Saturday

Boasting; More Boasting

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“Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.” Psalm 113:1 (KJV)

I have never met anyone who likes arrogance in a man or woman.  I think we do not like to think of it in God either; but God is worthy of boasting.  He is the Great One.  He is worthy of praise and glory.

We glory in ourselves when we do good at something.  You may say you do not; but I would say to you that is vain, false humility; which is not humility at all.  We sometimes glory, are prideful of our “Humility”.

The Maker of us all, and of all things, needs not be humble.  He glories in Himself, and rightly so.  We are to glory in Him, and in and through us He is glorified.  Maybe this is why so many hate God, and even choose not to believe in Him.  Even in these God will be glorified.

Do you find yourself boasting of your accomplishments?  Rather boast of the greatness of God.  Boast of His mercy.  Boast of His grace.  Boast of His power.  If you have been redeemed through the blood of Jesus, then boast of that; and glory in the cross of Jesus and His burial and His resurrection.

God is Good

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“Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can shew forth all His praise?” Psalm 106:1-2 (KJV)

There are not enough words to describe the goodness, and worth of God.  I will let you hear the words of Matthew Henry on these verses…

We are here taught,
I. To bless God (Psa_106:1, Psa_106:2): Praise you the Lord, that is, 1. Give him thanks for his goodness, the manifestation of it to us, and the many instances of it. He is good and his mercy endures for ever; let us therefore own our obligations to him and make him a return of our best affections and services. 2. Give him the glory of his greatness, his mighty acts, proofs of his almighty power, wherein he has done great things, and such as would be opposed. Who can utter these? Who is worthy to do it? Who is able to do it? They are so many that they cannot be numbered, so mysterious that they cannot be described; when we have said the most we can of the mighty acts of the Lord, the one half is not told; still there is more to be said; it is a subject that cannot be exhausted. We must show forth his praise; we may show forth some of it, but who can show forth all? Not the angels themselves. This will not excuse us in not doing what we can, but should quicken us to do all we can.
From the MATTHEW HENRY Commentary

Rejoice, Because Your Names are Written

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Luke 10:17-20

1.  The seventy disciples had returned from their missionary journey;

2.  They were rejoicing over the miracles which had transpired through their ministry;

3.  Jesus reminds them that the power and authority was from Him;

4.  Jesus also reminds them that there is a greater thing than miracles and power.

I.  SATAN NO LONGER HAS POWER AND/OR AUTHORITY OVER THE BELIEVER’S LIFE – JESUS WITNESSED THE FALL OF THE DEVIL (v. 18; Isaiah 14:12-14;  Ezekiel 28:12-15).

II.  THE BELIEVER HAS POWER TO TREAD ON THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL AND HIS DEMONS (v. 19a; Isaiah 59:60).

III.  NOTHING CAN HARM THE FAITHFUL BELIEVER, FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST (v. 19b;  Isaiah 54:17).

IV.  DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE SENSATIONAL,MIRACULOUS WORKS OF GOD; RATHER REJOICE THAT YOUR NAME IS WRITTEN IN HEAVEN – BY GOD (v. 20; Ephesians 6:10-12).

i.  The power of Satan was diminished by the power of the cross of Jesus Christ; by the resurrection the head of the serpent was crushed.

ii.  As heirs of God, and joint heirs of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17), the enemy is under the feet of Christ.

iii.  We must trust the strength and power of our Lord to protect, and keep us during the trials of life.

iv.  We cannot let emotional sensationalism, signs and miracles detract us from what is truly important, and that is that “Your names are written in heaven”.

v.  Be sure, by placing your faith and trust in the finished work of Christ today.

Let the People Tremble

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“The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.” Psalm 99:1 (KJV)

There is one thing for which I am certain, and that is that God is GOD, and that He rules in the hearts and minds of mankind.  He rules in the hearts and minds of kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, senators, and congressmen.

To the feeble, finite mind of mankind, and even the mind of the Christian man or woman it is often hard to see; but God still reigns on the earth.  The evil, finite mind of humankind cannot begin to fathom the mind of God.  Yet, the LORD reigns.

The sovereign hand, and mind of God works in the feeble minds of men to do His own will and purposes.  For that reason the people ought to tremble.  One day, and I believe it to be soon the whole earth will tremble, will be shaken, and evil will be destroyed; and Christ Jesus the King of all kings, and Lord of all lords will reign supremely from His throne; and there will be peace.

Read Isaiah 2; 10; 66; Ezekiel 38-39; Revelation 20-22.   Yet, it is not only a future thing: He is reigning now to accomplish His purposes in my life, in your life, in the world, for His name’s sake.

God has made a way for us to come to Him in worship,  praise, honor and glory; and that is through the death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ His only begotten son (John 3:16-17, 36).

Giving Thanks: A Good Thing

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High: To shew forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.”  Psalm 92:1 (KJV)

Why  is it good to give thanks unto the LORD?  Who else should we thank?  Is there any other who is worthy of daily thanksgiving?  I agree that we ought to be thankful to anyone and everyone who aids us in going through life.  We ought to thank our wives everyday for their love and support, and the encouragement they give us, for keeping us fed and clothed.  I say fed and clothed because my wife buys most of my clothing, and groceries.

Most of all we ought to be thankful to our Creator.  He is worthy of thanksgiving.  It is a good thing; it is even a grand thing to give thanks to the LORD.

Thank Him for His daily mercies.  Thank Him for His grace.  Thank Him for the air we breathe.  Thank Him that we awake every morning, and can arise to go to our work; or that we can even open our eyes.  We have much to thank Him for.

“Sing praises unto” Him.  He is also worthy of all our praise.  Praise Him because He is God.  Praise Him simply because He is God.  Praise Him for His salvation.  Praise Him for the work He is doing daily in your personal life; and in the world.  He is you know.  If you cannot see it; it may be because you do not have the eyes to see.

Praise Him for His Son Jesus.  He is your Saviour.  He is the Son of God, and God the Son.  Praise Him, because He died for you and me.  Praise Him because He was buried.  Praise Him because He rose again from the grave.  Praise Him because He prayed for you (John 17).  He is still interceding for you and me.

Be thankful and praise the LORD because it glorifies Him, it helps you feel better, and it is a witness to those around you.

Favorable

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“LORD, Thou hast been favourable unto Thy land: Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.” Psalm 85:1 (KJV)

Another Psalm for the sons of Korah.

This Psalm is written in the past tense.  YaHWeH has shown favor to His land.  The Promised Land, the land of Canaan is the LORD’S.  This shows that God is not through with the people of Jacob.  He brings them back from their trials, their captivity.

The LORD is gracious unto His land and His people who will rest in Him; find peace, comfort, and joy in Him.

The LORD has sent redemption for His land and people through the cross of Jesus Christ is only holy and blessed Son.  Through His Son He shows His favor to the world.

Cause of Prayer – For the Restoration of Jerusalem to the Messiah – Jesus Christ

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“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself…” Daniel 9:25-26a (KJV)

In the eighth place we are told of THE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM UNTO THE MESSIAH – WHO IS CHRIST JESUS (vv.25-26a). A decree would go forth for the restoration of Jerusalem from a Gentile king. There was such a decree that went forth from a king to Nehemiah to go and rebuild the walls of the city (Nehemiah 2).

The restoration of Jerusalem was done in 49 years. This period of time equals the ‘seven weeks’. There are 7 days in a week times 7 weeks equals 49 days. Each day equals 1 year. After the restoration of Jerusalem it would be 62 weeks until Messiah was ‘cut off’ this would equal 483 years. The Messiah, that is Jesus Chris, would be crucified on a cross in Jerusalem.

NOTICE – Seventy (70) weeks times 7 equals 490 weeks. This means that only 69 weeks have been fulfilled. The first 483 have been fulfilled exactly as God told Daniel. There have been approximately 2000 years since the completion of the 483 years. There remains 7 yet to be fulfilled. That seven years is known by at least two different titles; first, “The time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7); secondly, we know it better; as Christians today by “Tribulation period” – “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds” (Rev. 2:22). It is also known as the “Day of the LORD” in many Old Testament passages.

I for one am anxiously awaiting the second coming of Jesus to restore His kingdom on earth, and rule from His throne in Jerusalem. Come quickly Lord Jesus.

Cause of Prayer – Confession of National and Personal Sin

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“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments; we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from Thy precepts and from Thy judgments…” Daniel 9:3-5

The second point we see is HIS CONFESSION OF SIN – HIS AND HIS NATION’S (In vv. 3-5, 8-9,11,14,15). Note, how many times Daniel mentions, “We have sinned”. He does not say, “They have sinned”, but “We have sinned”, “We are a sinful nation”. Any time a preacher/prophet only points out “Their sins” he is failing to communicate the whole truth. “We have sinned” is the message of every prophet of God. If we are to get right with God it must be the confession of every prophet first of all. So many times we talk about the sins of the world, when in truth it is the sins of God’s people that hinders His work; if there is a lack confession, and not repented of.

Not meaning to jump ahead – take a look at verse 20. Daniel says, “And confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel”. We cannot blame others for our spiritual decay, and captivities. It is our sin that brought us to the place of captivity we are in.

Daniel confesses God’s righteousness. Without God’s righteousness He would not be God. In His righteousness He gave us His Son Jesus; He gave us the cross; that a holy, sinless person might die to pay the sin debt that was ours.

When we walk in disobedience to God we have “confusion of face” or “open shame”. In other words, “We have disgraced our God, our identity as the people of God, and have lost our power with God”. When that happens God will do whatever is necessary to get His people where He wants us to be.

Recognizing that our time is short here on earth. Recognizing there are many lost people who need Jesus we must dedicate ourselves to prayer, the study of God’s Word, that we might be equipped for service, and to witnessing of God our Savior to every one possible. We are going to glory. If we tell them of Jesus; they at least are warned of coming judgment, and possibly may come to faith in Jesus and be in glory also.

Words for Instruction

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“Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.” Psalm 78:1 (KJV)

We all need instruction.  Some of us are not always open to instruction.  We can see that as we read the first five books of the Bible; the writtings of Moses as he is inspired by the Spirit of God.  This Psalm is once again the writing of Asaph.  Called a Maschil of Asaph.  Of this Psalm Spurgeon has written of the title:

“This is rightly entitled an instruction Psalm.  It is not a mere recapitulation of important events in Israelitish history, but is intended to be viewed as a parable setting forth the conduct and experience of believers in all ages.  It is a singular proof of the obtuseness of mind of many professors that they will object to sermons and expositions upon the historical parts of Scripture, as if they contained no instruction in spiritual matters: were such persons truly enlightened by the Spirit of God, they would perceive that all Scripture is profitable, and would blush at their own folly in understanding any portion of the inspired volume.”

from the title. –Maschil of Asaph. THE TREASURY OF DAVID

Even though these are Asaph’s words to the people of God they are also God’s word for His people of all ages.

Asaph’s law would have been God’s law for Israel.  The “words of my mouth” which Asaph writes would have been the words of God.  Asaph speaking according to the word of God.  Christians are to give ear to the law of God.  The Christian is to always have an ear to hear the words of God which proceed from the teachers and preachers who preach the whole counsel of God.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

This could even imply that we are to hear the wise, godly, Biblical counsel of the founding fathers of our nation.  Something to think about.

The Scriptures speak clearly of who Jesus is.  He is more than a teacher. He is more than a prophet.  He is more than a good man.  He is the Son of God, and God the Son.  He is the Lord and Saviour of all the world.  Hear His word.

Confidence and/or Confusion

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“In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.” Psalm 71:1 (KJV)

The LORD is the place for our trust.  We far too often place our trust, our confidence in our own abilities.  We are blessed, and we are a blessing unto the Lord Jehovah when we affirm with our words of prayer and praise that our trust is in Him.  That is what the Psalmist is affirming here.

Will I daily; and will you daily affirm with me that our trust is in the LORD?  I pray that you will, and speak it loudly to Him, and show it loudly to Him and the rest of the world as well.

If we will not walk with Him, putting our trust, our confidence in Him and His Word then we will be put to confusion.  Confusion is not of God.  The apostle Paul has written,

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

When a professing Christian is not putting their trust in God, but walking after their own lust, and passions they will be confused, there will be confusion in the world concerning what Christianity is; and it is quite obvious we have that today.  Trusting the LORD means believing His word, and living according to what He says, not what the rest of the world is living and saying.

Have confidence in the LORD and His Word; and you will not be confused.

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.

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.

Glorious Power of the LORD

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“The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is His name…
…Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: Thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.” Exodus 15:3, 6 (KJV)

The fifteenth chapter of Exodus is dedicated to the Song of Moses (vv. 1-19).  It is a song of triumph against a nation that at the time was the center of the known world.  The people of Israel were in bondage in Egypt.  Enslaved by a king who had no mercy on them, thus was God’s judgment to come for their deliverance.

There are many who do not like looking at GOD  as being a “Man of war” or like a “Man of war”; however, that is how the Scriptures speak of Him in two different verses.  In the above verses of Exodus, and in Isaiah we read,

“The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies.” Isaiah 42:13 (KJV)

Many today want a lovey, dovey god who supplies all their wants and wishes.  That god is more of a genie who grants the every wish of the one who “trust” in that god.  The GOD of glory and power is the One who has made all things; the seen and the unseen.  His glory is above and beyond that of men or women.  There is only one glory that will stand and that is the LORD’S.

When someone like the Pharaoh of Egypt exalts themselves against the LORD, the GOD will show Himself strong in His own behalf and His people.  One day all the world will know that GOD is the LORD.  For some that will not be a pleasant day or hereafter.

Make today a good one by believing in the Son whom the LORD has sent to be the payment for your sins.  When you trust His Son Jesus you are no longer His enemy, but His child.

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.

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

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.

Giving Unto the LORD

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“Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.” Psalm 29:1 (KJV)

Today I will let only C. H. Spurgeon from THE TREASURY OF DAVID speak on this verse…

“Give,” i.e., ascribe. Neither men nor angels can confer anything upon Jehovah, but they should recognise his glory and might, and ascribe it to him in their songs and in their hearts. “Unto the Lord,” and unto him alone, must honour be given. Natural causes, as men call them, are God in action, and we must not ascribe power to them, but to the infinite Invisible who is the true source of all. “O ye mighty.” Ye great ones of earth and of heaven, kings and angels, join in rendering worship to the blessed and only Potentate; ye lords among men need thus to be reminded, for ye often fail where humbler men are ardent; but fail no longer, bow your heads at once, and loyally do homage to the King of kings. How frequently do grandees and potentates think it beneath them to fear the Lord; but, when they have been led to extol Jehovah, their piety has been the greatest jewel in their crowns. “Give unto the Lord glory and strength,” both of which men are too apt to claim for themselves, although they are the exclusive prerogatives of the self-existent God. Let crowns and swords acknowledge their dependence upon God. Not to your arms, O kings, give ye the glory, nor look for strength to your host of warriors, for all your pomp is but as a fading flower, and your might is as a shadow which declineth. When shall the day arrive when kings and princes shall count it their delight to glorify their God? “All worship be to God only,” let this be emblazoned on every coat of arms.

Has God Forsaken His Own???

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“My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” Psalm 22:1 (KJV)

The writer of this Psalm was feeling as though Go had forsaken him.  David is the Psalmist who was feeling so.  It must have been a trial of epic proportions.  Let us remember that it is faith which  causes him to cry out to God at this time.

This Psalm, at least the first verse, was quoted by our Saviour while He was hanging on the cross (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).  It was as He came through the darkest part of the crucifixion.  For three hours there was a complete and total darkness, which the earth experienced during those hours; but O the darkness which our Lord endured was far greater than any physical, or temporal darkness of the earth.

Jesus had taken upon Himself the sins of the whole world.  We are told in Scripture that God does not look on sin with favor; thus the judgment of God was upon His Son.  There is no way we can understand the events of that dark time in our Lord’s dying; however I believe I can say that it was the most dark time of His life and death.

Because Jesus was forsaken by His Father for that time He will never forsake those who are His own.  We can hear the promise, “I will never forsake you or leave you”, and know that He is always with us.

You are His only when you come to Him believing that He died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again bodily from the grave.  Believe in Him.  Call on Him believing.

Abiding In the Presence

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?” Psalm 15:1 (KJV)

These are two very important questions.  They could have been asked by David after attempting to move the Ark of the covenant to Zion’s Hill in the wrong manner, it was touched by Uzza, and he perished (1 Chronicles 13:7-11).

There is this one thing that professing Christians of 2014 seem to forget and that is that GOD is still holy.  He is still a “Consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29), and it is still a “Fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).  Those references are from the New Testament written and quoted after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So do not go off on a tangent saying, “We are no longer under the law” which has absolutely nothing to do with it.  God is still holy.  He is still Jehovah [YaHWeH].

The questions “Who shall abide in Thy tabernacle?”  None of us are worthy.  “Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?”  Again none are worthy.

O, but the death of Jesus Christ; God’s perfect, sinless, spotless, undefiled, pure sacrifice paid the sin debt that was mine and yours.  Jesus was the sin-bearer for me, and for you.  Because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus we can abide in His tabernacle; we can dwell forever in His holy hill.

No I am not worthy, you are not worthy to abide with God.  We cannot dwell in His presence, but through His Son Jesus Christ.  Believe Him.  Call on Him, and come into His presence and abide forever.

Excellent, Glorious Master

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth! Who hast set Thy glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1 (KJV)

There is only one God who is worthy of praise and worship. David knew who that one God is, and knew His name.  His name is Jehovah [YaHWeH] the Creator, Sustainer, and He has a Son by whom all things were made, and “Without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).

We His highest creation are made to worship Him, and no other.  When we think too highly or ourselves we take away from His glory, the worship that He only is worthy of.  When we think too highly of a sports figure, a Hollywood actor, a child, or any celebrity we rob the one God of the worth ship only He deserves.

The name of the LORD (Jehovah) is the most excellent of names.  He is the One who has set His glory even above the heavens.  You and I were made to glory in His name.

He has made it possible for us to do so through the cross of His Son Jesus.  The God Man who came to die for our sins; died, was buried and bodily arose from the grave; and soon will be returning.  O glory in that most excellent name today.  He is the Most Excellent, Glorious Master.

The Blessed Man

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1:1 (KJV)

It is said that “Blessed” means happy, and indeed that is the Hebrew meaning as well.  How does a man become blessed?  By walking the counsel of the godly, stands firmly against all that is sin in the eyes of God, and does not make a mocker of sin or God.

Keeping that in mind I think of Galations 6:7 –

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

If you desire to be a Blessed individual – man or woman – then choose the ways of God.  The way of God is by the cross of Jesus Christ, the God Man, who died, was buried and bodily rose from the grave; and is soon returning.

 

Judging Righteous Judgment

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“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.” Isaiah 11:1-4 (KJV)

There is a judgment coming on the earth, and upon the people of the earth.  No age, neither male nor female, no race, will be exempt from the judgment that is coming.

The judgment received by judges of today can be, and often are unjust, missed, or just plumb wrong.  Judges of men are sometimes bribed, or color their judgment to fit their beliefs; or even the perspective they have of the person being judged.

It is great, and wonderful to know that the Judge that is coming to judge us is a Just Judge, and will judge us in righteousness.  However, we must know that we are all guilty before Him unless we have been covered by His own blood.

You see, Jesus Christ will be that coming Judge.  He died for you and me on the cross.  He was buried – carrying away all our sin, shame, guilt, condemnation and death.  He also was raised bodily from the grave; and will one day – we pray soon – come again and gather His people unto Himself.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, His finished work on the cross, burial and resurrection, and you will have no need to fear His judgment.  He has pronounced all who believe in Him to be Righteous and Just.

Jesus is the Branch.  He will slay the wicked.

New Thought, Maybe Not So New

/ Tim A.

I realize that I just recently began post dealing with “Jesus Through the Bible”, and was planning on continuing that through the year, until December 31.  However I believe I need to take a new direction right now, and maybe stay from posting for the rest of the year.

I apologize to the readers who came here, and thank all my subscribers, and apologize to you.  The good Lord willing I will be back.

Comments will be closed for that duration.  The site will remain up for your viewing, reading and study.

Thank you again.

T.A.

Jesus Through the Bible – Greater Prophet

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“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken; according to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.’ And the LORD said unto me, ‘They have well spoken that which they have spoken.  I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require it of him.'”  Deuteronomy 18:15-19

Jesus, a prophet?  Yes!  But so much more than just a prophet.  He is the Prophet of whom Moses spoke.  Deuteronomy 34:10 tells us that when Moses had “died” (no man knowing his burial place) that “…There arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.”  No one after Moses except for Jesus could have laid claim to speaking with God “face to face”.

Jesus was like Moses in several ways

  1. He was spared death as a baby (Exodus 2; Matthew 2:13-23);
  2. He  renounced a royal court (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 11:24-27);
  3. He had compassion on His people (Numbers 27:17; Matthew 9:36);
  4. He made intercession for the people (Deuteronomy 9:18;  Hebrews 7:25);
  5. He spoke with God face to face (Exodus 34:29-30; 2 Corinthians 3:7);
  6. He was the mediator of a covenant (Deuteronomy 29:1; Hebrews 8:6-7).  These are from the MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE notes for Deuteronomy 18:15-19.

Jesus a prophet?  Definitely.  So much more than a prophet; the Prophet, the Lord, The Saviour, the Redeemer of mankind.  The Mediator of a Greater Covenant – The Gospel of grace.

Jesus Through the Bible

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

From February 01, 2014 through December 31 we will take a journey through the Bible, and looking at pictures of Jesus and the very fulfillment of Jesus when we get to the New Testament.  These will be a short portion of verse or verses, and light commentary on the portrait, type, and how we are to respond to Him.

For February 01 –

 ‘And the LORD said unto Noah, ‘Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation.”  Genesis 7:1 (KJV)

It is awesome the way God has preserved, and inspired His Word to proclaim His Son and His glorious salvation.  Looking at the verse above we see the means of Noah’s, his family’s and many other creature’s salvation from the devastating flood.

In this historical account of the worldwide flood of Noah’s day we have a wonderful picture of Christ Jesus in the ark, and of God’s marvelous grace.  That invitation is still valid, and powerful today when we look at Jesus as the only source of hope and salvation for mankind.  He says “Come unto Me…, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  There are at least five other references to the Lord saying “Come unto Me”.

The Lord is calling the lost, the hopeless, the sick, the sinful, and the weary to “Come unto Me…”