Psalms

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.

The Mighty, and the Goodness of GOD

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“Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually.” Psalm 52:1

This Psalm’s title says,

“To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.”

The events of the evil of Doeg are recorded in 1 Samuel 22.  He was a very brave man to slay priests who were not soldiers, and could not defend themselves.  Of course I am being sarcastic here.

Why would evil boast of its “great” prowess and power against those who are weak?  There is no goodness, power or prowess in evil.  However, the goodness, the kindness, and the faithfulness of God is forever.  On Him we can trust and depend.

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?

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.

Now Hear This

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“Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: both low and high, rich and poor, together.” Psalm 49:1-2 (KJV)

There are voices all around the world crying out for a hearing.  Weeping, wailing, mourning, crying, shouting, rioting, killing; and all for someone to hear them.  Some for a show of power and authority.  Some because they hurt in their innermost being.  Sometimes, most times in fact that hurt is worse than any hurt.

The Most Holy One wants our attention.  Does He have it?  With some; with very few does He have our attention.  We cry out for His attention, but does He have ours?

This Psalm is for the “sons of Korah” once again.  It is for all who have lost.  It is for the low and high , the rich and the poor.  God calls out for our attention.  He calls out for us to hear.

Are you one of those people who say, “Well, I cry out for God.  I want to hear Him, but He never speaks to me.” type people?  He will not hear you, until you hear Him.  It begins by hearing His Word, and His Son.  If you feel God is not listening to you; listen to what God says of His Son Jesus.  “This is My beloved Son… hear Him” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5).

The message of Jesus Christ breaks all barriers.  The high in society and culture; or the low in society and culture need Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.  Hear this, all ye people…

Great is the LORD…

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“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness.” Psalm 48:1 (KJV)

Greatness is often ascribed to athletes, business men, presidents, world leaders, sometimes even preachers, and teachers.  To give credit where credit is due is a good thing, but let us face it there are none who are so great.

Men or women  we lift up and place on pedestals can fall off the stands so easily.  We have seen athletes fall, presidents, business men and women alike come crumbling down.  None of us are “Great”.

There is only One who is Great; and that is the LORD.  He alone is worthy of praise, honor and glory.  The one’s whose hearts are knit with His, are the one’s who should greatly praise Him.

When we read the Bible, and as we read the Psalms we find that these words are really not about us; they are about the One who made us, along with all that is.  We live in a time, and culture where everything is about “Me”.  However, it should be about Him.

Great is the LORD, and He is greatly to be praised with our lives, our hearts, our minds and our strength.  He is holy, separate from all things and worthy.  True praise and worship of the LORD will begin when you trust and believe in the Son of God, Jesus the Christ, and trust His finished work on the cross, His burial and bodily resurrection.  Let praise of Him begin today.

Praising the LORD

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“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.

Song for the King

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My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the King: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1 (KJV)

The heart of the writer of this song is overflowing, jubilant, praising.  It may be because it is the King’s wedding day.

For a scribe, a ready writer, one who loved the King it would truly be a wonderful, glorious day; and he would write of it with a joyous heart.  This Psalm was written with a king in the lineage of David in mind; and it would not be wrong to especially include the Messiah of Israel as this King.

Those who love King Jesus can understand the jubilance of this song.  The Christian is longing for that day when we will see the King in His glory when He comes to claim His bride, and completes the redemption of creation.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3 (KJV)

If you do not know this King He is the one who died on the cross, was buried, a bodily arose and came out of that grave alive.  He is the one who is soon returning.  Call on His name.  Ask forgiveness for your sins, and turn to Him believing Him.  His name is Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God.

Listening to His Story

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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.

Consider the Poor

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Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. Psalm 41:1 (KJV)

How many times have you heard something like this said, “They are only poor because of foolish spending”  There are many various phrases similar to that one we have heard, or maybe even used ourselves.

The topic of poverty, and the poor is not an easy subject to address, or to deal with.  There are folks who have not thrived in an affluent society due to misuse, and abuse of finances.  I know that I have done my share of that as well.

Let us address who are the poor of the above text?  The Psalmist is addressing the lowly, the poor, the physically weak, and ill.  The Bible addresses poverty many more times, and how we are to help them.  When harvesting fields the land owner was to leave a corner for the poor to glean, so they too would have something to eat.  That included the orchards and other things too.

One thing I know about providing aid for the poor is that it should not be seen as a burden, but a result of our blessings; and being a blessing to those less fortunate.

This Psalm begins with a Beatitude “Blessed” which is a happiness we are to enjoy.  Those who cause the poor to prosper will be happy, and are recipients of protection and keeping from the LORD themselves.

Be “Blessed” today.

Patience and the LORD

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I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 (KJV)

Are you a patient person?  I probably could have gone all day without asking that question. right?  If your honest answer to that question is NO! Then join the growing crowd.  I am not normally a patient man.

Many Christians when we pray we want an answer to our prayers really quick; you know –  “Lord give me patience, and give it to me now.”

The Psalmist David “waited patiently for the LORD”.  If there is any where we should be patient it is in our walk with GOD.  I am growing to understand that He sees the bigger picture, and I only see a very small portion of it.  It is true of us all.  The LORD knows the beginning from the end.  He Himself is the First and the Last.  He is the Alpha and the Omega.

Waiting is not sitting down doing nothing.  Waiting takes much effort, much trust, and obedience.  So, in that time of waiting, what am I supposed to do?  Do all that He has said.

One of my favorite verses of Scripture is Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…”  I will let you look it up yourself, and be blessed.  The LORD He hears the cry of those who “Wait” on Him.

Keeping the Tongue

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“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” Psalm 39:1 (KJV)

We have a powerful little thing in our mouths that can heal and/or kill.  It is called a “tongue”.  James the half brother of Jesus says, “No man can tame” (James 3:8).

We do not often think of the power we wield with our tongue, and as in writing a blog or writing in an email, on facebook, or any form or writing.  We often do not think of these things as being the “Tongue”; however, they are spoken words, and carry either hope and light or death and darkness.

The Psalmist David said, “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue…”  We too, as people, and especially those who are Christian, need to weigh our words, or thoughts, before we speak them.  One measure to have is, Do these words give life; or do they give death?  If they give life, then speak.  If they give death, then maybe we need to keep our mouths shut.

God forgive me for the times I have spoken death; and also forgive me for the times I kept my mouth shut when I could have given life.

Wrong Side of Judgment

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“O LORD, rebuke me not in Thy wrath: neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure.” Psalm 38:1 (KJV)

No one that I know wants to be on the wrong side of judgment.  By that I mean the danger end of a shotgun, rifle, or pistol.  For those unfamiliar with this thought I will just say, no one looks forward to standing in court before a judge; at least if they are in the right mind.

No one should desire to stand on the wrong side of the judgment of GOD.  I know that I sure do not want to.  Neither did David the Psalmist.  GOD is the supreme Judge.  He hates sin.  He judges sin; my sin and yours.  We cannot even appear  before Him unless sin has been dealt with.

No one can be good enough, sinless enough to appear before GOD of Creation on their own merit.  Not me, nor you.  Our own “righteousness” condemns us, it does not save us.  We are born in a condemned state, apart from GOD; without GOD.

GOD Himself stepped into the world picture in the person of His Son Jesus Christ, pouring out His wrath, His displeasure upon Him for us, that we might come into His presence and glory.

If you do not desire to be rebuked in the wrath of GOD; in which you will not survive it; neither will you survive His hot displeasure; then, you must receive GOD’S gracious gift of salvation He has provided by way of the cross of Jesus Christ.  Jesus died, was buried, and bodily arose and came out of the grave, and lives today awaiting the time to come again and make all things right.

No Fret, nor Envy

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“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” Psalm 37:1 (KJV)

For short commentary on this verse I will turn to Charles H. Spurgeon this morning:

The Psalm opens with the first precept. It is alas! too common for believers in their hours of adversity to think themselves harshly dealt with when they see persons utterly destitute of religion and honesty, rejoicing in abundant prosperity. Much needed is the command, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers.” To fret is to worry, to have the heart-burn, to fume, to become vexed. Nature is very apt to kindle a fire of jealousy when it sees law-breakers riding on horses, and obedient subjects walking in the mire: it is a lesson learned only in the school of grace, when one comes to view the most paradoxical providences with the devout complacency of one who is sure that the Lord is righteous in all his acts. It seems hard to carnal judgments that the best meat should go to the dogs, while loving children pine for want of it. “Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” The same advice under another shape. When one is poor, despised, and in deep trial, our old Adam naturally becomes envious of the rich and great; and when we are conscious that we have been more righteous than they, the devil is sure to be at hand with blasphemous reasonings. Stormy weather may curdle even the cream of humanity. Evil men instead of being envied, are to be viewed with horror and aversion; yet their loaded tables, and gilded trappings, are too apt to fascinate our poor haft-opened eyes. Who envies the fat bullock the ribbons and garlands which decorate him as he is led to the shambles? Yet the case is a parallel one; for ungodly rich men are but as beasts fattened for the slaughter.

From The Treasury of David.

Evil people will fail in all their doings.  Their eternity will be loss.  What is there to envy?

The only hope for all people; no matter their religion or lot in life is Jesus Christ.  He died to pay our sin debt, was buried, and bodily arose again, and forever lives, and will one day soon return in all His glory.

Servant of the LORD

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“The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.” Psalm 36:1 (KJV)

In a day where no one likes to be anyone’s servant, even slave, we do not like the term “Servant of the LORD”.  That may just be where the “Transgression” begins.  It is where the transgression begins.

The title of the Psalm, “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD.” has a reference to “David the servant of the LORD”  Do you; do I have a problem with being the servant of the LORD?

It is transgression if we are not.  In fact if we do not yield to the LORD we have no fear of God, and we are estranged from Him.

If we are servants of the LORD, then there is allegiance to Him, devotion to Him, love to Him, and of doing His Word; loving Him with all our hearts, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength.  We obey God, even by obeying the laws of men, as long as they do not violate the law of God.  To do so is a transgression against God, and there is “…No fear of God before his eyes.”

GOD calls us to Himself through His Son Jesus.  Yield to the One who died on the cross, was buried, and rose again.  He is coming again. Live for Him.

Dealing with the Enemy

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“Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.” Psalm 35:1 (KJV)

Titled as “A Psalm of David” we can assume that at least one of his enemies was king Saul.  David never lifted a hand against Saul.  Saul was his king.  David loved Saul.  Saul did not, however, love David.

Like David we, as Christians, are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35), and trust that the LORD will deal with them in His own way.

It does not seem, by this verse, that David considered anyone his enemy.  He just asked the LORD, “Plead my cause…” and “Fight against them…”  It is a tough thing sometimes not to strike back when we are attacked, by words, accusations, or physically assaulted; but the child of God needs to remember what God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19).

Let the LORD God do your fighting.  He handles it so much better.

Bless the LORD

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“I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 (KJV)

This Psalm is titled to be written during or of a time when David feigned insanity before a Philistine king – Achish (1 Samuel 21:10-15).  It is really a time of David’s weakest moment, because he feared this king; however the LORD delivered Him.

It is for that reason that David realizes he needs to “Bless the LORD” rather than deny Him.

How about you and me?  Do we bless the LORD with our lives or are we feigning ignorance, insanity, or just plain apathetic about Him?  That is certainly not blessing Him.

David determined, “I will bless the LORD at all times…”  Let us make that our determination today, and throughout the New Year.  To bless is to adore with the actions of our lives.  We bless God when we stand for His word and works.  We bless God when we love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  We bless the LORD when we love Him with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength.  We bless the LORD when we hear His word and do it.

When we bless the LORD “Praise” will come from our mouth.  We will praise Him for being GOD.  If He blesses us will make no difference.  We will praise Him because of who He is.

It all begins, because He first loved us, and showed that love by sending His Son Jesus the Christ who died for our sins, was buried and rose again from the grave.

The Acts of the Righteous

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.” Psalm 33:1 (KJV)

This Psalm has no noted author.  It could be David, or another, since most likely David is not the only one who wrote songs or Psalms.  We know the words of praise and rejoicing in the LORD are inspired by GOD.

To rejoice in the LORD is an act.  You might call it a work, but it is a work of righteousness which comes from a godly heart.  To “Rejoice” is to lift up your voice in song, or to shout aloud, because you are overwhelmed by a jubilant thought, heart, and/or an experience with our God and Saviour.

Some may question, “Who are the righteous?”  The short answer to that is – they are those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and the Lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Where “Rejoice” is a verb above meaning it is an action we take; the word “Praise” is a noun, and would mean this is the life of the righteous and it is beautiful.  “Praise” is adoration, thanksgiving to God.  To whom else would we offer praise.

Rejoice in God your Saviour, and live in praise to Him.  That is the life of the “Upright”, and it is beautiful.

Happy in Forgiveness

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1 (KJV)

Another Psalm of David with a “Blessed”.  The word means Happy.  However in a world where everyone wants happiness we must understand that the happiness men and women, boys and girls are wanting and for the most part having; is sadly lacking in merit and quality.

The happiness which the Psalmist is writing of is from God; it is not fleeting.

There are people today who say something like this, “God wants me to be happy” so they set about seeking happiness in anything that they believe will make them so.  A man who is unhappy with his wife knows a woman he works with, they talk, they share secrets, they encourage and comfort one another; he believes he can be happy with her.  That is not the Happiness which God gives.

Notice in the verse above the four other words which are given; two of which are essential for “Happiness”.  “Forgiven” and “Covered”.  “Transgression” is rebellion against God.  “Sin” is transgression.  The word “Forgiven” carries the meaning of being carried by another.  The word “Covered” has the meaning of concealing never to be revealed again.

There can only be true, God given happiness when our transgressions are forgiven and our sins are covered.  That has been given all who will believe and receive it through God’s gift of His Son Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins – our transgressions – being buried carrying our sins away, and His bodily resurrection from the dead.  Believe Him and receive His free gift of grace.  That is “Happiness” beyond human understanding.

Trusting the Righteous LORD

/ Tim A. / 5 Comments

“In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in Thy righteousness.” Psalm 31:1 (KJV)

For David trusting the righteous LORD was not even questioned.  In who else, or what else was one to trust?  He knew that you cannot even trust yourself without reservation, or second guessing one’s self.  He knew there was nothing righteous in himself, or anyone else.  He also knew there were times he was ashamed of things which he did; but never the works of GOD, or His acts.

In whom do you trust?  Are trusting that your place of employment is secure?  It is not.  Are you trusting your spouse without reservation?  He/She is human, and can fall and fail just as you can.  I pray you do trust your spouse as we are called to, but not for eternity, and eternal reasons.  Men, you will not get to heaven on the “Train” of your wife’s wedding gown.  Ladies, you will not get to heaven on the strength and faith of your husband.

Because our LORD is a righteous LORD we can trust Him implicitly.  Because the human race is a sinful race we cannot trust God on our own.  He has made a way through the righteousness of His only Son.  He was crucified on a cross for our sins, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave, and ever lives calling all who will hear to follow Him.  He is our only access to the righteousness of GOD.

Then, we can, with David say, “In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trust…”  Trust Him.

Lifting Up the Name of the LORD

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“I will extol Thee, O LORD; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.” Psalm 30:1 (KJV)

According to this Psalms title it is a song at the “Dedication of the house of David”.  The LORD had lifted David to heights he had never dreamed.  He was the king of Israel.  He had wealth, subjects, soldiers, and worth.  David, however, knew from whom these things had come.

He says in this song, “I will extol Thee, O LORD…”  To “extol” means to lift up, to praise and adore.  God had lifted him up, and he now lifts up the name of the LORD, so that all may know the LORD.

We live in a world and/or a culture which is absorbed with self fulfillment.  I have some news for you.  This life is not about you.  It is about GOD.  It is about His greatness, His grace, His mercy, His love, and Him sending His Son to die for us.

Let us be content to be like David; whether we have been exalted to greatness in a palace or whether we live in a fallen down shack in the woods; let us exalt, extol – lift up – the name of Jesus.  He is the “exact representation” (Hebrews 1:1-3) of the Father.

Lift up His name by believing Him.