Psalms

Promises 

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Psalm 50:16-17
“But to the wicked God says: ‘What right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, seeing you hate instruction and cast My words behind you?’”

One of the strangest phenomenon that I have experienced, over the years, is to hear the unbeliever quote the Bible. It fascinates me how those who have read so little of it seem, at times, to consider themselves the authority on what it says. Those who are living a lifestyle which the Bible does not condone, and quite frankly, they know to be wrong, are so quick to pull words from the Bible to justify their behavior.

“Do not judge me” seems to be the anthem of the sinner. We have all heard the Hollywood rhetoric, or political speeches with the token Scripture reference, from a person whose lifestyle is contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. Perhaps the most common abuse of the Bible is when a person who is living in sin, uses the promises, given to the child of God, as a source of comfort in their difficulty. To that, God has some very strong words,

“What right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, seeing you hate instruction and cast My words behind you?” 

The promises of the Word of God are given to those who are in a covenant relationship with God. Those who have looked at the cross, recognized that they are sinners, and received Christ as their Savior, are the ones to whom the promises of God are written. It is that person who is able to take the covenant in their mouth, and benefit from the promises of God.

The promises of God are abundant, and should draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. He promises our sins are removed from us, as far as the East is from the West, casting them into the depths of the sea. He promises that we become brand new in Christ; all our past failures are forgotten, and life gets a fresh new start. He promises power to overcome the struggles, even addictions that we face in life. He promises peace to calm us in the midst of life’s biggest storms, joy that wells up in us like a fountain, love that is shed abroad in our heart, removing all prejudices and hate. A love so great that enemies become allies, and victims become friends. He promises to never leave us or forsake us, to be an ever-present help in time of need, One to whom we can cast all of our cares, concerns, fears and struggles. He promises to be a shelter from the storms of life, much like a walled city or a high tower, which provided safety for those in battle. He promises to be the bearer and giver of abundant life; a life with meaning and purpose, a life that He has preordained with good works for us to walk in, and experience. But all these promises are given to those who are in a covenant relationship with Him through Christ.

If you have not yet received and surrendered to Christ, there are promises for you. He invites you to come to Him, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  Take Him up on His offer. Stop striving against God and surrender all to Him. Watch how He takes your life and transforms you into the person He has designed you to become.

Pastor Jim

Psalm 50

  1. Sometimes we forget about the Majesty of God, how does the description of God in verse 1-3 change your view of Him?
  2. The Psalmist goes into great detail to explain that God is not in need. If He were hungry, He would not ask man for help. Contrast that with what He declares in verse 15.
  3. We often hear people who are not following God making reference to the Word of God. It is even common for those who do not read the Bible to misquote the Bible to defend their actions. According to verse 16-17, what is God’s reaction to that?
  4. Verse 23 requires a response. What response will you give to it today?

 

Growing In Christ

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Psalm 48:9
“We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, In the midst of Your temple.”

images-2.jpegWe learn two very important things about following Jesus from this one verse.

First, the Psalmist talks about his location. We find him in the midst of the Temple. The Temple was the center of worship for the Old Testament saint; as the church is the center of worship for us. The children of Israel were required to travel to the Temple three times every year, for seven different feasts. No matter how far away they lived, this pilgrimage was necessary, for it was at the Temple they would hear the Word of God, be involved in corporate worship, and enjoy fellowship with the other believers. Our personal growth in Christ has a lot to do with our location. When we choose to frequently fellowship on a regular basis, we will find that our growth is enhanced. When we neglect it, our growth is stunted. The writer of Hebrews, recognizing the importance of regular Christian fellowship, wrote, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

Second, the Psalmist gives us a glimpse into his thought life. He tells us that he meditates upon the lovingkindness of God. Our thought life is crucial to our spiritual growth. If we fill our minds with images, or imaginations of things that are sinful, it will not be long before we find ourselves practicing those sins. James explained the way sin comes to fruition in our lives, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:14-15

If we want to succeed in following Jesus, we need to guard our thought life. We need to love God with our minds by not letting ourselves go down those roads with our imagination.

Pastor Jim

 

Worship

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Psalm 45:11b
“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.”

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This is a Messianic Psalm, meaning that it is speaking prophetically of Israel’s coming Messiah. In it, the Psalmist is describing the glory of Jesus, our King, and the beauty of His Bride, the church. After describing Jesus as the King of Glory, girded with a sword, overthrowing wickedness, ruling in righteousness and reigning in glory, he speaks of the proper response from His people.

“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.”

The word “worship” is a translation of the Hebrew word “shachah”, which means to “bow down before and to give homage to.” It is a word that would be used of a person who was entering the presence of royalty and giving the proper honor. The Psalmist is declaring that the child of God is expected to enter the presence of King Jesus bowing and expressing worship.

Sometimes, it is surprising to me how some people misuse a time of corporate worship. Some treat it like the previews at the movie theater. For them, the real show does not start until the Bible study. So they regularly wander in missing most of the worship time. Others, look at worship as a concert. If the rendition of the song was done in a style they like (the volume was not too loud or too quiet, the performance did not drag on too long) then it was good worship. Still others treat worship like watching their favorite sport. If their team is doing well, their emotions rise up, and they express it with cheers. If their team is losing they are slumped over, sad and quiet. In other words, worship for some is based completely upon emotion. If they view their current circumstances as positive, then they are filled with expressive praise, but if things are not going the way they want, worship stops. The psalmist has an entirely different view of worship.

“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.”

To him, worship has a lot more to do who God is, than with us. He calls us to worship because of the glory of our Lord. I think we need to place less importance on musical style, and personal experience, and more upon the nature and character of our God. Regardless of what struggles you are facing today, the proper response is,

“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.”

Pastor Jim

 

Victorious 

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Psalm 44:3
“For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.”

Even a casual reading of the Old Testament will lead to the conclusion that Israel did not win their battles on their own. When armies are overthrown by the rushing waters of the Red Sea, walls toppled with rams horns, and a shepherd defeats a warrior with a sling and stone, it is clear that the hand of God is behind the victories. There are times when Israel went to battle in their strength, but those are the times of failure, not of triumph. It is hard to forget the Battle of Ai. Joshua sent the troops into battle without first seeking guidance from the Lord, only to see his army retreat and many soldiers lose their lives (Joshua 7:2-6). Clearly, the strength behind the success of the nation of Israel was the leading and empowering hand of God.

There are many differences between our relationship with God through Christ, and Israel’s relationship under the first covenant. We are not a nation that has been given a land, and promised victory in physical battles. That does not mean the battles we face are any less difficult. Every Christian knows what it is to face spiritual battles with an enemy as real as Goliath.

Paul described this battle to the Christians in Galatia, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17).

The battle we face is a battle within. It is between our desire to do what is right and pleasing to God, and our desire for what is unholy, sinful and destructive. Just as Israel’s success was not found in bigger armies, more advanced weaponry, or treatise with other nations, so our victories will not be won with determination or increased will power. To win the battle against the flesh, we need to apply God’s battle tactics.

Again the words of Paul instruct us: “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:8).

In other words, if we spend our time feeding the flesh, the flesh will become stronger; and in battle, the flesh will win. We will find ourselves defeated again and again. On the other hand, if we spend our time feeding the spirit with a healthy diet of God’s Word, prayer, fellowship and service, we will find greater and greater victory in the times of spiritual battle. I believe what we do in times of peace, determines who will win in the times of heated conflict. Too many Christians spend little time making daily spiritual investments in their lives, and wonder why they find themselves defeated over and over every time temptation rises.

The ways of God will never change. His victories are always accomplished in His strength. When we take the time to sow to the Spirit, we will have victory over the lusts of the flesh. If we don’t, we will continue to struggle, fail, fall, and be constantly riddled with guilt and weakness. You don’t have to live like that any longer. His arm will be your strength.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 44

  1. How are the truths of God delivered from one generation to the next?
  2. How are you involved in passing on the truth of God to others?
  3. In verse 3 – 8, what does the Psalmist attribute Israel’s victories to?
  4. Despite the victories, the Psalmist is describing the times of defeat. What does he do to remedy the situation?

 

 

Thirsty

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Psalm 42:1-2
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”

This Psalm begins with the Psalmist describing his hunger for more of God. In a beautifully poetic fashion, he compares his desire for God to a deer panting for water. Thirst is one of our most basic drives, second only to the body’s need for oxygen. He is not only stating that he desires more of God in his life, but that he cannot live without Him. Psychologists have made lists of basic human needs for mental and emotional health. These lists often include things like companionship, communication, a good diet, human touch, self acceptance and proper rest. Unfortunately, they often neglect man’s greatest need; our need for God. Paul wrote:

Colossians 2:10 “You are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”

Man is made complete only when in a right relationship with God, through Christ. Someone aptly described man as created with a God shaped void. This void creates a longing within us to know God. Tragically, many failing to realize they need a personal relationship with God, attempt to fill this void with other things. It is common to see people trying to find satisfaction in relationship, experience, or even substance abuse, when the real solution will only be found in receiving and surrendering all to Jesus.

Perhaps the reason for this longing in the Psalmist is unveiled when he declares:

“For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.”

Notice he says, “I used to go.” Something has happened in his life that hindered his gathering with the people of God, and enjoying corporate fellowship with God. His longing for God may be due to his lack of fellowship with God. It seems that a relationship gone bad was the cause of his broken fellowship, and this broken fellowship created a thirst within him to get right with God. How about you? Are you hungering for God? Is there a longing for more of Him in your life? If so the answer is found in crying out to Him and regularly gathering with those who love Him in corporate worship. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of being around the people of God, if we want to grow in Christ.

There is a condition much worse than being distant from God, and longing to get things right. That is, the condition of thinking that you are fine, just like you are. If that describes you, understand you are treading on very thin ice. The day is coming for all of us when we will appear before Him.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 42

  1. How does the Psalmist describe his desire for God?
  2. How would you describe yours?
  3. Jesus said that the blessed life came from hungering and thirsting for God, how can you increase your appetite for the things of God?
  4. What does David do to encourage himself in verses 5 – 8?

Miry Clay 

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Psalms 40:1-3
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth — Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.”

Without giving us the details, David describes the condition of his life as being in a horrible pit of miry clay. A mire is an area of wet spongy earth, like a bog or marsh. David was saying he was stuck in a very difficult place, and it seemed as though there was no escape. Unfortunately, life can be like that. Even when we are walking with the Lord, we come to times of great difficulties that seem to carry on and on, without hope of ever ending. Sometimes, these miry bogs are the result of what appears to be unrelenting waves of trials. Before we get our head up from one strike, we are hit with another. John Bunyan referred to these times as “The Slough of Despond.” if you are currently facing one of these times in your Christian walk, be encouraged with two things.

First, you are not alone. You are not the first, or only Christian, to find yourself in the mire wondering if there is any hope of deliverance. In addition to David’s poetic description of his circumstances, Paul wrote;

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed, . . .” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Knowing that others, even the godliest of men, have faced the Slough of Despond, encourages me that I am not here simply because of my failures, sins or bad choices. Times in the pit are part of following Christ and becoming like Him.

Notice that David wrote, “He inclined to me.” The word ‘inclined’ means to lean toward. In his darkest hour, the Lord leaned toward David and met him in the pit. Perhaps there is no greater illustration of this than when the three Hebrews were thrown into the fire by Nebuchadnezzar. Three men were thrown into the fire, but four were actually there; the fourth was the Son of God. In the heat of the trial, the Lord shows up (Daniel 3:23-25). If we were to ask those three men what the worse day of their lives was, they would, no doubt, tell us of being thrown into the fire. But if we to ask, what was the best day, they would probably tell us of meeting Jesus in the fire. If you are in a miry clay, a Pit of Despair, or the Slough of Despond understand that Jesus has inclined to meet you there, and wants to draw you nearer to Himself.

There is a second truth revealed by David that is of great encouragement to those who are in the pit. David declares there is a way out. That is essentially what Paul was telling the Corinthians. He said we are perplexed, which means he cannot find a way out, but not in despair, which means there is a way out. How comforting to know, that as difficult as the circumstances may be, they are not permanent. The Lord has a way out. David gives us the secret to finding the way,

“I waited patiently for the Lord.”

The key to the door that leads out of the mire, is waiting on the Lord. Waiting on the Lord does not mean to sit back and do nothing until He decides to lower the rope and pull us up. Instead, waiting involves examining my own life to see if there is anything that needs to be confessed and forsaken. It also includes time attending to the things of the Lord. In the miry pit, we should spend less time fighting and complaining, and more time seeking and praying. You will find that while the slough is not an easy place, when you seek the Lord, His voice is loud and clear.

Until you find your feet back upon solid ground, keep seeking Jesus for what He wants to accomplish in you.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 40

  1. What is involved in waiting on the Lord?
  2. What attributes are necessary in order to experience the blessed life, see verse 4.
  3. How much of the day do you spend thinking about God?
  4. How much time does He spend thinking about you?
  5. What does David cry out for in verse 11?

 

 

Slippery Slope

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Psalm 37:31 
“The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.”

I am a sports fan. I enjoy watching a variety of athletics, and am always fascinated when an athlete achieves victory, almost effortlessly. No matter what the opponents do, they are unable to stop him. Over the years, I have come to understand that those who seem to win with the least effort, are really the ones who have put in the most effort. They are the ones who are first in the gym and last out. Their diets, workouts, sleep patterns, even off days, are regimented so as to keep them in the best possible condition for victory.

The same is true of the child of God. If we want to have success in our walk with the Lord, we need to be willing to invest time with the Lord. David gives the secret to success for the righteous: “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.”

Sometimes, walking with the Lord is like traversing a narrow mountain path with loose rock, over a sheer cliff. “Sliding steps” is a picture of falling into sin, and away from the Lord. It is all too common an occurrence to hear that our church friend has lost his way and fallen into one sin or another. The secret to avoiding the fall is: “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.”

We have all been in church and heard the testimony of someone who is serving the Lord. They talk of the great things God is doing in and through their lives. They share of people coming to Christ, and growing in Christ. We look on with envy, wondering how it is possible that they are being used so mightily by the Lord, while we are struggling just to get by. The secret of their success is: “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” We read of the great men and women in Scripture, who overcame great obstacles, and achieved great victory in the fight of faith. They are the champions of Christianity, the heroes of Faith, the ones we long to meet in eternity and hear their stories first hand. They are the ones who conquered giants, knocked down walls, walked on water, led revivals, started churches and won the lost to Christ. The secret behind their success was: “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.”

If we want to be one who overcomes the struggles with the flesh, impacts the world for the kingdom of heaven, and leaves an example behind that others can follow, the secret is: “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” Let’s be sure to take the time to get the Law of God in our hearts.

Go to www.ccvb.net and join us as we read through the Bible. You will find a reading schedule, chapter questions, and a daily devotional to help you get: “The law of his God is in (your) heart; none of (your) steps shall slide.”

Pastor Jim

Beauty 

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Psalm 33:1
“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.”

There can be great value in getting away from our manmade world and looking at the creative work of God. Seeing the beauty of His creation seems to give us new perspective on His love, power, and glory. I can recall one particular sunset in Africa that was so magnificent and seemed to last for an hour. The sky was filled with an array of colors, like I had never seen before. I recall how the view of the snow capped Austrian Alps, and the water falls of Kauai captivated me, filling me with awe and amazement at the beauty of God’s handiwork. I am sure you have a list of your own experiences that cause you to celebrate the beauty of creation. That being said, the Psalmist begins to talk about what God views as true beauty. He declares;

“For praise from the upright is beautiful.”

From Heaven’s perspective, perhaps the most beautiful thing on earth, is when the child of God looks up and shouts out with heart felt praise. It seems that our worship accompanies the sound of Angels singing, and fills the throne room of heaven like sweet incense.

There are many different types of worship. There are times when God does something in our lives that forces out praise; we cannot contain the joy within, and have to express it to Him. There is also responsive praise. Those times when we examine what God has done for us, perhaps in a time of communion, looking back upon the cross, our hearts are so filled with thankful worship for what Christ has accomplished for us. There is what we might call “faith-filled praise.” Those times when everything seems bleak and hopeless, yet we know the love, mercy, and power of God, so we begin to praise for what we know He is able to do. In those times, our worship will completely change our perspective in life. Perhaps the highest type of worship is when we praise Him, not for the things He has done, but simply for who He is. No matter what my perspective of life, God is still God. He remains the King of kings, the Lord of lords, high and lifted up above all His creative work. He sits enthroned in the floods of life, holding all things together with the Word of His power. Creation is under His authority and reacts to His commands, He even sends angels forth to do His bidding, and provide assistance to the saints.

No matter what you are facing this day, praise from the upright is beautiful. Take some time to get your eyes off of you and unto Him, and fill your room with songs of praise.

Pastor Jim

 

Horses And Mules 

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Psalms 32:8-9
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you.”

I am not a farmer, and do not have a lot of experience with either horses or mules. With my limited knowledge, I have observed, that bits are used in horses for an entirely different reason, than they are used in mules. Horses want to run free; they must be broken, and the harness and bit are to keep them from running off on their own. Mules are stubborn; they are not known for running off, but for standing still. The bit and harness are used on the mule to get them going. While I do not have a lot of familiarity with horses and mules, I have spent lots of time with Christians.  It seems to me, we are by nature, a lot like either the horse or the mule. Some of us have the tendency to run ahead. We are the self-reliant; the ones who are constantly thinking we can handle things, and forgetting our need to cling to the Lord. Others of us, are more mule-like. We are the ones who tend to sit back, always aware of our own weaknesses. Those weaknesses keep us from venturing out into what God would have us do.

The instruction the Lord gives David is for all of us. It does not matter what your natural tendencies are, we must learn not to trust in self, but to look to the Lord. God does not want to lead us as if we were a domesticated animal. Instead, He wants to lead us with His eye. That can mean one of two things. First, it can mean He is giving us signals with His eyes. My wife does that periodically. If we are in a group of people and she wants to talk to me, she may signal me with her eyes. The key is, I must be looking carefully at her to get it. God wants our eyes on Him. If we are going to be led by the Lord, our eyes must be fixed upon Him.

Second, the writer to the Hebrews stated,

” . . .looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

I think the illustration can mean something else as well. Guiding us with His eyes is only possible when we look at things through His eyes. I can remember sitting with some friends in the mountains on a clear night. The stars were so bright and vivid that our attention was drawn up. One of my friends is an amateur astronomer, so he began to explain the various constellations to us. I was having a very difficult time locating the beginning point of one of them, so he stood next to me and pointed up. I looked at the stars through His eyes and was able to see what he saw. To be guided with His eye,  is to look at things through God’s eyes. We do that by becoming familiar with His Word. We will only know what God thinks, when we spend time reading what He has to say. It has become all too common in our world, for us to imagine what God wants based upon personal experience, instead of looking into His Word, and seeing life through His eyes. Instead of looking at life through the eyes of culture, experience, trial, pain, sorrow, ambition, fear, want or worry, lets look at things through the eyes of God, and allow Him to lead us.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 32

  1. How does David describe the blessed life?
  2. What are the physical effects of un-confessed sin?
  3. What is significant about the fact that God wants to guide us with His eyes?
  4. Why are we warned against being like mule or horse?

Give To The Lord 

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Psalm 29:1-2
“Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

When Moses pleaded to see the Glory of God, the Lord responded by passing before him and revealing His nature. He declared Himself to be merciful and gracious. The word gracious speaks of the giving nature of God. It is His desire to give what is best to man. James, addressing a group of trial-ridden Christians, reminded them, since God is gracious, every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). The message of the Bible has a whole lot more to do with what God gives us, than what we are to give to Him. Hosea reminded Israel of what God had done for them,

“I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.” Hosea 11:3-4

The message of the New Testament is no different. Jesus declared,

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Paul commenting on the giving nature of God wrote,

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32

When it comes to giving, God is all in. He has spared nothing. He even gave His only Son. That being said, David exhorts us to respond by giving back to the Lord. When we understand all that God has done for us, it becomes very natural for us to give back to Him. After all, what do you have that has not been given to you?

This makes me think of two questions. First, what is it that God desires from you? David reminds us, God wants glory. That is, He wants first place in your heart and life. He wants to be exalted to the highest place in your life and living. He also wants your strength. He desires your life be surrendered to Him, and your abilities given back as instruments of righteousness. One of the most amazing things about the Lord is, He can take any talent given back to Him and use it to further the Kingdom, and reserve heavenly treasures. The Bible is filled with people who took their gifts as writers, singers, musicians, cooks, doctors, hosts, artists… gave them to the Lord, and furthered the Kingdom. The second question is, what do you have to give back to the Lord today? You may have had some rough experiences in life, causing you to devalue yourself. May I remind you, that you matter to God. He loves you and wants to use you. Right now, offer your life to Him as a gift, for all He has done for you. Who knows what amazing things God has in store.

Pastor Jim