Psalm 132 “Amazing Promise”

The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.” (vv. 11-12)

The psalm here is referring to the promise God made to David right after David made his promise to God, to find a dwelling place for the Lord. It included both a conditional and an unconditional aspect. It was conditional in that God told David: “If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever” (v. 12) History tells us that David’s sons did not keep the covenant, and therefore they did not keep the throne.

However, there was also an unconditional aspect to the promise, because verse 11 tells us: “The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: ‘One of your own descendants I will place on your throne” (v. 11). Despite the disobedience of David’s descendants, God’s promise will stand firm with David.

Jesus the Messiah, descended from David, will rule on the throne for ever and ever. Through Jesus, God has come to dwell in and with his people forever. This teaches us one very simple truth. All God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ and are yes and amen.

The Truth: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Psalm 131 “Childlike Faith”

“My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” (vv. 1-3)

Psalm 131 is a call to reorient ourselves back to God. The psalmist, David, is sharing his own experience as an encouragement. He wants us to know that he was not proud or concerned with lofty endeavors. When it came to his walk with God, he had a childlike trust and his hope was in the LORD.

May we all take the time to reorient ourselves in the same way. To return to a childlike trust and simply place our hope in God.

The Truth: “He saves the humble, but brings low those whose eyes are haughty.” (Psalm 18:27)

Psalm 130 “Hear My Cry”

“Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord.” (v. 1)

Great anguish and gut wrenching sorrow have often been compared to deep and troubled waters. I’m sure you can recall a time in your life when you were there, caught in the maelstrom of the sea, headed for the bottom. As hopeless as that can seem, there is no depth from which the soul cannot cry out from nor pray, “LORD, hear my cry!”

Our God is one who hears. No more than a mother can ignore her child’s cry for help, or it’s moan in pain, could the LORD ignore His children’s cries from the depths of their souls. Therefore, cry out to Him, pour out your heart to Him. He will hear your call.

The Truth: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15)  

"God's Gift To All"

Jesus came to this earth, by Gods' plan and design.

The place of His birth, marked by a heavenly sign.

A new star above, showed the place where He lay.

The Fathers' gift, sound asleep on the hay.

So innocent and pure, this gift to man.

Would later receive, Roman nails in His hands.

Born to die, His life He gave.

So all might live, and their souls be saved.

One day all will answer, for what they have done.

With Gods' gift to the world, His only son.

So accept His gift, and your soul you will save.

From the wages of sin, and the death of the grave.

Merry Christmas

The Truth

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a "gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Psalm 129

 “Song of Victory Over Israel’s Enemies”

“Let all those who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back. Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up.” (v. 5-6)

Psalm 129 focuses on the preservation and survival of God’s people. No nation in history has experienced the persecution, the attack, or the hostility that Israel has. In spite of all the pasted persecutions, and the numerous on-going anti-Semitic efforts to extinguish the Jews, they remain.

Israel’s enemies will never have the last word—God Almighty will. And one day He shall return to establish His kingdom in the New Jerusalem to rule and reign for 1000 years (Revelation 20:6).

The Truth: ‘But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.” (Psalm 37:20)

Psalm 128 “Blessings to Those Who Fear The LORD”

“Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” (vv.1-2)

This psalm says that if we fear God, and walk in His ways, we will be blessed. The word fear doesn’t mean being “afraid” of God, it’s more like being in awe and wonder of Him, holding Him in the highest possible regard.

The psalmist wants us to recognize that God is holy and we are not. This correct attitude will allow us then to walk in His ways, and not ours. Then, not only will we be blessed in our generation, but our eyes will see the next (vv.5-6).

Therefore, fear the LORD, walk in His ways.

The Truth: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 6:9)

Psalm 127 “The Foundation of the Family”

“Unless the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (v. 1)

I can remember when my wife and I had our first child, Sara. We were like all new parents happy, excited, proud, but inexperienced in raising children. Oh, we had been around young children, even did some babysitting together. But, spending a few hours with a young child is much different than a 24-7 responsibility. And, like all first time parents, we needed help, advise, support, and prayer. We needed our LORD’s help in building our family, for without it (as our text indicates) we labored in vain.

Benjamin Franklin quoted our text to the struggling 1787 Continental Congress trying to raise up (build) a new government. He then followed the scripture up by saying: “Do we imagine that we no longer need [God’s] assistance? I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more convinced I am of this great truth—that God Governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall without His notice, can a great nation rise without His aid? Many times during the revolution we have offered prayers to the Father of Lights in this very room. But now I feel that without his concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel.”

Franklin understood that God’s direction and blessing on the new nation of the United States were essential for it to succeed. And, that human effort on its own, would produce little to no lasting effects. The logic was simple, but was missed by many over time, forgotten, set aside for individual wisdom of men, and political agendas, much like our nation today. Oh how we need Godly men in our government, for a great many that labor do so in vain.

Therefore, we too need to bring our LORD’s direction, blessing, and guidance into the construction of our families, so the foundations will be strong enough to stand against the storms of life, and not fail the test of time. Family is the core foundation of this country, and we need more men and women dedicated to building their homes upon HIM.

Thank you LORD for Your enduring Word and for our founding fathers who looked to You for guidance and wisdom. May we always do the same. Amen.

The Truth: “Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the wind and rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded upon the rock.”  (Matthew 7:24-25)

Psalm 126 “Reap in Joy”

“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” (v. 5)

Have you ever experienced a feeling or desire to help someone so strongly that it moved you to tears every time you thought of it, because you felt like your prayers were all in vain? Sometimes our deepest concerns and prayers for others, especially family, can seem unanswered, but that’s no reason for us to stop sowing in prayer for them. On the contrary, we need to continue to intercede, to pray, to sow our field with tears, in order to reap in joy.

Let’s not be defeated in our prayer life, but continue to plow the field, going forth, bearing the precious seed to the Father. For scripture tells us, “He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing the harvest, the sheaves with him” (v. 6).

Though sometimes our prayers are not answered this side of heaven for us, we must continue in faith and trust in the LORD our God that, "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy," even if it's on the other side. I so look forward to a reunion with many friends and loved ones who have gone before me, and know at that time my joy will be complete with them, in heaven, with our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Therefore, don't stop praying, don't stop trusting, don't stop believing. Plow on good Christian until the harvest is come in or is gathered in by another. For some plant, some water, and "others" harvest. But all who labor contribute to the harvest and shall "reap in joy."  

The Truth: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not loose heart.” (Galations 6:9)

Matthew 28 "He Is Risen"

Matthew 28 “He Is Risen”

“He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6)

Jesus had often predicted that He would rise from the dead, but the disciples did not understand it, and consequently did not expect it. But God would not leave His Son in a tomb, nor suffer Him to see corruption. He was not stolen away as the chief priests hired the soldiers to say He was; nor was He removed to another place, as Mary Magdalene first thought, when she found Him gone; but He had risen from the dead, by the power of His Father.

Therefore, when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrived at the tomb expecting to anoint the body of Jesus, they were met by an angel of the LORD instead saying, “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.”

It took the Lord Himself appearing to; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, to Peter, then the twelve collectively showing them His hands and His feet, eating with them and finally opening their understanding to the scriptures, before their blindness turned to joy and their hope restored.  

Just as it took the infallible truth of the scriptures to open the eyes of those who walked with Jesus then, so it may be with our loved ones today as well. With so much evil in our world, we need to keep praying that our Lord will bring His truth into their lives and open their understanding to His love and grace.

The Truth: Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And on the third day He will rise again.” (Matthew 20:17-19)

Matthew 27 "Let Him Be Crucified"

Pilate said to them, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let him be crucified." To which the governor replied, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they cried out the more, saying, "Let him be crucified.” (Matthew 27:22-23)

Death by Roman crucifixion was a result of the whole body weight being supported by the outstretched arms of the victim. When nailed to the cross, there was a massive strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. The rib cage was constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath.

The victim would continually try to push himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. Eventually, the pain in the feet and legs would become so unbearable, that the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain and die of suffocation. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours (if they broke your legs), to a number of days depending on an individual physical condition. Crucifixion was chiefly inflicted on slaves and the worst kind of criminals, and was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die. Condemned Roman citizens were usually exempt from it.

Jesus voluntarily died this death (refusing the medication v. 34) for you and for me, that we might have forgiveness of sin through His atonement. But, this greatest gift ever given was not His end, the best was yet to come in chapter 28. Hope to see you there.

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Matthew 26 "Christ's Prayer in the Garden"

“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)

In this prayer we are shown the two wills of Christ, the human and Divine. The human will seeking deliverance from torture by requesting, “if it be possible”, is there another way? While at the same time the divine will, ready to submit and comply with His impending death on the cross, “not as I will, but as You will.”

Three times that night Jesus prayed this prayer. Luke’s gospel records that Jesus was in such conflict of soul and body that, "his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground." Luke further records that, an angel was dispensed from heaven to strengthen and support the fainting human life of our savior, that He might drink the cup of indignation and death for us (Luke 22:43-44).

This prayer of Christ is meant for our example to follow, when going through our own struggle of wills. May we learn to endure whatever God's will may be in our lives, whether easy or difficult in dispensation, and put His will above our own.

The Truth: “In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things, which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.”
(Hebrews 5:7-9)

Matthew 25 "Be Ready"

Here in chapter 25 Jesus finishes His Olivet Discourse with a piece of practical advise, Be Ready. In light of the end times there are three things one must consider in relation to being ready: 1) personal salvation (vv.1-13), 2) responsible stewardship (vv. 14-30) and 3) practical servanthood (vv. 31-46).

If the rapture occurred tonight, would you be ready? Would you be found: 1) With His Spirit burning in your heart? 2) Making the most of the talents you have been given? And 3) Serving others? Jesus said, “Pray that you will be found worthy to be kept from the hour of tribulation” (Luke 21:36). In other words, some will not be ready, and they will go through that terrible time. Make no mistake, Jesus is coming again in all His glory, and all the holy angels with Him (v. 31). The only question is, "Will you be ready?"

The Truth: “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” (2 Thessalonians 5:1-10)

Matthew 24 "The End of Days"

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (v.37)

OK. What were the days of Noah like? The Bible tells us that the wickedness of man was great, and that every imagination of his heart was only evil (Genesis 6:5). Abnormal sexual practices abounded (Genesis 6:4), and that violence and corruption filled the earth (Genesis 6:11). Sound familiar?

Today, we are seeing the days of Noah virtually repeated by man. Violence, corruption, evil imaginations and abnormal sexual practices are abounding. Add to that, pestilences, famines and earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. Along with a society that calls good evil and evil good. Noah lived before the flood, and we before the fire. Noah spoke of a coming physical rain (to man's days), and we (the church) the coming reign of Christ (to end man's days).

Noah had been building his ark and preaching to his people for one hundred and twenty years, but they did not listen. They just kept living in sin, and each day was like the next - eating, drinking and marrying. Right up until the day Noah entered into the ark and it began to rain. So too people today care nothing for their spiritual future, though they hear the message all around them: radio, TV, pod cast, churches, friends, neighbors, family. They only live for the moment with no regrets. After all, there's plenty of time to "catch up" with Jesus.

In chapter 24 Jesus speaks of the end times as they relate to nations, Israel specifically, and the church. At the end of the chapter (vv. 42-51), Jesus instructs all of us to be faithful servants, to be watchful, wise, and warned, concerning the events of His return. And like those who were shut out of the Ark in Noah's day when it began to rain, so shall it be with those who have not headed the warning, and accepted God's Son before the coming of Jesus - in the twinkling of an eye.

Therefore, be His faithful servants, be watchful, be wise, and be warned, for the end of days draws near.

The Truth: “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7)

Matthew 23 "Take Off Your Mask"

“Wow to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”  (vv. 27-28)

These are words that cut to the heart, for we all are guilty of playing the hypocrite. A hypocrite is literally “one who hides behind a mask.” There’s an old story of a man who told the pastor he didn’t go to church because there were so many hypocrites there. The pastor responded by saying, “Oh, don’t let that stop you. There’s always room for one more.”

While I’m sure you could find at least one in every church, genuine believers remember that they are first and foremost forgiven hypocrites themselves. There’s an old saying that, "going to church doesn’t make one a believer any more than going into a garage makes one a mechanic." What some people perceive as hypocrisy in the church is in fact the result of a mistaken assumption. Some people assume others are believers just because they get up on Sundays and go to a place called church. It’s just not so.

On another related note, authentic believers are also sinners, and they know it. The apostle John wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). A hypocrite claims to be without fault in one area or another. An authentic believer on the other hand, freely admits to the fact that he or she is a sinner, and consistently seeks forgiveness from it.

If you would like to get rid of your mask, be willing to admit your weaknesses, and join in the family of authentic believers, Jesus is ready to forgive you and bring you into His family. Just stop pretending and come on home. (See the prayer to the right of this post)

The Truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleans us for all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Matthew 22 "Which is the Greatest Commandment?"

“But the Pharisees, when they heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing him. Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" (v. 34-36)

Here in chapter 22 Jesus had been answering questions posed to Him by the Pharisees and the Sadducees designed to, "entangle Him in His own talk" (v. 15). In the beginning of this passage we find our Lord replying to a question of a certain lawyer, who thought for sure he could entrap Jesus into a theological corner of disgrace by asking him, "Which is the greatest commandment of the law?"

The question, was obviously asked in no friendly spirit. But, we have reason to be thankful however that it was asked at all, for it drew an answer full of precious instruction, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang the Law and the Prophets" (vv. 37-40)

The Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Lawyers, they all wanted to make religion complicated. And they certainly didn't like the idea of Jesus (the son of a carpenter), one who had no "formal training" in their eyes, winning the hearts of the people through His simple teachings. But Jesus was correct, the heart of the Law and the way to salvation is to love the LORD our God with all our hearts.

The Truth: "We love him because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Matthew 21 "The Barren Fig Tree"

"Now in the morning, as He (Jesus) returned to the city, He hungered. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it, and found nothing on it but leaves, and said unto it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” And immediately the fig tree withered away." (v.18-20)

Here we see that Jesus hungered. He went to the fig tree expecting fruit because it had leaves; but, finding no fruit, He sentenced it to perpetual barrenness. This cursing of the barren “fig-tree” represents the state of hypocrites in general; the state of the nation, and people of the Jews in particular. They were the “fig-tree” planted in Christ's way as a church but, like the tree, were covered in leaves, but no fruit - a huge disappointment to our Lord Jesus.

We too must be careful not to be a disappointment, a hypocrite, or a false witness to Christ and to those around us. May God help us to be like the tree, "planted beside rivers of water” that bears fruit in its season, ready to give sustenance to all in need, and not like the barren fig tree.

Therefore, don’t let your roots become dry. Water them daily with His Word and fruit will abound from your life to others.

The Truth: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

Matthew 20 "Parable Of The Landowner"

“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.” (v. 1)

This parable, recorded only by Matthew, is closely connected with the end of the nineteenth chapter and Peter's question as to how it should fare with those who, like himself, had left all for Christ.

This teaching is designed to show that while the disciples would be richly rewarded, a certain equity would still be observed towards later converts and workmen in His service who may not have labored as long. While some men may have come to Christ earlier in life, and served Him longer than others who have been recently converted, all believers will enter the kingdom of heaven.

Thus, every man ought to go forward in service to Him without stopping or staggering, and not curiously examining the doings of other men. The lesson here is, watch out for jealousy and greed. Be more concerned with answering your calling, not your position or reward through it.

The Truth: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)

Matthew 19 "What Do I Lack?"

“Now behold one came to Him and said, “Good master, what good thing shall I do to have eternal life?” (v. 16)

Here in chapter 19 we find Jesus counseling a rich young ruler. Throughout this young man's life he has tried to do the good thing, the right thing to his fellow man. And yet, he is conscious that there is a void in his life, and that there must be something more than just living a good life and being wealthy, to gain eternal life (v. 20). So he asked Jesus, "What do I lack?"

Jesus then answered his question by telling him to leave his wealth behind, to come and follow Him, and he would have treasure in heaven (v. 21). Now when the young rich man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had a great many possessions (v. 22). Then said Jesus turned unto his disciples and said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (v 24).

This response by Jesus has been misunderstood by many and was never intended to be a universal commandment. It was a statement meant for the rich young ruler only, to expose the one thing that was holding him back from eternal life, his wealth. Jesus was indicating that it is impossible to buy or work your way into heaven. No man by any good work can inherit eternal live. It is a gift of God, and it is only brought by a miracle of God working in our hearts and lives through His Spirit, and not bought with wealth or works.

Therefore, what is impossible with man, is possible with God (v. 26). And, like all men, he had a choice. So what did the rich young ruler lack? The desire to follow Jesus, for He is the way to eternal life, and there is no real life apart from Him.

The Truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6)

Matthew 18 "Childlike Faith Leads to Greatness"

“Therefore whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (v. 4)

Here in chapter 18 the disciples, after hearing Jesus predict His own death and resurrection, seeing Him transfigured on the mount, and also seeing Him cure an epileptic child, out of know where they asked Jesus, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Wow! His own disciples were more concerned with their future position, and prestige, and rank in the kingdom, than with what was happening in front of their very eyes. This is so typical of human nature, projecting, planning, getting way out in front, elevating themselves in their own minds and for their own glory and not God’s.

Jesus immediately sets them all straight by saying, “Unless you are converted and become like a little child, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (vv.3-4).

Humility is the true path to greatness, and there is nothing more precious to God than the simple faith and trust that is in the heart of a child.

The Truth: “He that exalts himself shall be abased. But he that humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:11). (Humble thyself in the eyes of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.)

Matthew 17 "Jesus Predicts His Death"

And while they stayed in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again." And they were exceeding sorry. (vv. 22-23)

Knowing the future, Jesus Christ was willing to accept what was to come, to suffer and die on the cross for the sins of the world, many of whom would reject His deity even though He defeated death through His resurrection. Sad then, and just as sad over 2000 years later.

While none of us will probably ever face such a death, we will one day face it. And during that moment, or other difficult seasons in life, may we learn to; endure the path we must walk, endure the pain that comes our way, and to be content with His will in our lives. For a New Heaven and a New Earth awaits those who believe on Him.

The Truth: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Matthew 16 "Who is Jesus?"

Here in chapter 16 Jesus asks two questions of His disciples; 1) Whom do men say that I am? and 2) Whom do you say that I am? One could ask the first question of people today and get a similar variety of answers His disciples reported over 2000 years ago; a teacher, a prophet, a healer, even a good man.

Simon Peter answered the second question correctly when he responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16). Typical of Peter, straight and to the point. Anything short of that would have been the wrong answer. Today the eternal question remains the same, who do you believe Jesus is? Is He a teacher? A prophet? A good man? Or, is He the Christ, the Son of the living God. Your answer will determine your eternal future.

As we enter the Christmas season, a holiday set aside to recognize the Savior's birth, a time when everywhere you go some will say, "Happy Holidays" but others "Merry CHRISTmas." Do yourself an eternal favor and recognize the One we sing about this time of year; the "King of kings", the "LORD of lords", Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

The Truth: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)

Matthew 15 "Matters of the Heart"

 “It is not what goes into your mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of it.” (v. 18)

Here in chapter 15 Jesus teaches on matters of the heart. While doing so He completely disregards some oral Jewish traditions, infuriating the Scribes and Pharisees who stand more on tradition than scripture. Here in our text He is teaching it is more important to wash your heart than your hands. Why? “Because the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).

The solution to defilement then is to cleans the heart not the hands. As King David wrote in the Psalms we should, "hide God’s word in our hearts, that we might not sin against Him” (Psalm 119:11). How is defilement avoided? By God’s Word, purifying our hearts, certainly not by ceremonially washing our hands.

May we be more concerned with what goes into our hearts and eventurally comes out of our mouths.

The Truth: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Matthew 14 “Keep Our Eyes On Jesus”

Peter said, Lord, if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water. And Jesus said, “Come." But when Peter saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and he began to sink, and he cried, saying, Oh, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, why did you doubt?” (vv. 28-31)

The lesson for all of us here is to keep our eyes upon Jesus and not on our circumstances. When we start looking around at our problems we can begin to sink. Every one of us faces daily situations that could sink us, if we allow ourselves to get caught up into our circumstances. We just need to keep our eyes on the Lord, the Master over the wind and the waves of our daily lives. Then, like Peter, who when looking at Jesus was able to walk on water, so shall we conquer our our daily trials in like manner.

Yes we can all become distracted by the wind and waves around us. But, even in our moments of "little faith” God is there, ready to comfort and help His children - Even when we are doubting Him.

The Truth: "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)

Matthew 13 "The Wheat and the Tares"

"The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while he slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way." (vv. 24-25)

The parable of “The Wheat and the Tares” (vv. 24-30), is a story many in an Agrarian society could identify with. The good wheat coexisting along side with the bad tares sowed by an enemy. And the wisdom of the master in allowing them both to grow together until harvest time, at which point the difference would be manifested. The tares then would be gathered into bundles and burned, but the wheat would be gathered and placed into the barn.

In this parable the field is the world, the wheat the sons of the kingdom, and the tears are the sons of the wicked one. This world was created (planted) by God and for His good pleasure, and He (the master) has allowed the good to flourish along with the bad in it. However, like all creation, this world will have an end. Then, at the end of days, there will be a great harvest-day, a day of judgment. During that harvest, all is ripe and ready to be cut down. Some to be burned with fire, while others will be gathered and placed into His Kingdom.

At that time, better to be the wheat than the tares.

The Truth: And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” (Revelation 14:15)

Matthew 12 “The Unpardonable Sin"

"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven men. If you speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." ( vv. 31-32 ).

Basically, the unpardonable sin is the refusal to adhere to the work of the Spirit in your life. The work of the Holy Spirit is to convict men of their sin, by revealing to man the answer for his sin, Jesus Christ. God has made only one provision for our forgiveness, one provision for the putting away of our sin, and that provision is in and through His Son. The Spirit of God then comes to bear witness of this fact to us. If one continually refuses that work of the Holy Spirit in their heart, there is no forgiveness.

The Truth: “There is no other name (Jesus Christ) given among men, whereby we must be saved."     ( Acts 4:12 ).

Matthew 11 "Jesus Gives True Rest"

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (vv. 28-30)

Here in chapter 11, Jesus is chiefly addressing the poor, lost, ruined sinner: the man "burdened" with a consciousness of his transgressions, and seeking deliverance. For such who truly repent, there is relief. Jesus tells them to come to Him, to believe in Him, and to trust Him, and Him only, for salvation. Doing this, He will bring them rest for their souls, from their sins, from the terrors of the law, and from the fears of eternal death.

Today, you too can find rest from your fears, from the terrors of the past, and have victory over your sin. Simply come unto Him, accept Him, give Him Lordship over your life, and you shall find "rest" for you soul. (See connect with God to the right on this page)

The Truth: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Matthew 10 “Confess Christ Before Men“

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” (vv. 32-33)

One day we will all stand before God, but those who have stood for Christ here on earth, will not stand alone before God in heaven. Those who have confessed Jesus Christ before men, when their name is called to stand before God, Jesus will step forth and confess them before the Father. As Jude said of Jesus, "To Him (give glory) who is able to keep us from stumbling, and to present us "faultless" before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).

However, if a person denied Jesus Christ before men, they will stand alone before God. And in that sobering moment may even turn to Him and say, "Lord, Lord," but He will shake His head and say, "I never knew you.” Wow! what a fearful thing to stand before the living God with no advocate. Better to confess Him now, willingly, and save your soul, than to confess later, on your knees, before the living God, and have no advocate to save you from eternal judgment.

The Truth:  "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” (Romans 14:11)

Matthew 9 “The Laborers Are Few”

"Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (vv. 37-38)

God has a purpose and a plan for every single person He has ever created. He wants to use all of us to reach out and touch the peoples lives that we come in contact with every day, so we can help point them to Jesus. There are so many people in this world who are hurting and they are searching for answers in all the wrong places.

If we are listening carefully, we might just hear God asking us to be the one who brings the Truth to them. Let’s choose today to start saying, “Here I am Lord, send me!” and allow Him to use us however He sees fit. So let’s be ready when He calls us.

The Truth: "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable use, some for dishonor. If any one purifies himself from what is dishonorable, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21-22)

Matthew 8 “Rejection of Jesus”

"When they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their coast.” (v.34)

By way of recap, after Jesus was baptized He heard that John was in prison, so He departed for Galilee. He stayed in Capernaum, in the regions of Zebulum and Naphtali, and began to preach on the kingdom of heaven. Great multitudes followed Him from Galilee to beyond the Jordan. Seeing the multitudes, He went up to a mountain above the crowds and began to speak to them. When He had ended His teaching the people were astonished, for He taught them as one having great authority.

Chapter 8 now picks up His story after He came down from the mountain. Having just proclaimed the kingdom of God was at hand to many through the sermon on the mount, He begins to show what it will be like during the kingdom age through a series of miracles. Jesus, through the power of His spoken word cleanses a man of leprosy (vv.1-4), healed a paralyzed servant of a centurion (vv. 5-13), healed Peter’s mother of a feverish sickness (vv.14-15), healed many who were demon possessed (vv. 16-17), and calmed the wind and the waves by His command, while He and His disciples were in a boat during a great tempest at sea (vv. 23-26).

Now once they had safely crossed the sea of Galilee, they landed at the Country of the Gergesenes, a place on the eastern side of the Sea. There, two men (probably greeks) came out of the tombs who were demon possessed, and came face to face with Jesus. The men were so exceedingly fierce, that no one from the local area dared pass by those tombs. Then suddenly they cried out, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before “the time” (vv.28-29)?

Wow! The multitudes did not recognize who He was, those He helped saw Him as a healer or a teacher. His own disciples wondered what manner of man He was that the wind and the waves obeyed His voice. But the demons who possessed the two men (greeks) from Gergesenes, knew exactly who He was, and feared what He might do to them before "their time.” So wrather than being unembodied spirits, the demons begged Jesus saying, “If you cast us out, permit us to go into the heard of swine" (near by). And He said to them, “Go” (vv. 28-32). Then suddenly, "the whole heard of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the water" (v.32).

Scripture does not record the two liberated men’s reaction to this event. But, it does record what those who were tending the swine did. They went into the city and told everything they saw, including what happened to the two demon possessed men. Then the whole city came out to meet Jesus, and "when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their coast” (v. 34). I guess they cared more about their business of pig farming (most likely illegal in that area of the world), than what Jesus had done for their countrymen.

So sad when people, companies, bureaucracies, and even churches, care more about their bottom line than one of their own. However, just as the liberation of two lives from demon possession is a far greater to God than a heard of swine, so too is the liberation of your soul greater to God than anything else to Him, and gives cause for much celebration in heaven.

The Truth: "I say unto you, that joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety-nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Matthew 7 “Avoid Hypocrisy”

"You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the speck out of your brother's eye."

Why is it always easier to find fault with others, than it is with ourselves? Why do we clearly see the short comings of others, and not our own? Some might say human nature, others sin nature, still others may say, that's just how I'm built. But Jesus calls that, “Hypocrisy.” Why? Because we should first begin with ourselves.

As Christians, we are to take notice of our own sins, and do away with them. Then we will be better qualified to correct the faults of others. Jesus said earlier, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (v.1). While there is a need to correct faults, we should not point out the faults of others unless we ourselves are committed to restoration and not condemnation. Keeping in mind the manner in which we judge others, is the way we too shall be judged.

Therefore, love your bothers and sisters in Christ enough to correct their faults in love, without condemnation, keeping in mind how you would want to be corrected in love as well. In this we can avoid division and hypocrisy in the church.

The Truth: "Brethren, if a man (or woman) be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

Matthew 6 “Do Not Worry”

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (v. 34)

Here in chapter 6, Jesus continues with His sermon on the mount, expounding great wisdom to all who listened on many subjects; Prayer, fasting, material wealth, pleasing God, the lamp of the body, our service to God, and the subject of worry. As a type “A” personality, I have always had the tendency to, over plan, over think, and just plain over worry. Sometimes I would get so far down the road that I would freak myself out (not to mention others), especially when it came to financial matters.

This scripture has done a lot to liberate me from the obsession of financial worry. Yes, I will be the first to admit it is a good idea to have a plan, and I still do, but taking this scripture to heart has lifted a great weight off my mind, and has enabled me to live in the present and not worry (so much) about the future.

As Christians we must “seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” then everything else will take care of itself, both now and later.

The Truth: “Godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

Matthew 5 “The Heart”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (v.8)

There is certainly a lot to think about and meditate on in this chapter. For me though, all the lessons here come back to the condition of our heart. If our heart is pure, so will our witness be, our attitudes towards others, our wives, our children, even our advisories. Our word will be our bond, out oaths true, our friendships unconditional, even going the extra mile to love the unloveable, and to find common ground with the constant antagonist.

Yes it is easy to fall into the trap of eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth, but leave all that to God. Remain pure in heart, let your light shine before men. And it will not only glorify your Father in heaven, but you will give light to all those around you, that they may see His Spirit at work in you.

The Truth: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Matthew 4 "The Temptation of Christ"

“Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (v:1)

Here in chapter 4 Satan had but one goal, to bring Jesus to sin against God. Three times Satan tempts Jesus with the desires of the physical and material realm, all within his power to provide. And, three times Jesus answered with, “it is written.”

What made Satan give up (that day) on his tempting of Christ, it was not just the verbal quoting of scripture, but the commitment to living it out as well. You see, Satan himself could quote scripture but he had no intention of living by it. However, Jesus did!

Today Satan’s goal remains the same, to get people to compromise on their beliefs and sin against God. We are all in a constant battle against his deliberate and subtle attacks and can’t win in our own strength. But, He has not left use powerless. The true power in overcoming temptation lies in the submission to God’s Word and the commitment to live by it through the power of His Spirit.

So, "armor up," and move forward to meet all battles in His name.

The Truth: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Matthew 3 “Jesus Baptized for our Example”

“So when Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water: the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. And a voice from heaven declared, ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”’ (vv.16-17)

While Jesus is being baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and the voice of the Father spoke from heaven testifying, "This is My beloved Son." In this we have an interesting look at the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus who came to John (the Baptist) to be baptized, set an example for us to follow. His baptism declared the superiority of the spiritual over the material: The life of the Spirit over the life of the flesh. In essence, Jesus was declaring His superiority over the material, fleshly life, and  marked the beginning of His public ministry. Now, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He could face all that was to come.

When we follow His example, buried under the water is the old life, the old desires: dead. Then, rising up out of the water, washed clean, is the new life, the life of the Spirit - superior to the life of the flesh. As a result, we are no longer alone in this earthly battle any longer, we have His Spirit in our lives to guide and protect our steps.

Thank you Lord for this beautiful picture of Your saving grace in our lives.

The Truth: “And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” (John 8:29)

Matthew 2 “The Coming King”

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we (Magi) saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” (vv.2-3)

Chapter 2 presents us with three alternative responses to the birth of Jesus: King Herod’s, the chief priests and teachers, and the Magi. Herod heard the word about the coming shepherd of Israel, and he reacted angrily because his plans might be upset. The chief priests and teachers of the law also heard, but they did nothing. The Magi heard this word, and they acted on it—they made the trip (from the far east) to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus and bowed down and worshipped Him.

The indifference of the nation to the coming King is stunning. The chief priests and teachers of the law knew exactly what the Magi were talking about in verse two, but apparently had made no effort to search out the truth for themselves. Even the wicked King Herod was more curious than those who should have been at the head of the line in Bethlehem, worshiping their Messiah. But the Magi got to share in the birth of the Savior. They were the first to offer Jesus gifts that not only represented the best that they had, but spoke of His kingship and His eventual death.

Unfortunately not much has changed today in terms of man’s responses to Jesus. When confronted with "the coming King” they remain the same; indifference, hatred, or faith.  I pray you choose faith!

The Truth: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets, I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)

Matthew 1 “Why Jesus Was Born”

“She (Mary) will bear a Son; and you (Joseph) shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (v. 21)

As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember "why Jesus was born." The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “[Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (v. 21), to later become the sacrificial, spotless lamb, who's blood was shed for the sins of the world.

He truly was a "gift" from God to a sin-damaged world: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). The best gift ever given, was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

Now, that’s something to celebrate at Christmas!

The Truth: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Psalm 125 “We Will Not Be Shaken”

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever,” (v.1)

"Mount Zion" is used in God's Word many times to mean "the dwelling place of God." And because God dwells in it, it cannot be shaken, it can never be defeated, and will never perish. In Mount Zion, there is perpetual hope, peace and joy.

Similarly, if we have God dwelling with us and are truly trusting in Him, then we will never be moved from Him. Our faith will remain strong, solid, fixed, and stable. And like Mt. Zion, we shall not be shaken, but abide in Him forever.

The Truth: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

Psalm 124 “The LORD Is Our Defense”

“Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” (v.8)

Where would we be without God’s help, His sustaining power? If it had not been for the LORD (like the psalmist indicates), we too would be “swallowed alive” by our enemies; hatred, anger, drugs, alcohol, sexual lusts, and all sorts of abominations. But, "blessed be the LORD, who has made an escape for our souls as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; for the snare is broken and we have escaped” (v.7).

We are all just one bad decision away from destruction. But thank God for His Son, who through His sacrificial death on the cross made it possible for us to be, one good decision away from eternal life. For "our help is in the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Therefore, choose life - for there is power in the name of Jesus!

The Truth: "You shall ask anything in My name, I will do it, that the Father might be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13)

Psalm 123 “Keep Your Eyes On God”

"Unto You I lift up mine eyes, O You that dwell in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of a servant look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us.” (vv.1-2)

This psalm tells us that we are to pay close attention to the Lord. David uses the picture of a servant, or slave, waiting on and carefully watching the banquet table of his master to illustrate this truth. Whenever the master glances at the servant and gestures toward something, the good servant is watching and responds accordingly. But if the servant is looking around at others and not focusing on the master, he would miss the signs and not accomplished what he was intended to do.

Therefore, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus so as not to miss what He has in store for us today and every day.

The Truth: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Psalm 122 “Pray For Jerusalem”

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces." For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will say, “Peace be within you” (vv.6-8).

Both the nation of Israel and the city Jerusalem, have a special place in God’s economy. In fact, it was during David's time that Jerusalem was first chosen to be the city where God would establish His name. Jerusalem was a small city that would increase by the thousands as pilgrims came three times a year to worship the LORD and to give praise unto His name (v.4). Jerusalem was the place where counsel was given and wisdom handed out (v.5), the “Holy City." And with so much hatred all around her both then and now, we can see the wisdom in David’s request.

Today, the peace and welfare of not only Jerusalem but the church (particularly in our country), should unite us as Christians in prayer. We need to be in prayer for both the church collectively and our own fellowships individually. Why? Because just as Jerusalem was the place God chose to do His work, with a chosen group of people, so the “church” today is the same chosen vessel. It is the very place His gospel is proclaimed, and His work is accomplished. Similarly, just as the nation of Israel had it's enemies, so the church today has it's enemies as well.

Therefore, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (and your fellowship), as we make our own pilgrimage through this life.

The Truth: “I will make you (Israel) a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3)

Psalm 121 “God Is Our Help”

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (vv.1-2)

Here we have another psalm that was sung by pilgrims making their journey up to Jerusalem for one of the three traditional feasts. Psalm 120–134 (the traditional “Songs of Ascent”), formed a hymn book used by pilgrims during their journey. Although the psalmist was looking to the high ground of mount Zion, he was not looking for the mountains themselves for his help. But rather, the mountains reminded him of God’s creative power, and that God alone was his source of help.

Often times we are guilty of looking at our problems from the wrong perspective. We tend to be defeated, overwhelmed, or see them as insurmountable. But when we consider who our helper is, the God who made heaven and earth (v.2), who does not slumber nor sleep (v.3), who is our keeper (v.4), who will preserve us from all evil (v.7), and watches over us day and night. This should give us great peace and comfort in the midst of any trial.

Therefore, praise Him, sing songs to Him, look to Him. For He is our source of help, our refuge and strength, a very pleasant help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

The Truth: "Behold, I am God. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

Psalm 120 “ My Soul Seeks Peace”

"In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from the deceitful tongue.” (vv.1-2)

Psalms 120 through 134 are known as Songs of Ascent. As the Jewish people made their way up to Jerusalem three times a year for the feats of; Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, they would sing these songs. And According to Josephus, there were many times well over a million people who would gather for these feasts to worship the Lord together. Can you imagine those voices joining in together as they approached the city?

Here in the first of these psalms of Degrees, the psalmist is looking forward to that time of fellowship with like minded people. He expresses the turmoil of living in a world that is antagonistic towards God. Living amongst the ungodly, his soul is longing for that fellowship with God, for that peace of God, and the escape from all the confusion, the lying, the conniving, and all that is going on in the world around him. And the closer he gets to Jerusalem the more at peace his soul becomes.

As a Christian, we can identify sometimes with that feeling of being surround by the ungodly. Those times when we are tired of being violated in our minds, and our very soul longs for that fellowship with God and His people. Like the Israelites, we too have a place to worship the Lord, to meet with His people, to hear from His Word. And as we draw near to it, from however far we must travel, the more at peace we begin to feel in our souls.

Oh how I love His church, His Word, the fellowship of believers, and the worship of His people. For my soul seeks the peace of God.

The Truth: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

Psalm 119 “God’s Word Celebrated”

“I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure.” (v. 162)
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” (v. 165)

This psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible, one-hunderd-and-seventy-six verses, and is a psalm that is dedicated to God’s Word. Each verse (with the exception of two), declares something about the Word of God. Therefore, all the way through it we will find phrases like, "Thy law," "Thy statutes," "Thy judgments," "Thy words," "Thy truth”, and "Thy ways.” Of all the 176 verses the psalmist uses to expound on God’s Word, two hit me like a ton of bricks this time through.

“I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure” (v. 162). I can’t tell you how many times as I am reading my Bible, God’s Word ministers to me immediately. It is as though a particular scripture, written thousands of years ago, was penned just for me. In those moments, it’s just as though I had found a great treasure, as His Word speaks comfort, encouragement, and purpose to my heart.

“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (v. 165). What a great truth this is. How often do we worry and fret about things totally out of our control? Spending too much time with the, “What if’s” or the “could be’s” in life, when we could be exercising our faith in Him - not wavering or stumbling, but trusting that "all things are working together for our good."

Therefore, treat you Bible as a great treasure. Be in it every day. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will be yours, as He confirms to your heart His great truths.

The Truth: "My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Psalm 118 “Open My Eyes LORD”

"God is the LORD, which hath showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD for He is good! Because His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 118: 27-29)

This psalm is the last of the six “halal” psalms. It was one of the traditional psalms that the Jews would sing at the Passover feast. In it one can see many prophecies concerning our LORD’s eventual sacrifice for us. The ‘Lamb of God”, which would take away the sins of the world, bound to the altar of the cross.

What is interesting to me is that Jesus would have sung this very psalm with His disciples at the Passover shortly before His crucifixion. Which means, they were actually singing this prophetic psalm in which some aspects had recently come to fulfillment right before their very eyes. And yet, the disciples could not see the very things they were singing about, nor the eventual outcome.

Scripture records that as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem for Passover, a multitude was crying, "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9). His disciples (who were with Him) witnessed this event prophesied in the very hymn they were singing (vv.23-25), and yet did not connect the dots.

Shortly after that, the disciples witnessed how Jesus spoke to the chief priests and scribes in the parable of the “Wicked Vinedressers.” How they (chief priests/scribes) were the wicked vinedressers who sought to kill the owners beloved son (Jesus), to keep the inheritance (spiritual authority) for themselves. Thus foretelling of Himself being rejected by His own, "the chief corner stone was rejected by the builders” (Luke 20:17). Once again the disciples were blind to what they were singing.

Finally, they were actually singing, "Bind the sacrifice with cords to the altar” (v. 27), prophesying how our Lord would die, nailed to the altar of the cross. But the disciples remained blind to all that was going on around them and the significance of moment. Their rituals had become just that, and the meaning lost at the time of its fulfillment. Very sad.

Psalm 118, what a prophetic word. Lord help us to see, and not be blind to Your Word. Open our eyes LORD, that we might not miss the events prophesied both now and those which are yet to come. Amen!

The Truth: "Open my eyes that I might see wonderful things in Your Law" (Psalm 119:18)  

Psalm 117 “ Let All People Praise The LORD"

"O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.” (v.1)

Psalm 117 is the shortest of all the psalms. It is a psalm that celebrates the universal reign of Jesus Christ, who shall come and reign over all the nations and all the people of the earth, not just the Jews. It also celebrates His love and kindness in our lives along with the truth of His Word which endures forever.

I thank God for the great mercy and long-suffering which He has shown me in my life. Daily I am reminded of the infallible truths in His Word (which have stood the test of time) that minister hope, encouragement, love, forgiveness, and direction in my life. Thank you Lord for not condemning me according to my sin but, "As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high is Your mercy over those that reverence You" (Psalm 103:11 ). Thank you Lord for extending Your love and truth to all who call upon Your name.

Praise the LORD!

The Truth: For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same LORD is over all.’ (Romans 10:11-12)

Psalm 116 “Thanksgiving For Deliverance?”

“What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” (v. 12)

This “halal, or praise psalm was written by one who was celebrating the deliverance of a severe physical affliction. Many Jewish commentators attribute it to Hezekiah, who was told to get his house in order because he was about to die (2 Kings 20:1). But, after much prayer the LORD healed him and gave him 15 more years on earth (2 Kings 20:5-6). Upon reflection of all that God had done for him in his lifetime, Hezekiah asks the question here in our text, “What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits toward me?"  

What a legitimate question. We could all ask the same thing. What can we give to the LORD?, the creator of the universe who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, for all He has done for us. In the material sense there is nothing that God really needs. For "the earth is the LORD’s and all that is within it.” And anything we give to Him in that sense, is already His. So what can we give Him?

When my children were growing up they would bring me pictures they had drawn in sunday school, crafts they had made for “fathers day,” bookmarks they had made with their pictures on them, cards expressing their love. To this day I still have many of those tokens of their love and affection that I can look at and enjoy at any time. Priceless! Now as they are grown and have great responsibilities of their own, a quick text or phone call, an unexpected visit, coffee, an occasional outing, all speak to me of their love, their desire to stay in touch, that I am on their mind and in their hearts. These expressions of love, no matter how simple, still mean the most, and are priceless.

What then can we give to God for all His benefits toward us, that He might consider us priceless? Our time, our hearts, and our love. Our time, by staying connected to our heavenly Father, in His Word, in prayer, in praise and thanksgiving for delivering us from sin and death. Our hearts and love, by recognizing all He has done for us through His love and grace, and by giving Him the glory and honor due His name.

And, in so doing, we will as the psalmist wrote, “offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving” - our love, priceless to Him, for His deliverance in and of our lives.

The Truth: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Psalm 115 “Praise The Living God”

“We will bless the LORD, from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!” (v. 18)

This Psalm is the third of the six “halal” or praise psalms that were sung at the three major feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. And, while there are varying opinions as to who wrote it and when, the one common denominator among all the commentators is, it deals with praising the living God over all other gods.

Unlike the idols of the Edomites, the Ammonites, and the Moabites, or the Egyptians, and the Babylonians, who were "made with silver and gold and are the work of man's hands" (v. 4), "our God is in the heavens and He does whatever pleases Him" (v. 3). And while God is currently in heaven, away from this fallen world and its destructive influences, one day He will take possession of it again. And when that happens, all will be as it was intended to be before the fall of man.

Therefore, "praise our living God" for who He is, for what He has done, and for what He will yet do!

The Truth: "Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord.” (Psalm 135:1)

Psalm 114 “Released From Bondage”

"When Israel went out of Egypt, and the house of Jacob from the people of strange language; Judah was His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion. The sea saw it, and fled; Jordan turned back.” (vv.1-3)

This little psalm recalls the deliverance of the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt. It shows the power of God, as the psalmist records how the Red Sea was parted for them, the waters of the Jordan stopped for them, that they might walk in on dry land.

This psalm also shows us the faithfulness of God to His Word. For as He promised Moses saying, “I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God” (Exodus 6:6-7), so it was fulfilled.

What an awesome God we serve! One who can deliver us when we are trapped by our own sin, who has the power to do miraculous works in our lives, and is faithful to complete that work in and through us. Hallelujah!

The Truth: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them, He delivers them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)  

Psalm 113 “Praise You The LORD”

"Praise you the LORD. Praise, O you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.” (v.1)

Jon Courson tells us in his commentary that Psalm 113 is the first of six consecutive psalms called “halal psalms” or praise psalms because most of them start or end with the Hebrew word, halal, or “praise.” And that these songs were sung at the three major feasts or festivals of the Jews: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Praise was the essential offering at all the solemn feasts of the people of God. Prayer was the myrrh, and praise the frankincense, and both of these must be presented unto the Lord, just as they were at our Savior’s birth.

What I find interesting about this psalm is, who it is addressed to. Not the angels, nor all men, nor the priests and Levites only (but it certainly included them); but all the servants, saints, God’s faithful people, who are a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices (praise) to God. And even though these songs were traditionally sung at the major feasts, I believe this to be a call to worship Him daily since, "His mercies are new every morning."

Therefore, “praise ye the Lord” you His servants, praise the name of Jehovah. 

The Truth: "Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.” (Psalm 149:1) -NAS  

Psalm 112 “Hallelujah”

"Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments.” (v.1)

The exhortation “praise the Lord”, is addressed to all thoughtful persons who, observe the way and manner of life of men that fear the Lord. It is translated in the Hebrew, “Hallelujah.” So I have chosen the title of this devotional to reflect the Hebrew exhortation as it relates to men that fear God.

The statement, "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,” suggests that men who have a godly fear (which leads to delight in the service of God) are infinitely blessed. According to Psalm 111:10, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"; therefore the psalmist here has begun to be wise, and that wisdom has brought him present happiness, and secured his eternal joy.

Our text ends with the words, “who delights greatly in His commandments.” Meaning, a wise man delights in God’s Word, his inward man observes it from a principle of love, and finds peace and pleasure in it. He abides by it, and loves it even above gold, yes more than fine gold; and esteems it’s truths concerning all things to be right (Psalm 119:97).

Simply put, blessed is the man who has a reverent fear of God, which causes him to delight greatly in the word of God, providing for him eternal peace and rest. Hallelujah!

The Truth: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the council of the wicked, nor stands in the path of the sinner, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Psalm 111 “Reasons For Praise”

"Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.” (v. 2) - ESV

Throughout Psalm 111, the psalmist is proclaiming the reasons for praising the LORD. He makes it very clear in verses 2-9 that there is no excuse not to worship Him. Starting with out text the Psalmist is amazed at the, “great…works of the LORD." And, just as some things in life usher in a sense of awe and wonder, so should God’s works.

Psalm 111 also demonstrates the character of God: His splendor, majesty, and righteousness which endures forever (v. 3), His graciousness and mercy (v.4), that He remembers His covenants (v.5), that He is faithful, just, and trustworthy (v.7), and One who has sent redemption to His people (v.9). We also see in this psalm that Holy and awesome is His name, and a wise man is in awe of Him (v. 10). All of this speaks to His great majesty as well as our dependency.

Closer to home, the works done in our lives individually by God give us many reasons to praise Him. Truly if you studied the works of the LORD in your life, as our text says, you would delight in them. Therefore, be in awe of Him, be thankful to Him, trust Him, give praise to Him, and let Him guide your life - For “Great are the works of the LORD.”

The Truth: "How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts! A senseless man does not know, and a fool does not understand.” (Psalm 92:5-6)
                  "The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.” ( Psalm 14:2)

Psalm 110 “Sit At My Right Hand”

The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” (v.1)

Psalm 110 is a beautiful Psalm of David describing the rule of Christ as He sits at the right hand of God. Here in our text David records that God (Yahweh) said unto his (David's) Lord (Jesus Christ), "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies My footstool.” Obviously this has not happened completely yet, but it will. Yes Jesus sits currently at the right hand of the Father, but the enemies of Christ are not currently under His feet.

Scripture tells us in Revelation that God will come to judge the earth, and put down all the enemies of Jesus Christ, bring all things in subjection unto Him. And when the great tribulation is over, the nations will have been defeated bring them unto the subjection of Jesus Christ as promised here in our text - making Him King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Truth: "Then I saw heaven opened and here came a white horse! The one riding it was called “Faithful” and “True,” and with justice he judges and goes to war. His eyes are like a fiery flame and there are many diadem crowns on his head. He has a name written that no one knows except himself. He is dressed in clothing dipped in blood, and he is called the Word of God. The armies that are in heaven, dressed in white, clean, fine linen, were following him on white horses. From his mouth extends a sharp sword, so that with it he can strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod, and He stomps the winepress of the furious wrath of God, the All-Powerful. He has a name written on his clothing and on his thigh: “King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:11-16)

Psalm 109 “Pray For Your Enemies"

"Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. For they compassed me about also with words of hatred; and they fought against me without a cause. For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.” (vv.1-4)

Jesus said, “Bless those who curse you. Do good to those that hate you. Pray form them that despitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). But, what David is praying in this psalm (vv. 5-20), is far from what Jesus taught in the New Testament. So although we can identify with the prayer of revenge here, we realize that this is not the new nature in Christ of forgiveness. Therefore, realizing how much God has forgiven us, we also need to forgive others.

After praying against his enemies, David changes his tune in verse 21 and begins to pray for himself, asking God to deliver him from his adversaries. He finally saw the wisdom of allowing God to fight his battles for him. Giving ourselves to prayer rather than striking out against others, or trying to get vengeance, is much better than getting involved directly. If we stay in the Spirit, rather than the flesh, it can save us a great deal of aggravation and may even bring about change in the lives of those who persecute us.

The Truth: "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Psalm 108 “Victory Through God”

[Oh God], “Give us help from trouble, for vain is the help of man. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” (v.12-13)

This psalm begins with praise and concludes with prayer, but faith is the constant throughout. In this psalm David once again shows us how to praise God; with fervency and affection (v.1), publicly, for others to witness His mercy and truth, and to magnify, exalt, and glorify His name (vv. 2-6).

David also demonstrates to us that in prayer we should pray with faith believing in the power and promises of God (vv. 6-8). That even though we may find ourselves surrounded on all sides as he was, God will lead us, He will give us help from trouble, and through Him will our enemies be vanquish (vv. 9-13).

OK, What does that look like? Well, while we do our part in praise and prayer to Him, He is faithful to guide us with His Spirt, through His Word, in the way (direction, action) we should go (Psalm 25:5). We must depend entirely upon the favor and grace of God, both for strength and success - it is only through God that we shall do valiantly (Phil. 4:13).

The last part verse 13 sums it up perfectly by saying, “It is He (God himself) that "treads down our enemies.” Therefore, whatever we do, whatever we gain, to God should be the glory.

The Truth: "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

Psalm 107 “Give Thanks To The LORD”

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (vv.1-2).

The Babylonians under king Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the first temple built by king Solomon in 586 B.C. The Jews were then carried off into captivity by Babylon for the next seventy years. After the seventy years were completed, the people were released from their captivity by King Cyrus and allowed to go back to their land and rebuild the temple, just as the LORD had told Jeremiah (25:10-12). Psalms 107-119 were songs that were sung as the foundation of the second temple was being laid.

Ezra 3:10-13 gives an eyewitness account of what took place during that time. How as the new foundation was laid all the people shouted with a great shout, praising the LORD. But, Ezra also records how the shouts of joy and celebration of the younger men were mingled with weeping and mourning of the older men, because the second temple was (in their eyes) architecturally inferior to the first. It is a rare thing not to find criticism when starting something new, especially among the elderly who have a tendency to look back to “the good old days” and long for what that had. But, returning to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, and seeing the deplorable state it was in, I’m sure that gave many cause for sorrow.

However a new work was being done in the hearts of a small contingency of the people, obedience and thankfulness. Thankfulness for being back in the city and no longer captives, and obedience to laying the foundation of the temple. And, as they waited on God, giving thanks to Him, singing songs to Him, they began to see not only the reality of the present, but prophetically what it would become in the future. And, as a result of their obedience to God’s Word, many blessings would come their way for which they would, "give thanks."

This is truly the key to a fruitful life, obeying the call God puts on our hearts.  It’s not about how big and beautiful our temple of worship is, it’s about Him and what we do with His Word, and His calling, His blessings, His gifts. The final verse in this chapter sums it all up, “Whoever is wise will observe theses things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD” (v.43). What things? Praise and thanksgiving. Therefore, “Give Thanks To The LORD."

The Truth: “O Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:1-3)

Psalm 106 “Rebellious Days”

“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly” (v.7)

Psalm 105 declared the faithfulness of God. It recounted what the LORD had done for His people. Here in psalm 106 we see the rebellious days of the nation of Israel, recounting how God's people treated Him. Much like our own rebellious teenage years and the prevailing philosophy of “don’t trust anyone over 30”, so the nation of Israel rebelled against their leadership and God. In so doing they exchanged protection, provision, and communion, for slavery, poverty and idolatry. However, even though God’s people had committed iniquity, done wickedly, rebelled openly, and had done this repeatedly, like any loving father, He forgave them, but, not without suffering the consequences of their sin.

Just like the nation of Israel we too can often fall into this same trap of repeated sin. Daily we can experience the goodness of God in our lives and as time goes by become disgruntled with our comfortable lifestyles, jobs, possessions, relationships, and desire more. Thus, becoming a perfect target for Satan’s destructive power in our lives and before you know it, we have fallen into his trap once more. Scripture tells us that, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual hosts in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Make no mistake, Satan will find a weakness in us if we do not arm ourselves daily in the Word, and give time to prayer in our busy lives.

Therefore, give thanks to God for what He has blessed you with and keep your eyes on Him and not the things of this world. "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—are not from the Father but are from the world” (1 John 2:15-16). Instead, put on the armor of light daily, lift up to Him the desires of your heart, and if they are in His will, He will bring them to pass in His timing.

The Truth: “Trust in the LORD, and do good. Delight yourself also in Him, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:3-5)

Psalm 105 “Make Known His Deeds”

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples, Sing to Him, sing songs to Him; Talk of His wondrous works. Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD.” (vv.1-3)

Psalm 105 is a psalm of history. In it, the psalmist recounts what the LORD has done for His people. Declaring the faithfulness of God to His word (covenant), and recounting the goodness and grace He has shown to them throughout their lives. Here in the opening of the text (vv.1-3), the psalmist is exhorting the people to “give thanks” to God for all He has done, to “make known His deeds” (testify) and “talk of His wondrous works, to rejoice, to sing of Him, sing songs to Him (worship), and give glory to His name."

Wow! What a great exhortation. How often do we as Christians do this? If the truth be known, probably not enough. But, like the nation of Israel, each one of us has a history, a story to tell of what God has done for us. Our story (testimony) can show others the grace and goodness of God in our own lives. Thereby making known His deeds, and His wondrous works, which have brought each of us to salvation. This then will allow God to work through us, and use us, to bring others to Him, and to glorify His holy name.

Therefore, “make known His deeds among the peoples and talk of His wondrous works" - tell your story. It could save a life from destruction.

The Truth: “All Your works shall praise You O LORD, and Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.” (Psalm 145:10-12)

Psalm 104 “The Creation Story”

“Oh LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, You cover Yourself with light as a garment, You stretch out the heavens like a curtain.” (vv.1-2)

This psalm is a poetic picture of “the creation story.” In it we will see the psalmist praising the LORD for His creation and providence over all things, even rebuking the oceans (setting boundaries) so they will never again cover the earth as they once did during the great flood (v.9). And as we read through psalm 104, the creation story will unfold in order of the Genesis account.

As in Genesis, psalm 104 begins with the creation of; light in day 1 (v. 1), the atmosphere in day 2 (v. 2-3), the oceans, dry land, and vegetation in day 3 ( vv. 5-18), the sun, moon, and stars in day four (vv. 19-23). On day 5 we see the creation of fish and birds (vv. 24-26), and finally on day 6 we see the creation of man and animals (vv. 27-30). Then of-course, on the seventh day God rested (vv. 31-32).

David wrote conceding the creative genius of God, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have set in their place, What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him” (Psalm 8:3-4)? In other words David could see with his own eyes, and feel in his own heart, the creative genius of God. This left him in awe and wonder, giving praise to his God, as the psalmist does here at the end of psalm 104 saying, “Praise ye the LORD” (v. 32).

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible gives us a clear picture of the creator of all things. It declares that "nature" or "creation” gives a clear testimony to God's existence. Everyone, everywhere, has this testimony in front of their eyes every day. Creation then makes humanity responsible and shows them they are "without excuse.” Still, the revelation of God in nature has been corrupted by sinful man and the “great lie” has led many astray. Paul wrote concerning this suppression of the truth by some in his day by saying, "Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. God gave them up."(Romans 1:25-26). Ouch!

It truly takes more blind faith to accept the idea that all of creation came into existence through a “big explosion” (order from disorder), than to look up with your own eyes as David did, and see the heavens, and understand that creation needs to have a creator. Therefore, I encourage you to look up and see for yourself. Then, accept Him as not just creator, but as LORD as well. (see prayer to the left on this page)

The Truth: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4)

Psalm 103 “Bless The Lord”

“Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” (v.1)

When I look back on my life, I can see the faithfulness of God. The times of protection, of preservation, healing, and direction. The answered prayer, the strength of His Word, and the comfort of His Spirit. Then I think of where I would be without His presence in my life and the song “Ever Be" comes to my mind, especially these words, "Faithful You have been and faithful you will be.”

Bless you LORD for forgiving my sin, for healing my diseases, for redeeming my life from destruction. For Your long-suffering with my rebellion, for your rod of correction and calling me You’re own. Bless You Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, I bless Your holy name.

The Truth: "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-2)

Psalm 102 “God Is Eternal”

“You laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They shall perish, but You shalt endure; Yes, all of them shall wax old, like a garment; as a vesture shall You change them, and they shall be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.” (vv. 25-26)

In the light of just finishing the book of Revelation, this psalm has interesting timing. Especially in how the psalmist speaks of the heavens and the earth. God laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of His hands, but they are going to perish the psalmist says.

Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word, shall never pass away" (Matthew 24:35). Peter also described how both the heavens and the earth are going to pass away, how the elements will be dissolved and melt with a fervent heat, bringing forth the new heaven and a new earth (2 Peter 3:10). And of-course, John recorded this very same fact in Revelation 21:5, "the new heaven and the new earth are where righteousness will dwell.”

Now here in Psalm 102 David tells us, "like a man changes his coat, God is going to change the earth, and the heavens, and they shall be changed." But, in contrast to the universe, which is waxing old, which is winding down, God is eternal. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His years have no beginning and no end. He is the great “I AM” (Exodus 3:14), “Yahweh,” meaning “I Am the One Who Is” and there is no other (Acts 4:12). God, eternal in the heavens, will make all things new. Hallelujah!

The Truth: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1a)

Psalm 101 “David’s Promise”

“I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” (v.2)

This Psalm was composed by David between the time of God’s promising the kingdom to him and his actual possession of it. In it, David considers what manner of King he would be (when God would place him in the throne), promising openly to be “merciful and just” (v.1), to "walk with a perfect heart" (v.2), to destroy all the wicked (vv. 3-5), and to watch the faithful of the land and place them in positions of service, (v. 6). Basically, it was his plan of stopping wickedness and encouraging godliness in his future kingdom and his household as well.

No one except Jesus Christ lived a perfect life. Therefore, it is very unlikely that we, or David for that matter, could live up to such a vow of behaving perfectly. But, I do believe we can aim for it. Aiming to do what is right: in general conduct; in the rules by which one lives; in the treatment of all under ones charge and employ; and of course, with family and friends, should be our constant goal. And, when we fall short, we ask for His forgiveness. But our goal should be to be Christ like, to walk as He walked with the help of His Spirit. In this, David got it right!

Scripture tells us that, "He who is faithful in the small things, is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much" (Luke 16:10). As I watch the morning news, I see how true this is and how far we have fallen from those principles of “right” and “wrong” and from the aim of a perfect way. Pride, position, and power, have become the guidelines of governmental decision making, and principles of right and wrong have been sacrificed upon the alter of "opinion" and "slander."

Oh that our hearts desire would be as David’s, to behave wisely and to walk with a perfect heart. That godliness would be our aim and not evil.

The Truth: "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD.” (Psalm 119:1)

Revelation 22 “Who May Enter?”

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (vv. 12-14)

Here in chapter 22 the LORD is testifying of Himself. If you have a “red letter” Bible, verses 12-13 have been recorded in red ink indicating just that. Therefore by recognizing who is speaking, the great “I AM”, the “Alpha” and “Omega”, the beginning and the end of all things, God Almighty, we become blessed by doing His will, "believing on the name of LORD Jesus Christ whom the Father has sent" (John 6:28). Through faith in His Son, we as Christians then may enter the gates into the city and have the right to the tree of life.

Our text also indicates that when He comes it will be quickly and He will have rewards to give every believer according to their works. Meaning, there will be degrees of rewards in heaven according to the works that we do in His name (with a pure motivation). Remembering what Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel, "Take heed that you do not your righteousness before men to be seen of men, because then you have your reward"( Matt. 6:1 ), you can be sure motives will be tested by fire before rewards are handed out.

The greatest work we can do is, sharing the “good news” (Mark 16:15) with others. It should be a natural outpouring from our redeemed lives, given in love and humility. Then if accepted, “the right to the tree of life, and entry through the gates into the heavenly city” will be recorded in the Book of Life.

If you find yourself ready to receive His Son, and inherit all that comes with that, read the prayer to the left on this page, believe it, live it, and I'll see you one day in the heavenly city.

The Truth: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keeps those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)