Asaph

Thanks, and Thanks Again

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto Thee do we give thanks: for that Thy name is near Thy wondrous works declare.” Psalm 75:1 (KJV)

One day a year the United States of America has a day of Thanksgiving.  I believe a few other Nations also have a day of Thanksgiving some time in the year.

It is an awesome thing to thank the LORD God.  He is worthy of our thanksgiving and our praise.  Are you a grateful person?  Do you thank God every morning as you get out of bed for a new day; for the chance to start over?  Do you thank Him for the sunrise, or do you curse it?  If you curse the new day, you are guaranteed a rough day.

All it takes for the child of God to be thankful is not out of obedience, but seeing the glories of God’s creation around us.  His works do declare that He is near.  Look at the birds as they soar, and fly through the air, and the sky.  Listen to them as they sing their praises every morning, and all day long.  Look at the wonders in the weather; the beauty, and the purity of the snow, falling and covering all the imperfections that are on the ground and in the trees.  Thank Him.

For the Christian thanks is the way to begin the day, and end the day.  It is even the way to live through the day.

As the apostle Paul has written,

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Question of “Why?”

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“O God, why hast Thou cast us off for ever? Why doth Thine anger smoke against the sheep of Thy pasture?” Psalm 74:1 (KJV)

If you have not at some point in your life asked the question “Why?” to God; you will.  You may not verbalize it; but you will think it.

There have been Christians who believed we should never ask God “Why?”  Well Why not?  Let us face it we all face trials; tough situations, circumstances; and some of these; maybe many of these are out of our control.  We believe we have been faithful to God, and yet this death, this sickness, this disease, this tragedy or chaotic event has happened in our lives.

This Psalm is a song of instruction from Asaph.  He knows about asking the question “Why?”

For myself; I have asked God “Why?”  He has never given me an answer as to the reason for the event or trial; but He has given me faith to bear it, and to trust Him through it.

The reason we would ask Him “Why?” is because we trust Him.  That is of course if we have asked without a rebellious heart; thinking if He gives me no good answer, then, I will never mention His name again, nor will I worship Him again.  Now that would be tragic.

I must say there have been times I asked God in anger “Why?” concerning my wife’s illness, or about the aorta problem she had a few years ago, that could have caused her death in an instant.  He never answered, but He gave me peace, and a greater trust in Him.

Let us hear the heart of Asaph.  Know that it is okay for the child of God to ask “Why?”  It does show who you are trusting.

The Clean Heart

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.” Psalm 73:1 (KJV)

The Psalm is a song of Asaph.  A collector.  A Song writer.  A musician of the temple.  There are a few of the Psalms attributed to Asaph.  A man who loved God.

To have a clean heart, a pure heart ought to be the desire of every child of God, every Christian.  Yes we are saved by grace, but that grace is powerful enough not to leave us in our sin and rebellion.

God is good to Israel, and to all who know Israel’s God, and are known by Him.  Here is what has been written concerning “perfect hearts” that is a pure, clean heart;

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Do you have a clean, pure heart?  Do you desire a clean, pure heart; a perfect heart?  Hear what Jesus says,

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Believe what God says.  Trust His gift of salvation to mankind.  Trust His Son Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross.  See Romans 10:9-13.