“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)
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
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 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)
Monday, October 8, 2018
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 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)
Friday, October 5, 2018
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)
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)
Thursday, October 4, 2018
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)
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)
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
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)
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)
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
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)
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)
Monday, October 1, 2018
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)
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)
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