose. We will be glorified in body and spirit. We will never, ever want to sin again! We will be made able to stand before Him. We will see Him. It is then that what we have been created to do, what we have been commanded to do in this life, we will finally be able to do!
Psalm 29:2 “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” Can you imagine finally being able to do what we have been longing to do, the freedom and thrill of approaching Him, ascribing to Him the glory THAT IS DUE HIM, and worshipping Him in the fullness of His infinite holiness? It’s going to take a long time to adjust to our new setting! It’s going to take a long time to soak it all in! It’s going to take a long time to ascribe to Him His due glory! But we won’t mind at all. It’s what we’ve been waiting for!
There is coming the day, however, when they will hold us no more! There is coming a day when their power and allurement will be snuffed out. Christ, the Victor over death, hell, and sin will finalize His victory and send every barrier to the lake of fire! Not only will our enemies be removed, but we will be better suited to serve our purpose. We will be glorified in body and spirit. We will never, ever want to sin again! We will be made able to stand before Him. We will see Him. It is then that what we have been created to do, what we have been commanded to do in this life, we will finally be able to do!
Psalm 29:2 “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” Can you imagine finally being able to do what we have been longing to do, the freedom and thrill of approaching Him, ascribing to Him the glory THAT IS DUE HIM, and worshipping Him in the fullness of His infinite holiness? It’s going to take a long time to adjust to our new setting! It’s going to take a long time to soak it all in! It’s going to take a long time to ascribe to Him His due glory! But we won’t mind at all. It’s what we’ve been waiting for!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)