CSI Church of Dallas

EVERY WORD OF GOD IS FLAWLESS; HE IS A SHIELD TO THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM (Prov. 30:35)

2012-01-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

The Disciple and His Perfect Peace

Imanuel G. Christian

January 2012

Last month we noted that the birth of Christ in our hearts prepares the way for us to fulfill the longing of our human hearts. At the same time, we also noted that we are still groaning with the eager expectations of our final redemption, and our prayer still is, “Come, Thou long expected Jesus”. Even after the Son of righteousness has been born in our hearts, we continue to live in the “world with devils filled that threaten to undo us” and face all kinds of problems and heartaches that are common to humanity. As we begin the year 2012 we do not know how the year will go and what kinds of problems we will face. In this situation how can we have the perfect peace that is promised in the Word of God?

Yes, the Word of God does promise perfect peace and overflowing joy. The prophet Isaiah described this perfect peace and overflowing joy in beautiful poetry, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; (so much joy and peace that) the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12).

Although Isaiah is describing this in the context of the millennial kingdom, in some ways we can experience that perfect peace and overflowing joy even today. As believers we do not have to wait to experience all the blessings of heaven until after we die and go to be in the presence of the Lord where there is fullness of joy and eternal pleasures (Psalm 16:11). We can, at least in some measure, experience these blessing even in this life. Eternity begins at the moment we come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

In the New Year how can we experience the heavenly joy and peace in spite of us living in the world that is still under the grip of the evil one? First of all, we need to change our focus. Much of the time we focus on our own life surrounded by problems, on the evil that surrounds us, on our disappointments and frustrations. All these things weigh us down and rob us of our joy and peace.

Instead of that, our focus should be on God in whom and through whom all our questions are answered and problems resolved. When the psalmist focused on the evil around him (Psalm 73), his heart was grieved and his spirit became bitter (v. 21). But when he changed his focus to be on God he realized, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (vv. 25-26). As Isaiah said, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

Secondly, we need to change our priorities. Much of our life is spent on making a living and not enjoying life, in worrying about things we do not have, and in taking care of things we do have. Like our garages, our life is cluttered with so many things and activities that drain our energy, use up our time and resources, and rob us of our joy and peace. We believers, too, have been dragged into a consumer mindset and try to find our joy in having

a certain standard of living, so when things change and we cannot maintain it, our world goes upside down. Contentment is not having everything we want, but enjoying things we have; learning “the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12). It is in this context that Paul makes the next statement; “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (v. 13).

Instead of focusing on the things of this world, our priorities should be focused on eternal things: serving the Lord, being a joy and blessing to others, and accumulating eternal treasures. Things of this world are temporary, but they can be used to build up eternal treasures. If this is our priority, we can trust God to meet all our basic needs. David said, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed” (Psalm 37:25-26). It is rare that we have to worry about our basic needs like shelter, clothes and food. Most of our worries are about things beyond our basic needs.

Thirdly, we have to live a life that is totally pleasing to the Lord. No believer can have the joy and peace promised in the Word of God as long as there is an unforgiven sin in his/her life. As David said, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer” (Psalm 32:3-4). Of course, as long as we are in this life, we cannot live a sinless life. But as we grow in the Lord we sin less and less and the goal is, like Job, to live a life that is blameless and upright, fearing God and turning away from evil (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). If there is any sin in our life we have to immediately ask forgiveness from God and, if necessary, from others whom we may have offended.

Finally, the goal of the believer’s life is not just to enjoy this life, although there is nothing wrong in that as God allows us to enjoy it (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25; 3:22; 5:18-20), but to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Because it is only in a relationship with Him that this life not only becomes meaningful, but also joyful. As Solomon said, “For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 2:25). No One! As children of God we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, with the things that really matter from the eternal perspective.

If we make God our focus in 2012, and make knowing Him, loving Him and serving Him our priority, then the things of this world will grow strangely dim and we will be able not only to appreciate our spiritual blessings, but also to be able to enjoy this life and the things of this world, and our life will be more and more filled with the joy and peace that God desires us to have.

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

(Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)

(Next month: End of the world on 12-21-12?)

How beautiful the hands that served...!

2011-10-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

I dedicate this blog to our Dear Achen Ninan & our Dear Pastor Sherwin...! Pastor, We appreciate you!

October.. is the 'CLERGY APPRECIATION' month! I am glad somebody had dedicated this WHOLE month for appreciating our pastors, instead of just one day! That shows us that one day is not enough to appreciate the Pastors!

Why should we appreciate our Pastors? The reasons are so many; I know I am trying a 'failure attempt' to write only a few things; they mean more than what these words can express!

While they are sick, they visit church members who are sick, to utter the words of assurance and healing, showing no signs of their own sufferings!

While they grieve for their personal situation, they go and celebrate the joyous occasion of the church members, showing no signs of their own pains!

While they need several helping hands, I have noticed, they go out and help the needy, showing no signs of self-needs, but just pointing to other's needs!

While they are 'stoned at' for anything they did, they pray for me and love me, as if I did nothing wrong against them.. oh boy.. this means a lot to me!

While they toil day and night to prepare the sermon and deliver it on Sundays, I just summarize them in one line saying 'it is not an effective sermon', because they don't use technology..! I apologize; I no more try summarize the sermons, but I just surrender & submit in His presence!

While the whole city was 'stand-still' during the ice storm, they went out, driving on the risky-icy-slippery roads, to pray for me and help me out; I told them 'I am contagious' they said, that is fine! I thought they are crazy.. Yes! They are! For your sake!

While I complained about their leadership style, they exemplified the servant leadership, 'do not follow men', 'just follow Jesus', a better way to Christian Maturity..!

While they were neither my friends, nor my family, but they act like one, leaving room for me to fail but learn, leaving room for me to be 'me', but follow Jesus!

While I stand 'TALL' and look down on them (some times), I realize the very reason I stand tall today, because they knelt and BEND down for me in their personal closet and prayed for me; And they continue to do it for others...! That is why I still see them kneeling in His presence..!

While I HIGHLIGHT their 'one' weakness among their 100 strengths, they were waiting to compliment me for the ONE thing I do right among the 100 things I do wrong! They are still waiting...! (Why did my eyes get wet as I write this....? They deserve my respect!)

While I am impatient, in-tolerant, proud and lethargic, they were patient, tolerant, and humble, in not just accepting me as I am, but continue to support me and teaching me 'His Purpose' for me...

This song comes to my mind when I think about them...

How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross - Twila Paris

They deserve our appreciation -everyday, they deserve our respect -all the time, they deserve our love un-conditionally, they deserve our helping hand- to lift up others, they deserve our support- in their loneliness, they deserve our faithfulness -in serving, they deserve our commitment to Christ ...after all that was their only aim to make us go there..!

Now it is your turn....! Take your phone and call them or take a blank sheet of paper and fill it with your heart felt thanks... a few tear drops...may wet the papers and I think it is fine, they are used to those moisture papers... ! To Any Pastors or missionaries who touched your life...! They deserve a 'THANK YOU' from you!

The Disciple and His Common Sense

2011-10-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Imanuel G. Christian
October 2011

For the past few months we have been thinking about the ways to know the will of God for a particular situation in life. This month we will deal with common sense. How does common sense come into the picture as we try to discern the will of God? This article will be the last in this series (If you would like to get all of the previous five articles together, let me know).

Common sense means sound and prudent judgment in practical matters; the basic level of practical knowledge that we all need to help us to live in a reasonable and safe way. God has given
common sense to every one of us, and it is our responsibility to use it for sensible living. When we want to know the will of God, we have to use our common sense. In our past articles we have noted that the Word of God is the most basic tool to help us know the will of God. But that does not mean that we have to totally lay aside our common sense.

The Word of God tells us to use our common sense. Peter says, “Prepare your minds for action” (1 Peter 1:13), and, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7). In both of these verses the original meaning is to use discernment, right judgment which we would call common sense. Similarly, Paul says that the grace of God teaches us, “to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:12). And, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7), where self-discipline means living sensibly, with careful thinking.

The prophet Isaiah gives a beautiful example of the common sense of farmers. A farmer knows when to plow, what kind of seed to sow in what kind of soil. He knows that different crops require different farming techniques because, “His God instructs him and teaches him the right way”. He uses God-given common sense (Isaiah 28:24-29). Similarly, by common sense we know the proper time for different activities, how to behave, what to say and what not to say, and how to relate to people in different situations.

By common sense we know that during the extreme cold of the winter we should not go out without wearing heavy warm clothes. But if we go out with those clothes during the extreme heat of the summer, people would think we are out of our minds. If we are sick we have to consult a doctor. If we are a student we have to study hard to get good grades. We have to avoid some situations that put us either in physical or moral danger. These are things we know through our common sense and we do not need to know the will of God in such matters.

The Bible does not give any help in the matters which we can decide simply by using our common sense; it leaves those things to us to decide. For example, when an angel took Peter out of the prison, they passed two sets of guards and came to the iron gate which miraculously opened and Peter went out of the jail. At that moment the angel left Peter and disappeared. Now Peter was on his own and he had to use his common sense to decide what he should do next and where to go (Acts 12:5-19).

However, as it has been said, common sense is not very common. We all have done and said things that do not always make sense. Our foot is more often in our mouth than on the solid ground of our common sense! Think of a criminal who called a bank telling them to put all their cash in a sack for him and he would pick it up in fifteen minutes. Or, a Wal-Mart customer who filed a police report about his I-pod being stolen from his car in the parking lot. He had locked the doors, put the windows up, and set the alarm, but had left the top of his convertible open and the I-pod sitting on the passenger seat. Or, the jury that awarded two million dollars to a lady who carelessly spilled hot coffee in her lap while driving; and now there is a warning on McDonald coffee cups “Warning—Hot Coffee”!

Even if we are wise enough to use common sense most of the time, man’s common sense, like we noted in the case of man’s conscience, has limitations in knowing and following the will of God. The main problem is that our common sense has been trained in the wisdom of the world and many a time we consider everything in the way that the world thinks, thinking in terms of the gains in this life rather than in relation to eternal values. As Paul writes, “The sinful mind is hostile toward God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God” (Romans 8:7-8). That is why Solomon says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (common sense). Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:5, 7). But be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Romans 16:19).

We need to train our common sense according to the principles, ideals and morals of the Word of God rather than of the world. Not to confirm to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds so we can test and approve what is pleasing in the sight of God (Romans 12:2).

God sometimes leads us in a way that may not make sense to our common sense or even seems outright foolish and contrary to our common sense. Noah’s building of the ark, which took him a hundred and twenty years, must have seemed foolish to everybody around him at the time when people did not even know what “rain” was. Or, it must have seemed foolish to Abraham’s extended family and friends when he totally uprooted himself and left to go to a place he did not know (Hebrews 11:8). Just imagine a friend asking him, “Abraham, where are you going?” and his response, “Well, I don’t really know!”

I was a college professor when I felt led by the Lord to go into full time ministry and applied to Dallas Theological Seminary. The only idea about ministry that I had was to be a pastor, and pastors in India at that time received less than one-third of what I was getting as a professor (today it is less than one-fifth since professors’ salaries have sky-rocketed while pastors’ have not). When I went to the U. S. Consulate to get a student visa and I told this to the man there in response to his questions about my future plans, he shook his head and said, ”This doesn’t make sense. Why would anyone leave a well-paying job and spend four years of his life in further training to get a job that pays only one-third of what he is getting now?” They denied me the visa. Only after I wrote a long letter (in whatever broken English I knew then!) giving testimony of my conversion and commitment to the ministry, and the Seminary wrote a recommendation letter to them based on my written testimony sent to the Seminary earlier, did I get the visa. (I am convinced that those two letters, by God’s providence, must have fallen into the hands of a believer in the consulate office!). I am sure we can find examples without number from many a servants of God where what they were doing seemed foolish to the people around them.

There are many things in the Word of God and in a believer’s life that do not match with human common sense. “The message of the cross is foolishness” to the people of the world, and, “the man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14).

And so, as we live in the world we do have to use our God given common sense. We cannot jump off a cliff just because we know God can and does take care of His children. But we have to remember that the things of God are from out of this world and they are not always discerned by our common sense (Isaiah 55:8-9). We must always live by faith and not by sight (1 Corinthians 5:7) and trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own common sense.

The ABC of teaching Sunday School...!

2011-09-21T13:43:00.001-07:00

(by Mary Ellen Drushal )

So what are the ABCs of teaching? You may already have all 26 letters in your teaching primer. Or as you read this alphabet of teaching qualities and skills, you may discover new combinations of letters you need to be an effective teacher.

The ABCs that are foundational to teaching:

Availability: Don't turn off when the last "bell" rings. Kids still need hugs and attention when they see you in the hallway. And be available for training. It's the best way to become a better teacher. Make it a goal to incorporate one new idea from each training session you attend.

Boasting: Be proud of your children. They need someone who thinks they're special and who says so. Let your children hear your praises of them.

Coping: Many children have difficult lives. You need to be able to cope with what's happening to them. Don't avoid children with problems, but embrace them and counsel them when necessary. When a child makes a need known to you, pray for that need and seek to minister to that child.

Discovery: Explore biblical truth with your kids in every lesson. You're an expedition guide into the most exciting territory ever for kids: the Bible.

Encouragement: Your positive support will encourage learners to risk new things. Pepper your speech with comments such as, "I appreciate the way you tackled that mural" or "You worked hard during that game."

Flexibility: Children develop at different rates -- even children of the same age. Be patient with them while they develop. Don't ask them to do things beyond their physical or intellectual capacity. Praise them for trying rather than only for achieving.

Guidance: Proverbs 22:6 says if we guide children biblically, they'll not depart from the training when they get old. That's a promise for every teacher and parent!

Hesitation: When you ask a question, wait for children's responses. After ample thinking time and if someone doesn't attempt a response, rephrase the question.

Interaction: Don't lecture! One of the most effective teaching methods Jesus used was dialogue. Take turns in talking and listening. Maintain eye contact to underscore your interest in what the child says.

Joviality: A good sense of humor that leads to hearty laughter is good medicine for everyone. Remember to laugh with children and not at them.

Knowledge: Learn about developmental characteristics and effective teaching methods. Put your knowledge into practice to develop age-appropriate lessons for kids.

Love: Your children must feel you love them by how you act, what you say and the tone of your voice. Love costs us nothing, but it can make all the difference to a child.

Modeling: You are Jesus to your children. Jesus welcomed the children with open arms. He had standards and expectations for them, but he'd forgive them without fail. Model Christlikeness.

Naturalness: Don't read the lesson as written by an editor 2,000 miles away; teach the lesson in your words. Familiarize yourself with the content, write specific questions and don't read the curriculum word for word.

Order: Children constantly ask non-verbally, "Who's in charge here?" Discipline is maintained through a loving relationship with each child, not by authoritarian power. If a child is misbehaving, pull the child aside, and kindly remind him or her of the classroom rules.

Preparation: The "Saturday night scramble" can be avoided if you start lesson planning early in the week. Begin on Monday. Review your lesson and start gathering supplies. Through the week the Holy Spirit will provide real situations to illustrate the lesson objectives and provide quality learning for you and your children.

Question asking: Ask questions beyond who, what, when and where. Help your children understand the causes behind the story and make present-day applications. Encourage kids to put themselves in a character's shoes. Ask how they would feel had they been that person.

Respect: Children are God's gifts to us and are entrusted to our care for only a short while. Give them choices and respect their opinions.

Spirituality: Make sure your well doesn't run dry. Daily Bible reading and prayer will keep your pump primed to give to the kids in your class.

Tolerance: Children will misbehave. Expect it, deal with it appropriately and forgive it. Whatever you do, don't leave kids with the impression that church is a place for punishment.

Understanding: Children are unique genetically, socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually. Appreciate and respect their differences, and provide ways for each child to contribute to the class.

Vitality: Teachers who bore children with the Bible should sing in the choir instead! Enthusiasm for God's Word is contagious. Teachers don't have to be cheerleaders but neither should they be as dead as King Henry!

Warmth: Sunday school should be a good place to be -- like going to grandma's. The classroom should be "child friendly" with materials and resources easily accessible. The surroundings should be pleasing to the eye, ear and touch.

XP: These Greek letters represent Christ -- and so do you. You are Christ's ambassador. Disciple, train and teach children as Jesus would.

Yoking Up: Don't go it alone. You need a partner who'll pray for you. Teaching children is a tremendous task, and the extra support you get from having a prayer partner will be invaluable.

Zeal: Teachers shape the attitudes and values of future generations. And Christian teachers have a direct impact on children and eternity. Get a vision for the difference you're making in each child's life.

The Disciple and His Conscience - By Imanuel G. Christian

2011-09-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

September 2011

For the last four months we have been dealing with the topic, knowing the will of God. In the last article we noted four things that help us know His will. These are the Word of God, the Spirit of God, the people of God, and finally the peace of God as we prayerfully seek God’s guidance in this matter. Another related topic is the conscience of man and what role it plays in discerning whether what we are doing is according to the will of God and pleasing to Him or not. Actually, the conscience is involved in the fourth step above: the peace of God. If we come to the right decision that is pleasing to God, our conscience will be at peace about that decision. Man’s conscience is a gift of God, a voice telling him what is right and good and what is not. When we do something that is right, our conscience is at peace; and when we do not, our conscience goads us. It is an instinctive sense of right and wrong that produces a sense of guilt when violated.

Every person is born with a conscience. It is a stamp of God’s image in every human being that separates us from the rest of the creation. It is the conscience that guides man, even the pagans, to discern the difference between right and wrong and through it man knows the moral law of God, the will of God, and feel a sense of guilt when it is not followed (Romans 2:14-15).

However, the conscience is not the best or fool-proof guide in discerning the will of God and knowing the difference between right and wrong. Because of man’s sin nature it is possible that his conscience may not always lead him to the right choice and he may not feel a sense of guilt even when he is doing something morally wrong. Man’s conscience may not always spoil the pleasure of sin, or render a wicked person miserable, and may not force man to confess his wrongs.

Paul uses terms like “seared” conscience (1 Timothy 4:2) and “corrupted” conscience (Titus 1:15). When a person continues to ignore the voice of his conscience and continues to follow evil ways, his conscience becomes so seared, calloused and cauterized that it loses the sensitivity of good and evil and so does not feel the shame or guilt of following evil ways. As Paul describes, “Having lost all sensitivity they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more” (Ephesians 4:19).

History provides ample examples of the dead conscience of man. How could the Nazis participate in the wholesale slaughter of the Jewish community? Or, think of the many instances of genocide around the world in recent years. According to one account, during the twentieth century alone more than a hundred million people have been slaughtered this way, more than the causalities in all the wars in the whole world combined. Or, how can we understand all the terrorist activities around the world today unless their conscience has gone awry.

On the other hand, a person’s conscience may be “weak” and may easily be offended even when doing things that are not really morally offensive. In Paul’s days, for example, some people with weak consciences were troubled about matters such as eating meat and determining which days should be considered special (1 Corinthians 8:7-12; Romans 14:1-6).

Now we want to raise a few questions regarding the relationship of the conscience and the Holy Spirit. Are they either the same or different entities? What is the work of the Holy Spirit towards the unbeliever’s conscience? How does the Holy Spirit affect the believer’s conscience? What is the responsibility of the believer’s conscience towards the work of the Holy Spirit?

Obviously, the conscience and the Holy Spirit are not one and the same. As we noted above, the conscience is a part of every human being, whether a believer or an unbeliever. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit is given only to those who have become a part of God’s family by believing in Jesus Christ. Only the believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Ephesians 2:22; etc.).

However, this does not mean that the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with the unbeliever’s conscience. Not only is it the Spirit that restrains the sin in the world in general (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7), but He also convicts the unbeliever of his sin, tells his conscience of God’s righteousness, and informs him of God’s judgment if that righteousness is not carried out (Romans 2:15-16). As Jesus told His disciples, “When he (the Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). However, that does not always lead the unbeliever to do what his conscience requires.

On the other hand, the work of the Sprit in relation to the believer’s conscience is much more extensive and effective. First of all, through the work of the Spirit the believer’s conscience is cleared of any feeling of guilt of past sins (Hebrews 9:14). Secondly, the Spirit helps the believer to keep his conscience clear. The believer maintains a clear conscience by living in harmony with the truth of the Word of God as he is guided by the Spirit (John 16:13-15; 2 Corinthians 1:12-13). As the believer grows in his relationship with God through his time in the Word, his conscience is sharpened and is more sensitive to sin and to what grieves the Spirit of God. Thirdly, the Holy Spirit provides the strength that is needed to keep the conscience clear of sin and to guard it against temptations (1 John 4:4). It is through the work of the Spirit that the believer is released from the power and slavery of sin (Romans 7:24-25).

The believer has a greater revelation. He not only has his conscience which is a mark of God’s image in man, but was defiled because of the Fall, but he also has the Holy Spirit who guides him into the truth. With greater revelation comes greater responsibility. Now the believer’s responsibility is to make sure that he does not grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and, like Paul, strives always to keep his conscience clear before God and man (Acts 24:16). The goal is to live with a pure heart and a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5), and, as a result, to have no regrets at the end.

2011-08-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Disciple and Knowing the Will of God
Imanuel G. Christian
August 2011

For the last three months we have been dealing with the topic, how to know the will of God in a specific situation in life. We noted that some of the methods used in the Old Testament, putting out a fleece and casting lots, do not always help in discerning the will of God in a very clear and unambiguous way. How shall we, then, know the will of God in life’s major decisions?

One of the foremost and most important principles about knowing the will of God, as we noted last month, is to actually be doing the will of God that is explicitly taught in the Word of God. It is obvious that those who want to know the will of God have to be living by the will of God. Otherwise, why would God make His will known? I am convinced that those who live by the will of God in those five areas we mentioned last month will have the spiritual maturity and Godly wisdom to discern the will of God in the personal and complicated issues of life. God reveals Himself to those who are seeking Him and wants to show the way forward to those who are walking in His way. If we are living pleasing to the Lord in every area of our life, then, as Paul said, we “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).

Now those who have taken that first step of obeying the known will of God can take the following four steps to discern the will of God in a particular situation in life. We can have clear and definite direction from the Lord by studying the Word of God, prayerfully asking for the guidance of the Spirit of God, and getting advice from the people of God. And as a result we will have the peace of God in the decision made.

First and foremost is the Word of God. The Word of God provides clear and definite direction for every aspect of our life and helps us to make important and right decisions. “Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him” (Psalm 25:12; also Psalm 32:8). Also, the psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105), and “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). And so Solomon’s wise advice is, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). The Word of God guides us and helps us to choose good over evil, eternal over temporal, things that would be a blessing to others over selfish desires, His kingdom and His righteousness over the things of this world.

The Word of God has an answer to all the problems and puzzles in life. But many times we may not find a direct answer to a very specific situation in life. For that we cannot make a decision just by looking at one or two verses at random, but it requires an overall knowledge of the Word of God. We have to have our hearts and minds saturated with the Word of God so that in a critical moment we are not in a situation of “digging a well when our house is on fire” (a Gujarati proverb!). Like Moses said, …the Word is very near us; it is in our mouth and in our heart (Deuteronomy 30:14), and therefore the wisdom needed to make the right decision whenever we are in that situation will be available to us. Paul told Timothy, “…from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-16), and also for every right decision.

Another resource connected to the Word of God is the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God not only helps us to understand and to grasp the deep truth of the Word of God, but He reminds us of this truth at a very critical moment guiding us to the right path. As Jesus told His disciples, “The Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26), and “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The apostle John writes in his letter, “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things…remain in him” (1 John 2:27).

It is worth noting that one of the methods used in the Old Testament, casting lots, was also used once by the apostles for selecting the replacement for Judas Iscariot. But this was the last incident in the New Testament where this method was used and it took place before the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples. After that they followed the leading of the Spirit and never reverted back to the method of casting lots.

The third resource that can help us in making the right decision is conferring with other people of God, people who are wise, spiritually mature, well versed in the Word of God, and living lives that are pleasing to the Lord. We can tell them about our decision but should be willing to change it if they think differently than we do. As Solomon said, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22), and, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise” (Proverbs 19:20; also 20:18; 24:6; etc.).

All this has to be done prayerfully seeking God’s leading as we search the Scripture, follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and discuss the matter with spiritually mature friends. One thing we have to make sure of is that whatever advice we get from others or whatever decision we arrive at in the end, it should not be contrary to the principles of the Word of God, because whatever is contrary to the Word of God is certainly contrary to the will of God.

When we come to the final decision that has been arrived at by following these steps, we will have the peace of God. The peace of God would be the natural outcome of the right decision. But if we still have some doubt and are not sure about the decision, we should continue to follow the above mentioned three steps until we arrive at the decision that gives us the peace of God. If we have made the decision considering, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” then, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:8, 7).

The Insider..!

2011-07-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

In the world of Stock Market, if you are an insider, your actions will influence the value of the company, and in turn will impact the outside world. Though as an insider, you are bound to certain terms and conditions, you will feel comfortable because you know the details better than an outsider; and of course your actions will impact the outside world either to good or bad!

It is very interesting, that even in our daily walk of life, the 'INSIDE' information, in government, in military, in churches, even in our families, can be used either to build or to destroy;

In one way, I consider, 'Christians' or 'those who believe in Jesus Christ' are just like the INSIDERS; because we know the TRUTH; And since we know the TRUTH, this makes us so powerful and influential. How?

First, this 'sets us free'; sets us free, from worrying about what the future holds for me!

“If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" - John 8:31-32

Are we really FREE, set by the TRUTH? If not, this is the time to go back to TRUTH! This is the time to NOT just indulge in our Christian activities, rather building the foundation of our lives with TRUTH!

Second, this makes us more influential to the outsiders, to the world; How?

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world- I John 4:4

Are we really influenced by the Holy Spirit to be an influence to the outside world? This is the time to start influencing the world with Christ's Love and Christ's forgiveness;

To summarize: Love to quote this song from the United Methodist Hymnal(356), my all time favorite:

When we are living, we belong to God;
When we are dying, we belong to God;
Both in our living, and in our dying,
We belong to God,we belong to God;

What a great relief you and me have in Christ Jesus! When we live and when we die we belong to God; As the Truth of the Gospel sets us free, are we willing to live as an insider, reaching out to the outsider and influencing this world with Love?

The Disciple and Doing the Will of God

2011-07-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

Imanuel G. Christian
July 2011

One of the major questions in life that the people of God face is: How can we know the will of God for the major aspects of life and how do we receive confirmation about the decisions that we make, whether they are in the will of God or not. The past two months we examined two methods used in the Old Testament to determine the will of God, putting out a fleece and casting lots. The second method, casting lots, is also used in the New Testament, as we noted last month. However, we noted that neither of these two methods is always helpful in knowing the will of God as we make major decisions in life. How shall we, then, know the will of God regarding complicated issues of life which require thoughtful consideration, weighing between good and bad choices or between more acceptable and not so acceptable choices?

The first and foremost principle of knowing the will of God is to be doing the will of God! If we really want to know the will of God we have to live by the will of God that we already know. If we do not follow the will of God that He has already revealed to us, why would He want to reveal His will to us at all?

Mark Twain (1835-1910) used to say, “I am not bothered by the things of the Bible I do not understand. What bother me most are the things I do understand”. What he meant was that we do not have to follow the things that we do not understand. But we are responsible to follow the things we do understand! It is the same about knowing the will of God. It is easy to know the will of God in major aspects of life, since He has already clearly expressed it in His Word. But to do the will of God is another thing. Moses said, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).

God has already revealed His will for the major aspects of human life. First of all, it is the will of God that everyone comes to know the Lord and receive eternal life through Jesus. Jesus said, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). And, “Your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost” (Matthew 18:14). God “wants all man to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). This was the purpose of Christ’s first coming; He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10; Matthew 18:14).

This is the first and foremost will of God for any human being. Not only that, but this is also the first and foremost condition for knowing the will of God. Only those who have fulfilled this condition will desire to know, and will also be enabled to know, the will of God through the leading of the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer.

Of those who have already fulfilled the first condition, the second clearly expressed will of God for their life is their sanctification, a life that is morally pure and pleasing to God in every aspect. “It is the will of God that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen” (1 Thess. 4:3-4). For a believer there is no ambiguity about the will of God concerning any sin in his life. The clear and expressed will of God is, “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). Job manifested this ideal in his life, and God Himself commended him for that, “He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8; 2:3). That is the evaluation that we desire from God, because that is the expressed will of God.

The third clearly expressed will of God is, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Being joyful, praying continually and giving thanks in all circumstances, all three go together as we trust God even in difficult situations and commit these situations to Him in prayer, rejoicing that the outcome will be according to His will and plan for our life. Paul makes this explicit in Philippians 4:4-7. It is the will of God that His people live a thankful life “in all circumstances” and “in everything”, as Job told his wife, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10).

The fourth area where God’s will is explicitly expressed is, Live a life of submission. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority initiated among men… For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:13-17). Submission is not only toward the civil authorities, but Paul speaks of submission in every human relationship—husband and wife, child and parent, slave and master—with an attitude of submission and reverence for the sake of Christ (Ephesians 5:21-6:9).

The fifth matter where God explicitly declared His will is, Be ready to suffer for the sake of Christ. “It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17). And, “Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19). “If it is God’s will” suggests that not every believer will have to suffer, but every believer has to be prepared to suffer for the name of Christ; and there should never be an occasion that a believer has to suffer for doing evil.

These are the five areas where “this is the will of God” or similar words are used clearly and explicitly showing the will of God. But even where these words are not used, the Bible presents the will of God in many straightforward commands. We have to live by the commandments and the standard set by the Word. We have to live with an eternal and not temporal perspective in focus. We have to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind, etc. There is no ambiguity in knowing the will of God in major areas of our life. God has clearly expressed that. As Mark Twain said, the problem is not about knowing the will of God, but in doing the will of God.

And yet, the question still remains: How do I know God’s will in specific situations in life? How do I know God’s will, for example, in choosing the right person to marry, or, deciding what occupation I should pursue, or, what line of study program I should choose? There is no clear and specific guidance in knowing the will of God for every specific and individual situation in life. But the Bible does provide some clear guidelines and principles that we can follow in order to know the will of God in each situation. We will note these next month.

The Disciple and Casting Lots

2011-06-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

The Disciple and Casting Lots
Imanuel G. Christian
June 2011

How do you make important decisions in life? When you have to choose between two alternative options, how do you make the choice? In other words, does the Bible provide us clear guidelines for making important decisions in life? Last month we considered one method that is used only once in the Bible; it is in the account of Gideon putting out a fleece. Although God responded to Gideon in a very understanding manner, we noted that putting out a fleece is not a sure and consistent method for knowing God’s will in making important decisions in life. There is another method that is used in the Bible far more widely than putting out a fleece; it is casting lots.

The practice of casting lots is mentioned seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. However, nothing is known about the exact nature of the lots. One possibility is that the lots were flat stones marked on both sides and could be tossed much like our coin toss today. Another possibility is that colored stones were placed in a bag or pouch and a priest or a diviner would reach into the pouch and pull out a stone. Or, he would shake the bag up and down with increasing vigor until one stone popped out.

This was a very common practice among the heathen nations. For example, during the reign of the King Xerxes, Haman cast lots to select the day and month to annihilate the Jews (Esther 3:7, 13). Similarly, the heathen sailors cast lots to find out who was responsible for the storm (Jonah 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman soldiers divided Jesus’ clothes by casting lots (Matthew 27:35; Mark. 15:24; John. 19:23-24).

It was not just used by the heathen nations, but it was also a common practice among the Israelites, the chosen people of God. For example, the scapegoat was selected by casting lots (Leviticus 16:7-10). The land was divided among the twelve tribes by using lots (Numbers 26:55; 33:54; 34:13; Joshua 18:10; etc.). Sometimes lots were used to identify the guilty person (1 Samuel 14:40-42). The lots were used to select people for the Temple service (1 Chronicles 24:5-31; 26:13; Luke 1:5-9). In the New Testament lots were used to choose the replacement for Judas (Acts 1:26).

And it was not that the people of God had imitated this heathen practice against the will of God. God had clearly instructed them to use this practice. For example, in the division of the land God had told them to use lots, “Be sure that the land is distributed by lot. Each inheritance is to be distributed by lot among the larger and smaller groups” (Numbers 26:55, 56). Most of the incidents that we noted above about using the lots actually were according to the instructions given to them by the Lord. Nowhere is it mentioned that the Israelites were imitating a heathen practice in doing this.

Similarly, the Biblical description of the special clothing worn by the High Priest included an apron with a pouch in it to hold lots; known as Urim and Thummim (lit. lights and the perfections). It is believed that these were used and cast like dice, the manner of their fall somehow revealing God’s will. These were probably stones, most probably colored stones, placed in the breastplate of the High Priest which he wore when he went into the presence of the Lord and used them to ascertain the will of God in any important matter affecting the nation (Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8; Deuteronomy 33:8; Ezra 2:63; etc.).

The idea behind making decisions by casting lots was that the decisions would be from the Lord and not from man’s choice. As Solomon said, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverb 16:33). God is sovereign, even in minutiae like so-called random throwing of dice. So, this was not like practicing gambling, but was used realizing that God would sovereignly guide the lots according to His will and plan. Another reason behind using this practice was that the outcome was totally outside the control of the parties involved, and so this method was considered completely impartial and there would not be any place for confusion and argument between the involved parties. “Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart” (Proverb 18:18).

Since it was believed that the Lord’s hand was behind it, the method of casting lots was taken very seriously and was performed prayerfully. For example, when deciding the replacement for Judas in the New Testament, the apostles prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen…” (Acts 1:24). And so when they used this method, there was no gambling involved, but it was done with an assurance that the Lord’s will would be done. By casting the lots it was as if they were saying, “Lord, not what we want, but what you want”.

This raises the question: Can we use this method of casting lots to make important decisions in life today? The answer to this question depends on the situation. We use coin-toss in athletic events, which is very similar to casting lots and is very appropriate. Similarly when, for example, a husband and wife want to go out to a restaurant and both have different idea where to go, they can settle the issue by casting a lot, by tossing a coin, etc. So, there are situations where casting lots or tossing coins would be appropriate to settle the issue without any partiality.

However, we have to realize that this method was used in making decisions in the matters that were simple and straightforward like distributing the land among the tribes or deciding between two persons who were equally qualified for the job. There is not a single incident in the Scripture where the people of God used this method when there were complicated issues which required thoughtful consideration, weighing between good and bad or between the more acceptable and the less acceptable, like, for example, choosing a mate in marriage.

So the question still remains, does the Bible provide us any guidelines for such complicated matters? The answer to this question is a definite yes. Next month we will see some of the Biblical principles to follow in determining the will of God in major decisions of life.

The Disciple and Child-like Faith

2011-03-11T10:17:00.001-08:00

The Disciple and Child-like Faith
Imanuel G. Christian
March 2011

Please Note: This month instead of my own article I am sending you this story that I received on the e-mail long time ago. Author unknown, at least unknown to me:

GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED

I envy Kevin.

My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.

He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen. "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed."

I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.

He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different.

Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.

He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.

He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap - I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed, Kevin won't be surprised at all!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1). “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3).

Lessons on Lent Day 1& 2 & 3

2011-03-11T07:13:00.001-08:00

DAY # 3
Today we will explore the personality of Elizabeth, wife of Zacharias, mother of John-the Baptist, cousin of Mary and importantly the aunt of Jesus. Eli+Sheba=God is generous or God's promise.
ELIZABETH - Reliabilty (Mary could confide in her):
ELIZABETH - Provider (Mary stayed with her):
ELIZABETH - Levite, wife of a Priest (Unlike Mary-a Jew);
ELIZABETH - Filled with Holy Spirit, faithful & pious;
ELIZABETH - Humility (even though is very much older than Mary she says ...Mother of the Lord should come to me...Lk 1:43)
ELIZABETH - Lost hope (past the child bearing age);
ELIZABETH - Was barren - became fruitful; etc., etc.,
PRAYER: Lord many are times we feel desponded like Elizabeth, help us to learn from her. . .AMEN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day # 2
As hinted yesterday we will look at the personality of Joseph, the (foster/earthly) Father of Jesus, as the bible introduces as "husband of Mary'. As we ponder more about Joseph, imagine Joseph carrying baby Jesus in his hands and nurturing him. At one point of time he did not want to consummate the marriage because his fiancé was already pregnant. Where are we heading towards :
JOSEPH - willingness to take insult (if any)
JOSEPH - A man of integrity
JOSEPH - Obedient (angels direction)
JOSEPH - Sojourner/pilgrim (taking Jesus to temple, etc.,)
JOSEPH - faithful husband
JOSEPH - hard worker (Carpenter)
JOSEPH - Pious Jew
Prayer: Lord in this world where there is so much jealousy and hatred help me I pray to learn from your earthly father the virtues he exemplified. AMEN

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day #1
Dear People of GodToday is 'Ash Wednesday' and many of us in our hustle and bustle of life would not even made note of it. I want to take this opportunity of reminding us of our Savior's sacrifice on the cross. So this season we will focus on important people (may be 40+) and learn from their personalities. I humbly urge to reflect on these few lines prayerfully and be blessed. Today I would like to focus on MARY-the mother of God : Theotokus (greek) litterally meaning Theos=God and Tokos= child -bearer/carrier or birthgiver. Bible introduces Joseph (tomorrow's person) as the husband of Mary and Mary the mother of Jesus (Matt 1).
MARY - A virgin (signifying purity)
MARY - Highly favored
MARY - was afraid
MARY - Questioned!
MARY - Submission (I'm Lord's servant)
MARY - Authority - Jesus (to make wine)
MARY - followed Jesus to the cross . . .
Prayer: Dear Lord we thank you for mother Mary and help us to learn her virtues and apply it in our lives. AMEN

CSI Dallas Sermons - Demo

2011-02-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

2011-02-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

The Disciple and the Yoga

Imanuel G. Christian

February 2011

It all began long time ago. God told Adam and Eve, “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17). But then they were led astray by the lie, “You will not surely die….” Instead, “When you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God…” (Genesis 3:4-5). And everything was spoiled forever. All the grief and sadness, all the bitterness and broken relationships, all wars and violence entered into the human race. From that point on, man’s chief goal has been to escape from all this suffering and still continue to attempt to be like God, to be his own master, to be his own God, and has come up with many paths to take control of his destiny.

Yoga is one of these attempts. In writing about Yoga, I feel like Jude who wanted to write something that would benefit his readers spiritually, but instead he had to warn them of certain ideologies that had slipped in among the believers (Jude 3-4). Yoga today has become a part of the western culture practiced from kindergarten schools to the Whitehouse, a kind of miracle cure-all claiming to release stress and provide good health.

But most people are unaware of the philosophy behind yoga and the inherent physical, emotional, and spiritual dangers that even the proponents of yoga, some of the Hindu gurus, warn about. We very briefly will look at these two things and also answer the question: Can a believer innocently practice yoga?

As mentioned above, the goal of yoga is to escape from all the sufferings in this world and to become one with god (small “g”). Yoga literally means union, uniting self, the finite being, with something (yes, someThing, not someOne) that is higher, greater and transcendent known in Hinduism as Brahman. It is believed that man is divine; the only problem is his ignorance, not knowing who he is. So the goal of yoga is to harness that latent force within himself through meditation and other metaphysical techniques for the enlightenment and to be one with the Higher Being.

As a part of teaching Sanskrit in a state university college in India, I taught the philosophy of Yoga and still remember the eight-step path of yoga, like a staircase, leading the yogi (one who practices yoga) from ignorance to enlightenment, from atman (self) to paramatman (Higher Being). These eight steps are: Yama (self control), niyama (spiritual practice of rules), asana (seatings, postures), pranayama (control of breathing), pratyahara (controlling sense-perception), dhyana (deep contemplation, meditation), dharana (concentration), and finally samadhi (union or enlightenment). Yoga, as practiced in the West, popularly includes postures and breathing exercises, which as you can see, are steps three and four along the pathway to union with Brahman.

So, the philosophy behind and the goal of yoga is nothing less than demonic, and the source of it is Satan himself whose thoughts are well described by the words of Isaiah 14:14, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars (i.e. angels) of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly…. I will make myself like the Most High”. Satan asked for submission and demanded worship even from the Son of God Himself (Matthew 4:8-9). Yoga, down to the core, is nothing less than devil worship and occultic. Many of the websites that talk about yoga also include subjects like astrology, psychic readings, psychic paranormal, tarot, New Age, psychic meditation, dreams, reincarnation, etc. That in itself makes clear what kind of an ideology one is dealing with when one gets involved in the practice of yoga.

If the philosophy and goal of yoga are demonic, the dangers of yoga are unlimited, as described by the yoga proponents themselves (Dipankar Khanna; www.cherrysage.com/articles/kundaliniyoga). It is believed that the primordial “shakti”, cosmic energy lies coiled in the base of the spine and yoga awakens this cosmic energy and “when this awakening happens to people who are not on a spiritual path, the experience can leave them fragile and fragmented” (Khanna). Some of the physical manifestations described by Khanna are: “twitches, cramps or spasms. Itching, vibrating, prickling, tingling, stinging or crawling sensations. Intense heat or cold. Involuntary bodily movements (occur more often during meditation, rest or sleep): Jerking, tremors, shaking; feeling an inner force pushing one into postures or moving one's body in unusual ways. Alterations in eating and sleeping patterns. Episodes of extreme hyperactivity or, conversely, overwhelming fatigue. Intensified or diminished sexual desires. Headaches, pressures within the skull. Racing heartbeat, pain in the chest. Digestive system problems. Numbness or pain in the limbs (particularly the left foot and leg). Emotional outbursts; rapid mood shifts; seemingly unprovoked or excessive episodes of grief, fear, rage, depression. Spontaneous vocalizations (including laughing and weeping) are as unintentional and uncontrollable as hiccups. Hearing an inner sound or sounds, classically described as a flute, drum, waterfall, birds singing, bees buzzing but which may also sound like roaring, whooshing, or thunderous noises or like ringing in the ears. Mental confusion; difficulty in concentrating. Heat, strange activity, and/or blissful sensations in the head, particularly in the crown area.”

And some of the psychic experiences, as described by Khanna, are: “Altered states of consciousness: heightened awareness; spontaneous trance states; mystical experiences (if the individual's prior belief system is too threatened by these, they can lead to bouts of psychosis or self-grandiosity). Ecstasy, bliss and intervals of tremendous joy, love, peace and compassion. Extrasensory perception; out-of-body experiences; past life memories; astral travel; contact with spirit guides through inner voices, dreams or visions; healing powers. Increased creativity: New interests in self-expression and spiritual communication through music, art, poetry, etc. Intensified understanding and sensitivity: insight into one's own essence; deeper understanding of spiritual truths; exquisite awareness of one's environment (including 'vibes' from others). Enlightenment experiences direct Knowing of a more expansive reality; transcendent awareness.” You can decide which of these are beneficial, if any, and which of these are harmful.

If the goal and philosophy of yoga are demonic and the physical, emotional and spiritual dangers are unlimited, the benefits of yoga, if any, are exaggerated. Yoga promises nothing that cannot be achieved by some simple stretching and aerobic exercises. Actually, yoga does not do anything to build lean toned muscle or burn fat, which is what most people want. It does not boost energy or if there is any feeling of rejuvenation, it is temporary and mostly emotional and may even be occultic. By the use of various asanas (physical postures) and meditation (spiritually emptying of the mind) yoga claims to give relief from stress. But without eliminating the sources of stress, the relief, if any, is only temporary and it is almost like being high on mind altering drugs, as described above.

There is a better way. That is Christianity. Ironically, the goal of Christianity, too, is to be like God, to become Christ-like, but not in the sense of having ability and power like God, but in the sense of having an attitude of humility (Philippians 2:4-5) and a moral, holy character just as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), and in manifesting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26) through the power provided by God Himself (Philippians 4:13). Man’s basic problem is not ignorance of self, but sin that keeps him separated from God and from enjoying his full potential of being what God intended him to be. Yoga provides a goal that cannot be attained by a finite human being; instead it can take one on a downward spiral of self-destruction leading to the pit of hell. If we live according to the principles laid down in the Word of God, most of our stress would be relieved and we would enjoy life to its fullness. The joy and fulfillment of life is found not in our attempts to usurp God’s place, but the truest and greatest joy of life comes from trustful obedience to God, from nothing else.

Depiction of God in 'Isaiah 16' and '1 John'

2011-02-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

Depiction of God in 'Isaiah 16' and '1 John'

Isaiah 16

5 In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the
cause of righteousness.

1 John

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness.

I chose these two verses because they are written by two different authors, in two different contexts, to two different audiences, centuries apart, and yet are beautifully consistent in terms of their depiction of God.

Isaiah 16:5 is written in the context of God's great wrath and judgment against the Israelites, in light of their countless meanderings from God's laws. It is a prophecy from Isaiah to Israel, and verse 5 is a brief respite from the "doom and gloom" of the coming invaders -- for a moment, we get a glimpse of God's actual plan for His people, i.e., the coming redemption from sin via Jesus Christ. The "God of the Old Testament" is often made out to be wrathful, jealous, and full of "eye-for-an-eye" philosophy such that He orders the killing of thousands of people. This is falsely contrasted to the equally imperfect concept of a "New Testament God" who is peace-loving, yet wishy-washy.

Make no mistake -- God is the same God throughout Old and New Testament. It is only His methods that have changed, from the overt expression of His power to the Jewish people previously, to the more subtle but no less powerful presence of the Holy Spirit to all men after Christ. These two verses show us that God is not at all different in character.

Both deal with the issue of sin and its consequences -- in Isaiah, God still judges and seeks justice. Only someone who is holy could be a just judge. In 1 John, we are required to confess our sins; this assumes the existence of sin, and therefore the existence of holiness versus unholiness. The fact that we are confessing our sins to God and that He forgives us, indicates that He himself is sinless and is therefore capable of forgiving us. It also indicates that there is something that we must be forgiven from, and that there would have been a penalty to be paid had God not forgiven us. In other words, both passages clearly indicate that God cannot simply overlook or tolerate sin -- as a just God, He must deal with it.

Secondly, God's intrinsic characteristics are identical in both passages. In Isaiah, He sits with "faithfulness", "seeks justice", and speeds "righteousness". In 1 John, He is "faithful and just" and will purify us from our "unrighteousness". It is no coincidence that these words appear essentially unchanged across these volumes of Scripture -- they describe the same God, who is eternal and unchanging! How amazing it is that even in the most disparate locations, Scripture is so marvelously consistent and trustworthy.

- Deepak Ramesh

Spiritual Paralysis...!

2011-01-31T09:13:00.000-08:00

I attended Sunday School at my church, and we were studying on Luke 5:17-26. We had a great discussion, great learning and great applications as we finished our class. I could not keep silent, so I thought of writing these lines in an effort to reflect my own life with reference to this incident.

For some reason, the thoughts keep lingering in my mind, and keep repeating in my ears.. 'Your Sins are Forgiven !' Here is a man at a vegetated state, because of friends help, he got in (though the friends have taken an extra measures to get him inside the room), and all he needed was healing! There is another set of people watching what would Jesus do..!

ONE Room; Three Groups of People; Friends with Faith ! Paralytic with Sin ! Pharisees with Pride ! Jesus Answered all the three of them in ONE sentence ! 'Your Sins Are Forgiven !'

For the Pharisees, He informed them, there is NONE else than Himself can forgive the sins of men and nobody else have the authority to forgive sins! For the paralytic, He answered, He has the authority to heal, and so He asked him to pack up his bed, and get out ! For the friends, who believed, who had faith, He did not fail !

This is the question I have been pondering this whole evening, which group am I in? Am I a friend who take other man to Jesus? or Am I a paralytic ? or Am I pride filled Pharisee with pathetic attitude? Before I answer my questions, my thoughts led me to one point, that I am SPIRITUALLY PARALYZED!

May be I am inactive, not usable by God, may be I am prejudiced, not meltable by Grace (like the pharisees) In either case, I am spiritually paralyzed! But I had Great Relief 'MY SINS ARE FORGIVEN'. I had great relief, "God told me to stand up, take my stretcher, and walk and witness' I had great relief, whether I am spiritually paralyzed, or spiritually pride, God's forgiveness of sins gives relief !

This is how the incident ends:

Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today. - Luke 5:25-26”

ONE FINAL NOTE: Actually, there is a FOURTH group of people in this incident, who are the home owners! They were never on the lime light ! They were never even mentioned! But gave way to my healing, my forgiveness of sins, by their sacrificial giving off of their own roofs! Thanks to sacrificial missionaries, faithful friends!

What do you choose today? A sacrificial home owner, or a faithful friend, or to walk and witness like the healed paralytic? They all played very significant role, in bringing the forgiveness and healing of Jesus Christ, just for ONE unusable, inactive, vegetated man!

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/31

2011-01-31T04:49:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 16:1-11

A Day of Delighting

Read Psalm 16:1-11

This is a psalm of delight. We find no trials or tribulations in this song.

David is simply delighting, first of all, in the Lord. "You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You" (v. 2). In other words, he is saying, "I have no good beyond God."

Then David delights in the Lord's people. "And to the saints who are on the earth, 'They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight'" (v. 3). Do you delight in God's people? "To live above with saints we love will certainly be glory. To live below with saints we know, that's another story." Are some of God's people becoming abrasive to you? Start delighting in the Lord, and you'll start delighting in His people.

David also delights in God's providence. "You, O Lord, are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; you maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places" (vv. 5,6). God, in His providence, knows where to draw the line. Problems arise when people don't know where His lines are. They want to keep moving the line. Let God give you your inheritance. When Israel went into the Promised Land, He gave each tribe its inheritance. It wasn't done by a real estate agent or by a lottery. God said, "Here are the lines. Maintain those lines." Do you want to delight in God and in His people? Then delight in His providence.

David also finds delight in God's pleasures. Verse 11 has been my life verse for many years. "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Do you want life and joy? Here's the secret: Live on God's path, live in His presence and live for His pleasures.

You have much to delight in--God's people, His providence and His pleasures. The key to delighting in the things of God is to delight in God Himself. Sometime today take a moment to simply delight in the Lord and praise Him for who He is.

Psalm 16:1-11 (New International Version, ©2011)

A miktam[a] of David.

1 Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 16:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
2. Psalm 16:10 Or holy

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/30

2011-01-30T04:41:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 15:1-5

Are You Worthy?

Read Psalm 15:1-5

Imagine what would happen if I walked up to the main gate at Buckingham Palace in London and said to one of the tall, hand-some, well-dressed guards, "Sir, I want to live with the royal family." He would look at me and say, "Begone, before I arrest you."

Who is worthy to live with God? Only through Jesus Christ can we "dwell in God's holy hill." David always was a little bit envious of the priests. When we read the Psalms, we find David saying such things as, "Oh, those priests. They are able to walk in the temple of God. I can't do that. I can't go into the Holy Place." Spiritually he could, but physically he couldn't. Because we are in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can come boldly into the presence of God, not just to visit Him but to live with Him.

David describes the kind of person who is able to live with God. He must have the right kind of feet ("walks uprightly") and hands ("works righteousness"), lips ("speaks the truth") and heart. What we say with our lips always has to come from our heart. Verse 3 also talks about the tongue: "He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend." This is the person God welcomes at His front door and says, "You come and live with Me." That person has clean feet, clean hands and a clean heart that produce clean words and clean motives, one in whose eyes a vile person is despised. His eyes look upon only what is right and good.

Here is a beautiful picture of the kind of person God chooses to live with Him. And the beauty of it is this: Such a person will never get an eviction notice. "He who does these things shall never be moved" (v. 5). How can we be this kind of person? Through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

God welcomes those with clean feet, clean hands and a clean heart. Remember, your worth is founded in Jesus Christ. It is through faith in Him that you are acceptable in the sight of God. Are your feet, hands and heart clean?

Psalm 15:1-5 (New International Version, ©2011)

A psalm of David.

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the LORD;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/29

2011-01-29T05:16:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 9:10 2 Corinthians 1:20 Psalm 14:1-7

Who's a Fool?

Read Psalm 14:1-7

The word fool in Psalms or Proverbs does not refer to an unintelligent person. It refers to a person who is morally perverse. Why is he a fool? Because "the fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (v. 1). And what is the result of this? "They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good" (v. 1). God looks down and says, "Does anybody have a clean heart?" The answer is no.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). When people don't fear God, they have no wisdom, spiritually or otherwise. The fool says, "There is no God," which is practical atheism. Most of the world today lives by the philosophy that says, "There may be a God, but I'm not going to think about Him." God is not in their thoughts, and consequently, He is not in their lives.

The two words "there is" in verse 1 are in italics, which means they were added by the translators to help complete the meaning of the verse. We can read this: "The fool has said in his heart, 'No God.'" The fool not only says that there is no God; he also says no to God. When we say no to God, we are telling Him that we know more about life than He does and that we have more authority than He has. We cut off ourselves from the blessing He wants to give us.

Rejecting God involves a man's whole being. "The fool has said in his heart" (v. 1). There we have the heart. In verse 2 God looks down to see if any understand. That involves the mind. "They have all turned aside, . . . there is none who does good, no, not one" (v. 3). There we have the will. Verses 1-3 show the heart, mind and will possessed by sin, because somebody has said, "No God." If you want peace, say yes to God. All of His promises are yes in Jesus Christ (II Cor. 1:20).

The most foolish thing you can do is leave God out of your life. If you do, you cut off your source of life and blessing. Don't make the mistake of the fool. Turn to the Lord and submit to His authority.

Psalm 14:1-7 (New International Version, ©2011)

For the director of music. Of David.

1 The fool[a] says in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.

2 The LORD looks down from heaven
on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.

4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?

They devour my people as though eating bread;
they never call on the LORD.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the LORD is their refuge.

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 14:1 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Psalms denote one who is morally deficient.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/28

2011-01-28T04:49:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 13:1-6

How Long Can You Wait?

Read Psalm 13:1-6

Have you ever been impatient with God? Impatience is one of my big problems. I always get into the wrong lane on a toll road. Someone's in front of me with foreign currency, trying to buy his way through the tollbooth. I get into the wrong line at the airport, thinking, This line is a good line; it's going to move. But it doesn't because somebody in the line has lost his passport. And I get irritated.

It's one thing for us to be impatient with ourselves or with others. But when we become impatient with God, we should watch out! "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul?" (vv. 1,2). Four times David asked, "How long?" We're so time conscious today. We have watches that show us split seconds. But what do we do with those split seconds? If we save three minutes by taking a shortcut, what significant thing will we accomplish with the three minutes we save?

We expect God to do what we want Him to do--and right now! But He doesn't always act immediately. Abraham had to wait for 25 years after God's promise before Isaac was born. Isaac had to wait 20 years for his children. Joseph had to wait 13 years before he was set free and put on the throne. Moses had a wait of 80 years. You see, God's schedule is not the same as ours. Sometimes He waits so that He can do more for us than we expect. When He heard that Lazarus was dying, our Lord waited until his friend's death before He came. But when He came, He brought a greater miracle and received greater glory. The hardest thing to do is to wait on the Lord. But we can if we will trust Him and rest on His Word.

Some of your greatest blessings come with patience. When you must wait for God to act, you can be confident that He knows what is best for you and what will best glorify Him. Are you waiting for God to act on your behalf? Align with His timing and rest on the promises of His Word.

Psalm 13:1-6 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the LORD’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 13:1 In Hebrew texts 13:1-6 is numbered 13:2-6.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/27

2011-01-27T04:53:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: John 10:4 Psalm 12:1-8

Pure Words

Read Psalm 12:1-8

When you feel deserted, alone in standing for what's right, read Psalm 12. The emphasis in this psalm is on words, on speaking.

First, David speaks in prayer (vv. 1-3). Where are the godly? People today don't want to take a stand for the truth, but David stood for what is right.

Sometimes we feel the faithful have disappeared--those who believe in prayer, giving and commitment. Today's generation doesn't believe in commitment, especially with our words. We hear so much empty talk, lies and flattery. Flattery is manipulative, not communicative, like our advertising and some of our preaching.

Second, the wicked speak in pride (v. 4). Never underestimate the power of speech. Jesus told the truth; His enemies argued. He gave words of life; they rejected Him. He came in love; they crucified Him. One of the evidences that a person is giving the truth of God's Word is that he is rejected. People don't want to hear truth unless they belong to truth (John 10:4).

Third, God speaks in promise (vv. 5,7). His words are pure, not empty lying (v. 6). But the words of the wicked will burn in the furnace. God's Word is precious, because it cost Jesus' life. It is proved (v. 6) and permanent (v. 7). He keeps His promises. God knows where His people are, and He helps them. "I will arise"; "I will protect"; "I can be trusted" (vv. 5-7).

So much that is spoken in this world is untrue and empty talk. Be encouraged that God speaks in promise. His Word is pure and true. When you are surrounded by lies, rest on the promises of the Bible.

Psalm 12:1-8 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. According to sheminith.[b] A psalm of David.

1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.

3 May the LORD silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
4 those who say,
“By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the LORD.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold[c] refined seven times.

7 You, LORD, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8 who freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 12:1 In Hebrew texts 12:1-8 is numbered 12:2-9.
2. Psalm 12:1 Title: Probably a musical term
3. Psalm 12:6 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text earth

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/26

2011-01-26T07:45:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 19 Psalm 86:11 Psalm 12:1-8

The Elijah Complex

Read Psalm 12:1-8

Whenever you get the idea that you are the only one left who is godly, beware. That's how David was praying in Psalm 12. He said, "The godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men" (v. 1). I call this the Elijah complex. You will remember that Elijah had this problem (I Kings 19). He left his place of ministry, went out into the wilderness and sat down, pouting. God asked, "What are you doing here?" Elijah replied, "I'm the only godly one left, and they are trying to kill me." God said, "I have 7000 people waiting in line. I can pick any one of them to get My work done."

When you begin to think you're the only godly person, it quickly leads to pride. In this passage David refers to the sin of flattery (v. 2). Our world is filled with flattery. Sometimes it's called advertising or promotion, but it's still flattery. God doesn't flatter people. He tells the truth. Flattery is manipulation, not communication. It comes from a double heart, from mixed motives. David said, "Unite my heart to fear Your name" (Ps. 86:11). Don't fall for flattery or flatter yourself into thinking you are the only godly one left.

Verse 6 tells us where to turn: "The words of the Lord are pure." Listening to your own words may lead to discouragement or pride. And the words of others may be flattery, lying or vanity. So listen to the Word of God and test everything you hear by it.

The godly person has not completely vanished from the earth. We'd be surprised to find where God has His people, waiting to accomplish His will. Others are waiting to stand with you and help you. Lay hold of God's Word. It has been tested and proved. You can trust it.

The remedy for discouragement is the Word of God. When you feed your heart and mind with its truth, you regain your perspective and find renewed strength. Feeling discouraged? Encourage yourself with the Word of God.

Psalm 12:1-8 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. According to sheminith.[b] A psalm of David.

1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.

3 May the LORD silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
4 those who say,
“By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the LORD.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold[c] refined seven times.

7 You, LORD, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8 who freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 12:1 In Hebrew texts 12:1-8 is numbered 12:2-9.
2. Psalm 12:1 Title: Probably a musical term
3. Psalm 12:6 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text earth

Reply

Reply to all

Forward

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/25

2011-01-25T04:30:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 11:1-17

Want to Run Away?

Read Psalm 11:1-7

Have you ever felt like running away? "In the Lord I put my trust; how can you say to my soul, 'Flee as a bird to your mountain'?" (v. 1). All of us have days when we feel like quitting. We throw up our hands and say, "That's it. I've had it, and I'm leaving."

At times we do need to get away to rest and regain our perspective. Our Lord Jesus said to His disciples, "Let's just depart and rest a while." Vance Havner once remarked, "If you don't come apart and rest, you'll just come apart." But the psalmist was not talking about a vacation. "The wicked bend their bow" (v. 2). He was saying, "The wicked are doing this and that. Let's get out of here and go to some mountaintop and have a good Bible conference."

When you feel like running or flying away, remember, God's throne is secure. The Lord is in His holy temple. In a difficult time Isaiah looked up and saw the Lord on His throne, high and lifted up. In the Book of Revelation, John saw the Lord on His throne, and it gave him new courage.

Don't flee to a mountain; flee to the throne of grace. When you feel like quitting or running away, remember that you can't run away from your troubles and you can't run away from yourself. The solution is not running away; it's running to. It's running to the throne of grace and finding grace to help in time of need.

Those times when you feel like quitting can be times of great opportunity, for God uses your troubles to help you grow. When you feel like running away, claim your privilege as a child of God and approach the throne of grace. There you will find the personal and tailored help you need.

Psalm 11:1-7 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. Of David.

1 In the LORD I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”

4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The LORD examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/24

2011-01-24T04:44:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 10:14-18 Psalm 9:20

The Question 'Why?': Part 2

Read Psalm 10:14-18

In Part 1 we dealt with concern--the first stage of asking the question "Why?" In this segment we will cover the last two stages.

The second stage involves commitment--God is helping. Man's sinful condition leaves him helpless, so David turns his attention from the wicked to God. We can be encouraged by knowing that God sees our trouble and knows our grief (v. 14). Objectively, He knows what we face; subjectively, He feels what we feel. Phillips Brooks said, "The purpose of life is the building of character through truth." Character is built in the storms and battles of life; it is tested in the easy times of life. The most discouraging feeling is that nobody understands. Christ endured all His earthly experiences so God could prepare Him to be a merciful and faithful High Priest. We may also be encouraged by knowing that God investigates (v. 15). He sees and cares, and He will repay (v. 14).

The third stage in asking "Why?" deals with confidence. God is hearing (vv. 16-18). "Man of the earth" is the wicked, living for and because of the earth. David reminds us that we're just mortal men (Ps. 9:20). God hears when we call and remembers; in His time, He accomplishes His purposes. And we can be confident of that.

A day of reckoning will come when the wicked will suffer for their unrepented sin. God has appointed His Son to be the judge. If you don't know Christ as Savior, if you think you're getting away with sin, or if you wonder why God doesn't do something, be thankful that He has not judged you yet (II Pet. 3:9). Jesus died for you and will save you if you will trust Him.

God does not turn a deaf ear to our questions. Nor is He inactive regarding sin. He is interested in helping us build character, and He will accomplish His purposes in due time. If you're a Christian and wondering why God doesn't act, commit yourself to the Lord and place your confidence in Him (Ps. 37:5).

Psalm 10:14-18 (New International Version, ©2010)

14 But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked man;
call the evildoer to account for his wickedness
that would not otherwise be found out.

16 The LORD is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals
will never again strike terror.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/22

2011-01-22T05:18:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 10:12-18

The Heart of the Problem

Read Psalm 10:12-18

David cried out and said, "God, You've got to take care of the situation." For several years Saul had been pursuing him. At one point David compared himself to a flea that was being chased. Saul's problem was that he was listening to liars in his court. Those who wanted Saul's favor were saying, "David wants your crown. He wants your throne. David said this, and David did that." They lied about him, and he could do nothing about it.

We have little control over the circumstances of life. We can't control the weather or the economy, and we can't control what other people say about or do to us. There is only one area where we have control--we can rule the kingdom inside. The heart of every problem is the problem in the heart. Once we get to that throne room inside us and let God take over, we don't have to worry about others.

David prayed in verse 12, "Arise, O Lord! O God, lift up Your hand! Do not forget the humble." The word humble is a key word. What is humility? Is it thinking poorly of ourselves? No, humility is simply not thinking of ourselves at all. Humility means admitting that I cannot handle my problem by myself. God is going to have to handle it by working in me and through me and for me. But before God can work for me or through me He has to work in me.

If you want to get on top of your circumstances, get beneath the feet of the Lord. Humble yourself, and He'll lift you up.

We cannot control the circumstances of life, nor can we avoid them. But we can take a humble attitude toward God. He takes a special interest in us and will help us handle our circumstances. Have you examined the throne room inside lately? Are you willing to let God work in you and through you to accomplish His purposes?

Psalm 10:12-18 (New International Version, ©2010)

12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
“He won’t call me to account”?
14 But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked man;
call the evildoer to account for his wickedness
that would not otherwise be found out.

16 The LORD is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals
will never again strike terror.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/21

2011-01-21T05:05:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 10:1-11 Hebrews 13:5

How Near is God?

Read Psalm 10:1-11

As we read the Book of Psalms, we find that David was constantly in and out of trouble. Some people say that Christians who really love the Lord will never be in difficult places. But that wasn't true of Moses; it wasn't true of David; and it certainly wasn't true of our Lord Jesus Christ! Our Lord ended up in the most difficult place of all--crucified on a Roman cross.

Listen to David: "Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?" (v. 1). Here are those questions once again: "Why, Lord? Where are You?" Why do we think God is far away from us? What makes us think God has deserted us? First, we know that God is everywhere. Second, He has promised not to forsake us (Heb. 13:5). David only felt as if God were far away.

That's a good lesson for us to learn. Don't base your judgments only on your feelings. Build your life on faith. Faith says, "I'm going to trust God no matter what I see, no matter what I think and no matter how I feel." Faith does not mean we are ignorant. It means we are walking in the will of God because we know the Word of God.

Yes, David was in trouble. The proud and self-sufficient were after him. They were persecuting and taunting him, "I shall not be moved." They were also saying, "God won't see it" and "God will not judge." But David came to the Lord and said, "Lord, You know all about this, and You are going to take care of it."

When it seems as if God is far away, remind yourself that He is near. Nearness is not a matter of geography. God is everywhere. Nearness is likeness. The more we become like the Lord, the nearer He is to us.

Do you desire to be nearer to God today? Fill your mind with the truth of the Word and your heart with prayer and trust God to take care of you.

Psalm 10:1-11 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Why, LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts about the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous;
your laws are rejected by[b] him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”

7 His mouth is full of lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent.
His eyes watch in secret for his victims;
9 like a lion in cover he lies in wait.
He lies in wait to catch the helpless;
he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, “God will never notice;
he covers his face and never sees.”

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 10:1 Psalms 9 and 10 may originally have been a single acrostic poem in which alternating lines began with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Septuagint they constitute one psalm.
2. Psalm 10:5 See Septuagint; Hebrew / they are haughty, and your laws are far from

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/20

2011-01-20T04:58:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 9:17-20 Genesis 3

Who's Ruling the World?

Read Psalm 9:17-20

The humanist sings, "Glory to man in the highest." And sometimes it looks as if man is prevailing and God is a failure. You recall the slogan that was popular a few years ago that proclaimed "God is dead." Then the philosophers decided God was not really dead; He was simply sick and infirm and couldn't do much about what was going on in the world.

This mindset began in Genesis 3, when Satan said to Adam and Eve, "Look, why should you be a man? You can be like God." That's the same lie that runs the world today. Man is saying, "I will be like God."

But the psalmist tells us that man is not going to prevail. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (v. 17). Today it looks as though man is succeeding--truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne. But notice what David prayed: "Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail, . . . that the nations may know themselves to be but men" (vv. 19,20).

If we take the scepter out of God's hand, we make a mess of things. God runs this universe, and He has ordained us to be under His authority. The word David used for man in verse 19 means "frail man, weak man." The problem today is that men don't know they are mere mortals; they think they're the Creator. And they worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator. But the sad thing is this: When men try to be God, they don't become God--they become animals. They sink lower than men and start acting like animals. That's why our world is in such a mess today.

I rejoice that I'm just a frail person. I need God. I can come to Him and say, "O Lord, give me the strength I need to glorify Your name today."

We know that God is sovereign in His universe. His purposes will prevail. We may confidently submit to His authority and rest in His love, wisdom and strength. Though we are frail, God is our strength. Let God be King of your life and glorify His name in all you do.

Psalm 9:17-20 (New International Version, ©2010)

17 The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,
all the nations that forget God.
18 But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

19 Arise, LORD, do not let mortals triumph;
let the nations be judged in your presence.
20 Strike them with terror, LORD;
let the nations know they are only mortal.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/19

2011-01-19T04:56:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Romans 12:19 Psalm 9:13-16

In His Time

Read Psalm 9:13-16

Have you ever looked at a beautiful rose and watched it slowly blossom day after day? Have you ever tried to help it open? If you try, you might kill it. God makes everything beautiful in His time. He causes everything to straighten out and line up according to His schedule. If you have a problem in your life with a person or a circumstance, rely on God to resolve it. "'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord" (Rom. 12:19). One of the worst things we can do is to take judgment into our own hands.

The psalmist tells us in these verses, "Let God be the judge, the jury and the prosecuting attorney. He knows more about this than you do." The psalmist assures us that, in His time, God will catch those who are doing wrong. The nations will fall into the pit they have made. Sinners who have laid nets in the pathway will get caught in those nets. "The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands"(v. 16).

It encourages me to know that I don't have to devote my time or energy, even my inward concern, to wondering what's going to happen to all the evil in the world. God is going to take care of it. Of course, we as Christians should do our part to make this a better world. We are the salt of the earth; we are the light of the world. But we've been called to do something even more wonderful--to tell these wicked people that they don't have to go to hell. We have the privilege of witnessing to them and letting them know that they can be saved. Yes, let God be the Judge. Your job today is to be a witness.

Has someone wronged you recently? Resist the urge to judge that person. Instead, pray that God might use you to reach the offender.

Psalm 9:13-16 (New International Version, ©2010)

13 LORD, see how my enemies persecute me!
Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,
14 that I may declare your praises
in the gates of Daughter Zion,
and there rejoice in your salvation.

15 The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;
their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
16 The LORD is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.[a]
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 9:16 The Hebrew has Higgaion and Selah (words of uncertain meaning) here; Selah occurs also at the end of verse 20.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/18

2011-01-18T04:50:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 9:7-12 Matthew 28:20 Romans 8:32 Matthew 27:46 Hebrews 13:5

Safest Protection in the World

Read Psalm 9:7-12

This passage teaches a great truth: The safest and strongest protection we have is the name of the Lord. "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You" (v. 10). As I read those words, I'm reminded that God forsook His Son for us. Jesus said from the cross, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). Has it ever occurred to you that the only person God ever really forsook was His own Son? "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all" (Rom. 8:32). Because He did this, we can be sure He will never forsake us for the sake of His Son. The Father loves His Son and says to Him, "You have died for these people. I will never forsake them." God's promise to us is "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). "Lo, I am with you always" was our Lord's last statement in the Gospel of Matthew (28:20).

The safest place in all the world is in the will of God, and the safest protection in all the world is the name of God. When you know His name, you know His nature. His names and titles reveal His nature. They tell us who He is and what He can do. For example, He is Jehovah, the God who makes covenants. He is the Lord, the sovereign king. He is Jesus, the Savior. Each name He bears is a blessing He bestows on us.

Are you getting to know God? "And those who know Your name (who know God's nature) will put their trust in You" (v. 10). The better you know God, the more you will trust Him. The more you trust Him, the better you will get to know Him--an exciting and enriching experience.

One of the great experiences of the Christian life is the personal relationship we enjoy with our God. To trust God is to seek Him (Isa. 55:6). Today, seek Him with a desire to know Him better.

Psalm 9:7-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

7 The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

11 Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done.
12 For he who avenges blood remembers;
he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/16

2011-01-16T04:56:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 8:1-9 Genesis 1:26-28

What is Man?

Read Psalm 8:1-9

What is man? Charles Darwin said man is an animal. Sigmund Freud taught that man is a spoiled child. Karl Marx believed man is an economic factor. But the Bible says God has a much higher calling for man. God wants us to be kings; He wants us to reign in life. In Psalm 8 we see three different kings exemplified in Adam, Jesus and David.

First, God the Father created us to be kings (Gen. 1:26-28). God gave Adam dominion over the earth. We are created in the image of God with a mind, heart, will and spirit. But sin has marred God's image in man. His mind can't think God's thoughts; his emotions are wrapped up in sin; his will is rebellious, and his spirit is dead.

Second, God the Son redeemed us to be kings. The tragedy of man's rejecting Christ as Savior is that he goes through life as a slave, not a sovereign. Because of his rebellion, man lost his dominion. But Christ's death, Resurrection and Ascension regained what Adam lost--and much more (Rom. 5). Our Lord is reigning today, and we will someday reign with Him.

Third, God the Holy Spirit anointed us to live as kings. Our kingship comes from God. The power of His Spirit gave David the strength to kill Goliath. We are either a sovereign or a slave; either we will reign as kings, or sin will reign in our lives.

God never intended that we live like slaves but that we live like kings and reign over our circumstances and feelings. Trust Christ as Savior to reign in your life.

Do you find yourself a slave to a particular circumstance or emotion? Because of the sacrifice of Christ, we need no longer live as slaves in this world. Claim the power of God's Spirit and live as a king.

Psalm 8:1-9 (New International Version, ©2010)
For the director of music. According to gittith.[b] A psalm of David.

1 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]

5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 8:1 In Hebrew texts 8:1-9 is numbered 8:2-10.
2. Psalm 8:1 Title: Probably a musical term
3. Psalm 8:4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?
4. Psalm 8:5 Or him
5. Psalm 8:5 Or than God
6. Psalm 8:5 Or him
7. Psalm 8:6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/15

2011-01-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 8:1-9

Live Like a King

Read Psalm 8:1-9

Psalm 8 deals with sovereignty. "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, You who set Your glory above the heavens!" (v. 1). The first Lord means "Jehovah," the covenant-keeping God, the God who keeps His promises. The second Lord means "the Sovereign," the One who has not only the ability but the authority. "O Lord (the promise-making God), our Lord (the Sovereign, who has the power to keep His promises), how excellent is your name in all the earth."

When God saved you, He made you a king. You may not look like one or act like one, but you are one. Your day of salvation was a day of coronation. God put you on the throne through Jesus Christ. Then why do you live like a slave?

We discover in this psalm that God gave Adam and Eve the first crowns. But what did they do? They handed their crowns and scepters to Satan, because they wanted to become like God, to be sovereign. And they lost their dominion. Man today does not have dominion over beasts and fowl and fish. But Jesus does. He had dominion over the fowl: He told a rooster to crow when Peter sinned. He had dominion over the fish: He gathered them into the net when Peter was fishing. He even had dominion over the animals of the field: He rode on a donkey that no one had ever ridden before.

We've lost that dominion, but we've regained our spiritual dominion in Jesus Christ. You were saved to live like a king. Don't live like a slave.

Believers have a responsibility to live like kings. Our kingship securely rests on the authority and character of God. Are you living beneath your station? Determine to live like a king.

Psalm 8:1-9 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b] A psalm of David.

1 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]

5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 8:1 In Hebrew texts 8:1-9 is numbered 8:2-10.
2. Psalm 8:1 Title: Probably a musical term
3. Psalm 8:4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?
4. Psalm 8:5 Or him
5. Psalm 8:5 Or than God
6. Psalm 8:5 Or him
7. Psalm 8:6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/14

2011-01-14T04:51:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 7:10-17

Giving Birth to a Monster

Read Psalm 7:10-17

This passage presents a frightening picture. We read about swords and arrows, pits, ditches and death. God is angry and is judging sin, and He hears David's petition about his persecutors: "O Lord, they are accusing me of something I didn't do. They are Lying about me." That's tough to take. People lied about the Lord Jesus, too. And anyone who tries to live like Him is going to suffer this kind of persecution. David's enemies wanted to kill him. Some innocent men had been killed because of him. But David was praying that God would first cleanse his own heart. He said, "Examine me. Look at me. Test me. I want to be sure my life is ruled by integrity."

Sin brings its own judgment. "Behold, the wicked travails with iniquity, conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood" (v. 14). This is a picture of pregnancy and birth. When a person conceives sin and then gives birth to it, he gives birth to a monster that will turn on him and destroy him. David changed the picture in verses 15 and 16: "He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head." That's a word of encouragement and also a warning. We can't give birth to sin without having to live with the baby, watching it grow up and create problems. Yes, God in His grace forgives. But God in His government says, "We must reap what we sow."

The warning here is don't give birth to sin. There's also an encouragement: If others are giving birth to sin, don't fret over it but pray for them.

What is your response when others do their worst to you? Be encouraged that God knows what is happening and will judge sin. If you take care of yourself and walk with integrity, you may be confident that God will deal with those who sin against you. Above all, don't give birth to sin yourself; rather, pray for those who persecute you. God will one day turn your persecution into praise.

Psalm 7:10-17 (New International Version, ©2010)

10 My shield[a] is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
a God who displays his wrath every day.
12 If he does not relent,
he[b] will sharpen his sword;
he will bend and string his bow.
13 He has prepared his deadly weapons;
he makes ready his flaming arrows.

14 Whoever is pregnant with evil
conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.
15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out
falls into the pit they have made.
16 The trouble they cause recoils on them;
their violence comes down on their own heads.

17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 7:10 Or sovereign
2. Psalm 7:12 Or If anyone does not repent, / God

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/13

2011-01-13T04:53:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 17:9 1 Samuel 24-26 Psalm 7:1-9

Tested in a Tight Spot

Read Psalm 7:1-9

This psalm was born out of a sad experience David had with Cush, a Benjamite (see I Sam. 24-26). Cush was one of Saul's spies. And because of what David did, Cush caused the deaths of innocent men.

Whenever David had a problem with persecution or with people, he would run to God. "O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me" (v. 1). David's enemies were pursuing him. But the first thing he did was examine his own heart. "O Lord my God, if I have done this: if there is iniquity in my hands" (v. 3). He was saying, "If I have sinned, then let the enemy persecute me."

When we are persecuted or experiencing problems, the first thing we should do is examine our own hearts--not examine the enemy or even examine God by saying, "God, why did You allow such a thing to happen?" When you find yourself in a tight spot, look in the mirror and say, "Father, is there something in my life You are talking to me about? Is there some area in my life where I am not as yielded as I ought to be?"

You may ask, "What about my enemies? Who's going to take care of them?" That was David's question. The answer is that God will take care of the enemy. The wickedness of others will come to an end. Our righteous God will accomplish His purposes, but notice the end of verse 9: "For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds." Times of trial are not only times of testimony and trusting; they are also times of testing. When God tests you, He is showing you your own heart. You may say, "I know my own heart." But you don't. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9).

God has a purpose for trials and testings. Do you find yourself in a tight spot today? Don't view this as something to endure. Rather, consider it an opportunity for growth. Use this time to examine your heart. Perhaps God wants to teach you something and develop an area of your life. Yield yourself to Him and trust Him to do a good work in you.

Psalm 7:1-9 (New International Version, ©2010)

A shiggaion[b] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

1 LORD my God, I take refuge in you;
save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
2 or they will tear me apart like a lion
and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

3 LORD my God, if I have done this
and there is guilt on my hands—
4 if I have repaid my ally with evil
or without cause have robbed my foe—
5 then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
let him trample my life to the ground
and make me sleep in the dust.[c]

6 Arise, LORD, in your anger;
rise up against the rage of my enemies.
Awake, my God; decree justice.
7 Let the assembled peoples gather around you,
while you sit enthroned over them on high.
8 Let the LORD judge the peoples.
Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness,
according to my integrity, O Most High.
9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God
who probes minds and hearts.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 7:1 In Hebrew texts 7:1-17 is numbered 7:2-18.
2. Psalm 7:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
3. Psalm 7:5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/12

2011-01-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Acts 2:21 Hebrews 12 Psalm 6:1-12

Worse Than Death

Read Psalm 6:1-10

All of us know what it means to sin and to confess our sin. Psalm 6 is the first of the seven penitential psalms. Occasionally God has to remind us to confess our sins.

In verses 1-5 David pleads for God not to rebuke him or to chasten him. God's chastening is not punishment. It builds our Christian character. Hebrews 12 talks about chastening, and the word used means "child training." It's the picture of a child learning how to be a good athlete. God chastens us, but He does so in love. David was afraid that God was going to chasten him in His hot displeasure (v. 1). But our God is a God of mercy and grace. This doesn't mean, however, that we can minimize sin. This doesn't mean we should ever say, "Well, God is a forgiving God; therefore, I can do whatever I want to do, and He will forgive me." No, David was saying, "Lord, I've sinned. I'm weary with my groaning. Forgive me. I have done wrong." And God does forgive those who confess their sins to Him.

Sin is the Christian's worst possible experience. It's far worse than pain or suffering or even death itself. We are weak, and sometimes we fail. But let's never be afraid to come to our Father with our appeal for forgiveness. The tragedy is that all around us, enemies are waiting for us to fall. They want to point at us and say, "See, that Christian failed." But we can come before the Lord and ask Him for His forgiveness, and He will grant it to us. God will have mercy on us. "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).

We must never treat sin lightly. Certainly, no Christian should ever harbor sin. But when we do sin, we may lean on God's mercy and grace and confess our sin to a loving Father. One of the great encouragements of the Christian life is that God forgives and restores. Are you living with unconfessed sin? Avoid God's chastening. Confess your sin and ask for His forgiveness.

Psalm 6:1-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith.[b] A psalm of David.

1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, LORD, how long?

4 Turn, LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.
5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
Who praises you from the grave?

6 I am worn out from my groaning.

All night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.

8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 6:1 In Hebrew texts 6:1-10 is numbered 6:2-11.
2. Psalm 6:1 Title: Probably a musical term

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/11

2011-01-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 5:1-12 James 1:5 Romans 8:26 Hebrews 5:7 Romans 12:19

Request, Reason and Response in the Midst of Trials

Read Psalm 5:1-l2

What do you do in difficult situations? Many of the psalms were written during difficult, often painful, experiences. In Psalm 5 we find two sequences concerning trials. In the first sequence (vv. 1-7), David is experiencing difficulty and makes his request--"hear me." (v. 1-3). Meditation here means "sighing, murmuring, groaning"--a quiet expression of feelings. When our burden is beyond expression, all we can do is sigh and moan before the Lord. The Spirit hears our groanings and intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26). David's meditation turns to a cry (v. 2; Heb. 5:7). Prayer is not always a quiet, joyful conversation with God. Sometimes it is a battle against the principalities arrayed against us.

David's reason for making this request is the holiness of God (vv. 4-6). He cried to God because He is holy and stands against the wicked and boastful. Although He will judge the wicked, God does not always judge sin immediately. David's response is worship (v. 7), individual and personal.

In the second sequence, David makes another request--"lead me" (v. 8). He wants God's way, which is the righteous way. In the midst of difficulty, what we need most is wisdom to know the will of God (James 1:5). Notice that David asks to be led, not delivered. God has a straight way through every difficulty that will lead us to victory.

His reason this time is the wickedness of man (vv. 9,10). Destruction means "a yawning, open abyss." An open tomb pictures defilement and death. Flattery is not communication; it is manipulation. Absalom fell by his own counsel. David did nothing. He let God do it all (Rom. 12:19).

David's response (vv. 11,12) is rejoicing in faith, love and hope. Joy comes from trusting in and loving the Lord. This kind of joy comes from God's work on the inside, not from circumstances on the outside.

The psalmist tells us to expect difficulty. We shouldn't run from our trials but bring to God our requests, our reasons and our response.

You need never be paralyzed by your difficulties. You have the privilege of praying to a loving, understanding Father, who knows your condition. He guides you through difficulty to victory. When your faith, hope and love are fixed on the Lord, you can face any difficulty or problem, and God will give you joy and peace within.

Psalm 5:1-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

1 Listen to my words, LORD,
consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.

3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome.
5 The arrogant cannot stand
in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
6 you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
you, LORD, detest.
7 But I, by your great love,
can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make your way straight before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 5:1 In Hebrew texts 5:1-12 is numbered 5:2-13.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/10

2011-01-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 5:1-12 Romans 12:1 Revelation 1:5-6

A Heart Problem

Read Psalm 5:1-12

It's imperative for us to meet God in the morning if we want to have a good day. Jesus got up early in the morning to pray, according to Mark 1:35. Here we find the psalmist saying, "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up" (v. 3).

When I used to work the night shift, I would sleep in the morning. So when I got up in the afternoon, I would meet with the Lord. Meeting with God is not an appointment on a clock but an appointment in your heart. Does God hear your voice in the morning? When He looks on you at the beginning of your day, does He look on you as a priest who has come to offer Him sacrifices of praise? That's what direct means (v. 3)--"to order my prayer." It means to arrange the sacrifice on the altar.

When you wake up in the morning, remind yourself that you are one of God's priests. How did you become a priest? Through faith in Jesus Christ. "To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father" (Rev. 1:5,6). You're one of God's priests. That means wherever you are is God's temple, because your body is His temple.

The first thing we do in the morning is the first thing the high priest used to do every morning. He laid the burnt offering on the altar. The burnt offering is a picture of total dedication to God. If you want to have a good day, start by giving yourself to the Lord as a burnt offering, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1). A good day begins in the morning, and it begins at the altar.

Does your day begin with God? If not, decide to start each morning by dedicating yourself to Him as a living sacrifice and ask His guidance for the day's decisions and actions. He wants to direct your life. So view each day as a gift from God and determine to be a good steward of the day's resources. Make your time with Him a daily appointment.

Psalm 5:1-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

1 Listen to my words, LORD,
consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.

3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome.
5 The arrogant cannot stand
in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
6 you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
you, LORD, detest.
7 But I, by your great love,
can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make your way straight before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 5:1 In Hebrew texts 5:1-12 is numbered 5:2-13.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/9

2011-01-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: James 1:20 Psalm 18:36 2 Samuel 12:10 Psalm 18:19 Matthew 4:3-4 Numbers 6:25 Psalm 4:1-8

Rest In The Midst of Trials

Read Psalm 4:1-8

David was experiencing great difficulty. He was in a "tight corner." God permits tight corners (II Sam. 12:10). He forgives but disciplines, and we reap what we sow (Ps. 25:17).

Psalm 4 is encouraging because it tells us that God cares for us and gives us several blessings in the midst of our trials. First, He gives us the blessing of enlargement (v. 1). Relieved means "enlarged." When God permits enlarged troubles, He enlarges His people; that is, we grow. Joseph is a good example of this (Ps. 18:19,36). His difficulties revealed his character, and he grew. Enlarged troubles lead to an enlarged life, which leads to an enlarged place and enlarged paths. God had an enlarged ministry for David, but He first had to make him grow.

Second, God gives us the blessing of encouragement (vv. 2,3). Eventually, all earthly causes will fail. Only the plan of God will succeed. The Lord is our shield, our glory and the One who lifts our head. In this life we will have problems, but God encourages us.

Third, God gives us the blessing of enablement (vv. 4,5). Tight corners bring us face to face with trusting versus temptation (Matt. 4:3,4). David had a right to be angry. Anger can be used of God to bring about righteousness, or it can be used by Satan to bring about sin (James 1:20). Meditate means "to discuss with yourself." It's so easy to brood when we're lying in bed, but God gives quietness when we meditate (Ps. 46:10).

Fourth, God gives us the blessings of enlightenment and enjoyment (vv. 6-8). David's people were discouraged. Are you a discourager or an encourager? As Christians, we should have the smile of God upon us (Num. 6:25). We should exhibit gladness and joy in the Lord. God adds to this the blessing of peace and sleep. This is possible when Christ is Savior. So get your eyes off the enemy and on the Lord. The temptation to sin is great during difficulties, but trust in the Lord, and He will give you peace and joy in the midst of difficulty.

God's blessings are designed to do more than simply comfort us in our difficulties; they are to help us grow. Take strength from knowing that God is weaving His purposes into your life and that He will reward your trust in Him. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

Psalm 4:1-8 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c]
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.

4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the LORD.

6 Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/8

2011-01-08T06:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 4:1-8

Bigger and Better

Read Psalm 4:1-8

Sometimes God's people can be so discouraging! In Psalm 4 we find David listening to people saying, "Who will show us any good?" (v. 6). David's own men were discouraged. They were going through a trial, and some were saying, "O David, this is the end. God is no longer going to help us." That's hard to take. It's rough when your associates or friends say to you, "Well, you've reached the end. Who will show us any good?"

But David called on the Lord, and God enlarged him. "You have relieved (enlarged) me when I was in distress" (v. 1). Pressure on the outside should make us bigger on the inside. The trials of life will press against us and make us either midgets or giants--either smaller or bigger. But we have to start on the inside. "You have relieved me when I was in distress." How did this happen?

David cried out to God, "You have put gladness in my heart" (v. 7). He started out with sadness and ended with gladness. He started with tears and ended with triumph. Once again he's sleeping beautifully. "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (v. 8).

David discovered that what was important was not the circumstance around him but the attitude within him. Let God enlarge you when you are going through distress. He can do it. You can't do it, and others can't do it for you. In fact, others may want to make things even tighter and narrower for you. But when you turn to the Lord and trust Him, He will enlarge you on the inside. You'll come out of your distresses a bigger person because you've trusted in the Lord.

There is a relationship between our attitude inside and our circumstances outside. If we maintain the proper attitude, God will use our trials to enlarge us. Are you going through a trial today? Give your circumstances to the Lord and trust Him to enlarge you.

Psalm 4:1-8 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c]
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.

4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the LORD.

6 Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/7

2011-01-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 3:1-8

Are You Sleeping Well?

Read Psalm 3:1-8

How well we sleep sometimes indicates how much we really trust the Lord. David said, "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me" (v. 5). We may think we can do that anytime. But what if we had been where David was? He was fleeing from his son Absalom, who had turned against him and had driven him from Jerusalem. Now David was in the wilderness with his army. It would be difficult to lie down and sleep knowing that you are in a dangerous wilderness and that your own son is against you. Oh, it wasn't the physical danger that kept David awake. He knew God would protect him. It was the inner spiritual and emotional agony of having his own flesh and blood trying to seize the kingdom from him.

But David said, in effect, "Lord, You are able to give me peace in my heart, the protection I need, the perspective I need. You are able to help me in the midst of this difficult situation." The heart of every problem is really the problem in the heart. David knew that it was not the army on the outside that would keep him awake but the agony on the inside.

This psalm starts with David's cry, "Many are they who rise up against me" (v. 1). He's pleading for help. The psalm ends with David's singing a song of praise (v. 8). Your day might begin by your pleading for help. But if you are trusting the Lord, it could end by your praising Him for the help He has given you.

Difficult circumstances often rob us of our peace and our perspective. When you find yourself in adverse circumstances or in the face of frightening consequences, admit your trouble and affirm your trust in Him. Then be encouraged that God protects you and gives you peace in the midst of the storm.

Psalm 3:1-8 (New International Version, ©2010)

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

1 LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”[b]

3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.

7 Arise, LORD!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.

8 From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 3:1 In Hebrew texts 3:1-8 is numbered 3:2-9.
2. Psalm 3:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/6

2011-01-06T04:54:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 2:7-12

Four Voices: Part 2

Read Psalm 2:7-12

A third voice we hear in the world is the voice of declaration-- God the Son (vv. 7-9). He runs the universe by decree, not by democracy. He knows everything, is everywhere and can do anything. God's decrees will succeed. Puny, foolish men with their godless living will not eradicate or hinder His decrees.

God decrees that Jesus Christ is His Son. Jesus is God, and He is King by nature, by conquest and by His Resurrection. He is reigning today, and we can reign in life through Him (Rom. 5:17).

God also decrees that He will break the rebellious nations with "a rod of iron." When His scepter of righteousness goes forth in judgment, the nations will cry out, not in repentance but in rebellion. God already has given the nations to His Son (Matt. 4:8-10).

The fourth voice is the voice of decision--the Holy Spirit (vv. 10-12). He wants us to learn--to be wise, to be instructed. Many depend on philosophy, psychology and history. These disciplines are helpful, but Christians must rely first and foremost on the Spirit of God to reveal truth.

The Holy Spirit wants us to be willing to serve. We serve the Lord, not sin. There is joy with our fear because God is our Father. In searching for liberty, the rebellious crowd practices anarchy, for freedom without authority is anarchy. We are made in the image of God. To rebel against Him is to rebel against our own nature.

The Holy Spirit also wants us to be reconciled. God is reconciled to us through Christ (Acts 16:31). Jesus "kissed" us in His birth and death. Today He is the Lamb, but someday He will come as the Lion to judge. God is holy and will not allow sin and rebellion to go on forever.

Are you listening to the right voices? "Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him." We are saved by faith through the death of the Son of God. Are you saved? If not, hear His voice and trust in Him.

Psalm 2:7-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

7 I will proclaim the LORD’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father.
8 Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with a rod of iron[a];
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 2:9 Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac)

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/5

2011-01-05T04:56:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 2:1-6

Four Voices: Part 1

Read Psalm 2:1-6

The world is getting noisier. So many voices vie for our attention. The result is that many people are getting the wrong instructions. It is important that we have discernment in a noisy world filled with propaganda. We need the truth.

We need to distinguish the four voices of Psalm 2. The first is the voice of defiance--the nations of the world (vv. 1-3). It is amazing that the nations would defy Almighty God. He has provided for them (Acts 14:17), guided them (I Tim. 6:17) and determined their histories (Acts 17:26). Why do the nations rebel? They seek freedom without God. P. T. Forsythe said, "The purpose of life is not to find your freedom. The purpose of life is to find your Master." Authority demands submission (Matt. 11:29).

The world is a mess morally,intellectually, socially, politically, economically and ecologically because it has defied God. Man is made in God's image. The irony is that when man rebels against God, he rebels against himself.

Second, we have the voice of derision--the voice of God the Father (vv. 4-6). While there is tumult on earth, there is tranquillity in heaven. God laughs because the Kingdom is secure; the King has been established. Jesus is God's King. Though the nations rebel, we don't need to worry, for the King is already enthroned in heaven.

Listen to the voice of God. He is laughing at the world's rebellion, and you can laugh with Him if Jesus is your King.

The world often tries to drown out the truth. Its voice of defiance is clear. The world's corruption is a result of its defiance. Take inventory of the voices you listen to. Are you part of the voice of defiance, or can you laugh with God at the world's rebellion?

Psalm 2:1-6 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Why do the nations conspire[a]
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 2:1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/3

2011-01-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 1:3-6

Are You Situated by the Waters?

Read Psalm 1:3-6

A tree is a blessing. It holds soil, provides shade and produces fruit. The godly are like trees, with root systems that go deep into the spiritual resources of God's grace (v. 3). But sadly, many professing Christians are not like trees but are like artificial plants or cut flowers with no roots. They may be beautiful for a while, but soon they die.

A tree needs light, water and roots to live. We all have resources upon which we draw life. The question we need to ask ourselves is, Where are our roots? The person God can bless is planted by the rivers of water. We must be careful not to be like Christians who are dry and withered and depend upon their own resources. They are like tumbleweeds, blown about by any wind of doctrine.

To have the blessings of verse 3, we need to meet the conditions of verses 1 and 2. That is, we must first be separated from the world and saturated with the Word to be situated by the waters.

God desires to bless us, but we need to meet certain conditions to receive His blessings. We bear fruit only when we have roots, and we must draw upon spiritual resources to bring forth fruit in due season. To bear the fruit of the Spirit, we must allow the Spirit to work in us and through us.

In contrast to the believer, the ungodly are not like trees but are like chaff. They have no roots, produce no fruit and are blown about. The ungodly reject the Word of God and will perish without hope (v. 6). As Christians we must not reject the ungodly but try to reach them. God blesses us so that we might be a blessing to others. His Spirit helps us bear fruit that can help win the lost.

Are you like a tree or like chaff?

We need God's resources to bear fruit. But where we place our roots is paramount. Only as we grow them deeply into the spiritual resources of God's grace will we produce fruit. Make the Bible your spiritual resource. Delight in it and feed your soul with its truth. God can use you to help win the lost.

Psalm 1:3-6 (New International Version, ©2010)

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/2

2011-01-02T04:43:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 1:1-2

Separated and Saturated

Read Psalm 1:1,2

Two of the most popular words in the Christian vocabulary are bless and blessing. God wants to bless His people. He wants them to be recipients and channels of blessing. God blesses us to make us a blessing to others, but He has given us certain conditions for receiving blessings.

First, we must be separated from the world (v. 1). The world is anything that separates us from God or causes us to disobey Him. Separation is not isolation but contact without contamination. Sin is usually a gradual process. Notice the gradual decline of the sinner in verse 1. He is walking (Mark 14:54), standing (John 18:18) and then sitting (Luke 22:55). Becoming worldly is progressive; it happens by degrees. We make friends with the world; we become spotted by the world; we love the world, become confirmed to it and end up condemned with it. Lot is an example of someone who became worldly. He looked toward Sodom, pitched his tent toward Sodom, lived there, lost everything and ended in sin.

Second, we must be saturated with the Word (v. 2). Whatever delights us directs us. We saturate ourselves with the Word by meditating on it. Meditation is to the spirit what digestion is to the body. When we meditate on the Word, we allow the Spirit of God within us to "digest" the Word of God for us. So not only do we delight in the Word, it becomes a source of spiritual nourishment for us.

Enjoy the blessings God has for you and allow Him to make you a blessing to others. (A third condition, being situated by the waters, is the topic of our next devotional.)

God desires to bless us, but we must meet His conditions for receiving blessings. By staying separate from the world and keeping saturated in the Word, we may expect God's blessings. Resolve to meditate on the Word of God and obey it. He will make you a blessing to others.

Psalm 1:1-2 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 1/2011

2011-01-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 1:1-6

Preface To God's Hymnal

Read Psalm 1:1-6

Have you ever read the preface to the hymnal used in your church? Few people ever do. The preface to God's hymnal (the Book of Psalms) is Psalm 1. It begins with a word we often use--blessed. Nowhere does Scripture tell us that God blesses programs or promotions. But it does teach that He blesses individuals. He blessed Abraham so he might be a blessing to others. And He blesses us so we might bless others.

What you delight in is what will direct your life, so be careful what you enjoy. The blessed person delights in the Law of the Lord (v. 2). He delights so much in the Word of God that he meditates on it during the day. Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body. It means assimilating the Word of God.

The blessed person is like a tree (v. 3). A tree has roots. The most important part of your life is your "root system." Don't be like the ungodly, who are like chaff (v. 4). Chaff doesn't have roots. It is blown away by every wind that comes along. Your root system is important because it determines your nourishment. It also determines your stability and your strength when the storm comes and the wind starts to blow.

People can't see your root system, but God can. Praying and meditating on the Word of God will cause your roots to go down deep into His love.

God delights in blessing His children. But we must prepare ourselves for His blessings by first appropriating the resources He has given us. Delight in the Word of God and feed on it. But do more than occasionally read the Word; meditate on it constantly. Make it your source of spiritual nourishment, and God will bless you with strength and stability.

Psalm 1:1-6 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/30

2010-12-30T05:34:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 150:1-6

An Orchestra of Praise

Read Psalm 150:1-6

The hymnbook of the Bible is the Book of Psalms, and the last psalm summarizes what God wants us to know about praise and worship. The Christian faith is a singing and praising faith. No other religion has praise and singing such as we have, because we have the song of the Lord in our hearts. The psalmist answers some important questions about praise in this psalm.

Who is it that we praise? "Praise the Lord" (v. 1)--not the church, not the preacher, but the Lord. Our problem is that we often don't see the Lord. We look at gifts or lack of gifts from God. We say, "Why didn't the Lord do this, or why wasn't it done differently?" We don't really see Him. Let's get beyond the gift to the Giver. Let's get beyond the blessing to the Blesser. Let's praise the Lord. "Rejoice in the Lord," Paul said. "Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4).

Where do we praise Him? "Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament" (v. 1). What an interesting combination. When we praise God in church, it's just like the praise of the angels in heaven. In the sanctuary or wherever we are, let's praise Him.

Why do we praise Him? "Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness!" (v. 2). We praise Him for what He is and for what He does.

How do we praise Him? With the sound of the trumpet, with the psaltery, the harp, the timbre!, the dance, the stringed instruments, the flute and the loud cymbals. The psalmist is saying, "Get the whole orchestra together. Find every instrument you can, and let's praise the Lord." Some people don't like that kind of praise, but we are commanded here to praise Him and to make a loud song to His glory.

* * *

All of nature is praising God today, but His people are prone to forget to praise Him. Ask yourself these praise questions of Psalm 150 and then meditate on the psalmist's answers. You have much for which to give praise. Bring joy to God's heart by praising Him.

Psalm 150:1-6 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Praise the LORD.[a]

Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 150:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 6

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/29

2010-12-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 149:1-9

Singing in Strange Places

Read Psalm 149:1-9

"Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song" (v. 1). We have a tendency to want to sing the same songs in church, and there's nothing wrong with that. The psalmist isn't telling us to buy a new hymnbook. He means we should have a new experience with the Lord so that we will have a new song of praise to give to Him.

Every new valley that we go through, every new mountaintop we climb, every experience of life ought to be writing on our hearts a new song of praise. When we face a difficulty, we have an opportunity to have renewed faith and see God do new things.

In verse 1 the psalmist tells us to sing in the congregation. I can understand that command. I enjoy congregational singing when people sing to the Lord. "Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King" (v. 2). I am glad when God's people gather in a congregation of celebration, rejoicing in the goodness and the glory of the Lord.

But he also tells us we should be joyful on our beds. "Let them sing aloud on their beds" (v. 5). This could be while we're resting or recuperating from an illness. Perhaps you're lying in bed right now, and you don't feel well. Sing praises to the Lord upon your bed and worship Him. Then the psalmist says, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations" (vv. 6,7). This is a picture of warriors on the battlefield, singing in the midst of the battle.

It is easy to sing in the congregation, not quite so easy to sing on our beds and difficult to sing on the battlefield. But if we sing, we'll glorify the Lord, and we'll grow. "He will beautify the humble with salvation" (v. 4). We'll be happier and holier and more beautiful if we sing to the Lord.

* * *

God brings you through different experiences so you may learn new dimensions of His love and grace. What difficulty are you facing today? Don't simply endure or waste it. Use it as an opportunity to find a new song of praise to God.

Psalm 149:1-9 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Praise the LORD.[a]

Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with timbrel and harp.
4 For the LORD takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with victory.
5 Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.

6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them—
this is the glory of all his faithful people.

Praise the LORD.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 149:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 9

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/28

2010-12-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 148:1-20

Run By Decree

Read Psalm 148:1-14

When I was a young pastor in my first church, we had to build a new sanctuary. My friends know that I don't know the first thing about construction. I can't read blueprints. I can't even make a birdhouse. But we began the project. Construction went slowly, and it was difficult. Then winter came.

I recall standing by that piece of property, looking at those snow-covered arches and wondering, "Lord, why is it taking so long?" Then the Lord led me to Psalm 148 and showed me that when we complain about the weather, we should remember that He is in control. He gave me a great word of assurance from verse 8: "Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word."

All of Psalm 148 tells us that the Word of God is in control. When He speaks in heaven, things happen on earth. In verses 1-6 the heavens praise the Lord. In verses 7-10 the earth praises the Lord. And in verses 11-14, all people, young and old, praise the Lord, including kings, princes, judges and ordinary people. Why? Because His Word is creative. Verse 5 tells us He commanded, and they were created. He also has "established them forever" (v. 6).

God does not run this world by consensus but by decree. His Word is sufficient to guide our lives.

* * *

God's Word creates, establishes and fulfills His will. The next time you find yourself in a storm, don't complain; instead, surrender. Remember, the stormy wind as well as the calm wind fulfills the Word of God. Submit to God's control and to His creative Word in your life.

Psalm 148:1-14 (New International Version, ©2010)
1 Praise the LORD.[a]

Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,[b]
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the LORD.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 148:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 14
2. Psalm 148:14 Horn here symbolizes strength.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/27

2010-12-27T04:29:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 147:12-20

Precious Treasure

Read Psalm 147:12-20

I wonder if the Old Testament people of Israel realized how privileged they were. This is what the psalmist addresses in today's passage. He's telling the Jewish people to praise the Lord because of all He had done for them. "For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you" (v. 13). He gave peace in their borders. He fed them. He gave them His Word and His Law. He gave them land. "He has not dealt thus with any nation; and as for His judgments, they have not known them" (v. 20). God deposited with Israel the precious treasure of His Word.

Notice what the psalmist says about the Word of God. Verse 15 tells us that God's Word runs: "He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly." When God speaks, that Word goes out like a rapidly running messenger and accomplishes His purposes. God runs the universe by His Word. He decrees things, and they happen.

God's Word also melts obstacles. "He sends out His word and melts them" (v. 18). God's Word can melt the cold, hard heart. Are you facing an impossible situation? The Word of God can melt any bars or walls and open the way for you.

Finally, God's Word blesses. "He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel.... Praise the Lord!" (vv. 19,20). Read the Word of God. It's a great treasure that, when invested in your life, bears fruit.

* * *

God's Word runs and accomplishes His will. It melts and opens the way. And it blesses all who will receive it, obey it and trust it. God desires that you spend time daily appropriating the riches of His Word. Do you invest God's Word in your life?

Psalm 147:12-20 (New International Version, ©2010)

12 Extol the LORD, Jerusalem;
praise your God, Zion.

13 He strengthens the bars of your gates
and blesses your people within you.
14 He grants peace to your borders
and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

15 He sends his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16 He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
18 He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

19 He has revealed his word to Jacob,
his laws and decrees to Israel.
20 He has done this for no other nation;
they do not know his laws.[a]

Praise the LORD.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 147:20 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint nation; / he has not made his laws known to them

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/26

2010-12-26T04:30:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 147:1-11

The God of Your Heart

Read Psalm 147:1-11

The God of the galaxies is also the God of the brokenhearted. That's what David tells us in verses 3 and 4: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name."

The contrast we see in these two verses--between the heavens and the broken heart--ought to encourage us. God made the heavens. He spoke and it was done. His creation stood steadfast. The God who made the heavens is concerned about your broken heart. Others may not be concerned, but God is. He's not so far away that He doesn't know your heart is hurting. He's not so great that He can't stoop down to you when you are pained, weeping and looking for help.

Yes, the God of the heavens is the God of your heart. The God who numbers and names the stars knows your needs. He knows all about you, and thus He is able to meet your every need. The God who controls the planets in their orbits is able to take the pieces of your broken heart and put them together again. He will heal your broken heart, provided you give Him all the pieces and yield to His tender love.

"Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite" (v. 5). His love and understanding are limitless. His power is great. He can do what needs to be done.

* * *

The One who set the galaxies in motion is the same One who addresses your needs. There is no limit to God's love, His understanding or His power. Perhaps you have a broken heart today. Give Him the pieces and let Him heal your heart.

Psalm 147:1-11 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Praise the LORD.[a]

How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.
6 The LORD sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD with grateful praise;
make music to our God on the harp.

8 He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.

10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 147:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 20

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/25

2010-12-25T05:38:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:19 Psalm 146:1-10

The God of Jacob

Read Psalm 146:1-10

"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God" (v. 5). This tells us that God is all we need for today--and for tomorrow. When you know God, you have happiness, help and hope: happiness in walking with Him, help for the burdens of the day and hope for the concerns of the future. What more could you want?

Who is the God of Jacob? First, He is the creator. Verse 6 says He is the One "who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever." Any God great enough, wise enough and strong enough to create and sustain and run this universe can take care of our problems today.

Second, He is the Judge "who executes justice for the oppressed" (v. 7). God knows when you have been wrongly criticized. He knows when others have tried to make life difficult for you. Leave the judgment with Him. Don't waste your time and energy trying to fight battles that only God can fight for you. He's with all of His people, and He does what is right.

Third, He is the Father. Verse 7 offers a picture of the Father feeding the hungry. God's Word always assures us of His provision. "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

Fourth, He is the Redeemer. "The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;... The Lord loves the righteous" (vv. 7,8).

Finally, He is the King. "The Lord shall reign forever" (v. 10). Sometimes you may feel like saying, "I don't deserve to have a God like this." That's true, but He's the God of Jacob. Jacob stumbled and made mistakes, but God remained his God. The eternal God is our Refuge.

* * *

God is your greatest Refuge. But He doesn't simply shelter you; He provides for you and strengthens you. Is the God of Jacob your God? If so, call upon Him, and He will be your help, hope and happiness.

Psalm 146:1-10 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Praise the LORD.[a]

Praise the LORD, my soul.

2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the LORD.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 146:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 10

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/24

2010-12-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: James 4:8 Psalm 145:14-21

God is Near

Read Psalm 145:14-21

"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth" (v. 18). Isn't that a great promise? It's one you can put to work today. Let's look at it more closely.

First, God is near to those who are stumbling. "The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down" (v. 14). You may have stumbled and fallen. Perhaps you just didn't do what you should have. Maybe you stumbled in your job, and you are embarrassed and worried about it. Perhaps you have stumbled into sin.

Second, God is near to those who carry burdens. Those who are bowed down with the weight of care can find rest if they will call upon Him.

Third, God is near to those who are hungry. "The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season" (v. 15). Verse 16 shows how simple it is for God to answer prayer: "You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing." All God has to do is open His hand to meet our needs today. The problem is, we often don't open our hearts and cry out to Him.

Fourth, God is near to those who call upon Him. We have this great promise: He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and will save them" (v. 19).

Finally, God is near to those who love Him. "The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy" (v. 20). Follow the advice of James: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).
* * *

God is not far from you. He's waiting for you to take that first step, to cry out to Him and say, "Lord, I want to draw close to You. Here I am." Have you stumbled? Are you carrying a burden, or are you needy? He promises to be near to all those who call upon Him.

Psalm 145:14-21 (New International Version, ©2010)

14 The LORD upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/23

2010-12-23T07:38:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 145:1-13

Greatly to Be Praised

Read Psalm 145:1-13

This psalm has special meaning for me. Several years ago a drunken driver hit me going 80 or 90 miles an hour. When I woke up in the intensive care ward of a hospital with broken bones and lacerations, this is the verse that went through my mind: "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable" (v. 3).

Let's praise God for His greatness. The psalmist says His greatness is eternal. "I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever" (vv. 1,2). We will spend all eternity praising the greatness of God. His greatness also is unsearchable. We can't begin to measure it. We can't know its depth, its height or its breadth. And the greatness of God is memorable. "One generation shall praise Your works to another,... I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty" (vv. 4,5). We must tell the next generation of the greatness of God.

Then the psalmist praises the goodness of God. Verse 7 says, "They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.... The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works" (vv. 7,9). Verse 8 expounds the grace of the Lord: "The Lord is gracious and full of compassion." Aren't you grateful that He is slow to anger?

All of this leads to the glory of the Lord. "They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power" (v. 11).

* * *

As finite beings, we can scarcely comprehend God's attributes. But we can certainly praise Him for who He is and what He has done in our lives. Thank God for saving you. Praise Him for His greatness, His goodness, His grace and His glory.

Psalm 145

A psalm of praise. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.[b]
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works—
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, LORD;
your faithful people extol you.
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.[c]
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 145:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the verses of which (including verse 13b) begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
2. Psalm 145:5 Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac (see also Septuagint); Masoretic Text On the glorious splendor of your majesty / and on your wonderful works I will meditate
3. Psalm 145:13 One manuscript of the Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text do not have the last two lines of verse 13.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/22

2010-12-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 144:9-15

The Joys of God's People

Read Psalm 144:9-15

"Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!" (v. 15). That's the way David concludes Psalm 144. In the first half of this psalm, he cries out to God for help. In the last half, he sings praises to the Lord because of the help He gave him.

"I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You, the One who gives salvation to kings, who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword" (vv. 9,10). This shows David's personal joy in the Lord. We can picture him laying down his sword, picking up his harp and composing a new song to praise and glorify God. We ought to have personal joy in our hearts also. We have many reasons for praising God, but too often we remember only the sorrows of life and forget the blessings.

Then there is national joy--"the One who gives salvation to kings" (v. 10). David was the king, and when God delivered him, it was for the good of the nation. How we need national righteousness and national repentance to have national joy!

Finally, there is family joy. David talks in verse 12 about his sons being like plants and his daughters like cornerstones that are polished for a palace. What a joy it is in the home to praise the Lord and see family members growing in Him.

* * *

God's people ought to be joyful--expressing personal, national and family joy. Our joy is founded on what God does and who He is. Rejoice in the Lord today for all of His goodness, grace and mercy toward you in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 144:9-15 (New International Version, ©2010)

9 I will sing a new song to you, my God;
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
10 to the One who gives victory to kings,
who delivers his servant David.

From the deadly sword 11 deliver me;
rescue me from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.

12 Then our sons in their youth
will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
carved to adorn a palace.
13 Our barns will be filled
with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
by tens of thousands in our fields;
14 our oxen will draw heavy loads.[a]
There will be no breaching of walls,
no going into captivity,
no cry of distress in our streets.
15 Blessed is the people of whom this is true;
blessed is the people whose God is the LORD.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 144:14 Or our chieftains will be firmly established

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/21

2010-12-21T07:58:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 144:1-8

Jehovah's Covenant

Read Psalm 144:1-8

Why should Almighty God pay attention to us? Who are we that we should receive His mercy? David asks these questions in verse 3. "Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?"

What are we that God should pay any attention to us? Are we smart? I don't think so. Are we strong? Some animals are much stronger than we are. Are we righteous? No, we have sinned against God. Are we faithful? Too often we disobey Him. From the human point of view, there is no reason why God should pay any attention to us. "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow" (v. 4). Compared to eternity, our lives are just a puff of smoke. They appear, and then they are gone.

Why should God pay any attention to us? Because God, in all of His mercy and grace, loves us. The word David uses for God in this psalm means Jehovah God, the God of the gracious covenant. He has made promises to us, and we can trust Him. David describes Him as "my lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge" (v. 2).

This is a mystery too deep for us to explain, but it's not too deep for us to experience. We may not understand why God should pay any attention to us, but we know that His Son came to be a servant for us. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for us, and now He lives in heaven, interceding for us.

* * *

God pays attention to you because He loves you and wants to be glorified through your life. Walk with Him and glorify Him with your life.

Psalm 144:1-8 (New International Version, ©2010)
Of David.

1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
2 He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples[a] under me.

3 LORD, what are human beings that you care for them,
mere mortals that you think of them?
4 They are like a breath;
their days are like a fleeting shadow.

5 Part your heavens, LORD, and come down;
touch the mountains, so that they smoke.
6 Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy;
shoot your arrows and rout them.
7 Reach down your hand from on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters,
from the hands of foreigners
8 whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 144:2 Many manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls, Aquila, Jerome and Syriac; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text subdues my people

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/20

2010-12-20T04:46:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 34:15 Psalm 143:1-12

Willing to Lead

Read Psalm 143:1-12

How should we pray when we are going through trouble? We find several requests in David's prayer, and if we follow his example, God will lead us through our difficulties into blessing.

First, he says, "Hear my prayer" (v. 1) and "answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails!" (v. 7). We don't have to shout to God; we don't have to argue with Him. We simply can come to Him and say, "Lord, hear me." When a child comes to his father or mother, the parent has his ears open. "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" (Ps. 34:15). Have you prayed to God about what worries you today?

David's second request is, "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust" (v. 8). In other words, "Speak to me, Lord." Each morning David meditated on the Word of God, and God guided him. Have you taken time to read the Bible and let its Author speak to you? He'll show you the way you ought to go.

David's next request is, "Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies" (v. 9). God can do that if we are walking in the way He wants us to walk. In verse 10 David asks for instruction and guidance. "Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness." Oh, how willing He is to do this!

Finally, David says, "Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake!" (v. 11). Why do we want God to bring us out of times of difficulty? Sure, we want relief, but we also should want Him to be glorified. We want Him to deliver us for His name's sake, that He might receive all the glory.

* * *

Your spirit can begin to fail when you go through extended trials. Ask the Lord for help, and He will lead you through difficult times. Always stay open to the guidance and instruction of God's Word. God will speak to you through Scripture as He leads you through your trial. Keep trusting Him, and He will accomplish what is best for you and what glorifies Him.

Psalm 143:1-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

A psalm of David.

1 LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.[a]

7 Answer me quickly, LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.

11 For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 143:6 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/19

2010-12-19T05:07:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 142:1-7

Look Ahead

Read Psalm 142:1-7

I do not like caves. When I visited Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, I could hardly wait to get out. Thus, I somewhat understand David's distress as he wrote this psalm while hiding from Saul in a cave. In his distress, he looked in four directions.

First, David looked within. "I cry out to the Lord with my voice; with my voice to the Lord I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path" (vv. 1-3). He looked within and said, "Look, I'm in trouble; I'm complaining; I'm overwhelmed." Introspection sometimes can be good for you, but don't spend too much time looking within, or you will get discouraged.

Then David looked around, hoping to find help. "Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul" (v. 4). Do you ever feel like that? Do you look around and say, "Nobody even cares--everyone is bearing his own burdens, and nobody wants to share mine"? Perhaps in those situations you should take time to bear other people's burdens--then they might be interested in your concerns.

After looking within and around and finding only discouragement, David looked up. "I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living"' (v. 5). In other words, "God, you're going to hear my cry. You're going to deliver me from my persecutors; they are stronger than I am."

Finally, David looked ahead. "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name; the righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me" (v. 7). After you have seen the glory and the blessing of the Lord, you can look ahead with confidence.

* * *

Perhaps you are in a cave of discouragement today. Your hope lies not within yourself or with your circumstances. Look to the Lord and obey His Word. Then look ahead with confidence, for God's promises are sure and His Word is true.

Psalm 142:1-7 (New International Version, ©2010)

A maskil[b] of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.

1 I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
2 I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
7 Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 142:1 In Hebrew texts 142:1-7 is numbered 142:2-8.
2. Psalm 142:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/18

2010-12-18T05:49:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 141:1-10

Mixed Prayers

Read Psalm 141:1-10

One of the greatest privileges we have as children of God is prayer, yet so often we take it for granted. As the gospel song goes, "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!"

In Psalm 141 David pictures prayer in a beautiful way that will help us appreciate it more. "Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (vv. 1,2). The Jewish priest would go to the altar of incense in the holy place and offer a special incense that no one was allowed to duplicate. As the smoke of the incense rose from the altar, it was as though prayer were going up to God. David was not in the temple; he was a king, not a priest. He may well have been out somewhere in the battlefield when he wrote this. But he says, "I am going to lift up my hands to you as the evening sacrifice. My prayer is going to come to you as incense."

The incense at the altar was mixed together carefully; it was well prepared. Likewise, let's mix our prayers carefully. Our prayers should contain adoration and confession to the Lord, petition, thanksgiving and submission to Him. Let's allow the Holy Spirit to ignite the altar of our souls. Do not pray from a cold heart. David goes on to say, "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing" (vv. 3,4). After we pray to the Lord, let's make sure that our lips and hearts do not sin.

* * *

Are your prayers a good mix rather than a series of petitions? When you pray from the heart, you can't help but praise God and thank Him for His grace and generosity. Make your prayers like fragrant incense that brings joy to the heart of God.

Psalm 141:1-10 (New International Version, ©2010)

A psalm of David.

1 I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me;
hear me when I call to you.
2 May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a guard over my mouth, LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
4 Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil
so that I take part in wicked deeds
along with those who are evildoers;
do not let me eat their delicacies.

5 Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it,
for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.

6 Their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs,
and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken.
7 They will say, “As one plows and breaks up the earth,
so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave.”

8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign LORD;
in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.
9 Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers,
from the snares they have laid for me.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by in safety.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/17

2010-12-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 140:1-13

Our Deliverer

Read Psalm 140:1-13

King David was going through another battle. He needed deliverance from an attacking enemy. "Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for war. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men" (vv. 1-4). David's enemies had hidden snares to trap him.

What do you do when you face this situation--when evil, violent, lying people are busy setting traps for you? Remember that God hears you. "I said to the Lord: 'You are my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord"' (v. 6). God also strengthens you. "O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle" (v. 7). If you have to do battle against the Enemy today, let God outfit you in the armor you need. Finally, God vindicates you. David prayed that God would vindicate him and that his enemies' own sins would destroy them.

David concluded by giving thanks to the Lord. "I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence" (vv. 12,13). The battle over, he said, "One day I am going to dwell in Your presence, where there will be no more lying, slandering, battling, fighting or sinning." We will enjoy the peace of God forever.

* * *

If you are a believer, God has already delivered you from the penalty of sin. Today He works to deliver you from sin's effects. Perhaps enemies are slandering your reputation. Call upon the Lord for help. He will hear you, strengthen you and vindicate you. Let Him give you the victory today.

Psalm 140:1-13 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers;
protect me from the violent,
2 who devise evil plans in their hearts
and stir up war every day.
3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;
the poison of vipers is on their lips.[b]

4 Keep me safe, LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent,
who devise ways to trip my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path.

6 I say to the LORD, “You are my God.”
Hear, LORD, my cry for mercy.
7 Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer,
you shield my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant the wicked their desires, LORD;
do not let their plans succeed.

9 Those who surround me proudly rear their heads;
may the mischief of their lips engulf them.
10 May burning coals fall on them;
may they be thrown into the fire,
into miry pits, never to rise.
11 May slanderers not be established in the land;
may disaster hunt down the violent.

12 I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor
and upholds the cause of the needy.
13 Surely the righteous will praise your name,
and the upright will live in your presence.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 140:1 In Hebrew texts 140:1-13 is numbered 140:2-14.
2. Psalm 140:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 5 and 8.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/16

2010-12-16T04:46:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 10:23 John 17:3 Psalm 139:23-24

Nothing to Hide

Read Psalm 139:23,24

The most important knowledge in the world is the knowledge of God. The second most important is the knowledge of yourself. To know God, we must know Jesus Christ as our Savior (John 17:3). In his prayer, David makes two basic requests that should also be our prayer.

Our prayer should be that we want God to know us. This doesn't mean we want God to get information about us; it means that we have nothing to hide from Him. We hide from God with our words. When we lie to other people, we're lying to ourselves, and we are lying to God.

God has purposes for us to fulfill. He wants us to explore new territory and expand the horizons of our lives. Let God put you through the furnace (if He needs to) to remove the dross from your life. Let Him prepare you for what He has planned for you.

Our prayer also should be that we want God to guide us. We can't flee from God or fight Him, so we might as well follow Him. Jeremiah said, "O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23).

When we are willing to obey, God is more than willing to reveal His way to us. He guides us through His Word and through prayer. Don't be stingy with God, giving Him only a minute or two of your time every day. He also guides us through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, through circumstances and through His people. How glorious it is to have Christian friends with whom you can pray and to have a pastor who prays for you and ministers to you.

* * *

If you want God to know you and guide you, He will. You'll know yourself better and know Him better. And then He will guide you and lead you in an everlasting way.

Psalm 139:23-24

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/15

2010-12-15T04:46:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 1:4 Ephesians 4:30 Genesis 6:6 Mark 3:5 Romans 12:19 Psalm 139:19-22

Confronting Evil

Read Psalm 139:19-22

Many people are bothered by the problem of evil. They say, "If God is a loving and good God, why does He allow evil?" David did not ignore this problem, nor did he give in to it. Instead, he made a decision and took his stand with God. Only our God can permit evil and be able to overrule it to accomplish His purposes. As David confronted the problem of evil in the world, he did so in stages.

Stage one: He evaluated (v. 22). David looked at the wicked, violent, blasphemous, deceitful and rebellious crowd. He showed courage and honesty in taking his stand against them. When we start asking ourselves, Is it safe? or, Is it popular? we have moved away from biblical ethics and integrity.

Stage two: He grieved (v. 21). God the Father grieves (Gen. 6:6); God the Son grieves (Mark 3:5); and God the Holy Spirit grieves (Eph. 4:30) over sin. We also ought to grieve over sin. When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed, he sat and wept (Neh. 1:4). Today, we need people who will sit down long enough to weep over sin.

Stage three: He hated (vv. 21,22). We could use a little more holy anger today. Christians sometimes are too bland, too complacent and too comfortable. Edmund Burke said, "All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Love and hate are not contradictory when dealing with sin. Jesus showed both compassion toward sinners and hatred of sin.

Stage four: He decided (v. 19). David decided to separate himself from evil (Ps. 119:115). We need to stand among sinners as the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but we need to have contact without contamination.

Stage five: He trusted (v. 19). We must leave vengeance with God; He will punish the wicked (Rom. 12:19). Our job is to give ourselves to Him and do the work He wants us to do.

* * *

If you fail to make a decision, the world will make it for you. Take your stand with God and use David's experience as a guide for confronting the problem of evil. Determine to live a holy life that honors the Lord.

Psalm 139:19-22 (New International Version, ©2010)

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/14

2010-12-14T08:20:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 17:9 Psalm 139:19-24

A Penetrating Prayer

Read Psalm 139:19-24

There is no higher occupation than the contemplation and the worship of God. David says, "My God knows everything; I can't fool Him. My God is everywhere; I can't flee from Him. My God can do anything; I can't fight Him. What should I do?" We find his answer in verses 23 and 24. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." That's one of the most penetrating prayers found in the Bible.

If we can't fool God, flee from Him or fight Him, the only thing for us to do is surrender to Him--in awe, reverence and worship. Notice the psalmist's request: "Search me, O God, and know my heart." God knows our hearts. He knows us from top to bottom, inside out. But we don't know our own hearts. Jeremiah said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9). Only God can know it. The Hebrew word for search used in verse 23 means to dig in a mine and find ore. "Search me, O God; I am like a mine. I am deep, but dig out the potential that is in me. Dig out all the treasure you have put into me, even before I was born." It also means to explore a land. How broad and wide are the horizons of possibility in life. "Search me, O God; bring out of me all that is there for your glory."

Then David says, "Try me, and know my anxieties." Try means to test metal in a furnace. That's why we suffer sometimes. "See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (v. 24).

Here, then, are three penetrating requests: search me, try me and lead me. Are you asking God to lead you in His will today? If you do, He will bring out of the mine of your life treasures that will glorify His name.

* * *

Can you echo David's prayer? If not, perhaps you need to surrender to God's will or ask Him to forgive some sin in your life. Remember, He knows you intimately. Ask Him for the grace to stand up to His scrutiny.

Psalm 139:19-24 (New International Version, ©2010)

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/11

2010-12-11T05:26:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Exodus 20:13 Exodus 21:22-25 Psalm 139:13-18

Interrupting a Miracle

Read Psalm 139:13-18

Since the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, more than 21 million babies have been killed. These verses are an amazing statement about conception, growth and birth. When a baby is aborted, what really happens?

First, a miracle is interrupted (v. 14). Fearfully means "I am trembling with astonishment." By thinking about birth, David also was contemplating God's attributes. The world has cheapened sex, conception and birth to the point that it treats pregnancy as a nuisance, not a miracle. God made us and has covered (protected) us. The baby in the womb is covered by God. Let's not turn the womb into a tomb!

Second, a real person is murdered. Today, medical science calls the fetus a P.O.C. (a product of conception)--a mass of tissues or a collection of cells. But God calls it a human being, and we had better be careful how we treat the child.

Third, a divine law is broken (Ex. 20:13). Dr. Gleason Archer, commenting on Exodus 21:22-25, says that if a fight occurred and it resulted in a baby being born dead, then the assailant had to pay with his life. God protected the unborn by His Law. But today it is legal to kill them.

God gives and takes life--not man. An even greater tragedy awaits us in this country. Abortion leads to infanticide, which leads to mercy killing. In some parts of the world, voluntary euthanasia is legal.

God's people need to take a strong stand to protect the miracle of human life

* * *

God loves children and wants to protect them. Rejoice in the miracle of birth and protect the sanctity of the womb and the lives of unborn babies. What can you do in your community to take a stand against abortion?

Psalm 139:13-18 (New International Version, ©2010)

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 139:17 Or How amazing are your thoughts concerning me

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/10

2010-12-10T04:37:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 139:13-18

The Marvel of Life

Read Psalm 139:13-18

The greatest evidence of God's power is human birth. When a baby is born, there is promise, potential and excitement. David considered babies to be miracles from the hand of God. Eugene Peterson has said, "In the presence of birth we don't calculate, we marvel." As we ponder these truths, what should be our response?

We worship God. The word fearfully means "I am shuddering with astonishment; I am trembling with awe" (v. 14). I fear that today people have taken sex, conception, birth and babies and turned the process into something functional instead of miraculous. Some people think of sex as animal excitement, but David thought of spiritual enrichment. No wonder we are aborting babies today; we don't see anything holy about sex, conception and birth.

We show confidence in God. What we are is God's gift to us. What we do with our lives is our gift to Him. He accepts us as we are. He's not going to judge us on the basis of what He has given someone else, but on the basis of what we have done with what He has given us. Never be discouraged by what you don't have. Having confidence in God about your life brings eager expectation.

We obey God. The more we glorify God, the more we enjoy Him. We can take the miracle of life He gave us and wreck it, or we can present our bodies to the Lord as a living sacrifice.

* * *

To leave God out of your life is simply to exist, not really to live. Jesus died that you might be saved from your sins and one day go to heaven. But while you're here on earth, God wants you to fulfill all that He has built into you. Are you responding to His power for your life? Worship Him, place your confidence in Him and obey Him.

Psalm 139:13-18 (New International Version, ©2010)

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 139:17 Or How amazing are your thoughts concerning me

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/9

2010-12-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 139:13-18

Wonderfully Made

Read Psalm 139:13-18

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (v. 14). The psalmist is talking about the miracle of conception and birth. It's an amazing story. "For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb.... Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well" (vv. 13,14).

Someone defined a baby as something that gets you up at night and gets you down during the day. That may be true, but so are the words of poet Carl Sandburg: "A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." When we contemplate human birth, our first response ought to be reverence. The God of the galaxies is the God who is concerned about the color of a baby's hair and the genetic structure of a yet unborn child. We ought to bow in reverence before God and worship Him, because each individual child is a part of His handiwork. We don't understand why some children are born handicapped or exceptional in some areas. But God knows.

Our next response should be confidence. We can trust God because He made us as we are. Instead of complaining about what we're not, we can gratefully accept from God what we are. He knew all about each of us before we were born.

Finally, we should respond with obedience. We can take what God has given us and use it for His glory. Instead of searching for something you can't have, invest what you do have to serve Him.

* * *

When you contemplate the miracle of birth, praise God. As you respond in reverence, confidence and obedience, determine to be a good steward with the personal resources and talents He gave you. Good stewardship honors God.

Psalm 139:13-18 (New International Version, ©2010)

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 139:17 Or How amazing are your thoughts concerning me

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/8

2010-12-08T04:44:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:28 Psalm 139:7-12

Flee to God

Read Psalm 139:7-12

Years ago, A. W. Tozer wrote, "The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him." God is much greater than we are, and our thoughts of Him must be great thoughts. David's thoughts of God in this psalm center on His omnipresence. As we read his words, we can answer three simple questions.

Can we flee from God? The psalmist says no. Height and depth will not enable us to run away from God. Life has its ups and downs. God is there when we're up, and He's there when we're down. In essence, David says in verse 9, "If at sunrise, I could jump on one of the sunbeams, if I could fly across the sky from east to west at 186,000 miles per second, when I got there, You'd be there already, Lord." The word dwell means "to arrest." Even if we try to run away, God's hand is going to catch us and lead us.

Who would flee from God? Those who are afraid of Him. Among those in the Bible who tried to flee Him are Adam and Eve, Jonah and Judas Iscariot. No true believer would ever try to run away from God. As believers, we have fled to God, and we are hiding in Him.

What are the blessings of fleeing to God? If you have problems, difficulties and sin, run to God. The Lord's presence kept Paul going during difficult times. Like the apostle, we need to discover that no matter how difficult a situation is, the Lord is with us. When we hide in the Lord, we receive courage, encouragement, comfort and strength for the battle. Respond to God's invitation: "Come to Me, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Hide in the Lord. He's the only place of safety and satisfaction.

* * *

God's omnipresence is a blessing to those who hide in Him. Perhaps you have tried to run from the Lord. Return to Him; He is always ready to receive you when you've gone astray. Whatever difficulty you may be facing, don't hide from life--hide in the Lord. He will give you strength to fight the battle.

Psalm 139:7-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/7

2010-12-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 46:1 Hebrews 13:5 Psalm 139:7-12

Here, There, Everywhere

Read Psalm 139:7-12

Have you ever tried to run away from God? Don't try; it can't be done. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me" (vv. 7-10).

No matter where we go in the will of God, He is there. Why should we flee from Him? Why should we try to find height or depth, east or west, darkness or light? "If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall fall on me,' even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You" (vv. 11,12). Sometimes I've found myself in dark places and have wondered, "Does God know?" He indeed knows. If we sin, we go out into the darkness, but God sees us. And sometimes when we are walking with the Lord, we still find ourselves in darkness. But that darkness is as light to God.

God is everywhere and sees everything. Rather than flee from Him, we should flee to Him. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1). Nothing can separate us from the love of God--neither height nor depth, east nor west, darkness nor light (Rom. 8:38.39).

* * *

God promises to "never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). The next time you go through dark days, remember that God knows your problems and needs. You may take refuge in Him; He will see you through.

Psalm 139:7-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/6

2010-12-06T08:06:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 139:1-6

Intimate Knowledge

Read Psalm 139:1-6

Psalm 139 is a short course in theology, the science of God. In the first six verses the psalmist says, "God knows everything; don't try to fool Him."

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me" (v. 1). In these first six verses we find 13 personal pronouns. God knows us personally. Few people can recognize us in a crowd, but God does. With Him there are no crowds, only individuals. At times you may feel lonely and say, "Nobody knows me. Nobody cares about me." But God knows you intimately. He knows your every action and thought. "You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off" (v. 2). He also knows your words. "For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, you know it altogether" (v. 4). The psalmist is saying, "He's behind me. He's before me. He's laid His hand upon me. He is sovereign."

What should be our response to this? Simple. "Praise the Lord!" I am glad that my Father in heaven understands me personally and intimately and that His hand is upon me. This doesn't make me afraid; it gives me confidence. What an encouragement to know that our Father in heaven knows all about us--where we are and what we're doing. Of course, we don't want to be in the wrong place, doing the wrong thing. But if the child of God is walking in the will of God, he has the confidence that His Father in heaven is caring for Him and knows his every need.

* * *

God has a thorough knowledge of you. That gives you all the more reason to pray honestly to the Lord and walk uprightly before Him. His knowledge of you ought to encourage you and make you confident. Thank Him that His intimate knowledge of you leads to His complete care for you.

Psalm 139:1-6 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/5

2010-12-05T04:25:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: John 14:9 John 17:3 Psalm 139:1-24

Right Thoughts

Read Psalm 139:1-24

Some people never think about God. They live and die as strangers in His world. Others think wrong thoughts about Him. They live and die in the shadows of superstition and confusion. Still others think right thoughts about God, but somehow it makes no difference in their lives. They live and die disappointed and defeated. Psalm 139 was written by a man who had right thoughts about God that made a difference. He lived with confidence, security and fulfillment. He submitted to God. Let's look at the four discoveries David made as he thought about God and the difference He made in his life.

God knows everything (vv. 1-6). Theologians call this God's omniscience. God knows you personally. We find nearly 50 personal pronouns throughout the psalm. He knows your name, nature, needs and even the number of hairs on your head. He knows you intimately, including your actions and your thoughts. He knows you sovereignly.

God is everywhere (vv. 7-12). You cannot flee from Him. This is a beautiful description of His omnipresence. "Where shall I go to get away from God?" Jonah asked this and never got an answer. You cannot hide even in darkness. God is in all places at all times (v. 11).

God can do anything (vv. 13-18). He is omnipotent. David says the greatest marvel of all is human birth. God can make life. He gives each baby the genetic structure He wants him or her to have. If you leave God out of your life, you will never fulfill what you were born for.

God can guide your life (vv. 19-24). You dare not fight against Him. David said he was going to serve God--a decision that led to dedication (vv. 23,24). When we put the whole psalm together, we discover a man who knows God. You, too, can know God through Jesus Christ (John 14:9;17:3).

* * *

God knows everything about you. Be open and honest with Him, and He can lead and bless you. Strive to do His will. God made you and wants to fulfill in your life that for which He made you.

Psalm 139:1-24 (New International Version, ©2010)

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 139:17 Or How amazing are your thoughts concerning me

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/4

2010-12-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:30 Psalm 138:1-8

A Perfect Purpose

Read Psalm 138:1-8

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me" (v. 8). God has a purpose for each of our lives. We are not numbers in a computer; He knows our names. In fact, He has numbered all the hairs on our heads (Matt 10:30). God knows our needs today. We are His personal concern, the work of His hands.

When does God perfect that which concerns us? When can we expect Him to work in our lives?

First, when we praise Him. Verse 1 says, "I will praise You with my whole heart." Verse 2 reads, "I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name." When we take time to worship and praise God, He can perfect that which concerns us. But if we go our own way, we lose that special blessing from God.

God also perfects that which concerns us when we pray to Him. "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul" (v. 3). It doesn't say God changed the outside circumstances. Instead, He changed the psalmist on the inside. When we worship and cry out to the Lord, He can work on our behalf.

Finally, God perfects that which concerns us when we glorify Him. "All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord, when they hear the words of Your mouth. Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord" (vv. 4,5). Praising Him to others should be a natural part of our conversations.

* * *

The God of the universe desires to work personally in your life. When you worship the Lord by praying to Him, glorifying Him, witnessing for Him and submitting to Him, He works on your behalf. If you need a reviving blessing today, turn to Him. He will give it.

Psalm 138:1-8 (New International Version, ©2010)
Of David.

1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.

4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, LORD,
when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD,
for the glory of the LORD is great.

6 Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
though lofty, he sees them from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
with your right hand you save me.
8 The LORD will vindicate me;
your love, LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/3

2010-12-03T04:53:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:30 Psalm 137:1-9

Finding Your Song

Read Psalm 137:1-9

One test of your spiritual condition is whether or not you really have a song. Psalm 137 tells us about people who lost their song. They lost it because they lost their sanctity--they repeatedly sinned against the Lord.

Here's the record: "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For there those who carried us away captive required of us a song, and those who plundered us required of us mirth, saying, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"' (vv. 1-3). Can't you just picture the Babylonians taunting the Jews? The Jews responded, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" (v. 4).

It can be done. They were there because of their disobedience, and they had lost their song. But even in a foreign land, we can have a song to the Lord. Jesus came down to earth from heaven, and He had a song. In fact, the night on which He was betrayed, He sang a song of Zion in the upper room (Matt. 26:30).

When you are not walking with the Lord, you lose your song and start living on memories. "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her skill! If I do not remember you... if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy" (vv. 5,6). Are you living on memories, or are you daily receiving blessings from the Lord?

In verses 7-9 we find the Jews looking for revenge. This is understandable from a human perspective, for they had seen their babies dashed against the stones. So they pray, "Lord, render to them what they deserve. You are the Judge. You remember them." But as Christians, we must think first of forgiveness.

* * *

If you are without your song, living on memories and looking for revenge, you are not walking closely with the Lord. Your first task is to get that song back by confessing your sins to the Lord. God will restore the joy of your salvation.

Psalm 137:1-9 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
2 There on the poplars
we hung our harps,
3 for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand forget its skill.
6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
my highest joy.

7 Remember, LORD, what the Edomites did
on the day Jerusalem fell.
“Tear it down,” they cried,
“tear it down to its foundations!”
8 Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction,
happy is the one who repays you
according to what you have done to us.
9 Happy is the one who seizes your infants
and dashes them against the rocks.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 12/1

2010-12-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 9:6 James 1:5 Psalm 136:1-9

Enduring Mercy

Read Psalm 136:1-9

Psalm 136 magnifies the mercy of God. Every verse ends with the refrain, "For His mercy endures forever." I would like to have heard this psalm sung in the Jewish temple. One group of priests would say, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!" (v. 1). Then the priests on the other side of the court would answer, "For His mercy endures forever."

Mercy and grace go together. God, in His grace, gives me what I don't deserve, and God, in His mercy, does not give me what I do deserve. His mercy endures forever, and our response should be thanksgiving and praise.

Praise the Lord for His wonders. "To Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever" (v. 4). "His name will be called Wonderful" (Isa. 9:6). Jesus Christ said and did wonderful things. When God touches a life, it becomes filled with wonder. I think of Peter, Andrew, James and John--men who would have remained ordinary fishermen had they not met Jesus. They went to a wedding at Cana, and wonders happened. They went to funerals, and wonders happened.

Praise God for His wisdom. "To Him who by wisdom made the heavens" (v. 5). The God who created the universe has the wisdom to run it, and He has the wisdom you need for your life. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God" (James 1:5). He'll guide you.

Praise Him for His works. "To Him who laid out the earth above the waters" (v. 6). Let's worship God today because of His wonders. Let's seek His guidance because of His wisdom. Let's enjoy all that He gives to us through His manifold creation.

* * *

You would not be saved were it not for God's grace and mercy. Never take those two gifts for granted. Do you devote time to praising and thanking Him for what He does in your life?

Psalm 136:1-9 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/30

2010-11-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 33:3 Psalm 135:13-21

The Cost of Idolatry

Read Psalm 135:13-21

Some things in the Bible are so important that God repeats them. The last verses in Psalm 135 parallel Psalm 115. These two psalms describe the dead idols of other nations. The psalmist says, "The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them" (vv. 15-18). Here we see the folly of idolatry--worshiping silver and gold, the work of men's hands. But that's going on today, isn't it? Many people worship the works of their hands.

How do you know what you are worshiping? The thing you work for, sacrifice for and live for is your god. For some people, it's money. For others, it's possessions. With still others, it's ambition or people. The psalmist shows us how foolish this is. Idols have mouths, yet they can't make promises. But our God speaks to us, and He gives us promises in His Word. Idols have eyes, but they cannot see. They offer no protection. But "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous" (Ps. 34:15). God's eyes are watching us every moment of the day. He never goes to sleep. He cares for His children. Idols have ears, but they cannot hear your prayers. If you talk to an idol, you are talking to yourself. But God's ears are open to our cries. He says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you" (Jer. 33:3).

The saddest thing about idolatry is that we become like the god we worship. "Those who make them are like them, so is everyone who trusts in them" (v. 18). But if we worship the true and living God, we become like Him. We are transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

* * *

Be careful what you worship. Satan wants you to substitute many idols for the Lord. Place no gods before Him; worship Him only. Today, get rid of any idols that might prevent your worship of the Lord.

Psalm 135:13-21 (New International Version, ©2010)

13 Your name, LORD, endures forever,
your renown, LORD, through all generations.
14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
17 They have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

19 All you Israelites, praise the LORD;
house of Aaron, praise the LORD;
20 house of Levi, praise the LORD;
you who fear him, praise the LORD.
21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion,
to him who dwells in Jerusalem.

Praise the LORD.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/29

2010-11-29T04:50:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 135:1-12

Great Government

Read Psalm 135:1-12

"Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; praise Him, O you servants of the Lord!" (v. 1). That's the way Psalm 135 begins. It's strange that the psalmist has to instruct us to shout hallelujah, but he goes on to tell us why.

First, we should praise God because of His goodness. "Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant" (v. 3). We sometimes take God's goodness for granted. He is good, and His goodness is unsearchable. God shows us His goodness in both material and spiritual blessings.

Second, we should praise the Lord for His grace. "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure" (v. 4). Israel was not a treasure before God chose her. After He chose her, she became precious. God also chose us. Jesus said, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). God showed His grace by choosing us to be His children.

Third, we should praise Him for His greatness. "For I know that the Lord is great, and our Lord is above all gods" (v. 5). What god is like our God?

Finally, the psalmist tells us we should praise God for His government. "Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places" (v. 6). He then describes God's sovereignty in creation and in history.

* * *

Whatever your situation, you can stop and praise the Lord for His goodness, His grace, His greatness and His government. He is managing all of creation and all of history to bring about His purposes. Let God use you to do His work.

Psalm 135:1-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 Praise the LORD.[a]

Praise the name of the LORD;
praise him, you servants of the LORD,
2 you who minister in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God.

3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession.

5 I know that the LORD is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.
6 The LORD does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.
7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

8 He struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
the firstborn of people and animals.
9 He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants.
10 He struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings—
11 Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan,
and all the kings of Canaan—
12 and he gave their land as an inheritance,
an inheritance to his people Israel.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 135:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verses 3 and 21

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/28

2010-11-28T05:11:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Acts 16 Psalm 134:1-3

Night Shift

Read Psalm 134:1-3

Years ago when I was attending seminary, I worked the night shift on occasion. It paid a little more money than the day shift, but I was a bit lonely. If you've ever had to work the night shift, you will appreciate Psalm 134.

God never slumbers or sleeps. Therefore, we can serve and praise Him any time of day. The psalmist says there were priests who prayed and praised God in His temple at night. There was a constant repetition of praise and prayer from the temple.

We can bless the Lord in the night seasons. It's not easy when we are going through the nighttime experiences of life to lift our hands and bless the Lord. But He does give us songs in the night. Paul and Silas were able to lift their hearts in praise to God while in the Philippian jail (Acts 16). They were on the night shift. They knew that God was awake, so they blessed Him, and He sent deliverance. We can get some strange blessings in the night seasons, for God speaks to us in different ways. Others may not see your praise at night, but God sees and hears.

* * *

Whether you are in the sunshine or in the darkness, whether you are serving on the day shift or the night shift, remember that you are serving the Lord. Because He never slumbers or sleeps, He hears your prayer and praise at all times, and He will bless you.

Psalm 134:1-3 (New International Version, ©2010)

A song of ascents.

1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.

3 May the LORD bless you from Zion,
he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/27

2010-11-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 133:1-3

The Unity of the Spirit

Read Psalm 133:1-3

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (v. 1). This is as true today as when it was written centuries ago. We would expect brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity. After all, they share the same nature because they have the same parents. Until they move out, they live at the same address and eat at the same table.

We also would expect God's people to dwell together in unity--but not uniformity. My wife and I currently have seven grandchildren. We can tell that they all belong to the same family, but each is an individual. Similarly, God does not want uniformity among His children; He wants unity.

The psalmist gives us two descriptions of spiritual unity. "It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments" (v. 2). Over his chest, his heart, Aaron wore a breastplate that had twelve stones--one for each of the tribes of Israel. The oil bathed all of those stones, and they all became one in that anointing oil. That's a picture of the Holy Spirit of God, who baptizes us into the Body of Jesus Christ and gives us spiritual unity. Unity is not something we create; it's something God gives us.

Spiritual unity also is fruitful like dew. "It is like the dew of Hermon" (v. 3). With the mountain dew comes God's blessing.

We should strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit. Ask God to help you be a part of the answer, not a part of the problem.

* * *

As a believer in the Body of Christ, you must do your part to dwell in unity. The Holy Spirit helps you live in unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for the fragrant oil and fruitful dew of spiritual unity in your life today.

Psalm 133:1-3 (New International Version, ©2010)

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/26

2010-11-26T06:28:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: 1 John 3:2 Ephesians 1:4 John 15:16 Romans 5:17 Psalm 132:11-18

A House for David

Read Psalm 132:11-18

God did not permit King David to build Him a house. Instead, He did just the opposite; He built a house for David. God said, "David, I am not going to build you a physical house but a house made of people. There will always be one of your descendants on the throne of Israel."

He also said some things about David's children. "If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I shall teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore. For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation" (vv. 12,13).

There is an application here for God's children. He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). What a high and holy privilege! We were chosen to be God's children. "Beloved, now we are children of God" (I John 3:2). What a wonderful calling! Paul tells us we also reign in life (Rom. 5:17). God wants us to reign as kings, even as David's children did. We reign through obedience and holiness.

God wants us to reign in righteousness for His glory. Because we are His children through faith in Jesus Christ, we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies. Therefore, let's be clothed with salvation. Let's shout for joy!

* * *

Someday believers will reign with Christ in His kingdom. But today He wants you to reign in life. Do you reign in life with Christ? As you obey the Word of God and keep your heart pure, you become a king. Don't live beneath your spiritual station in life. Be a king!

Psalm 132:11-18 (New International Version, ©2010)

11 The LORD swore an oath to David,
a sure oath he will not revoke:
“One of your own descendants
I will place on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant
and the statutes I teach them,
then their sons will sit
on your throne for ever and ever.”

13 For the LORD has chosen Zion,
he has desired it for his dwelling, saying,
14 “This is my resting place for ever and ever;
here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.
15 I will bless her with abundant provisions;
her poor I will satisfy with food.
16 I will clothe her priests with salvation,
and her faithful people will ever sing for joy.

17 “Here I will make a horn[a] grow for David
and set up a lamp for my anointed one.
18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.”
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 132:17 Horn here symbolizes strong one, that is, king.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/25

2010-11-25T05:10:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 132:1-10

The Next Best Thing

Read Psalm 132:1-10

What is the consuming ambition of your life? What is the dream that fills your mind and heart? King David's dream was to build a temple for the Lord. He tells us about it in this psalm. I wish more people had this same wonderful ambition--to be builders, not destroyers.

During much of his life, David was a soldier. He defended Israel from her enemies and brought about peace in the land. But then he wanted to turn from battling to building. He wanted to exchange the sword for a trowel. He said, "I am not going to have any sleep until I find a place for God to dwell."

But God did not allow David to fulfill this high and holy ambition. Solomon, his son, built the temple instead. David was disappointed at first but then said, "If this is the will of God, I'll accept it." Then he did the most wonderful thing: he helped the next generation build the temple. David provided the plans and millions of dollars in gold, silver, precious stones, bronze and iron.

We may not fulfill all of our plans and ambitions, but we can do the next best thing. If God doesn't let us accomplish our goals, let's help somebody else meet his goals. Let's pay the bill. Let's give our wisdom. Let's encourage. We can't do everything, but we can do something.

* * *

If your dreams are not fulfilled in the will of God, help fulfill someone else's dreams by sharing your talents and resources. When you're concerned more with God's glory and not with who gets the credit, He can use you in more ways to accomplish His purposes. Let God use you in the ways He sees best.

Psalm 132:1-10 (New International Version, ©2010)

A song of ascents.

1 LORD, remember David
and all his self-denial.

2 He swore an oath to the LORD,
he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3 “I will not enter my house
or go to my bed,
4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5 till I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

6 We heard it in Ephrathah,
we came upon it in the fields of Jaar:[a]
7 “Let us go to his dwelling place,
let us worship at his footstool, saying,
8 ‘Arise, LORD, and come to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9 May your priests be clothed with your righteousness;
may your faithful people sing for joy.’”

10 For the sake of your servant David,
do not reject your anointed one.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 132:6 Or heard of it in Ephrathah, / we found it in the fields of Jearim. (See 1 Chron. 13:5,6) (And no quotation marks around verses 7-9)

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/24

2010-11-24T04:41:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 131:1-3

A Method for Maturity

Read Psalm 131:1-3

One day King David was walking through the palace, and he heard a child crying. What was going on? The child was being weaned. The mother was saying, "Now, my child, you are growing up, and it is time for you to be weaned." The child was saying, "You don't love me; you hate me. If you loved me, you wouldn't do this." Then David went to his desk, got his pen and wrote Psalm 131.

The problem with too many of us is that we have grown old without growing up--we still need to be weaned. The weaning process is important. God's goal for your life is maturity, and His method for maturity is weaning. He has to wean us away from things we think are important.

How do you convince a child that he doesn't want to be attached to his mother for the rest of his life? Love him? Yes! But he must grow up, step out and be a man. And so it is with us. God has to wean us away from the things of the world, from the cheap toys that we hold on to. He wants to give us the best, and His desire in weaning is our submission. The weaned child of Psalm 131 was not losing; he was gaining. He was moving out into a larger life. Likewise, God has to take things away from our lives, not because they are bad, but because they are keeping us from the best.

The next time you whimper and cry because God takes something away from you, remember: He might be weaning you. He might be saying, "Get closer to me. Step out into a life of maturity and let's go together."

* * *

God wants His children to grow into mature believers and eventually to become like His Son. When He decides to wean you from something in your life, be an obedient child. Let Him prepare you and develop you for what He has in store for you.

Psalm 131:1-3 (New International Version, ©2010)

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 My heart is not proud, LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.

3 Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/23

2010-11-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 130:1-8

Waiting and Hoping

Read Psalm 130:1-8

The next time you feel at rock bottom, read Psalm 130. "Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord" (v. 1). Three basic requests in this psalm echo the concerns in our hearts today.

First, the psalmist says, "Lord, hear my voice!" (v. 2). Why? "I can't swim; I am in the deep waters, and they are coming over my head. I am drowning, and I'm afraid I can't make it." No matter how far down you may go or feel, God always hears you.

Then he says, "If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared" (vv. 3,4). We can't stand before God in the courtroom of His justice; we are helpless. Only Jesus Christ can stand there, because only He is perfect. But He stands with us, He's our Savior. God not only hears us when we are down, but He holds us. He says, "I forgive you. You've trusted my Son; you've confessed your sin; and now you can stand before Me." The psalmist expresses his confidence in this truth: "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning" (vv. 5,6).

Next he asks, "O Israel, hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption" (v. 7). We are sometimes like soldiers in the watchtower, waiting for the light. We can't see, but God can see, and there is a future hope for His people.

* * *

Place your confidence in the promises of God's Word. No matter how down you may feel, God hears you, holds you and helps you. Turn to Him; He'll see you through.

Psalm 130:1-8 (New International Version, ©2010)
A song of ascents.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;
2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, LORD, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/22

2010-11-22T04:46:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 129:1-8

Plows of Pain

Read Psalm 129:1-8

Verse 3 is a vivid description of personal suffering: "The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long." Many other pictures of personal suffering are found in the Word of God: going through the storm, going through the furnace, going through a battle and carrying a burden. Why would the psalmist use plowing as a picture of personal suffering?

For one thing, he felt as if people were treating him like dirt. They were saying, "You're just like a dirty field, and we're going to plow right up this field, and we don't care how you feel." If we live for Jesus, we can expect people to treat us the way they treated Him. They treated Him like dirt.

The central truth in this picture is that plowing is preparation for a harvest. When people are treating you like dirt, when the plows of criticism and accusation dig in your back, remember: God is preparing you for a harvest. What kind of a harvest? That depends on the kind of seed you plant. If you plant seeds of revenge and hatred and malice, saying, "I'll get even with them someday," the harvest will be bitter. But if you plant the seeds of the Word of God, letting love and peace and patience reign in your heart, you can say with the psalmist that the Lord is righteous--He will resolve this problem. Then the harvest will be one of blessing, as in verse 8: "The blessing of the Lord be upon you; we bless you in the name of the Lord!"

* * *

If you want a harvest in your life, you must plow, plant and water. When people treat you like dirt, when the trials of life go right through your life like a plow, get ready for the harvest. God has a harvest of blessing for you today, so remember to plant the right seed.

Psalm 129:1-8 (New International Version)

A song of ascents.

1 “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,”
let Israel say;
2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory over me.
3 Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.
4 But the LORD is righteous;
he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

5 May all who hate Zion
be turned back in shame.
6 May they be like grass on the roof,
which withers before it can grow;
7 a reaper cannot fill his hands with it,
nor one who gathers fill his arms.
8 May those who pass by not say to them,
“The blessing of the LORD be on you;
we bless you in the name of the LORD.”

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/21

2010-11-21T04:27:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 128:1-6

The Blessings of Fear

Read Psalm 128:1-6

We don't hear much these days about the fear of the Lord. All too often the Lord is looked upon only as a heavenly friend, someone who walks with us and smiles on us constantly. But verse 1 says, "Blessed is every one who fears the Lord."

What does it mean to fear the Lord? It means to be in reverential awe of Him. It means we don't tempt Him. We don't jest with Him. We don't try to make Him do things He will not do. The Israelites did not fear the Lord. They tempted Him. They played with His Law and tried to see how close they could get to the world. So God had to discipline them.

God blesses us in three areas of our life when we truly fear Him.

First, He will bless us in our walk. "Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways" (v. 1). This means that our conduct and our character become holy.

Second, God blesses us in our work. "When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you" (v. 2) Some people are unhappy in their work. But if we are obedient to God, we are doing His work no matter what our occupation is and therefore can rejoice in it. When we fear the Lord, we can go to work and be happy.

Third, God blesses us in our homes. "Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table" (v. 3). This does not mean that everybody is going to have a family, let alone a big family. It does mean that you'll be a blessing to your family. "Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord" (v. 4).

* * *

Never become so "familiar" with God that you lose your reverence for Him. He is your personal God, but He deserves your awe and respect. The fear of the Lord is the key to His blessings. Fear Him. Walk in His ways and receive His blessings.

Psalm 128:1-6 (New International Version)

A song of ascents.

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in obedience to him.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Yes, this will be the blessing
for the man who fears the LORD.

5 May the LORD bless you from Zion;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
6 May you live to see your children’s children—
peace be on Israel.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/20

2010-11-20T04:17:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 127:1-5

Inheritance from God

Read Psalm 127:1-5

I feel like weeping when I think about the tragedy of more than 1.5 million babies murdered in their mothers' wombs in the United States every year. Abortion has turned the womb into a tomb.

I wonder what those presiding doctors and nurses would think if they read Psalm 127. "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate" (vv. 3-5). The psalmist tells us that children are wealth--a heritage and inheritance from the Lord.

What are we to do with wealth?

First, we accept it. When our children come to us, we accept them. They are God's gift to us, a treasure. We protect our wealth, and we ought to protect our children. It's so wrong that many are not protected before they are born.

Then we are to invest it. We train our children, teaching them to live righteously. Their lives become as invested money, and the dividends start to return. One of the great delights of getting older is seeing those godly dividends. Children enrich our lives.

But children are also weapons--"like arrows in the hand of a warrior" (v. 4). Who's going to fight God's battles if Christians don't bring children into this world and raise them to know the Lord? Whenever God wanted to do something great, he brought a baby into the world--Moses, Samuel, David, John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus Christ. In this world of sin, when truth is being attacked on every side, we need to raise our children to be able to stand with authority and say, "Thus says the Lord."

* * *

Children are God's blessing but also a great responsibility. Ask God for wisdom as you invest in and train your children or other's children. Prepare them for the ministries He has for them and rejoice at the inheritance He has given you.

Psalm 127:1-5 (New International Version)

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.

3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 127:2 Or eat— / for while they sleep he provides for

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/19

2010-11-19T04:35:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:16-23 Galatians 6:6-9 Matthew 4:19 2 Corinthians 5:20 2 Kings 19 Isaiah 37 Zechariah 3:2 Matthew 5:14 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Psalm 119:11 Psalm 126:1-6

Happy Harvesters

Read Psalm 126:1-6

The context of this psalm is II Kings 19 and Isaiah 37, when Hezekiah, king of Judah, was attacked by Sennacharib and the Assyrian forces. The enemy forces surrounded Jerusalem, so the Jews had to protect their food supply. They already had lost an entire season of sowing and reaping. Grain was precious. When the people went back to their farms after being delivered, they had to make a decision. Should they use the grain to feed the children, or should they sow it? The farmer wept because his sustenance had to go into the ground (v. 6).

All of us are sowers and reapers. What must we sow to be happy harvesters?

First, sow the seed of the Gospel. The Bible contains many pictures of witnessing (II Cor. 5:20; Zech. 3:2; Matt. 4:19; 5:14). Reaching people with the Gospel is like farming. It requires cooperation, because one sows and another reaps. Are you a part of the harvest? We need to pray for the harvesters. You may be weeping today over unsaved loved ones, but one day you will rejoice (Gal. 6:9). Those who sow the Gospel will be happy harvesters.

Second, sow your wealth to the glory of God. The way we use our money is like sowing seed. We reap in the measure that we sow (II Cor. 9:6-11). Many people are wasting money on foolish things, while missionaries are waiting for support, and churches are waiting to be built or expanded. Paul says we can be a happy harvester if we sow the seed bountifully.

Third, sow to the Holy Spirit of God (Gal. 6:6-8; 5:16-23). How do we do this? We take the things of the Spirit and put them into our hearts. When we memorize and meditate on the Word of God (Ps. 119:11), we cultivate a spiritual harvest. The heart is like a garden, so we must weed it. That's repentance. Take time to be holy, to pray, to meditate on the Word and to plant the seed in your heart.

* * *

You are sowing today in all you do; be sure you sow the right seed.

Psalm 126:1-6 (New International Version)

A song of ascents.

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of[a] Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.[b]
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,[c] LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 126:1 Or LORD brought back the captives to
2. Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health
3. Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/18

2010-11-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:7-8 Psalm 126:1-6

Reap in Joy

Read Psalm 126:1-6

Did you know that each one of us is a sower? Each of us today is sowing seed that will produce a harvest. Some people are sowing to the flesh. Paul tells us in Galatians 6:8 that those who sow to the flesh will reap corruption. Some are sowing discord among the brethren. Some are sowing lies. Psalm 126 tells us to be careful what and how we sow, because we're the ones who will reap the harvest.

Notice what the psalmist says: "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (vv. 5,6). God's people weep as they sow, but they will reap in joy. As a Christian, you are to sow the seed of the Word of God by sowing good deeds, truth and His love. You plant the seed that produces the fruit of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Life is often serious and difficult. That may cause us to sow with tears, but we will reap in joy. Non-Christians are not like that. The Devil's crowd goes out and sows with laughter. Oh, they have a good time. But when the harvest comes, they will reap in sorrow.

Each of us has a decision to make: Are we going to get pleasures now or wait until the harvest of the Holy Spirit? "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). In fact, we will reap more than what we've sown, because seed multiplies.

* * *

If today you are living for the pleasures of sin, the harvest will bring weeping. But if you're living for the will of God, the harvest will bring joy. What kind of harvest will you have? Ask God to help you sow the seeds that will bring His fruit in your life and in the lives of others.

Psalm 126:1-6 (New International Version)

A song of ascents.

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of[a] Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.[b]
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,[c] LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 126:1 Or LORD brought back the captives to
2. Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health
3. Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/17

2010-11-17T04:30:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 46:1 Hebrews 12:29 Hebrews 13:8 Psalm 125:1-5

Like a Mountain

Read Psalm 125:1-5

"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever" (v. 2). We don't have to know much about geography to understand what the psalmist is saying. It's a declaration we can believe and put to work in our own lives today. God is compared to many things in the Bible. For example, "our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29). Or, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1). Here the psalmist says God is like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. That was the most special city to God and the Jewish people, and it still is. And when the psalmist looked at the mountains surrounding the city, he said, "That's the way God is."

How is God like a mountain?

First, a mountain has stability. When the psalmist was a little boy, he saw the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. When he became a young man, those mountains were still there. When he grew older, the mountains were there, and the mountains are still there today. Likewise with God. He is stable, dependable. He doesn't change. God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8).

Second, a mountain offers security. God surrounds and guards us. He is like Mount Zion to us. Verse 1 says, "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion." In other words, God can make you to be like a mountain also--stable and secure because He is your Refuge and Strength.

Therefore, we should trust Him. Those who trust in the Lord have stability and security. They have all they ever will need. "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts" (v. 4).

* * *

The next time you need a refuge, remember that God has a special way of caring for His people. The strength and security God gives His people is solid and unchanging. Trust Him.

Psalm 125:1-5 (New International Version)

A song of ascents.

1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.

3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain
over the land allotted to the righteous,
for then the righteous might use
their hands to do evil.

4 LORD, do good to those who are good,
to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways
the LORD will banish with the evildoers.

Peace be on Israel.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/16

2010-11-16T04:26:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Romans 8:31 Psalm 124:1-8

He Breaks the Snare

Read Psalm 124:1-8

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Paul asked in Romans 8:31, and we know the answer. No one can be against us if God is for us. That's the theme of Psalm 124. "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us" (vv. 2,3).

Because God is on our side, men cannot devour us. The psalmist compares his enemies to ferocious lions or bears who might come down upon him and eat him. There are people who would like to "eat us up" also. When men are determined to devour you, remember that God will stop them.

But it may not be that men are devouring you. Perhaps circumstances are drowning you. "Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul" (vv. 4,5). Life seems to drown us and sink us as the waters rush over our souls. But because God is for us, circumstances cannot drown us.

The psalmist changes the picture from swallowing and drowning to escaping from a trap. "Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped" (v. 7). God not only keeps us from drowning and being devoured, He keeps us from being deceived and trapped by the Devil. He doesn't just set us free; He breaks the snare. In other words, the Devil can't trap us again as long as we are following the Lord.

Don't let life devour you. Don't let life drown you. Don't let the Devil deceive you. If God is for you, who can be against you?

* * *

On those days when you feel overwhelmed by people or circumstances, you must never forget the truth that God is on your side. You have the promises of His Word. Look past your circumstances and place your confidence in God alone. He will protect you.

Psalm 124:1-8 (New International Version)

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say—
2 if the LORD had not been on our side
when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.

6 Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/15

2010-11-15T04:52:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:19 Isaiah 6:1 Matthew 7:11 Psalm 123:1-4

Lift Your Eyes

Read Psalm 123:1-4

If the outlook in your life is disturbing, try the uplook. That's what the psalmist did. "Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens" (v. 1).

What does it mean to lift your eyes to the Lord?

First, it means to acknowledge His sovereignty. We lift our eyes because He is higher than we are. Isaiah focused his eyes on the throne of God and saw Him "high and lifted up" in the temple (Isa. 6:1). He is sovereign. He is the Master; we are the servants. He is the Creator; we are the creatures. He is the Heavenly Father; we are the children.

Second, we admit His sufficiency. "Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us" (v. 2). We look to Him because of His sufficiency. Whatever we need, He is able to provide. "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

Third, when we lift up our eyes to the Lord, we can accept His generosity. "Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us!" the psalmist prays in verse 3. God is generous, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matt. 7:11).

* * *

Acknowledge the sovereignty of God today. He is in control. Recognize His sufficiency. He can give you what you need for this day. Then accept His generosity. He enjoys giving to those who trust Him and glorify Him in all that they do.

Psalm 123:1-4 (New International Version)

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you who sit enthroned in heaven.
2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.

3 Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured no end of contempt.
4 We have endured no end
of ridicule from the arrogant,
of contempt from the proud.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/14

2010-11-14T04:50:00.001-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 122:1-9

A Place of Prayer and Praise

Read Psalm 122:1-9

Are you glad when it's time to go to the house of God to worship? Are you really happy when, on the Lord's Day or any other day, you can go to church? The psalmist was. "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord"' (v. 1). We worship the Lord privately as well. I trust that every day you read His Word and pray and worship Him. But Christians belong to each other. We are the sheep of God's flock. We're the children in His family, and we should want to worship Him together.

The house of God is a place for praise. Verse 4 talks about the tribes of Israel going up to give thanks to the name of the Lord. We also go into the house of God to praise Him, and how much we have to praise Him for! Charles Spurgeon used to say that Christians are prone to write their complaints in marble and their blessings in the sand. How soon we forget what God has done for us. The next time you go to church, praise Him for all He has done.

God's house is also a place for prayer. In verse 6 the psalmist says to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I hope you are praying for God's people, Israel, and for peace in Jerusalem. I hope you also are praying for peace in your congregation, in your community and for those who are in authority. We are also to pray for prosperity--the riches of grace and spiritual blessing. "May they prosper who love you" (v. 6). The psalmist also prays for God's people. "For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, 'Peace be within you"' (v. 8). We should be praying for God's people and seeking good for them. "Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good" (v. 9).

* * *

Do not take your privilege of worship for granted. God's people should gather to praise Him and to pray to Him. When you do this, you become a vehicle through which God can give His peace to others.

Psalm 122:1-9 (New International Version)

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
2 Our feet are standing
in your gates, Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
4 That is where the tribes go up—
the tribes of the LORD—
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.
5 There stand the thrones for judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”
8 For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/12

2010-11-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:9 Psalm 120:1-7

Peacemakers

Read Psalm 120:1-7

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matt. 5:9). But not everybody in this world is a peacemaker. Some people are troublemakers. They enjoy making trouble, and sometimes we have to live or work with them. That's the kind of situation the psalmist found himself in when he wrote Psalm 120. "In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue" (vv. 1,2). He continues, "My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war" (vv. 6,7). That sounds like a description of Jesus when He was on earth. He was the Prince of Peace and came to bring peace to the hearts and lives of people, yet people did not want to follow or trust Him.

Ever since Cain killed Abel, we've had conflict in this world. Nations war against one another; families fall apart; and even Christians don't get along with each other. David went through conflict. Jesus went through it. And we experience it also.

Still, we are to be peacemakers--not peace breakers. After all, we have the peace of God in our hearts, and we have peace with Him--we are not at war with Him the way unsaved people are. So wherever we are, we will experience conflict but also the opportunity to bring peace.

"I am for peace," the psalmist says. Literally, the Hebrew text means, "I am peace. They are war." Each of us is either a battlefield or a blessing. Each of us is either declaring war or declaring peace. Some people enter a situation, and peace comes in with them. Other people walk in, and war follows. Let's ask God to help us in this wicked, conflicting world to be people who promote peace, not war.

* * *

God's people are to be peacemakers. This world of never-ending conflict affords many opportunities for you to make peace. However, peacemaking often is not easy. Are you quick to promote peace when you confront conflict? Strive to be a blessing to others--be a peacemaker.

Psalm 120:1-7 (New International Version)

A song of ascents.

1 I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.
2 Save me, LORD,
from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.

3 What will he do to you,
and what more besides,
you deceitful tongue?
4 He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom bush.

5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 11/11

2010-11-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: John 8:32 Psalm 119:169-176

A Chain Reaction

Read Psalm 119:169-176

Let me tell you about a spiritual chain reaction that has the power to transform our lives. It begins in verse 169: "Let my cry come before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word."

Prayer leads to understanding. This is the first part of the chain reaction. Do you pray for understanding as you read your Bible? Do you pray, "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law" (119:18)?

Next, understanding leads to freedom. "Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word" (v. 170). The psalmist asks for the freedom that comes from the truth of God. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). The greatest bondage in the world is the bondage to lies. If you believe a lie, you are in slavery; but if you believe God's truth, you live in freedom.

The third stage in this spiritual chain reaction is found in verse 171: "My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes." Freedom leads to praise. When we understand the statutes of God, we can sing. Knowing His Word makes us want to praise Him.

Finally, praise leads to witnessing. "My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness" (v. 172). As a result of our witness, people may come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.

* * *

Read the Word of God and pray, and let the Spirit begin this life-transforming chain reaction in your life.

Psalm 119:169-176 (New International Version)

ת Taw

169 May my cry come before you, LORD;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, LORD,
and your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 10/31

2010-10-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:81-88

Reviving Power

Read Psalm 119:81-88

Some days everything seems to go wrong. Every phone call brings bad news. The mail is nothing but bills. The children come home from school with some kind of injury or a bad report. Work is frustrating. What do you do when you have one of these days?

"My soul faints for Your salvation, but I hope in Your word. My eyes fail from searching Your word, saying, 'When will You comfort me?' For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes.... The proud have dug pits for me, which is not according to Your law" (vv. 81-83,85). Here's a man who was fainting and failing. He was like a wineskin in the smoke. Wherever he walked there was a pit for him to drop into. What did he do? He turned to God. His source of hope was His Word.

If you hope in circumstances, you will be disappointed, because they change. The psalmist hoped in the Word and trusted in God's faithfulness, and God comforted him.

People will fail you, but God never will. "All Your commandments are faithful" (v. 86). The psalmist clung to the comfort, hope and faithfulness of God, and as a result he experienced revival. "Revive me according to Your lovingkindness" (v. 88). God came with a Breath of fresh, heavenly air--the Holy Spirit--and revived him.

* * *
Thank God for His faithfulness. If you are having a rough day, remember that you can depend on Him. He is your Hope and your Comfort, and He's always faithful. He'll give you the reviving power you need to rise above your circumstances and continue.

Psalm 119:81-88 (New International Version)k
Kaph

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, "When will you comfort me?"

83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.

84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?

85 The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
contrary to your law.

86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for men persecute me without cause.

87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88 Preserve my life according to your love,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 10/24

2010-10-24T04:29:00.000-07:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:89 1 John 2:17 Psalm 119:33-40

You Become What You See
Read Psalm 119:33-40

Outlook determines outcome. What you are seeing helps to determine what you are becoming. So you'd better be careful what you look at. It's no wonder that the psalmist prays, "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way" (v. 37). Worthless things here literally means "vanity." Much of what we see every day in the media, for example, is worthless and false. It doesn't come from God, who is Truth; it comes from Satan and the world. And it doesn't last; it's all vanity. The word for vanity means "emptiness"--what is left after you break a soap bubble.

Look at the Word of God. It is truth. It is God's treasure. It will endure forever. "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven" (Ps. 119:89). When we fill our lives with the Word of God, we fight vanity. When we turn our eyes upon the pages of the Bible, we grow in truth and value and are in touch with eternity. It's an interesting coincidence that we find the letters "T" and "V" in verse 37 (in the words turn and vanity). I think a lot of people need to put this verse on their television sets. You may say, "TV is just harmless entertainment." But so much of what you see goes right into your mind and heart, making you cheap, false, worthless and temporary. The Bible tells us that "he who does the will of God abides forever" (I John 2:17).
* * *
So much of what the world offers is trivial, false and worthless. Don't build your life on the world's foundations. Build your life instead on the Word of God, for it endures forever.

Psalm 119:33-40 (New International Version)
h He
33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.

35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.

36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.

37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word. [a]

38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.

39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.

40 How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.

Footnotes:
Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way

Prayer, Praise and Promises 10/23

2010-10-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 3:18 Psalm 119:25-32

Open, Obedient, Occupied

Read Psalm 119:25-32

An enlarged heart, in the physical sense, is dangerous. But spiritually speaking, an enlarged heart can be a blessing. "I will run in the way of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart" (v. 32). If you have an enlarged heart physically, you don't do much running. But if you have an enlarged heart spiritually, you are ready to walk and run with the Lord and accomplish His purposes. When an athlete is running, he is on a path and has a goal in mind, which gives him the energy to continue. That's what God wants for us today. He has a goal for us to reach and a path for us to follow. And He gives us His strength through His Word.

What does it mean to have an enlarged heart? First, an enlarged heart is open to God's truth. It's a heart that's honest and says, "Lord, I want Your truth even if it hurts."

Second, an enlarged heart is obedient to God's will. It's a humble heart that says, "O God, what You have said, I will do. I am the servant. You are the master."

Third, an enlarged heart is occupied with God's glory. It's a happy heart. Some people's hearts are small and narrow. They live in their own little world and have their own narrow view. What a wonderful thing it is to grow in grace and the knowledge of truth (II Pet. 3:18)! Our horizons are expanded. We can see what we haven't seen before. We can hear what we haven't heard before. God gives us an enlarged life because we have an enlarged heart.

* * *
Open your heart to God's truth and be obedient to His will. Every step of obedience expands your horizon of blessing and ministry. Most of all, be occupied with God's glory.

Psalm 119:25-32 (New International Version)d Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.

27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.

28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.

29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.

30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.

31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.

32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 10/21

2010-10-21T04:31:00.000-07:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:9-16

Keeping Clean

Read Psalm 119:9-16

How does a person keep clean in this dirty world? The psalmist asks this question in verse 9: "How can a young man cleanse his way?" The answer: "By taking heed according to Your word." Of course this doesn't apply only to a young man. The same is true for a young woman, a child or an older person. We are living in a dirty world, and because of the pollution around us, we have to walk in the Word of God. The psalmist gives us several instructions to follow to keep us spiritually clean.

First, heed the Word. We first have to read and study the Word so we know it. And if we know it, we should obey it.

Second, hide the Word. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (v. 11). G. Campbell Morgan used to say of this verse, "It tells us about the best book--'Thy Word'--in the best place--'my heart'--for the best purpose--'that I might not sin' against God." Are you obeying the Word of God? Are you treasuring it in your heart?

Third, herald the Word by sharing it with others. "With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth" (v. 13). If we have Scripture in our hearts, it has to come out through our lips, because "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34).

Finally, honor the Word. "I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways" (v. 15). In other words, "I will honor God's Word. I will respect what He wants me to do. My Father is telling me what to do, and I am going to obey Him."

* * *

God's Word has a cleansing effect. But you must get into the Word before it can become effective in your life. Obey God's Word, and He will keep you clean in this dirty world.

Psalm 119:9-16 (New International Version)

b Beth

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.

10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.

13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.

14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.

15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.

16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

Prayer, Praise and Promises 10/19

2010-10-19T04:49:00.000-07:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 118:19-20

Rejoicing in Each Day

Read Psalm 118:19-29

"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (v. 24). When you are having one of those difficult days--a day when the storm is blowing and the battle is raging, when the burdens are heavy, when your heart is broken and your tears are flowing, when it feels like everybody is turned against you, including your Heavenly Father--that's the time to heed this verse by faith.

The psalmist was going through battles and difficulties, yet he was able to say, "If God put this day together, I'm going to rejoice and be glad in it. Even though I may not see the blessing now, eventually by faith I'll be able to say, 'It all worked together for good.' So I'll say it now."

Jews sing this psalm at Passover. Jesus also sang this song before He was crucified. Can you imagine saying on your way to Calvary, "This is the day which the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it"? That's another way of saying, "Not my will, but Your will be done." If Jesus sang this song, we should sing it also.

* * *

Perhaps your day is full of overwhelming burdens or sorrows. Jesus also suffered days like that. Accept the day God has given you and acknowledge that He is in charge. Anticipate what God is going to do for you today; rejoice and be glad in it. You may not understand His purposes now, but one day you will.

Psalm 118:19-29 (New International Version)

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.

21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;

23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you. [a]

27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up [b] to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Footnotes:

1. Psalm 118:26 The Hebrew is plural.
2. Psalm 118:27 Or Bind the festal sacrifice with ropes / and take it

Prayer, Praise and Promises 10/18

2010-10-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 12:2 Exodus 15:2 Isaiah 40:31 Psalm 118:10-18

Meeting Life's Demands

Read Psalm 118:10-18

"The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation" (v. 14). This also is found in Exodus 15:2 and Isaiah 12:2. The Israelites sang these words when they were delivered from Egypt, as they saw their enemy drowned in the sea. And Isaiah 12 promises that Israel will sing this song in the future when God restores her and establishes His kingdom. We, too, can rejoice for what these words mean for us today.

God is our Strength. That takes care of the demands of life. Where do you look to find strength? Your experience? Your health? Your money? Your job? All these things could vanish. Only the strength of the Lord can meet the demands of life. "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength" (Is. 40:31).

He is our Song. That takes care of the dullness of life. Many people have to go through boring, tedious experiences. Perhaps your job is not as exciting as you'd like it to be. Perhaps you are a shut-in, and you can't get out and do and see what others have the privilege of doing and seeing. The Lord will give you joy.

He is our Salvation. That takes care of the dangers of life. He delivers us and is always at our side. "The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly" (v. 16). That right hand is available to us today.

* * *

Believers may sing this song of praise, for God takes care of the demands, the dullness and the dangers of life. He is your Strength, your Song and your Salvation. Remember that God is ever available to deliver you from the difficult experiences of life.

Psalm 118:10-18 (New International Version)

10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.