Psalm 103
This week’s psalm, as we get ready to enter the season of Lent, is Psalm 103, one of my favorite psalms. This psalm, written by King David, calls us to praise and bless the Lord, listing many reasons for which to do so. During the period of Lent, when many believers seek to develop a closer, deeper, and more intimate relationship with the Lord, it is good to meditate on the many reasons we have to praise the Lord. Let’s look into this psalm, and bless and praise the Lord along with David.
Scriptures say that we were created for a purpose, and that is to praise God and to glorify Him (Isaiah 43:7). We should be mindful of all of God’s benefits, everything He has done for us and given us (vs. 2). As we read the opening verses of our psalm, we see many things that came to David’s mind as he penned this song of praise. A few of the blessings that he praised God for were His forgiveness of sins, healing of illnesses, redemption, blessings of loving kindness and mercy, food, His righteousness and justice (vs. 3-6). We should remember to praise God for His character, and His works in our lives, both past, present and future.
David had many reasons to praise the Lord. God had protected him from the murderous attacks from King Saul, and had raised him up from being a shepherd all the way to being king over Israel. Most of all, though, David praised the Lord for his forgiveness of sins. Though David was a believer, one who loved the Lord deeply, and was even called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), there were several times when he fell into sin, some rather serious sin. He needed God’s forgiveness, and he was most thankful for that blessing.
David acknowledged when he sinned, and he came to the Lord, asking Him for His forgiveness. He knew that the Lord was merciful, and did not punish us as we deserve (vs. 8-14). God is patient and merciful, and He does not punish us as we deserve. However that does not give us a free pass to act any way we wish, and feel there are no consequences. He still disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:6).
Another reason we can praise the Lord is that He not only forgives us of our sins when we come to Him confessing them, He also takes those sins completely away from us, not holding them to our account (vs. 12). God forgets them. When we think of forgetting, we might think of forgetfulness as a flaw. With God and our sins, that is a good thing. People like to hold our sins and mistakes over us. They never forget them. However, God does. They are as far removed from us as the east from the west, which never meet. He casts them to the bottom of the sea (Micah 7:19). When God looks at believers, He doesn’t see their sins, He sees Jesus (Galatians 3:27).
Some people have a very difficult time forgiving themselves of sins they have committed. They have come to Jesus, asking for His forgiveness, which He gives, yet they cannot forgive themselves. If we refuse to forgive ourselves, are we saying that Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross for our sins was insufficient? Is our standard of righteousness higher than God’s? Both Peter and Paul forgave themselves, Peter for denying Jesus, and Paul for persecuting Christians. They regretted their actions, but accepted Jesus’ forgiveness. By not forgiving ourselves, we are focusing on ourselves, not on God, and by making our feelings superior to God’s Word. We need to trust in God, not on our feelings.
God is a Father to believers, and like a good father, He takes into consideration His child’s immaturity and weaknesses (vs. 13-14). God doesn’t give them more than they can handle. When God examines our lives, He remembers our human condition. As we reflect on this psalm, we need to remember all that God has done for us. We should fear Him, obey His commands (vs. 17-18), and do His will (vs. 21).
Monday, February 24, 2020
Saturday, February 22, 2020
What Type Of Fast Will Please God?
Isaiah 58:1-12
This week marks the beginning of Lent in many Christian denominations, with Ash Wednesday midweek. Lent is a period of approximately 6 weeks, or 40 days, prior to Holy Week, leading up to the festival of Easter. It has been a time for many Christians to develop a deeper relationship with God through spiritual discipline. Lent has been a traditional time to give up certain pleasures, and also to fast or partial fast, such as giving up sweets. In our Scripture passage today, the prophet Isaiah addresses the custom of fasting, looking more deeply into why some people fast, and what exactly God is looking for.
Throughout his ministry, the prophet Isaiah, and other prophets as well, preached to the people, calling them on their hypocrisy. The people loved to appear religious and pious to others, going through religious rituals, yet their hearts were far from God. They had no real relationship with Him. As Isaiah pointed out, their fasting was only half-hearted, without genuine prayer to God (vs. 3-7). It was only an outward ritual, without any real repentance over sin, or real humility.
If we decide we will fast or other religious observance during Lent, what are our reasons? Isaiah wanted the people to take a good look at themselves, and question their motives. Some people seem to be religious, but are only going through the motions. Their holiness is merely pretense. When they fast, they want the applause of men for their piety. They want God to pile up rewards for them for their religious observances.
Jesus spoke out against this kind of hypocrisy, addressing the Pharisees, and also ourselves, as well. He pointed out that when fasting, we shouldn’t be letting the whole world know in order to get their approval and commendations for our religious piety. Rather our religious practices, such as fasting, should be for God, not man (Matthew 6:16-18). We should not fast and pray to prove we are godly. Instead we should do these in order to grow closer to God.
True worship is much more than religious ritual. God, speaking through His prophet Isaiah, condemned the people for going through their religious rituals, yet having strife and anger with their brothers (vs. 4). They would act pious, yet treat their fellow man cruelly. They oppressed the worker and let the poor, the widows, and the orphans go hungry. All of our fasting, church attendance, and singing in the choir means nothing to God if it lacks sincerity, if we don't reach out to others with kindness, charity, justice, and generosity. God told His people that their fasting should also bring others a release from oppression, it should include feeding the hungry, and helping those in need (vs 6-7). Without showing concern for others we are missing a true relationship with God. How can one act pious, yet be unforgiving or committing sin? Even more important is compassion for the poor, the helpless and oppressed.
When we are obedient to God, He promises to be our rear-guard (vs. 8). He will not only protect us from attacks on our front, He will stand behind us, protecting us from those who try to sneak up from the rear. This is reminiscent of God protecting the Israelites when they crossed the Red Sea, and He protected them from the oncoming Egyptians (Exodus 14:19).
God promises us that when we follow Him, He will guide us continually (vs. 11). He promises that it will be Him, not another person or an angel, but God, Himself. The Lord said that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He guides us continually, not just part of the time.
As we enter into the season of Lent later this week, let’s bring the Lord the type of worship that will truly honor Him, where our acts of fasting and prayer are accompanied by treating our brothers and sisters with love and kindness. Then we can truly know that the Lord will be with us, protecting us on every side.
This week marks the beginning of Lent in many Christian denominations, with Ash Wednesday midweek. Lent is a period of approximately 6 weeks, or 40 days, prior to Holy Week, leading up to the festival of Easter. It has been a time for many Christians to develop a deeper relationship with God through spiritual discipline. Lent has been a traditional time to give up certain pleasures, and also to fast or partial fast, such as giving up sweets. In our Scripture passage today, the prophet Isaiah addresses the custom of fasting, looking more deeply into why some people fast, and what exactly God is looking for.
Throughout his ministry, the prophet Isaiah, and other prophets as well, preached to the people, calling them on their hypocrisy. The people loved to appear religious and pious to others, going through religious rituals, yet their hearts were far from God. They had no real relationship with Him. As Isaiah pointed out, their fasting was only half-hearted, without genuine prayer to God (vs. 3-7). It was only an outward ritual, without any real repentance over sin, or real humility.
If we decide we will fast or other religious observance during Lent, what are our reasons? Isaiah wanted the people to take a good look at themselves, and question their motives. Some people seem to be religious, but are only going through the motions. Their holiness is merely pretense. When they fast, they want the applause of men for their piety. They want God to pile up rewards for them for their religious observances.
Jesus spoke out against this kind of hypocrisy, addressing the Pharisees, and also ourselves, as well. He pointed out that when fasting, we shouldn’t be letting the whole world know in order to get their approval and commendations for our religious piety. Rather our religious practices, such as fasting, should be for God, not man (Matthew 6:16-18). We should not fast and pray to prove we are godly. Instead we should do these in order to grow closer to God.
True worship is much more than religious ritual. God, speaking through His prophet Isaiah, condemned the people for going through their religious rituals, yet having strife and anger with their brothers (vs. 4). They would act pious, yet treat their fellow man cruelly. They oppressed the worker and let the poor, the widows, and the orphans go hungry. All of our fasting, church attendance, and singing in the choir means nothing to God if it lacks sincerity, if we don't reach out to others with kindness, charity, justice, and generosity. God told His people that their fasting should also bring others a release from oppression, it should include feeding the hungry, and helping those in need (vs 6-7). Without showing concern for others we are missing a true relationship with God. How can one act pious, yet be unforgiving or committing sin? Even more important is compassion for the poor, the helpless and oppressed.
When we are obedient to God, He promises to be our rear-guard (vs. 8). He will not only protect us from attacks on our front, He will stand behind us, protecting us from those who try to sneak up from the rear. This is reminiscent of God protecting the Israelites when they crossed the Red Sea, and He protected them from the oncoming Egyptians (Exodus 14:19).
God promises us that when we follow Him, He will guide us continually (vs. 11). He promises that it will be Him, not another person or an angel, but God, Himself. The Lord said that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He guides us continually, not just part of the time.
As we enter into the season of Lent later this week, let’s bring the Lord the type of worship that will truly honor Him, where our acts of fasting and prayer are accompanied by treating our brothers and sisters with love and kindness. Then we can truly know that the Lord will be with us, protecting us on every side.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Sins That Begin In The Heart
Matthew 5:21-30
Most of us are probably glad that our thoughts are not broadcast for all to see! We might feel that as long as our thoughts are hidden, then everything is okay, that hidden thoughts are fine as long as we don’t act upon them. And how many of us feel that it was okay when we got angry at someone, as long as we didn’t go out and clobber him? We start to feel proud of ourselves that we didn’t break any of the Ten Commandments, particularly the ones against murder and adultery. As we read our Scripture today from Matthew’s Gospel, as Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount, He sets the bar much higher. Let’s look into what our Savior says to us.
In our Scripture passage, Jesus first addresses the issue of our anger (vs. 21-22). We might be tempted to think that there is nothing wrong with getting angry, as long as we don’t physically hurt anyone. When we have anger against someone, or a deep-seated bitterness against another, we are breaking God’s law of love. Anger is a dangerous emotion that can easily leap out of control. Jesus states that having unjust anger and refusing to forgive are acts of murder that we commit in our hearts. We “kill” one another by holding grudges of hatred and anger against others. Not only does He not want us to actually kill someone, but He doesn’t want us to destroy someone with our words. Destroying someone with our mouth is a form of killing. When we tear another one down with our words, when we spread lying gossip, we are speaking death over their lives. Life is sacred to God. As believers we should be speaking uplifting words, words of blessing to speak life about others, not death.
Thoughts are the forerunner of deeds. The way we think shows who we really are (Proverbs 23:7). In verses 27-28 Jesus instructs us to keep a check on what we allow our thoughts to dwell on. If the act is wrong, so is the thought and intention. If left unchecked, wrong desires will lead to wrong actions. God doesn’t want just outward compliance, but more importantly, He wants inward change. He does not want religious fanatics who give an outward show of piety, but spiritually transformed people. God sees the heart behind the things we do, so we need to keep our thoughts pure.
Some people get troubled by verses 29-30. Jesus doesn’t want us gouging out our eyes, as even a blind man can have lustful thoughts. Lust is a problem of the heart. We need to examine our life for anything that causes us to sin, and then take all necessary action to remove it. It was Samson’s wandering, lustful eyes that got him into trouble, and without them he triumphed over the enemy! His eyes caused him to sin, and he was more blind then, than when the Philistines put out his eyes.
Both anger and lust can lead to estrangement from others, so Jesus also addressed the need for us to make efforts for reconciliation with our brothers and sisters (vs. 23-26). If we have a problem or grievance with someone, we need to resolve it as soon as possible. It is important to resolve differences before anger can cause more trouble (Proverbs 25:8-10). Small conflicts mend more easily than larger ones.
Reconciliation is important. We need to make an effort at it in order to have an unobstructed relationship with God. Jesus said to forgive others before prayer or worship, otherwise our prayers will be hindered. He wants us to let go of the grudge. The other person may not be receptive. However, that is not our responsibility if we have made the attempt, but we need to do our part in trying to reconcile. Our attitude towards others reflects our relationship with God (I John 4:20-21).
In closing, our Scripture today shows that thought control is just as important as bodily self-control. Jesus says that we will be held accountable for our thoughts, as well as our actions. As St. Paul advises, let’s keep our thoughts on what is good, pure, lovely, true, and noble (Philippians 4:8).
Most of us are probably glad that our thoughts are not broadcast for all to see! We might feel that as long as our thoughts are hidden, then everything is okay, that hidden thoughts are fine as long as we don’t act upon them. And how many of us feel that it was okay when we got angry at someone, as long as we didn’t go out and clobber him? We start to feel proud of ourselves that we didn’t break any of the Ten Commandments, particularly the ones against murder and adultery. As we read our Scripture today from Matthew’s Gospel, as Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount, He sets the bar much higher. Let’s look into what our Savior says to us.
In our Scripture passage, Jesus first addresses the issue of our anger (vs. 21-22). We might be tempted to think that there is nothing wrong with getting angry, as long as we don’t physically hurt anyone. When we have anger against someone, or a deep-seated bitterness against another, we are breaking God’s law of love. Anger is a dangerous emotion that can easily leap out of control. Jesus states that having unjust anger and refusing to forgive are acts of murder that we commit in our hearts. We “kill” one another by holding grudges of hatred and anger against others. Not only does He not want us to actually kill someone, but He doesn’t want us to destroy someone with our words. Destroying someone with our mouth is a form of killing. When we tear another one down with our words, when we spread lying gossip, we are speaking death over their lives. Life is sacred to God. As believers we should be speaking uplifting words, words of blessing to speak life about others, not death.
Thoughts are the forerunner of deeds. The way we think shows who we really are (Proverbs 23:7). In verses 27-28 Jesus instructs us to keep a check on what we allow our thoughts to dwell on. If the act is wrong, so is the thought and intention. If left unchecked, wrong desires will lead to wrong actions. God doesn’t want just outward compliance, but more importantly, He wants inward change. He does not want religious fanatics who give an outward show of piety, but spiritually transformed people. God sees the heart behind the things we do, so we need to keep our thoughts pure.
Some people get troubled by verses 29-30. Jesus doesn’t want us gouging out our eyes, as even a blind man can have lustful thoughts. Lust is a problem of the heart. We need to examine our life for anything that causes us to sin, and then take all necessary action to remove it. It was Samson’s wandering, lustful eyes that got him into trouble, and without them he triumphed over the enemy! His eyes caused him to sin, and he was more blind then, than when the Philistines put out his eyes.
Both anger and lust can lead to estrangement from others, so Jesus also addressed the need for us to make efforts for reconciliation with our brothers and sisters (vs. 23-26). If we have a problem or grievance with someone, we need to resolve it as soon as possible. It is important to resolve differences before anger can cause more trouble (Proverbs 25:8-10). Small conflicts mend more easily than larger ones.
Reconciliation is important. We need to make an effort at it in order to have an unobstructed relationship with God. Jesus said to forgive others before prayer or worship, otherwise our prayers will be hindered. He wants us to let go of the grudge. The other person may not be receptive. However, that is not our responsibility if we have made the attempt, but we need to do our part in trying to reconcile. Our attitude towards others reflects our relationship with God (I John 4:20-21).
In closing, our Scripture today shows that thought control is just as important as bodily self-control. Jesus says that we will be held accountable for our thoughts, as well as our actions. As St. Paul advises, let’s keep our thoughts on what is good, pure, lovely, true, and noble (Philippians 4:8).
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Are We Growing Up?
I Corinthians 3:1-9
Everyone loves a newborn baby! They are small and adorable, and everyone loves to hold and rock the baby. Nobody, though, wants the baby to remain a baby. The parents eagerly watch for their newborn to achieve the next growth milestone, such as rolling over, beginning to crawl, signs of the first tooth, etc. As the child gets older, parents still look for signs of growth. Many parents make marks on a wall showing how tall their child is getting. They also expect their child to learn to read, and advance from grade to grade in school. If their child fails to learn to stand and walk, or learn to talk, they know something is wrong. No one wants their child to remain a baby or little child forever. This is true, not only in the physical world, but also in the spiritual world. Believers each have a time and day when they came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. That is when they were spiritually born. From that time onward there should be signs of spiritual growth. Our Scripture passage today from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians addresses this issue with the church there. Let’s take a look at what he says.
Paul begins this chapter with some scolding of the Corinthian believers. He had founded the church several years earlier, and many of the believers there had been saved for a number of years, yet they had not matured much during this time. They were like children who had stunted growth and development. Paul compares them to babies who could only take milk, and now several years later, instead of advancing on to solid food and meat, they are still only on milk (vs. 2-3).
If a young child doesn’t advance from milk to soft food, then to more solid food, and eventually to eating meat, something is wrong. The same is true in the spiritual realm. The Corinthian believers were spiritual infants, even though the church was several years old. They were not spiritually healthy or mature. Immature Christians are worldly, allowing their desires to control them. Mature Christians seek to follow God’s desires. Many of those at the Corinthian church were saved, but they were not spiritual. They were not fully controlled by the Holy Spirit. They were “carnal”, controlled by their fallen flesh nature. They were spiritually immature. The “milk” that Paul and his companions gave the new believers were easily understood, easily “digestible” truths and doctrines given to new believers. The “solid food” would be deeper doctrines of Scripture.
To grow as a Christian, one must read and study their Bible on a regular basis. This would entail more than just a casual reading of a chapter every so often, but getting into the Word, digging into the Scriptures with a reputable teacher or study guides. It includes hearing the preaching of the Word by men and women of God. It includes spending time in prayer and communion with God. This will advance us beyond milk and on to the solid food and meat. Signs of being spiritually immature include jealousy and quarreling between fellow believers (vs. 3), being lured by false teaching (Ephesians 4:14), and failing to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14).
One issue that Paul brought up that showed that the Corinthians were spiritually immature was their arguing among themselves over their favorite preacher (vs. 4). Some were calling Paul the greatest, some claimed Apollos, some others. Paul was the one who had founded the church, Apollos was their pastor (vs 5-6). Paul had planted the seeds of the Gospel. He was a missionary. He started churches. Apollos’ role was to water, to pastor the church, to help the church grow. Paul laid the foundation, Apollos built upon it.
God’s work involves many different individuals who have a variety of gifts and abilities (vs. 7-9). There should be no superstars, only fellow team members doing the work of the Lord. Don’t be looking for praise from people. Instead, look for approval from God. God promises He will not overlook either the sower, the one who plants, the one who waters, or the one who reaps. All will be rewarded.
Everyone loves a newborn baby! They are small and adorable, and everyone loves to hold and rock the baby. Nobody, though, wants the baby to remain a baby. The parents eagerly watch for their newborn to achieve the next growth milestone, such as rolling over, beginning to crawl, signs of the first tooth, etc. As the child gets older, parents still look for signs of growth. Many parents make marks on a wall showing how tall their child is getting. They also expect their child to learn to read, and advance from grade to grade in school. If their child fails to learn to stand and walk, or learn to talk, they know something is wrong. No one wants their child to remain a baby or little child forever. This is true, not only in the physical world, but also in the spiritual world. Believers each have a time and day when they came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. That is when they were spiritually born. From that time onward there should be signs of spiritual growth. Our Scripture passage today from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians addresses this issue with the church there. Let’s take a look at what he says.
Paul begins this chapter with some scolding of the Corinthian believers. He had founded the church several years earlier, and many of the believers there had been saved for a number of years, yet they had not matured much during this time. They were like children who had stunted growth and development. Paul compares them to babies who could only take milk, and now several years later, instead of advancing on to solid food and meat, they are still only on milk (vs. 2-3).
If a young child doesn’t advance from milk to soft food, then to more solid food, and eventually to eating meat, something is wrong. The same is true in the spiritual realm. The Corinthian believers were spiritual infants, even though the church was several years old. They were not spiritually healthy or mature. Immature Christians are worldly, allowing their desires to control them. Mature Christians seek to follow God’s desires. Many of those at the Corinthian church were saved, but they were not spiritual. They were not fully controlled by the Holy Spirit. They were “carnal”, controlled by their fallen flesh nature. They were spiritually immature. The “milk” that Paul and his companions gave the new believers were easily understood, easily “digestible” truths and doctrines given to new believers. The “solid food” would be deeper doctrines of Scripture.
To grow as a Christian, one must read and study their Bible on a regular basis. This would entail more than just a casual reading of a chapter every so often, but getting into the Word, digging into the Scriptures with a reputable teacher or study guides. It includes hearing the preaching of the Word by men and women of God. It includes spending time in prayer and communion with God. This will advance us beyond milk and on to the solid food and meat. Signs of being spiritually immature include jealousy and quarreling between fellow believers (vs. 3), being lured by false teaching (Ephesians 4:14), and failing to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14).
One issue that Paul brought up that showed that the Corinthians were spiritually immature was their arguing among themselves over their favorite preacher (vs. 4). Some were calling Paul the greatest, some claimed Apollos, some others. Paul was the one who had founded the church, Apollos was their pastor (vs 5-6). Paul had planted the seeds of the Gospel. He was a missionary. He started churches. Apollos’ role was to water, to pastor the church, to help the church grow. Paul laid the foundation, Apollos built upon it.
God’s work involves many different individuals who have a variety of gifts and abilities (vs. 7-9). There should be no superstars, only fellow team members doing the work of the Lord. Don’t be looking for praise from people. Instead, look for approval from God. God promises He will not overlook either the sower, the one who plants, the one who waters, or the one who reaps. All will be rewarded.
Monday, February 17, 2020
When Afflictions Work Out For The Best
Psalm 119:65-72
We have all heard at one time or another people question why God would allow this or that tragedy to happen to them, or to someone else. “If God loved me, why did He let this happen to me?” “I never did anything to deserve this!” are comments we hear. Perhaps we have even made similar statements. Today’s Scripture passage comes from Psalm 119, the longest Psalm in the Bible, and also the longest chapter in the whole Bible, as well. The psalmist might have wondered the same thing as he went through various trials. However, as we shall see as we look at two verses in this Psalm, verses 67 and 71, he learned that this was for his good.
People, particularly unbelievers, argue that if God is all-powerful and all-good and loving, then He should prevent any suffering. These folks often come to the conclusion that God is either not powerful, not good, or both. The Bible does not indicate who wrote Psalm 119, so we don’t know what afflictions the author went through, however he does indicate that he went through something that was significant, which left a deep and lasting impression upon him. Rather than letting these experiences make him bitter and angry at God, he let them teach him some important lessons.
God allows afflictions to come upon us for various reasons. They can be a result of the general sin that is in the world, which came as a result of the Fall. They can also come upon us as a result of sin in our own life, or through the sin in the life of others near us. Afflictions can work out for the best. Through his trials, Job learned more about God, and developed an even closer relationship to Him than he had before. God used the afflictions of Joseph, from the brutal treatment at the hands of his brothers, to false imprisonment in order to prepare him for the special task of becoming prime minister of Egypt. The apostle Paul became an even more effective witness for the Lord Jesus through the many afflictions he went through.
While in the midst of afflictions we may question why God is allowing this to happen to us. Afflictions can help to refine our faith, making us more like Jesus if we allow them to. God may be trying to protect us from worse harm, and draw us closer to Him. His goal is never to hurt us. The pain and afflictions we go through can be a good thing. If we never felt physical pain we wouldn’t know when we’ve been injured and get help. God has used specific trials, illness, or grief in some people’s life to draw them to Him in salvation. He also uses them in our life in order to lead us to seek His help throughout those trials.
Sometimes afflictions help to correct us when we have sinned and gone astray from God. God deals with our sins and wanderings with discipline. The type of discipline will vary, but it is designed to lead us away from the sin which trapped us. In those instances, how do we react? We can get angry at God, shaking our fist at Him. Or we can try to learn from the discipline. Stay close to the Lord through His Word. Then thank God that He loves us enough to discipline us.
We have a choice for how we respond to trials and afflictions. We could blame God or others. We could also become bitter and resentful in our life. We also have the choice to turn to God, and ask Him what His purpose has been for allowing the affliction into our life. If we allow Him, God can use these afflictions to teach us, and help us grow into great servants for Him.
We have all heard at one time or another people question why God would allow this or that tragedy to happen to them, or to someone else. “If God loved me, why did He let this happen to me?” “I never did anything to deserve this!” are comments we hear. Perhaps we have even made similar statements. Today’s Scripture passage comes from Psalm 119, the longest Psalm in the Bible, and also the longest chapter in the whole Bible, as well. The psalmist might have wondered the same thing as he went through various trials. However, as we shall see as we look at two verses in this Psalm, verses 67 and 71, he learned that this was for his good.
People, particularly unbelievers, argue that if God is all-powerful and all-good and loving, then He should prevent any suffering. These folks often come to the conclusion that God is either not powerful, not good, or both. The Bible does not indicate who wrote Psalm 119, so we don’t know what afflictions the author went through, however he does indicate that he went through something that was significant, which left a deep and lasting impression upon him. Rather than letting these experiences make him bitter and angry at God, he let them teach him some important lessons.
God allows afflictions to come upon us for various reasons. They can be a result of the general sin that is in the world, which came as a result of the Fall. They can also come upon us as a result of sin in our own life, or through the sin in the life of others near us. Afflictions can work out for the best. Through his trials, Job learned more about God, and developed an even closer relationship to Him than he had before. God used the afflictions of Joseph, from the brutal treatment at the hands of his brothers, to false imprisonment in order to prepare him for the special task of becoming prime minister of Egypt. The apostle Paul became an even more effective witness for the Lord Jesus through the many afflictions he went through.
While in the midst of afflictions we may question why God is allowing this to happen to us. Afflictions can help to refine our faith, making us more like Jesus if we allow them to. God may be trying to protect us from worse harm, and draw us closer to Him. His goal is never to hurt us. The pain and afflictions we go through can be a good thing. If we never felt physical pain we wouldn’t know when we’ve been injured and get help. God has used specific trials, illness, or grief in some people’s life to draw them to Him in salvation. He also uses them in our life in order to lead us to seek His help throughout those trials.
Sometimes afflictions help to correct us when we have sinned and gone astray from God. God deals with our sins and wanderings with discipline. The type of discipline will vary, but it is designed to lead us away from the sin which trapped us. In those instances, how do we react? We can get angry at God, shaking our fist at Him. Or we can try to learn from the discipline. Stay close to the Lord through His Word. Then thank God that He loves us enough to discipline us.
We have a choice for how we respond to trials and afflictions. We could blame God or others. We could also become bitter and resentful in our life. We also have the choice to turn to God, and ask Him what His purpose has been for allowing the affliction into our life. If we allow Him, God can use these afflictions to teach us, and help us grow into great servants for Him.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Following A Godly Path
Proverbs 16
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of many different thoughts and sayings, a large number of them being written by King Solomon. A major theme throughout the book is to seek after and obtain the wisdom of God. The different authors seek to instruct the reader with godly values, moral behavior, right conduct, and to develop a proper fear of the Lord. This morning let us take a brief look at one chapter, and ponder some of the wise sayings collected there.
Right at the start of our chapter we come across a very wise proverb (vs. 1). We humans always make plans, plans for our day, plans for vacations, for the remainder of our lives. However, the final outcome of the plans we make is in God’s hands. His plans don’t always line up with ours. Yet, God’s plans are always better than ours. We should always ask for His guidance as we plan, and before putting a plan into action we should always ask whether our plans line up with God’s Word (vs. 2). When we set our course for God, He is always there to direct our path (vs. 9).
Our author continues on by instructing us to trust God, totally submitting to His will, knowing that everything depends on Him (vs. 3). “Committing” our work to God is devoting ourselves completely to His plans before, during, and after all we’ve done, not just asking for His blessing once we’ve finished our work. When we do, He will fulfill our righteous plans.
Continuing on in the chapter, I have a few brief thoughts on several more of the many proverbs here. Prideful people say to others, to themselves, and even to God that they feel their way is best. They feel that they can do things without His help, but they will quickly and sadly find they are wrong (vs. 5). Proud people never feel they can fall, but again, God shows they are wrong (vs. 18). Success by the world’s definition is achievement of wealth, prominence, and fame. Success by God’s definition is a relationship with Jesus, following Him obediently, growing in Christlike character, and spiritual maturity.
God demands honesty and fairness in all that we do, especially in our workplace, not in just trying to make a profit (vs. 11). God knows the motives we have for whatever we do. He judges our motives as well as our actions. No one finds real happiness by disobeying a clear command of God (vs. 20). God’s wisdom is a fountain of life, that will bring happiness, health, and eternal life (vs. 22). Living by God’s Word washes away sins. We have a choice to either be enlightened by His Word or be dragged down by our foolishness.
A godly person, one seeking to live for the Lord will watch their tongues and words, using them to heal people, and not to hurt others (vs. 24). Being patient is more important than being a victorious warrior (vs. 32). Self control is better than conquest. Peacemakers are slow to anger. All of our success can be ruined by losing one’s temper.
In conclusion, let’s look at probably the most important verse in this chapter, verse 25. Finding the right path is important. People try many ways to get to God, but only one way is the correct path. All the others lead to destruction. Jesus, and only Him, leads to God (John 14:6).
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of many different thoughts and sayings, a large number of them being written by King Solomon. A major theme throughout the book is to seek after and obtain the wisdom of God. The different authors seek to instruct the reader with godly values, moral behavior, right conduct, and to develop a proper fear of the Lord. This morning let us take a brief look at one chapter, and ponder some of the wise sayings collected there.
Right at the start of our chapter we come across a very wise proverb (vs. 1). We humans always make plans, plans for our day, plans for vacations, for the remainder of our lives. However, the final outcome of the plans we make is in God’s hands. His plans don’t always line up with ours. Yet, God’s plans are always better than ours. We should always ask for His guidance as we plan, and before putting a plan into action we should always ask whether our plans line up with God’s Word (vs. 2). When we set our course for God, He is always there to direct our path (vs. 9).
Our author continues on by instructing us to trust God, totally submitting to His will, knowing that everything depends on Him (vs. 3). “Committing” our work to God is devoting ourselves completely to His plans before, during, and after all we’ve done, not just asking for His blessing once we’ve finished our work. When we do, He will fulfill our righteous plans.
Continuing on in the chapter, I have a few brief thoughts on several more of the many proverbs here. Prideful people say to others, to themselves, and even to God that they feel their way is best. They feel that they can do things without His help, but they will quickly and sadly find they are wrong (vs. 5). Proud people never feel they can fall, but again, God shows they are wrong (vs. 18). Success by the world’s definition is achievement of wealth, prominence, and fame. Success by God’s definition is a relationship with Jesus, following Him obediently, growing in Christlike character, and spiritual maturity.
God demands honesty and fairness in all that we do, especially in our workplace, not in just trying to make a profit (vs. 11). God knows the motives we have for whatever we do. He judges our motives as well as our actions. No one finds real happiness by disobeying a clear command of God (vs. 20). God’s wisdom is a fountain of life, that will bring happiness, health, and eternal life (vs. 22). Living by God’s Word washes away sins. We have a choice to either be enlightened by His Word or be dragged down by our foolishness.
A godly person, one seeking to live for the Lord will watch their tongues and words, using them to heal people, and not to hurt others (vs. 24). Being patient is more important than being a victorious warrior (vs. 32). Self control is better than conquest. Peacemakers are slow to anger. All of our success can be ruined by losing one’s temper.
In conclusion, let’s look at probably the most important verse in this chapter, verse 25. Finding the right path is important. People try many ways to get to God, but only one way is the correct path. All the others lead to destruction. Jesus, and only Him, leads to God (John 14:6).
Friday, February 14, 2020
A Good Influence
Matthew 5:13-20
When my children were younger, like most parents, I was concerned with whom they associated with. Who were their friends in school and in the neighborhood? Parents want their children to be around those who are good influences, who help to influence them in good, moral behavior, not a friend who will lead them into wrong decisions and behavior. Parents also want their children to be a good influence for others, as well. Being a good influence doesn’t end once you become an adult. In our Scripture passage today, which continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, we read Jesus’ words to us of the type of influence He wants His followers to be in this world.
As our passage opens in verses 13-16, we read the familiar words of how believers are to be salt and light to others. The importance and use of salt by people goes back many thousands of years before Christ. One of the most well-known uses of salt is that of a flavoring. Without salt, many foods would be bland, and recipes would not work out well. Salt adds flavor and taste. Having a Christ-like character by our words and actions can flavor our witness to others. Before the days of refrigeration and use of canned goods, food was frequently dried and salted to preserve it. Without salt, meat and fish would need to be eaten right away. Salt would keep the putrefying effects on food away, and keep the meat safe to eat. As Christians, we should have that effect on the world, as well. Jesus wants our lifestyle to be an alternative to the corrupting ways of the world, and should point people to Jesus.
Salt impacts what it touches through chemical reactions. In the same way what we do to others should bring a positive impact. Try to give someone the right word at the right time. An act of kindness to a hurting soul goes a long way. Taking a stand for godliness may affect someone for Jesus. Salt also causes thirst. Does our life draw people to the Lord, or turn them away? Through both good days and bad ones, our life should bring a thirst for Jesus in the lives of the lost. If we fail to be salt to the lost, we are useless. We should not blend in with the unsaved.
Jesus told us that we should also be a light in this world (vs. 14-16). Our light shines best when we are not hidden. How do we hide our light? We hide it if we are quiet when we should speak up. Also when we go along with sin. Sin always dims our light. Our light is brightest when it is clean from sin (Luke 11:34). Lights warn of danger and guide to safety, which is what our life should do, directing people to Jesus (Ephesians 5:11-14). Christians should be known for their good and moral life and Biblical values (vs. 16).
As Jesus continues His message, He speaks about the validity of the Scriptures (vs. 17-18). We should not pick and choose what Bible verses we like, and reject the rest. Jesus affirmed the inerrancy and absolute authority of the Old Testament as the Word of God. All of God’s word is truth (Psalm 119:160), and all is inspired by Him (II Timothy 3:16-17).
In verse 19, Jesus is referring to those who are saved, or claim to be, not the obviously lost. These are those who, despite claiming to follow Jesus, still hold the Bible with little regard. Those who practice or teach disobedience to God’s Word are least in the Kingdom of Heaven. If we hold His Word in low esteem, God will hold us in low esteem. Those who keep and teach God’s Word will be great in God’s Kingdom.
As Jesus concludes this passage, He speaks of the Pharisees, who obeyed the Law outwardly. However, they did not allow God to change their heart and attitude. The quality of our goodness should be greater than the Pharisees. They looked holy, but were far from God’s kingdom. We are judged by our hearts, as well as our deeds. We should be just as concerned with our attitudes, which aren’t always seen, as with our deeds, which are seen.
As we have learned from Jesus’ teachings, we should live in a way that will draw others to the Lord, preserved for heaven. When others look at us, does what they see reflect well on God? We should live in a way that others will want to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).
When my children were younger, like most parents, I was concerned with whom they associated with. Who were their friends in school and in the neighborhood? Parents want their children to be around those who are good influences, who help to influence them in good, moral behavior, not a friend who will lead them into wrong decisions and behavior. Parents also want their children to be a good influence for others, as well. Being a good influence doesn’t end once you become an adult. In our Scripture passage today, which continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, we read Jesus’ words to us of the type of influence He wants His followers to be in this world.
As our passage opens in verses 13-16, we read the familiar words of how believers are to be salt and light to others. The importance and use of salt by people goes back many thousands of years before Christ. One of the most well-known uses of salt is that of a flavoring. Without salt, many foods would be bland, and recipes would not work out well. Salt adds flavor and taste. Having a Christ-like character by our words and actions can flavor our witness to others. Before the days of refrigeration and use of canned goods, food was frequently dried and salted to preserve it. Without salt, meat and fish would need to be eaten right away. Salt would keep the putrefying effects on food away, and keep the meat safe to eat. As Christians, we should have that effect on the world, as well. Jesus wants our lifestyle to be an alternative to the corrupting ways of the world, and should point people to Jesus.
Salt impacts what it touches through chemical reactions. In the same way what we do to others should bring a positive impact. Try to give someone the right word at the right time. An act of kindness to a hurting soul goes a long way. Taking a stand for godliness may affect someone for Jesus. Salt also causes thirst. Does our life draw people to the Lord, or turn them away? Through both good days and bad ones, our life should bring a thirst for Jesus in the lives of the lost. If we fail to be salt to the lost, we are useless. We should not blend in with the unsaved.
Jesus told us that we should also be a light in this world (vs. 14-16). Our light shines best when we are not hidden. How do we hide our light? We hide it if we are quiet when we should speak up. Also when we go along with sin. Sin always dims our light. Our light is brightest when it is clean from sin (Luke 11:34). Lights warn of danger and guide to safety, which is what our life should do, directing people to Jesus (Ephesians 5:11-14). Christians should be known for their good and moral life and Biblical values (vs. 16).
As Jesus continues His message, He speaks about the validity of the Scriptures (vs. 17-18). We should not pick and choose what Bible verses we like, and reject the rest. Jesus affirmed the inerrancy and absolute authority of the Old Testament as the Word of God. All of God’s word is truth (Psalm 119:160), and all is inspired by Him (II Timothy 3:16-17).
In verse 19, Jesus is referring to those who are saved, or claim to be, not the obviously lost. These are those who, despite claiming to follow Jesus, still hold the Bible with little regard. Those who practice or teach disobedience to God’s Word are least in the Kingdom of Heaven. If we hold His Word in low esteem, God will hold us in low esteem. Those who keep and teach God’s Word will be great in God’s Kingdom.
As Jesus concludes this passage, He speaks of the Pharisees, who obeyed the Law outwardly. However, they did not allow God to change their heart and attitude. The quality of our goodness should be greater than the Pharisees. They looked holy, but were far from God’s kingdom. We are judged by our hearts, as well as our deeds. We should be just as concerned with our attitudes, which aren’t always seen, as with our deeds, which are seen.
As we have learned from Jesus’ teachings, we should live in a way that will draw others to the Lord, preserved for heaven. When others look at us, does what they see reflect well on God? We should live in a way that others will want to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)