‘Elohiym

Praising the LORD

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“Praise waiteth for Thee, O God, in Sion: and unto Thee shall the vow be performed.” Psalm 65:1 (KJV)

David was a man who was continually praising God; the three in one.  He is due the praise of His people.  He is worthy of the praise of the whole Universe; and all praise is due Him.

There is a proper place of praise, and that is before His throne.  He has made it possible for sinful man to approach His throne, and that is through the atoning death of Jesus Christ His holy, and blessed Son.  We can continually be before His throne.  We approach His throne through Christ being cleansed, forgiven, made whole through Him.

Of this Psalm “Praise waiteth for Thee, O God, in Sion…” Spurgeon has written,

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion.” Though Babylon adores Antichrist, Zion remains faithful to her King; to him, and to him only, she brings her perpetual oblation of worship. Those who have seen in Zion the blood of sprinkling, and know themselves to belong to the church of the firstborn, can never think of her without presenting humble praise to Zion’s God; his mercies are too numerous and precious to be forgotten. The praises of the saints wait for a signal from the divine Lord, and when he shows his face they burst forth at once. Like a company of musicians gathered to welcome and honour a prince, who wait till he makes his appearance, so do we reserve our best praises till the Lord reveals himself in the assembly of his saints; and, indeed, till he shall descend from heaven in the day of his appearing. Praise also waits like a servant or courtier in the royal halls – gratitude is humble and obedient. Praise attends the Lord’s pleasure, and continues to bless him, whether he shows tokens of present favour or no; she is not soon wearied, but all through the night she sings on in sure hope that the morning cometh.

THE TREASURY OF DAVID

Praising the LORD God is recognizing, knowing who He is, and blessing Him with words, acts of faith, and our lives.  Recognize who He is today.  Praise Him.

You owe Him praise.  No matter who you are; all praise is due Him.

Preserve My Life

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“Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.” Psalm 64:1 (KJV)

We have here another of David’s prayers.  David was a unique man and king.  He often called on God in prayer, and it was a normal thing for Him, because he had a heart for God.  Of David C. H. Spurgeon has written,

It is our duty to note how constantly David turns to prayer; it is his battleaxe and weapon of war he uses it under every pressure, whether of inward sin or outward wrath, foreign invasion or domestic rebellion. We shall act wisely if we make prayer to God our first and best trusted resource in every hour of need.
from THE TREASURY OF DAVID

In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he has written,

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints…” Ephesians 6:17-18 (KJV)

We note that for the Christian, in particular the Spirit filled Christian the Word of God is an weapon of offense, and I believe defense as well; and then there is the matter of prayer.  It is a weapon as well.  When we are in touch with God, and He is in communication with us then He is the Champion of our battles.

To conclude this study I will include some of the words from Matthew Henry:

He earnestly begs of God to preserve him (Psa_64:1, Psa_64:2): Hear my voice, O God! in my prayer; that is, grant me the thing I pray for, and this is it, Lord, preserve my life from fear of the enemy, that is, fro the enemy that I am in fear of. He makes request for his life, which is, in a particular manner, dear to him, because he knows it is designed to be very serviceable to God and his generation. When his life is struck at it cannot be thought he should altogether hold his peace, Est_7:2, Est_7:4. And, if he plead his fear of the enemy, it is no disparagement to his courage; his father Jacob, that prince with God, did so before him. Gen_32:11, Deliver me from the hand of Esau, for I fear him. Preserve my life from fear, not only from the thing itself which I fear, but from the disquieting fear of it; this is, in effect, the preservation of the life, for fear has torment, particularly the fear of death, by reason of which some are all their life-time subject to bondage.
from Matthew Henry Commentary

Let us, however, not just use prayer for our help; but also for praising Him  who alone is worthy of our worship, praise, honor and glory.  That is Christ Jesus.

Thirsting for GOD

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“O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary.” Psalm 63:1-2 (KJV)

A declaration of faith.  A lived faith. A faith  that is walked in the LORD.  That was David.  He had the desire, and heart to seek God at every opportunity of his life; even while hiding from Saul in the wilderness. 

Though separated from the sanctuary; the Tabernacle; David still desired to seek God.  “Early” is not necessarily a time of day or morning; it expresses eagerness to be with God, in the quiet and still of the day.

Being with the LORD in His word, in prayer, hearing Him helps the Christian deal with life.  If we have problem people we can love them with the love of God, and show them the love of Christ as we journey through our day.

I have never experienced a really dry mouth; having never been too far from a source of water; however, I have heard that it is a horrible thing.  That is the comparison the Psalmist uses to say that he desires GOD, and to see His power and His glory.

We can see the power and the glory of God when we look upon the cross of Jesus Christ.  It is a wonderful thing to have a place of worship, and know that you can meet GOD there.  The Christian, however, needs to know, that, no matter where we are He is there with us.  As a matter of fact we must worship Him; not once a week; but everyday, throughout the whole day, praying without ceasing, walking with Him, praising Him.

If you are not worshipping Him throughout the week what makes you think you can catch up on your worship on Sunday.  No worship through the week.  No worship on Sunday.  Maybe that is why you go to Church on Sunday, and do not give anything, or receive anything from it. If you know Jesus worship Him.  He is with you always.

 

Waiting

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“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation.” Psalm 62:1 (KJV)

There is much said in Scripture of waiting.  Patience is the key to this word, and I do not know about you, but I am not often a patient person.  I believe The Lord has taught me patience over the years I have grown in Him.  Today, as I have in the past I will let someone else do the commentary on this verse.

From the Matthew Henry Commentary we read,

David’s profession of dependence upon God, and upon him only, for all good (Psa_62:1): Truly my soul waiteth upon God. Nevertheless (so some) or “However it be, whatever difficulties or dangers I may meet with, though God frown upon me and I meet with discouragements in my attendance on him, yet still my soul waits upon God” (or is silent to God, as the word is), “Says nothing against what he does, but quietly expects what he will do.” We are in the way both of duty and comfort when our souls wait upon God, when we cheerfully refer ourselves, and the disposal of all our affairs, to his will and wisdom, when we acquiesce in and accommodate ourselves to all the dispensations of his providence, and patiently expect a doubtful event, with an entire satisfaction in his righteousness and goodness, however it be. Is not my soul subject go God? So the Septuagint. So it, certainly so it ought to be; our wills must be melted into his will. My soul has respect to God, for from him cometh my salvation. He doubts not but his salvation will come, though now he was threatened and in danger, and he expects it to come from God, and from him only; for in vain is it hoped for from hills and mountains, Jer_3:23; Psa_121:1, Psa_121:2. “From him I know it will come, and therefore on him will I patiently wait till it does come, for his time is the best time.” We may apply it to our eternal salvation, which is called the salvation of God (Psa_50:23); from him it comes; he prepared it for us, he prepares us for it, and preserves us to it, and therefore let our souls wait on him, to be conducted through this world to that eternal salvation, in such way as he thinks fit.

from the Matthew Henry Commentary

Hear this from the prophet Isaiah,

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

Cast Off, Scattered, Displeased?

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“O God, Thou hast cast us off, Thou hast scattered us, Thou hast been displeased; O turn Thyself to us again.” Psalm 60:1 (KJV)

Contrary to the way this Psalm begins it is really a Psalm of victory.  Of God being the Deliverer.

Just for a short thought.  It may feel sometimes as though God has cast us off, scattered us from our people, and from Himself; and/or even that He is displeased with us; however, there is always hope for the child of God.

With this one verse we see the Psalmists’ hope “O turn Thyself to us again”, and God always hears the cry of His people.

Remember how much God loves you.  He sent His Son to die on the cross for us, for you, and by trusting that precious work of Christ you can look to Him and live eternally.

To GOD for Deliverance

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“Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.” Psalm 59:1 (KJV)

Oh that I had a heart like that of David.  David often; as we read in the Psalms; would go to God when he found himself in peril.  I try too often to deliver myself, and that is usually to my own peril until I plead for God’s help, God’s deliverance.

Here are Spurgeon’s words on this verse,

“Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God.” They were all round the house with the warrant of authority, and a force equal to the carrying of it out. He was to be taken dead or alive, well or ill, and carried to the slaughter. No prowess could avail him to break the cordon of armed men, neither could any eloquence stay the hand of his bloody persecutor. He was taken like a bird in a net, and no friend was near to set him free. Unlike the famous starling, he did not cry, “I can’t get out,” but his faith uttered quite another note. Unbelief would have suggested that prayer was a waste of breath, but not so thought the good man, for he makes it his sole resort. He cries for deliverance and leaves ways and means with his God. “Defend me from them that rise up against me.” Saul was a king, and therefore sat in high places, and used all his authority to crush David; the persecuted one therefore beseeches the Lord to set him on high also, only in another sense. He asks to be lifted up, as into a lofty tower, beyond the reach of his adversary. Note how he sets the title “My God,” over against the word “mine enemies.” This is the right method of effectually catching and quenching the fiery darts of the enemy upon the shield of faith. God is our God, and therefore deliverance and defence are ours.

from THE TREASURY OF DAVID

Do you find yourself in a world of hurt, pain, despair, doubt, fear, anguish?  Your only help that will give you peace, and comfort is found in the One who made you from the dust of the earth.  He may not end the trouble or trial; but He will give you peace through it.

In the Shadow

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“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” Psalm 57:1 (KJV)

Once again David realizes his need for the mercy of God.  He is fleeing from king Saul.  He is not fleeing because he is only fearful.  He is fleeing, at least in part, because he fears he might end up needing to slay the king to save his own life.  He is avoiding the possibility.  For David to kill Saul, king of Israel, even for protecting his own life would be a sin against God.

We all need mercy, even in times of avoidance of what could happen.  Maybe that is why Jabez prayed “…keep me from evil…” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

David hid in caves.  Maybe he is hiding in a cave when he is praying this prayer; or shortly after leaving the cave.  David trust in the God.  The God [‘Elohiym]; the fulness of God.

As I read this Psalm I think of what Jesus said as He was preparing to leave the temple for the final time,

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Matthew 23:37 (KJV)

In the “shadow of Thy wings” is far better than anything our mind can imagine.  When we flee from what we fear where do we flee?  I choose to flee to Christ Jesus the fulness and the glory of God.

Be Merciful Unto Me…

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“Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.” Psalm 56:1 (KJV)

O how I need mercy.  I pray that I am just as merciful as much as I need it; for I need it greatly.  The world needs mercy.  We need God’s mercy.  Being gracious; having pity upon another is the meaning of mercy.

Of this verse Spurgeon has written,

“Be merciful unto me, O God.” In my deep distress my soul turns to thee, my God. Man has no mercy on me, therefore double thy mercy to me. If thy justice has let loose my enemies, let thy mercy shorten their chain. It Is sweet to see how the tender dove-like spirit of the Psalmist flies to the tenderest attribute for succour in the hour of peril. “For man would swallow me up.” He is but thy creature, a mere man, yet like a monster he is eager for blood, he pants, he gapes for me; he would not merely wound me, or feed on my substance, but he would fain swallow me altogether, and so make an end of me. The open mouths of sinners when they rage against us should open our months in prayer. We may plead the cruelty of men as a reason for the divine interposition – a father is soon aroused when his children are shamefully entreated. “He fighting daily oppresseth me.” He gives me no interval – he fights daily. He is successful in his unrighteous war – he oppresses me, he crushes me, he presses me sore. David has his eye on the leader of his foes, and lays his plaint against him in the right place. If we may thus plead against man, much more against that great enemy of souls, the devil. We ask the Lord to forgive us our trespasses, which is another way of saying, “Be merciful unto me, O God,” and then we say, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” The more violent the attack of Satan the stronger our plea for deliverance.

From THE TREASURY OF DAVID by C. H. Spurgeon

Are you feeling desperate, down hearted, discouraged, or hated by others? Plead for God’s mercy.  He will give it.  Even David the king of Israel asked for mercy.  The mercy of God is given to us everyday; even though many do not realize it.  Believe it and receive it.

Communication With GOD

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“Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not Thyself from my supplication.” Psalm 55:1 (KJV)

In all of life communication is a necessity.  Many times if we would communicate with those who are an enemy we could solve many problems between us.

We communicate sometimes without words.  For instance when we are driving an automobile we use turn signals to let someone know we are making a turn.  We turn on our headlights even though we can see to let others see us on a cloudy, raining, inclement day.

God desires to communicate with His crown of creation.  God’s greatest and loudest communication with people is the death of His only Son on the cross.  He does, and has for centuries, even millenniums spoken through the Law and the Prophets, through His Word.  That is still the chief way that people can hear from God.

God has given to us a way of speaking with Him.  It begins by believing Him through Jesus Christ.  It is given to us to pray.  Prayer is our communication with Him.  The apostle Paul tells us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  Our focus on GOD.

The Psalmist prays, “Give ear to my prayer, O God…”  Of this Matthew Henry wrote,

Prayer is a salve for every sore and a relief to the spirit under every burden: Give ear to my prayer, O God! Psa_55:1, Psa_55:2.

-Matthew Henry Commentary

Prayer is also our way of remaining in contact with the King in the spiritual warfare we fight (Ephesians 6:18).  We cannot fight without the armor, the sword of the Spirit, or without prayer.

In summary of this Matthew Henry has written,

If we, in our prayers, sincerely lay open ourselves, our case, our hearts, to God, we have reason to hope that he will not hide himself, his favours, his comforts, from us.

When we are in the Lord Jesus Christ, God does not hide from our supplications.

God’s Name and Power

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“Save me, O God, by Thy name, and judge me by Thy strength.” Psalm 54:1 (KJV)

When we read the Bible we find many times where the characters of scripture cry out for salvation.  Many times that means deliverance from a present condition; as is with David’s case in the above verse.  It can carry with it an eternal meaning, and teach us that in every area of life we need God’s help.

On this verse Spurgeon has noted,

“Save me, O God.” Thou art my Saviour; all around me are my foes and their eager helpers. No shelter is permitted me. Every land rejects me and denies me rest. But thou, O God, wilt give me refuge, and deliver me from all my enemies. “By thy name,” by thy great and glorious nature. Employ all thine attributes for me. Let every one of the perfections which are blended in thy divine name work for me. Is not thine honour pledged for my defence? “And judge me by thy strength.” Render justice to me, for none else will or can. Thou canst give me efficient justice, and right my wrongs by thine omnipotence. We dare not appeal to God in a bad cause, but when we know that we can fearlessly carry our cause before his justice we may well commit it to his power.
From C. H. Spurgeon’s THE TREASURY OF DAVID

If we find ourselves harvesting a crop from evil seeds we should not expect God’s deliverance.  We do reap what we sow; both good and bad.  There is, however, forgiveness for every sin.

No GOD? (2)

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“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.” Psalm 53:1 (KJV)

This Psalm is very similar to Psalm 14, of which I have written on December 12, 2014. There is not much more that I will say of this matter except this.

I found a very beautiful house set up in the forest.  No one knows how it got there.  No one knows the builder.  There are some who says, “Well, it just appeared here one day.”  Others say,  “It is here.  It had to have a builder.”  Now who do you suppose is using a right thinking mind?

It is foolish to look at a beautiful home and think that no one built it.  That is what the atheist is doing when they live in a world, where everything is ordered, and operates with fine care and precision.  Think, think, think.  It is not even science to think something just appeared.  That is fantasy.

Mercy or Justice???

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“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1 (KJV)

This Psalm are the words of David to the LORD following the confrontation of his sin with Bathsheba.  David is guilty of sin; adultery, and murder of Uzziah the husband of Bathsheba.  David deserves to die.  That would be justice.

Because of David’s repentant heart God gives David mercy, and preserves his life.

In 2015 I have heard many call out for “Justice”, and yes sometimes that seems in short supply.  There is justice for many unborn children, but no mercy.  There is much mercy shown to those who do not deserve mercy, because they have shown no mercy.  Wait a minute.  Who deserves mercy?

Let me define what these words mean; at least as I see them.  First “Justice”  equals getting what is rightly deserved – death, judgment.  “Mercy” equals not receiving what we justly deserve – but instead receive forgiveness, life, love, liberty.

The Psalmist asked for mercy.  I believe he received it.  He received forgiveness, cleansing, and his sins blotted out.  Hear the word of the LORD;

“I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah 43:25

My prayer is that we ask for mercy from God for our transgressions, our sins; and that we also ask for mercy for those who sin against us.  I need mercy.  What about you?

Know That I Am the LORD

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“And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.” Exodus 29:45-46 (KJV)

After spending time with Moses giving him direction and commandment concerning the priestly garments, their materials, making, and anointing God gives Moses the above words.

There is a woven theme throughout all the Old Testament, and that is that GOD desires that the world may “know that I AM the LORD.”  Everything that is written in the Bible is written that the world may know Him, and that He is the LORD.

The ultimate gift of GOD to the world that we might know Him, and that He is the LORD was sending His only begotten Son to die on the cross in our place; and that when we look upon Him, to Him, trusting Him we might have redemption through His blood.

Do you know today that God is the LORD?

The Holy and the Most Holy Place

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“And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: and thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver. And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the Testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the Most Holy. And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy place.” Exodus 26:31-34 (KJV)

GOD was giving Moses instructions on the proper worship of Himself, and His holiness.  To approach God any other way than God’s way is a terminal endeavor.  You will die.  You will perish, and still not see God.

The ark of the Testimony above is a representation, or symbol of the presence of God.  This pattern was given to Moses, and is a pattern from heaven itself (Hebrews 8:5; 9:22-28).  In the tabernacle of the wilderness only the priests had access into the holy place, and only the High Priest had access to the Most Holy place, and that only one day in the year, and not without blood.

As we consider this today we have one access to GOD, and that is through the cross of Jesus Christ of whom the ark of the Testimony represents.  It was His own blood that was shed.  It was while Jesus was on the cross that the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom showing that GOD had made the way for all who will believe to come to the very throne of grace to find mercy in our time of need (See Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38 and Hebrews 4:16).

May the GOD of all glory give you peace through His Son Jesus today.

Fear Not: Fear GOD

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“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.” Exodus 20:18-21 (KJV)

This follows the event of receiving the Ten Commandments.  The people have witnessed the seemingly stormy, troubling, loud, odorous, and fearful scene, and are very much afraid to approach the Lord GOD.  However, this was an unwarranted, undesired fear.  God is an awe-inspiring God.

The lives, and words of the people following this event show that their fear was not what was a godly fear; but a “Sorry I am here” fear which kept them from God, rather than drawing near to Him.

Moses, drew near to God.  The “Darkness” mentioned shows us that God is unapproachable, except we come to Him His way.  Moses approached God and “drew near unto the thick darkness where God was”.

Moses tells the people “Fear not” yet there is a fear of God that keeps us from sinning against Him.  When we come to Him through His Son Jesus He accepts us, and welcomes  us into His blessed and holy presence.  That is when we do not fear.

The Ever-Present One

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“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And He said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is His name? What shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is My name for ever, and this is My memorial unto all generations.” Exodus 3:11-15 (KJV)

The Scripture above gives us Moses’ account of his call of God to return unto Egypt to free the children of Israel from bondage.  This is his first encounter with GOD, and it is awesome.

Moses sees God as holy, all powerful, and all present, and even all knowing in one event.  He also learns His name.  The name says that He is eternal.  Where He is is the present.  He is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.  You will notice it does not say that “He was the God” but “the God of…”  That strongly implies the living, resurrection power of God; the eternalness of God, past, present and future.

His name, I AM, also reveals to us that He is Self-Sufficient; that He is in need of nothing.  It also reveals to us that we need Him.  We do not exist without Him.  We do not breathe without Him.  We do not move without Him.  There is no sunrise without Him.  He gives us each day, each beat of our heart, each step we take.  He is the One who holds all things together.  If He were to remove His hand from this world, and this Universe it would fly into pieces (Colossians 1:16-17).

This Self-Sufficient One desires to come to you today.  Call on Him.  He is the One who provides your salvation, through the cross of Jesus.

The Beginning of Life and Death

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“And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:24-26 (KJV)

The book of Genesis, the book of beginnings finds a great divide.  A divide between life and death.  Everyone likes to talk about life.  Not many will even deal with the topic of death.  In the end we must realize that death, though inevitable for us all is merely the absence of life.

God never created death.  God created life.  Disobedience to God brought death; Adam’s and Eve’s sin in the garden produced death from the life God had given.  The choice they had between the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was a choice of life and death.  Their choice was death, thus this is the journey of mankind through the end of Genesis, and through our own day as well.

Joseph was sold into Egypt fulfilling God’s plan to make a great nation through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  God gives life for all those who believe Him and trust Him.  Joseph died in Egypt with the promise of God and hope that one day Israel would return to the land of Promise – the land of Canaan.

Because of the sin in the garden death came to mankind, and every man, and woman since that time has gone the way of death; with the exception of two men – Enoch (Genesis 5:21-24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-15).  Then there was Jesus the Christ, Son of God who died and was bodily raised conquering the power of death for all who would trust in Him.

One day those who believe and follow Jesus will look upon His face.  We will see Joseph, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the prophets, David, friends, family, and many people we never expected to find there.  All are there through the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross, His burial and bodily resurrection.  Death is conquered by the resurrected power of life through Christ Jesus.

That coffin in Egypt which held Joseph will be empty.  Those coffins which have held the bodies of your loved ones who loved Jesus will be empty when Jesus comes for His own.  Contrary to what some believe there is a “First resurrection” (Revelation 20:5), and there is a “second death” (Revelation 20:6, 14).  Which will you have part in?  The second death is the eternal absence of meaningful life and God.

GOD loved us so much He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life.  Believe Him and live forever. Reject Him and die forever.

Israel; Jacob’s Fear Not

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“And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And He said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.” Genesis 46:2-4 (KJV)

Israel is the new name God had given to Jacob.  Jacob had been a “supplanter” a deceiver; and had tried to have things his own way.

Jacob’s life had now changed at the end of his life.  He had just heard that his son Joseph was not only alive, but was a ruler in the land of Egypt, and due to famine throughout the Middle Eastern countries was being invited by that son and the Pharaoh of Egypt to come into the land and dwell there.

Now there was no more scheming, no more planning and or plotting to achieve his desired path, but now Jacob was in the hands of the Sovereign hands of GOD.  “Fear not to go down into Egypt…” were the words of God to Jacob.

God promised Jacob that when he died Joseph would be at his side.  He also promised that it would be in Egypt that “I will there make of thee a great nation”.  He also promised that they would come out of Egypt, to the land He had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

We can learn from these passages; as Joseph’s brethren had learned – You cannot thwart the  plan of God.  Instead they were used in their evil plot to work the plan of God.  How do I explain that?  I do not even try.

It is best for me and all God’s children to leave these matters in His hands; to trust Him, and believe that whatever happens is going to be for our good and His glory.  It was, for example, our evil that caused Jesus to be nailed to the cross; however it was the plan of God that His Son die for our sins, that we might have access to the very throne of God.

God speaks, and He sees to it that what He speaks comes to pass just as He has spoken.  Just as Jacob/Israel saw his son Joseph again; so too will Jesus come again.

Believe God and trust Him today.

The LORD Has Spoken

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“The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.” Psalm 50:1 (KJV)

Of this Psalm, and of this verse Matthew Henry has written,

It is probable that Asaph was not only the chief musician, who was to put a tune to this psalm, but that he was himself the penman of it; for we read that in Hezekiah’s time they praised God in the words of David and of Asaph the seer, 2Ch_29:30. Here is,
I. The court called, in the name of the King of kings (Psa_50:2): The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken – El, Elohim, Jehovah, the God of infinite power justice and mercy, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. God is the Judge, the Son of God came for judgement into the world, and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of judgment. All the earth is called to attend, not only because the controversy God had with his people Israel for their hypocrisy and ingratitude might safely be referred to any man of reason (nay, let the house of Israel itself judge between God and his vineyard, Isa_5:3), but because all the children of men are concerned to know the right way of worshipping God, in spirit and in truth, because when the kingdom of the Messiah should be set up all should be instructed in the evangelical worship, and invited to join in it (see Mal_1:11, Act_10:34), and because in the day of final judgment all nations shall be gathered together to receive their doom, and every man shall give an account of himself unto God.
Matthew Henry Commentary

God is LORD of all the earth.  From the rising of the sun until its going down He rules, and sets the rising and the fall of kings and kingdoms.  His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom.

God’s plan is being fulfilled today, His will for you and me today is to hear Him, and follow His direction and His Holy Spirit.  If you have no ear for GOD or His Word; repent, and believe Him.

Praising the LORD

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

“O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” Psalm 47:1

I will let the words Matthew Henry wrote so many years ago speak for this verse.

The psalmist, having his own heart filled with great and good thoughts of God, endeavours to engage all about him in the blessed work of praise, as one convinced that God is worthy of all blessing and praise, and as one grieved at his own and others’ backwardness to and barrenness in this work. Observe, in these verses,
I. Who are called upon to praise God: “All you people, all you people of Israel;’’ those were his own subjects, and under his charge, and therefore he will engage them to praise God, for on them he has an influence. Whatever others do, he and his house, he and his people, shall praise the Lord. Or, “All you people and nations of the earth;’’ and so it may be taken as a prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles and the bringing of them into the church; see Rom. 15:11.
II. What they are called upon to do: “O clap your hands, in token of your own joy and satisfaction in what God has done for you, of your approbation, nay, your admiration, of what God has done in general, and of your indignation against all the enemies of God’s glory, Job 27:23. Clap your hands, as men transported with pleasure, that cannot contain themselves; shout unto God, not to make him hear (his ear is not heavy), but to make all about you hear, and take notice how much you are affected and filled with the works of God. Shout with the voice of triumph in him, and in his power and goodness, that others may join with you in the triumph.’’ Note, Such expressions of pious and devout affections as to some may seem indecent and imprudent ought not to be hastily censured and condemned, much less ridiculed, because, if they come from an upright heart, God will accept the strength of the affection and excuse the weakness of the expressions of it.

O how the Christians of today need to praise the Lord with our lives, our hands and our voices.  He is worthy.

Being Safe

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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

Being safe, and safety is a concern for many citizens of the United States and the rest of the world.  Many are dependent upon their government, security companies, body guards, and such.  These things have a great tendency to fail.

The place for “Refuge” is not in trusting government of any nation, or the United Nations.  The Psalmist tells us, and it is so very true; “God is our refuge” He is our place of safety.

“Refuge” is a shelter.  Maybe even a hiding place where we can go just to be alone with God.  God is also the source of our boldness, our might, our strength.

Some feel that God; if He exists is way off somewhere else, and nowhere near this earth; or at least nowhere near themselves.  The Psalmist has another thought, and the one I hold.  He is a very present help in trouble.  He is even Help when there is no trouble.

You can trust the Lord in times of trouble; in times of fear and assault from others.  You can depend on Him to aid you and give you strength through the worst trial of your life.  In Him through Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God there is life.

Listening to His Story

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work Thou didst in their days, in the times of old. Psalm 44:1 (KJV)

How often do we pay attention to the history of the past?  We often hear some people say things like “History is written by the people who won the wars”.  Only a one sided story in other words, and in many cases that may be the truth.

I love reading the Word of God.  It is about GOD.  It is about our beginning, and our end of this life.  It is His story.  It is about God working to call a people to Himself.  It is about God delivering a people from sin, its condemnation, and the wrath of God upon sin, and upon His own Son whom He sent to be the Redeemer of mankind.

Someone might ask, “What if “Our fathers” were wrong, or just flat out told a lie?”  Do we have no confidence in our fathers of the faith?  We cannot however, only believe because of what the fathers have told us in Scripture.  We must believe because we too have heard God for ourselves.  We have seen Him move.  We have seen Him work changing the lives of people who came to Him.  Beginning with ourselves we see the change.

It is often because of His story from the past that we are led to believe Him today.  His story from the past is His story still today.  The history we speak of is usually of what happened in years past.  The story of God, and His salvation is His story that lives today, and into the future.

Listen to what the faithful “Fathers” have told us; then we can believe the faithful Father today.

The True and Just Judge

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Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.  Psalm 43:1 (KJV)

On this verse I will let Charles H. Spurgeon do the commentary.  O how we as followers of Christ Jesus need to trust God’s judgment of us, and plead His grace and mercy, and then trust it.  We also must needs trust His judgment upon others.

“Judge me, O God.” Others are unable to understand my motives, and unwilling to give me a just verdict. My heart is clear as to its intent, and therefore I bring my case before thee, content that thou wilt impartially weigh my character, and right my wrongs. If thou wilt judge, thy acceptance of my conduct will be enough for me; I can laugh at human misrepresentation if my conscience knows that thou art on my side; thou art the only one I care for; and besides, thy verdict will not sleep, but thou wilt see practical justice done to thy slandered servant. “And plead my cause against an ungodly nation.” One such advocate as the Lord will more than suffice to answer a nation of brawling accusers. When people are ungodly no wonder that they are unjust: those who are not true to God himself cannot be expected to deal rightly with his people. Hating the King they will not love his subjects. Popular opinion weighs with many, but divine opinion is far more weighty with the gracious few. One good word from God outweighs ten thousand railing speeches of men. He bears a brazen shield before him whose reliance in all things is upon his God; the arrows of calumny fall harmlessly from such a buckler. “O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.” Deceit and injustice are boon companions: he who fawns will not fear to slander. From two such devils none can deliver us but God. His wisdom can outwit the craft of the vilest serpent, and his power can overmatch the most raging lion. Whether this was Doeg or Ahithophel is small matter, such double distilled villains are plentiful, and the only way of dealing with them is to refer the matter to the righteous Judge of all; if we try to fight them with their own weapons, we shall suffer more serious injury from ourselves than from them. O child of God, leave these thine enemies in better hands, remembering that vengeance belongeth not to thee, but to the Lord. Turn to him in prayer, crying, “O deliver me,” and ere long you shall publish abroad the remembrance of his salvation.
TREASURY OF DAVID e-Sword edition

The Greatest Desire

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As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. Psalm 42:1

This Psalm’s title is “For the sons of Korah”.  Korah was a leader in rebellion against Moses’ leadership through the wilderness journey (Numbers 16).  There were three men who are noted for that rebellion; Dathan and Abiram being the other two.  All who joined these three in the rebellion were destroyed when the ground opened up and swallowed them alive.  Some of Korah’s sons evidently did not join their father, and lived.  They had a heart for God; which was given them by God’s grace.

There are human desires aplenty in our times.  They have in fact run amuck.  Many think that life is all about having their desires fulfilled.  The greatest desire for which I am aware is the desire to know God.  Many will deny that of course.  The desire for God is usually masked by craving other things to find fulfillment.  They do not.

Whether it is beer, wine, hard liquor, cannibis, cocaine, heroine, or any other mind robbing drug; there is no fulfillment for the human mind and heart until we find our rest and peace in GOD.

The deer, or hart as the text says, after running through the woods, or across the plains, or the meadow longs for that fresh, flowing stream of water for a drink, for refreshment.  Just as that deer desires water, and finds refreshment the one who knows GOD seeks fulfillment in Him.  Once you are fulfilled in Him, you long, you desire to know Him even more.

You can look in religion, but you will not be fulfilled there.  You can look in nature you will not find fulfillment there.  You can look wherever you choose, but you will not find fulfillment until you believe what God says about His Son Jesus Christ.  “This is my beloved Son, hear Him.”

In Jesus Christ Son of the Living God there is fulfillment, and everlasting life.

In Your Day of Trouble

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee…” Psalm 20:1 (KJV)

The Psalmist is probably suiting up for battle at this point as the king of Judah.  The enemy is around and waiting to pounce.  In the time before the battle is a time for prayer.

When people pray before the battle we will be more secure in the thought of GOD hearing during the battle; those quick emergency prayers which are uttered from the heart.

His thought as he prays is on Jehovah [YaHWeH] the Almighty, the I AM of Moses and of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  He is our GOD too.

The whole of the Godhead is the GOD who will hear and aid us in our battles.  When?  In “The day of trouble”.  In defense He sets you up on a high place to shield you, protect you.  He is your shield.

There is no greater trust than to trust the One who is eternal GOD.  He has revealed Himself to mankind in the person of His Son.  At this time of year we are remembering His incarnation; God becoming man, that He might redeem us from our sins.  He is no longer that baby in a manger; rather He is the crucified, buried, and resurrected Lord of all the earth.  In your day of trouble He hears you.  Will you hear Him?