tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58789526681320581102024-02-21T04:22:44.125-08:00His Holy Hill"I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill." ~ Psalm 3:4Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-8430066177917165902011-06-20T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-20T23:59:00.328-07:00Psalms study summary<div style="text-align: center;">We did it! We have spent 171 days in the study and meditation of God's word in the Psalms! </div><br />
The Psalms are <span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>poetry</strong></span> and the Psalms are <span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>prayer</strong></span>. What else did we learn in our Psalms quest?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nnrdmTkg5pieUPWYl0CDaVy3eBerZfnCehxhiJAvCT0BSmvt1S21HVROLoRLK_NDdJgTNoedj1NRryUJsPUll5LVWLHkCVtmlBkQ2AQQ7UKPwaZun8Ix6c6tJNbbE5clnSLnz5f2kAo/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nnrdmTkg5pieUPWYl0CDaVy3eBerZfnCehxhiJAvCT0BSmvt1S21HVROLoRLK_NDdJgTNoedj1NRryUJsPUll5LVWLHkCVtmlBkQ2AQQ7UKPwaZun8Ix6c6tJNbbE5clnSLnz5f2kAo/s200/01.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I.</strong></span> Psalms is the inspired “prayer guide” for God’s people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They show us that it’s impossible to live a godly life apart from prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been said that <em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>we don't learn the Psalms until we are praying them</strong></span></em>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prayer is ordained by God to draw us to Him that we can experience His presence, power, and transformation</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Throughout the Psalms, we have seen a <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">display of every human emotion</span>. Inter-Varsity Press describes them like this:</div><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>We use the Psalms to present ourselves before God as honestly and thoroughly as we are able.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT;"></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<strong></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Everything that anyone can feel or experience in relation to God is in these prayers. You will find them the best place in Scripture to explore all the parts of your life and then to say who you are and what is in you—guilt, anger, salvation, praise—to the God who loves, judges and saves you in Jesus Christ. </strong></span></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;">Yet, in the end, there was always <em>TRUST</em> in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust for <span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>REDEMPTION</strong></span> and <span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>SALVATION</strong></span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>II</strong></span>. The Psalms challenge us to live a <span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>GODLY LIFE</strong></span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They show the benefits of knowing and obeying God, while at the same time reminding us of the consequence of a wicked lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In a debased culture that has lost its way and everyone is doing “what is right in their own eyes,” it can be difficult to see the emptiness and destructiveness of a wicked life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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The Psalms show us that a life lived apart from God is a tragedy not only today but for all eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalms teaches us again and again that there are only <span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>TWO ways – the way of the godly and the way of the ungodly.</strong></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A person must make a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must decide – God’s way or his own way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D9zYkFfm3VO5498-S-S3usYof4tTkdtVCWLuud8CnvwLyb7yF6o7ldD4Q2n8yRHpokHAL47EtHFpxBP1lwToYO47i2fHA027tvF4qo_dfOMZSfQqA-MrYMTtuZmfXuF0HLLBD3Tb6mU/s1600/point.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D9zYkFfm3VO5498-S-S3usYof4tTkdtVCWLuud8CnvwLyb7yF6o7ldD4Q2n8yRHpokHAL47EtHFpxBP1lwToYO47i2fHA027tvF4qo_dfOMZSfQqA-MrYMTtuZmfXuF0HLLBD3Tb6mU/s200/point.gif" width="200px" /></a></div>In understanding this, did you see how David became <strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a man after God's own heart</span></em></strong>? Paul answers this question for us in Acts 13:22:</div><blockquote class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><blockquote><span style="color: #20124d;">"And when He had removed him (Saul), He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said,</span> </blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #20124d;">'I</span><span style="color: #20124d;"> have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, </span></strong></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who will do all My will</span>."</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
"<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em>He will do everything I want him to do</em></strong>." Wow, how simple is that and yet how hard for us to emulate? David was willing to do whatever God asked him to do. As we have seen, David had his faults but <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">God knew his heart</span></strong>. He knew that David loved Him and would do whatever He asked him to do. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3RSNOZjcLWHySXWEQ1kG12rCDFuAm3eNTH52wJMszpxFkOAXD-OkVIQwTwfel4BDcyL1DvKApGE1aymYULSfkd7ElQAIN0dPtSSlIYxdn4SFMYg37FIvuyE48DzwgJU_VW76gGoloAM/s1600/after-gods-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3RSNOZjcLWHySXWEQ1kG12rCDFuAm3eNTH52wJMszpxFkOAXD-OkVIQwTwfel4BDcyL1DvKApGE1aymYULSfkd7ElQAIN0dPtSSlIYxdn4SFMYg37FIvuyE48DzwgJU_VW76gGoloAM/s400/after-gods-heart.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>If we really want to be men and women after God's own heart, we need to start doing what He asks us to do</strong></em>. It is not always easy, it is not always fun and it is often without human reward or recognition, but we must choose this day whom we will serve - God or man? </span></span></div><br />
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</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-17883937054666202012011-06-19T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-19T23:59:00.284-07:00Psalm 150<div style="text-align: center;">Praise the Lord!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye3WQ1l_ZBXoURdfIpulu4AahEADT6mQ8thlOcro0-s-Xhbm7b8fXe6ut7btnW4sfbKgLRH9ITwdSQdSDJcT2BikVBatuq57_vQwrCR8Bv4t0wAVabY7ZsCeZr2vMjzM15lNAy2fvb1o/s1600/Psalm+150a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye3WQ1l_ZBXoURdfIpulu4AahEADT6mQ8thlOcro0-s-Xhbm7b8fXe6ut7btnW4sfbKgLRH9ITwdSQdSDJcT2BikVBatuq57_vQwrCR8Bv4t0wAVabY7ZsCeZr2vMjzM15lNAy2fvb1o/s400/Psalm+150a.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Psalm 150, the psalmist shows us:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">for what God is to be praised (v. 1-2)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">how God is to be praised (v. 3-5)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">who must praise the Lord (v. 6)</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The word "praise" (or "hallelujah!") is named 13 times in this brief psalm.</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>To praise God is to acknowledge the glories of His excellent Person</strong></span>. It differs somewhat from thanksgiving, which describes what God has done rather than what He is. As Psalm 150 concludes our study and much of the psalms have dealt in praise of God, below is are some of the facts about praise we've seen:</div><ul><li class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God alone is worthy of our praise (Ps. 18:3, 113:3)</li>
<li class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is His will for us that we praise Hm (Ps. 50:23)</li>
<li class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This praise should be continuous and also public (Ps. 34:1, 71:6, 22:25)</li>
<li class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are to praise God for His holiness, grace, goodness, and kindness (Ps. 135:3, Ps. 138:2)</li>
<li class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All nature praises God ((Ps. 148:7-10)</li>
<li class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sun, moon, and stars praise Him (Ps. 19:1, 143:3)</li>
<li class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The angels praise Him (Ps. 148:2)</li>
<li class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On occasion God uses even the wrath of men to praise Him (Ps. 76:10)</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've seen that the last 6 psalms each conclude with "Hallelujah!" Some Bible translations say "Praise the Lord!" That is because the final 6 psalms are wholly taken up in praising God and there is not a petition in them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAzmv6SYL9fXVeZuKFEB6sryhnyZfM1ofW0z8RJAAAYarO4tgE_PwE3Kak-khtKJHgomRvXcL4eL2E_wHEwsBQ-6TXlh4oh_3TwZ4w6sE0c20nLzBuZhhHAR2SNXqA5xHFlW9voiIMyE/s1600/Psalm+150c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAzmv6SYL9fXVeZuKFEB6sryhnyZfM1ofW0z8RJAAAYarO4tgE_PwE3Kak-khtKJHgomRvXcL4eL2E_wHEwsBQ-6TXlh4oh_3TwZ4w6sE0c20nLzBuZhhHAR2SNXqA5xHFlW9voiIMyE/s400/Psalm+150c.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><strong>Praise Him for His mighty acts</strong></span>. ~ Ps. 150:2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In these deeds of power we see Himself. These doings of His omnipotence are always on behalf of truth and righteousness. His works of creation, providence, and redemption all call for praise; they are His acts of might, therefore let Him be praised for them. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(~Spurgeon)</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><strong>Praise him according to His excellent greatness</strong></span>. ~ Ps. 150:2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His being is unlimited, and His praise should correspond therewith. He possesses a plenitude of greatness, and therefore He should be greatly praised. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>There is nothing little about God, and there is nothing great apart from him. If we were always careful to make our worship fit and appropriate for our great Lord how much better should we sing! How much more reverently should we adore! Such excellent deeds should have excellent praise.</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">~ Spurgeon, Treasury of David</span></span></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLuwQJnLXe254JlwvHgcfnZh2kuZ_Q2irHimcfPYLI2X9FNyhe5Up9rZ0RO56CbzzXUmssj-FpTSLDGdAsTSOh-LEzE1NMPI73XVHMeRKvfc22vUAT9fIwZoA5uoFYpgcc0JZAIBUP4E/s1600/Psalm+150d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLuwQJnLXe254JlwvHgcfnZh2kuZ_Q2irHimcfPYLI2X9FNyhe5Up9rZ0RO56CbzzXUmssj-FpTSLDGdAsTSOh-LEzE1NMPI73XVHMeRKvfc22vUAT9fIwZoA5uoFYpgcc0JZAIBUP4E/s320/Psalm+150d.jpg" width="320px" /></a>Verses 3-5 describe a ministry of instrumental music. <em><strong>How do you do on Sunday mornings at church - do you sing loudly, with a heart of praise?</strong></em> God is to be praised with trumpet, harp, and cymbals - with brass, strings, and percussion instruments. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The book of Psalms ends with this verse:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong>Praise ye the Lord - Hallelu-jah</strong></span>. ~ Ps. 150:6</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thus, at the end of all the trials, the conflicts, the persecutions, the sorrows, the joys recorded in this book, the psalmist gives utterance to feelings of joy, triumph, transport, rejoicing;</span> </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;"></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>and thus at the end of all - when the affairs of this world shall be closed - when the church shall have passed through all its trials, shall have borne all its persecutions, shall have suffered all that it is appointed to suffer - </strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;"></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>when the work of redemption shall be complete, and all the ransomed of the Lord shall have been recovered from sin, and shall be saved - that church, all heaven, the whole universe, shall break forth in one loud, long, triumphant Hallelujah.</strong> </span> ~<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Barnes</span></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><strong>H A L L E J A H !</strong></span></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul><li>God is worthy of the praise of His people - in all things and in all ways</li>
<li>God's acts are mighty</li>
<li>God's greatness is excellent</li>
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<div>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li>I praise the Lord for the glories of His excellent Person!</li>
<li>I praise God for the book of Psalms and how He has revealed Himself - His nature, His attributes, His glory, His Redemption & love of His people - to us through the writings of this book</li>
</ul>PRAYER:<br />
O Lord, hear my voice, accept my praise, receive my love for You. How my heart is full of gratitude, overwhelmed by Your mercy & lovingkindness towards me. Thank You for Your Word - that You reveal Yourself to us through it. The Psalms are a glorious contemplation of Your majesty and all of Your greatness, and I thank You for the spiritual refreshment in my soul through the meditation of all 150 of them. <br />
Keep Your word alive and fresh in my mind & memory forever - may I hide Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You and that I might grow in the grace & knowledge of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray ~ AmenSheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-7389042095432007762011-06-18T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-18T23:59:00.643-07:00Psalm 149<div style="text-align: center;">The Lord Takes Pleasure in His People</div><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew Henry states that, while yesterday's Psalm 148 was a hymn of praise to the Creator, this is a hymn to the <strong>Redeemer</strong>. It is a praise of triumph in the God of Israel, and over the enemies of Israel. Some Biblical scholars believe it was penned when David had taken the stronghold of Zion and settled his government there. But it also looks further to the kingdom of the Messiah, who goes forth conquering and to conquer.</span><br />
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<div> <span style="font-family: inherit;">The chosen people are exhorted to praise God, in view of past favors and also future victories over enemies, of which they are impliedly assured. The tone is exceedingly <span style="color: blue;"><strong>jubilant</strong></span> and <span style="color: blue;"><strong>exultant</strong></span>. </span></div><br />
<div>Verses 3 & 4 indicate that celebration included not only singing, but dancing to the accompaniment of timbrel and harp. The sacred dance was a significant element of Israelite worship. </div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Let them praise His name with the dance.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 149:3<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">King David dancing before the Lord</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_E8W23fHHME3XoM5GMku4vNT69YG8sH9bHkpWCefKs9CNaAN-fADUDnIxGHH0rnFgCC_YYBGSRAv1oVLZCLz3UlHIp6upKvHBbOuYqlHUztvG90zvnJMDf0GeKY7fBEClmgb0hnljog/s1600/Psalm+149a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_E8W23fHHME3XoM5GMku4vNT69YG8sH9bHkpWCefKs9CNaAN-fADUDnIxGHH0rnFgCC_YYBGSRAv1oVLZCLz3UlHIp6upKvHBbOuYqlHUztvG90zvnJMDf0GeKY7fBEClmgb0hnljog/s400/Psalm+149a.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Verse 4 reminds us once again of God's pleasure with the <strong><em>humble</em></strong>. May we clothe ourselves in humility and live each day as such. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Some Bible translations use the word "meek" - <strong><em>He will beautify the meek with salvation.</em> </strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Meekness not only gives great peace of mind, but often adds a lustre to the countenance. We only read of three in Scripture whose faces shone remarkably— <span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: blue;">Christ</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Moses</span>,</span> and <span style="color: blue;">Stephen</span>—and they were eminent for meekness.</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;">~<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Matthew Henry</span></em> </div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spurgeon notes that the Lord's taking pleasure in His people is:</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. A wonderful evidence of His grace</span> <br />
<div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. The highest honour they can desire</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Their security for time and eternity</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">Verse 6, describing a dance featuring swords, anticipated future judgment on the nations and their kings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God is worthy of my highest praise</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God is my Maker</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Lord takes pleasure in His people </div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Lord will beautify the humble with salvation</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God will judge the wicked</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH HIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I praise God for Who He is and for what He has done - throughout history and today in my own life! </div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PRAYER: a beautiful prayer of praise by Ruth Myers:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> O Lord, I exult in the free, confident access You have provided, so that I can come into Your Presence for warm fellowship, for refreshment, for mercy when I've failed, for grace when I'm in need. What a joy to know that I can draw near to You at any moment, wherever I may be . . . that I can come boldly to Your throne of grace, assured of Your glad welcome - not because I'm worthy or because I've served You, but because You're a God of grace, a God of unmerited, unlimited favor. I'm so glad that You welcome me just as I am, simply because Jesus is my risen Savior, and I am alive with His life and righteous with His righteousness!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Thank You that I can praise and adore You and offer my requests in detail, with thanksgiving . . . that I can pour out my heart before You, being honest with You about my feelings and my mistakes and my sins. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Thank You that I can "be still" and know that You are God . . . that You are in control. . . and that I can restfully depend upon You and absorb Your strength and joy and peace. To think that You not only permit me to come before You but You actually desire my fellowship, my worship, my prayers and my eternal presence! Your desire is for me! Such is almost too much for my understanding - thank You !</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amen and amen!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-22723743881250582682011-06-17T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-18T06:53:38.223-07:00Psalm 148<div style="text-align: center;">All Creation Praises the Lord</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsw82aApL1Aj3S8IedfbjhsdXma8kzptfrB85wzbvarE9ROia9BDXrH7qNKVjPLCWePZOjG1DCHWZrTqg1NGS0k9xz1tTL7Knb1IvYJvwZ4KsKNDDzsMFR0WPuYmDg6IfKDVy-T18cW4w/s1600/Psalm+148b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsw82aApL1Aj3S8IedfbjhsdXma8kzptfrB85wzbvarE9ROia9BDXrH7qNKVjPLCWePZOjG1DCHWZrTqg1NGS0k9xz1tTL7Knb1IvYJvwZ4KsKNDDzsMFR0WPuYmDg6IfKDVy-T18cW4w/s400/Psalm+148b.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div>This psalm is a most solemn and earnest call to all creatures, according to their capacity, to praise their Creator and to show form His eternal power and Godhead - the invisible things of which are manifested in the things that are seen. The psalmist does this by:<br />
<ol><li>calling upon the creatures that are placed in the upper world to praise the Lord</li>
<li>calling upon the creatures of the lower world (on earth) to praise the Lord</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Those who were created by command are under command to adore their Creator. The voice which said "Let them be", now saith "Let them praise."</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">~ Spurgeon</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZvMQYtzYWvPz1CVsoFnUFk_5XbTb8cHaqvxsB7DhsbmAQcnSumO4yiSxeO_phcYlwN6jaAxaNBVkUufu1tPQxjxHp4u9kq-c9Ti7rUKXdCTly9920NMzWRRaxgkwvlWIemoMFXyk2bI/s1600/Psalm+148c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZvMQYtzYWvPz1CVsoFnUFk_5XbTb8cHaqvxsB7DhsbmAQcnSumO4yiSxeO_phcYlwN6jaAxaNBVkUufu1tPQxjxHp4u9kq-c9Ti7rUKXdCTly9920NMzWRRaxgkwvlWIemoMFXyk2bI/s400/Psalm+148c.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Praise Him, all you starts of light!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Praise Him, you heavens of heavens!</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 148:3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Praise the Lord . . . you great sea creatures and all the depths!</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 148:7</td></tr>
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<div></div>My Bible notes that <strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">all that depend on God's care are charged to praise Him. </span></strong> This list of those called moves from nature to humankind - young & old, male & female, and all levels of society from top to bottom. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Kings of the earth and all peoples . . . </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Both young men and maidens; </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Old men and children.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Let them praise the name of the Lord,</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>For His name alone is exalted.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 148:11-13</td></tr>
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Every time I return to a home football game at my Alma mater, The University of Tennessee, I am amazed at the sight outside the stadium prior to game time - it is a <strong><em>throng</em></strong> of people! <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">O, that people would praise the Lord with the fervency with which we cheer on our favorite football team!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>I could wish that all our lives might end like this book of Psalms, in blessing and praising Almighty God.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">—<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thomas Cheshire, in "A Sermon preached, in Saint Paule's</i> <i>Church,"</i> 1641</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">God is worthy of my praise</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God is Creator & Sustainer of all things</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God's decrees shall never pass away</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God's glory is above the earth and heaven</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God's name alone is exalted</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">I praise the Lord as Creator & Sustainer of the universe and all things in it!</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">PRAYER:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O God, You have given me all that I have,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">all that I am,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and I surrender all to Your divine will</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that You dispose of me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Give me only Your love and Your grace,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With this I am rich enough</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and I have no more to ask.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Ignatius of Loyola</em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-33311767824075364542011-06-16T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-16T23:59:00.383-07:00Psalm 147<div style="text-align: center;">God Heals the Brokenhearted</div><br />
<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxHEjyYNv-rj91ReE8ZZzWwLQyhsdk0SaP62ToVUM7JJ62AxvJOmF4lsFqhCRPgaj34fUw4xik_cXvq1Ui37ud7J_93hO1JM5NrxQDfVDJSzAwdJ27L5trYBoS3bhhHRC20cbYDkv0ac/s1600/Psalm+147d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxHEjyYNv-rj91ReE8ZZzWwLQyhsdk0SaP62ToVUM7JJ62AxvJOmF4lsFqhCRPgaj34fUw4xik_cXvq1Ui37ud7J_93hO1JM5NrxQDfVDJSzAwdJ27L5trYBoS3bhhHRC20cbYDkv0ac/s400/Psalm+147d.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div> </div>Psalm 147 and Psalm 148 (tomorrow's study) are the last of the <span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>THANKSGIVING PSALMS</strong></span>. These psalms remind us that every prayer we utter should include the element of thanksgiving. These psalms make us aware of God's blessings and lead us to express our thanks with feeling and conviction. The God of Israel - what He has done, what He does, what He can do—this is the <i>"Hallelujah"</i> note of His song.<br />
<blockquote><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>There is no place in human literature where you can find such praise as there is in the Psalms of David.</strong></span> ~ <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Henry Ward Beecher</span></i></blockquote>Psalm 147 is comprised of 3 hymns:<br />
<ol><li>the first concerns God's care of the returning Israelite exiles </li>
<li>the second stresses God's provisions for creation </li>
<li>the third notes God's dealings with Israel & Jerusalem through His word </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>He counts the number of the stars;</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>He calls them all by name.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Great is our Lord, and mighty in power,</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>His understanding is infinite.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 147:4-5</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Regarding these verses above, God's knowledge of the stars suggests that He is more than equal to the problems of humankind. His power and understanding far surpass any other resource from which we may draw.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QrNYo5iRJMcuCAMaMTmpuDYVBkfuDULlgA4UVlvXA1FAm95QPKwuaGS766OwR8ORS8kJa2hZFAZTMo5BZpaPd21HpBuuCU3xOG-29e7sHn5Rc7qb72ENbOa0AyOxD1B1GWq_Bvi_g4g/s1600/PSALM+72D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QrNYo5iRJMcuCAMaMTmpuDYVBkfuDULlgA4UVlvXA1FAm95QPKwuaGS766OwR8ORS8kJa2hZFAZTMo5BZpaPd21HpBuuCU3xOG-29e7sHn5Rc7qb72ENbOa0AyOxD1B1GWq_Bvi_g4g/s1600/PSALM+72D.jpg" t8="true" /></a><br />
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<div> </div>Have you ever wondered what you can possibly do to please God? How your life can be one that is pleasing to the Lord? Verse 11 tells us:<br />
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<div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>In those who hope in His mercy.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Ps. 147:10</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div> </div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A sincere Christian is known by both these; a fear of God, or a constant obedience to His commands, and an affiance, trust, and dependence upon His mercies.</span> </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Thomas Manton</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love verses 15 - 18 which declare God's mighty acts in nature! Here again the Psalmist sees God directly and personally at work. In verses 19-20, God's creative word becomes His redeeming Word for Israel.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>God loves & blesses Jerusalem and His children</li>
<li>God is great and His works are awesome</li>
<li>God heals the brokenhearted</li>
<li>God is Creator - He knows the stars by name, and all of nature obeys His voice!</li>
<li>God is worthy of my praise</li>
<li>God takes pleasure in those who fear Him</li>
</ul></div>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise the Lord that He binds up my broken heart</li>
<li>I praise God for the majesty of His works in nature and creation, and how He reveals His power & might through them</li>
<li>I praise God for His redeeming Word</li>
</ul> PRAYER: a beautiful psalm of praise by Ruth Myers:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <em>I magnify You, O Lord, I exalt Your name, for You are great and highly to be praised. I praise You for the glorious splendor of Your majesty and the power of Your awe-inspiring acts. Your power is unlimited . . . absolute . . . beyond imagining. You are able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or dream of. Who is like You, 'majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?'</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> O Lord Most High, Your rule over the heavens and the earth, for You made all things by Your great power, and You keep them existing and working by Your mighty word. You are exalted high above every star and galaxy in the entire cosmos . . . yet You are also "the God of all mankind," the great, personally present, personally involved God who loves, rescues, and takes care of all who trust You. You exercise Your gracious authority over all nations - and over each individual in all the world. There is none like You, the true God, the living God, the everlasting King. </span></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Praise the Lord! Amen and amen!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-57966569052227413692011-06-15T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-15T23:59:00.201-07:00Psalm 146<div style="text-align: center;">Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsl_VWXizUvYrQAPS9HdayalT3WrcEpZzexFnN82traGy7cBd8j5udwQQ55w3gR7iu0HgvA46FRnD_DX7wdmQOMUf5tAmtw0vJIUxJgBvMvaKE7GZz-At0UbKiy267ygjANkQ03hDQVk/s1600/psalm146-5-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsl_VWXizUvYrQAPS9HdayalT3WrcEpZzexFnN82traGy7cBd8j5udwQQ55w3gR7iu0HgvA46FRnD_DX7wdmQOMUf5tAmtw0vJIUxJgBvMvaKE7GZz-At0UbKiy267ygjANkQ03hDQVk/s400/psalm146-5-6.jpg" t8="true" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Psalms 146 & 147 are the last of the Descriptive Praise Psalms - these psalms praise God for His attributes and acts. Psalm 146 and the remainder of the psalms begin and end with "Hallelujah!" Some Bible translations read "Praise the Lord!" In Psalm 146, the psalmist:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>engages himself to praise God (v. 1-2)</li>
<li>engages other to trust in Him, which is one way of praising Him </li>
<li>he shows why we shouldn't trust in men (v. 3-4)</li>
<li>he shows why we should trust in God (v. 5 - 10)</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Do not put your trust in princes,</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: small;">nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.</span></strong><br />
~ Ps. 146:3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In verse 3, David tells us of the folly of putting our trust in men; man is fallible and mortal. <br />
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<div> </div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For one man to put confidence in another, is as if one beggar should ask an alms of another, or one cripple should carry another, or the blind lead the blind</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">—<i>Anthony Farindon</i></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To trust man is to lean not on a pillar but on a little heap of dust.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;">—<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Johannes Paulus Palanterius</span></i></div><br />
We should trust in <strong><em>God alone</em></strong>, and as in Psalm 144, we are reminded again in verse 5 that a happy (blessed) person is one whose hope is in the Lord. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Whose hope is in the Lord his God.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Ps. 146:5</div><em><strong>The God of Jacob</strong> </em>is a famous and significant description of God. As the true God is the God of Jacob, so the God of Jacob is the true God. He is God alone, and there is no other besides him. Christopher Wordsworth further comments regarding Psalm 146 and the remainder:<br />
<blockquote style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNrihGNgLtAexW6xADWyEuM6XnCqF_EWvB7KdrgJGt1PU9W7D87AE5e87j7katzHS9lOGcP_bL5XTZaEhkc8_WSG7PtZvMyrErD5NK5jaMtAXkX0qNqVreLLcNT85vYdIt-X-3fafMn4/s1600/Psalm+146c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNrihGNgLtAexW6xADWyEuM6XnCqF_EWvB7KdrgJGt1PU9W7D87AE5e87j7katzHS9lOGcP_bL5XTZaEhkc8_WSG7PtZvMyrErD5NK5jaMtAXkX0qNqVreLLcNT85vYdIt-X-3fafMn4/s320/Psalm+146c.jpg" t8="true" width="290px" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">The office of these Psalms is to declare to the universe that Jehovah, and He alone, is <i>Elohim;</i> and to invite all to worship Him as such, by their oft repeated <i>Hallelujah.</i></span></strong></span></div></blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPXQJ-Qmtvyl8QndRPnz59WTBPBeQL6a5qgQ0mdWH-9Ulzbyv-h-rSWgIOLyfSYXhkd2G8_HG5LVdjjzbntGqPZ2w4ye2LEz1kUsrGv91MYWGGirOoB-KRMOoppgSTIERb4hFErlPdig/s1600/Psalm+146b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPXQJ-Qmtvyl8QndRPnz59WTBPBeQL6a5qgQ0mdWH-9Ulzbyv-h-rSWgIOLyfSYXhkd2G8_HG5LVdjjzbntGqPZ2w4ye2LEz1kUsrGv91MYWGGirOoB-KRMOoppgSTIERb4hFErlPdig/s400/Psalm+146b.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: small;"><strong>We must hope in the providence of God for all we need as to this life, </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: small;"><strong>and in the grace of God for that which is to come.</strong></span><br />
~<em>M. Henry</em></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God is worthy of my praise</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God is my help and worthy of my trust</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God is Creator</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God is Judge</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God is my provider</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Lord loves the righteous</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God defeats the wicked</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God shall reign forever</div></li>
</ul><div>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li>Psalm 146 is an entire psalm of praise, and as we read and meditate on it, may we praise Him through each verse.</li>
</ul><div> </div><div>PRAYER:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.</div><div> How I bless You, Father, that You are worthy of my whole trust. May I turn from placing my trust in any person, pastor, situation, or government - and place <strong><em>all </em></strong>of my hope in the Lord my God <em><strong>alone</strong></em>. </div><div> How I thank You for Your provision in my life - that You have opened my spiritually blind eyes and lifted my head bowed low with sin. How I bless You, O God, for my family and my children, for my physical needs, for my spiritual needs, for the countless many blessings You have bestowed in my life - none of which I deserve. Your kindness and goodness to me have been exceedingly abundantly above anything I could ever ask or think. Thank You for knowing the things I need <em><strong>more</strong></em> than I do! Forgive me when I ask amiss, and tune my heart & prayers to Your will. May I trust You more and more each day.</div><div> I praise You, O Lord - and make this prayer in Jesus' name ~ Amen</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-28754529045256220962011-06-14T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-14T23:59:01.024-07:00Psalm 145<div style="text-align: center;">Testify to God's Great Acts</div><br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxdno90-HrUoY-Tlcc60crBficPCJOb2UoKkhPIOmP8DD96zKTZ1XHROGEUpizhsZ9NjAkrdrTsFXA0jU3EOCs150lYSIFMt7VkqHN1Vy7S9ovPJWWMZ9aZeZ0IcUzA7cd-uUAqb111c/s1600/Psalm+145c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxdno90-HrUoY-Tlcc60crBficPCJOb2UoKkhPIOmP8DD96zKTZ1XHROGEUpizhsZ9NjAkrdrTsFXA0jU3EOCs150lYSIFMt7VkqHN1Vy7S9ovPJWWMZ9aZeZ0IcUzA7cd-uUAqb111c/s400/Psalm+145c.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div></div>What a beautiful psalm of <span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>praise</strong></span>! Psalm 145 is also the last of the acrostic psalms - psalms in which the first verse or line begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the next begins with the second, and so on.<br />
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<div></div>The content of Psalm 145 and all the remaining psalms is that of <em><strong>praise</strong></em>. Matthew Henry notes this:<br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>That the book of Psalms concludes with psalms of praise - all praise - for praise is the conclusion of the whole matter; it is that in which all the psalms center. </strong></span></div></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 145 has been entitled "A Praise of David," and the title is appropriated to it, because this wholly consists of praise; it was not thanks, but altogether praise, and wholly praise (~<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thomas Goodwin)</span>.</i> It is also the last psalm in the book ascribed to David's authorship. In this psalm, David</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Engages himself and others to praise God</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">fastens upon those things that are proper matter for praise:</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> God's greatness</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> His goodness</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> the kingdom of Providence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> the kingdom of Grace</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">He concludes with a resolution to continue praising God</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgg9Yvbx5K-yzpq7bqddLZ19Dye_a6d6LKVxa3eG54yEiwOjywuy_Kn8_-t7DYTFVa7iQkuyvmzh2W2kGrksWvleVdzYvLu4-8XRaaqK1BXv_hiTwk3xC-0q1PHAkeQSfPO42X39_bj0/s1600/Psalm+145e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgg9Yvbx5K-yzpq7bqddLZ19Dye_a6d6LKVxa3eG54yEiwOjywuy_Kn8_-t7DYTFVa7iQkuyvmzh2W2kGrksWvleVdzYvLu4-8XRaaqK1BXv_hiTwk3xC-0q1PHAkeQSfPO42X39_bj0/s1600/Psalm+145e.jpg" t8="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">One generation shall praise Your works to another,</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: small;">And shall declare Your mighty acts.</span></strong><br />
~Ps. 145:4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Verse 4 reminds us of the most important thing we can do for our children and the generations that follow us: praise God's works to the next generation, and declare God's mighty acts! Throughout the Bible we see the importance of this:<br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"In days to come, when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' say to him, 'With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."</span> ~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ex. 13:8</span></div></blockquote><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5hrNvNSEp0FLuk6l3uaT7q3H4H1qdGrhwUay9OUD4dngiV6zNW5i_QdovWKw5Y6_5X4FhzW_k58Mo0l-CxKD0ZTmmWkG-ArfxAPefjfujw3jz8yR2-vdIY8pImMiT3mGfcr9DpRPw1U/s1600/Psalm+145b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5hrNvNSEp0FLuk6l3uaT7q3H4H1qdGrhwUay9OUD4dngiV6zNW5i_QdovWKw5Y6_5X4FhzW_k58Mo0l-CxKD0ZTmmWkG-ArfxAPefjfujw3jz8yR2-vdIY8pImMiT3mGfcr9DpRPw1U/s320/Psalm+145b.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">The <span class="nivsmallcaps">Lord</span> is near to all who call on Him,</span></strong> <br />
<div class="TXTTWO"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">to all who call on Him in truth. </span></strong></div><div class="VRSONE"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;</span></strong></div><div class="TXTTWO"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">He hears their cry and saves them. </span></strong></div><div class="TXTTWO">~ Ps. 145:18-19</div></td></tr>
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<div></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">We are reminded in verses 18 - 19 to call upon the Lord with the desires of our hearts. We've discussed in previous psalms that our God is not a great "genie in the sky" who grants all our wishes - but rather our prayers are means by which the desires of our hearts become molded and shaped into the desires of God's heart. Robert Leighton says it well:</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
<div></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>True prayer never comes weeping home: I shall get either what I ask, or what I ought to have asked</strong></span>."</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Robert Leighton</span></span></div><br />
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<div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The notes in my Bible list 2 key verses in the Book of Psalms - one is Psalm 145:21:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLroNwZRmJHlGXk7YcUqOOoa8W-cWi2mrFyk1BaKcDqF6VLo7Oa070zsvwSkYpPsKpWZvhL1MCzRGdedX8gzJlnBppHgiTVWGkEhku4vcVJzS7JEloiFnLO8VurxFchBja2AX-4Ez2lI/s1600/Psalm+145b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLroNwZRmJHlGXk7YcUqOOoa8W-cWi2mrFyk1BaKcDqF6VLo7Oa070zsvwSkYpPsKpWZvhL1MCzRGdedX8gzJlnBppHgiTVWGkEhku4vcVJzS7JEloiFnLO8VurxFchBja2AX-4Ez2lI/s400/Psalm+145b.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,</span><br />
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">And all flesh shall bless His holy name</span><br />
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Forever and ever.</span><br />
~ Ps. 145:21</td></tr>
</tbody></table>WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>The Lord is great, and greatly to be praised</li>
<li>God's greatness is unsearchable</li>
<li>The Lord is gracious and full of compassion</li>
<li>The Lord is slow to anger and great in mercy</li>
<li>God's tender mercies are over all His works</li>
<li>God's kingdom is everlasting</li>
<li>The Lord upholds those who fall</li>
<li>God is righteous in all His ways</li>
<li>God fulfills the desires of those who fear Him</li>
<li>God hears my cry</li>
<li>The Lord preserves all who love Him</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>By meditating on Psalm 145, like David I can praise God through every verse!</li>
</ul>PRAYER:<br />
<br />
<div> I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. May I bless You every day, and praise Your name forever. You are great, O Lord, and greatly to be praised. My heart is full of praise for Your unsearchable greatness.</div><div> Father, I pray that my children will trust and love You all of their lives; that our family will praise Your works one generation to another. </div><div> When I see Your creation may I pause to meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works. </div><div> How I bless You, Father, that You are gracious and full of compassion towards Your children, slow to anger and great in mercy. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.</div><div> O Lord, my eyes look expectantly to You for Your provision, and I bless You for upholding me when I fall. Thank You for being near when I call upon You. Thank You that You hear my cry, and have saved me through Your Son Jesus Christ. May my mouth speak of the praise of the Lord and bless Your holy name forever ~ Amen</div><div> </div><div> </div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-32559842525784525292011-06-13T23:59:00.001-07:002011-06-14T06:52:52.483-07:00Psalm 144<div style="text-align: center;">What is Man? </div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF08k-P19wxFetv2tzBe5WysLF_SO22f2EbQP9bGP5Fqm2Y0guG1-0WPrydQXWUFl3uxtmJSeYCSZDsDjedOIJksd4eg7CNw3weniLq7FnjxTdcUp5F0vTow5Gpj9ONCKf5fK2Es1F2OQ/s1600/Psalm+144b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF08k-P19wxFetv2tzBe5WysLF_SO22f2EbQP9bGP5Fqm2Y0guG1-0WPrydQXWUFl3uxtmJSeYCSZDsDjedOIJksd4eg7CNw3weniLq7FnjxTdcUp5F0vTow5Gpj9ONCKf5fK2Es1F2OQ/s320/Psalm+144b.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div></div><div></div>Psalm 144 is the last of the "<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>imprecatory</strong></span>" (<em>'to call down a curse'</em>) psalms. The psalms that we have studied of this type (Ps. 7, 35, 40, 55, 58-59, 69,79, 109, 137, 144) invoke divine judgment on one's enemies. If they should seem unreasonably harsh to the reader, consider these things:<br />
<ol><li>they call for divine justice rather than human vengeance</li>
<li>they ask for God to punish the wicked and thus vindicate His righteousness</li>
<li>they condemn sin</li>
<li>even Jesus calls down a curse on several cities and tells His disciples to curse cities that do not receive the gospel (see Matt. 10:14-15)</li>
</ol><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In these imprecatory psalms, David begs that God will give judgment upon his persecutors in His faithfulness as Judge of right and wrong.</span> </div></blockquote>In Psalm 144: <br />
<ul><li>David acknowledges with triumph and thankfulness the great goodness of God to him in advancing him to the government of Israel</li>
<li>He prays to God to help against the enemies who threaten him</li>
<li>He rejoices in the assurance of victory over them</li>
<li>He prays for the prosperity of his own kingdom </li>
</ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6buR4mG3utrEym3ZbJZ5oYDVZcpyB00igXuIZTuQzzMv8A7c-rgHgqsvQvkeZuosQJpM75hvqTzHii68YWOFy71vfBDH0qspBtipJergIPtFVxeOF50LDDku2WkkK-H-RNiMcqixTTk/s1600/Psalm+144a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6buR4mG3utrEym3ZbJZ5oYDVZcpyB00igXuIZTuQzzMv8A7c-rgHgqsvQvkeZuosQJpM75hvqTzHii68YWOFy71vfBDH0qspBtipJergIPtFVxeOF50LDDku2WkkK-H-RNiMcqixTTk/s400/Psalm+144a.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>As a king & commander of the army, King David praises God</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>for helping him in those responsibilities.</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I love the way in verse 1 that David acknowledges his dependence upon God. May we follow his example in all things!</div><br />
<div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Verses 3-4 talk of the brevity of life, which should serve as a reminder to us curb pride and arrogance. We should also note that, though brief and fragile, <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em><span style="color: blue;">our lives are of supreme concern to God</span></em></strong>. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeyHUd0rbnIbiCIwCzOl1KAqlgRI4W1tHJbedxoTWb67dRlyOZilpnvKZST9BRTkyk7zjL1EygsfautzbKl11p7jqaw1KwNwOEmSeAa_aD36jH3m8LQGNAuXu9vYxndKp6CJ9_-BDGQU/s1600/Psalm+144c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeyHUd0rbnIbiCIwCzOl1KAqlgRI4W1tHJbedxoTWb67dRlyOZilpnvKZST9BRTkyk7zjL1EygsfautzbKl11p7jqaw1KwNwOEmSeAa_aD36jH3m8LQGNAuXu9vYxndKp6CJ9_-BDGQU/s400/Psalm+144c.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Man is like a breath,</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>His days are like a passing shadow.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 144:3-4<br />
<br />
<div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJQKpjSuxGVeVOtSnvuSnSx9wTyaOLhXThWGS_bb6Kfwof54X4fTHVSCCU9Zu0ft05ETrQ3Zm1wZiPqNDpOY1bgoDQuMWHy47fBLr1k02A-F-AT21rts9hDD92CvbVhAN6ZvMUrW4OPU/s1600/Psalm+144d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJQKpjSuxGVeVOtSnvuSnSx9wTyaOLhXThWGS_bb6Kfwof54X4fTHVSCCU9Zu0ft05ETrQ3Zm1wZiPqNDpOY1bgoDQuMWHy47fBLr1k02A-F-AT21rts9hDD92CvbVhAN6ZvMUrW4OPU/s320/Psalm+144d.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.</span></strong><br />
~ Ps. 144:15</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div></div>In verse 15, other Bible translations use the word "<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>blessed</strong></span>" or "<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>joyful</strong></span>." <br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Such were His people . . . but they had Jehovah for their God; and in Him had a ceaseless fountain of strength, protection, earthly blessings, and eternal mercies!</span> ~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Clarke</span></div><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why not take a minute to pause today and truly meditate on what it means to have God, Yahweh, the God of the Universe, as <strong><em>your</em></strong> Lord!</span> <br />
<br />
<div></div>John Gill makes this observation regarding God's children:<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, happy is that people whose God is the Lord. Not only their Creator, but as their God in covenant . . . whom He has loved, chosen, redeemed, adopted, justified, pardoned, regenerated, and sanctified; for all that God has are theirs; all His perfections are on their side and for their good; He is their portion, shield, reward, and their all in all; His covenant, its blessings and promises, are all theirs. </span></blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Lord takes care of them, sets a guard about them, resents all injuries done them, prevents the designs of their enemies, makes all things work together for their good, provides all things necessary for them for time and eternity, and will be their God and guide even unto death; covenant interest always continues, and therefore such must be ever happy. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> ~ <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">John Gill</span></em></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">AMEN and AMEN !!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">God is my Rock, my lovingkindness, my fortress, my high tower, my shield, my refuge</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Times;">God fights my battles and </span><span style="font-family: Times;">rescues me from my enemies</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">God is my Lord, and the benefits of being His child fill me with joy</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span> <span style="font-family: Times;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">I praise God that my battles, my times, my life, are in His hand</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">I bless God that He is my Lord - of the unspeakable joy that is mine because I am His!</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">PRAYER: remember Day 1 of our Psalms study? We talked about using the Psalms study to improve our prayer life - by praying each day's Psalm - praying God's words - back to Him. Pastor Bob Hostetler does an excellent job praying Psalm 144 back to the Lord:</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #073763;"><strong>Praise be to You, LORD my Rock, <br />
You are my loving God <br />
and my sure defense, <br />
my castle keep, <br />
and my reinforcement, <br />
my armor and my shield, <br />
in whom I am kept safe.<br />
You lay my enemies low. <br />
<br />
I don't know why you care for me, <br />
why you give me a thought. <br />
Like all men, my life is here today, <br />
gone tomorrow. <br />
My whole life span is not even a blink<br />
of eternity's eye. <br />
<br />
But you do care for me, Lord, <br />
you do take thought of me. <br />
So come, O LORD, come down. <br />
Rip open the skies and come down; <br />
stand on the mountains, so that they smoke.<br />
Throw your lightning bolts <br />
and scatter all who attack and oppress your people. <br />
<br />
Reach down your hand from on high; <br />
lift me out of the flooding waters <br />
and save me from all who lie <br />
and do evil. <br />
<br />
Give me yet another new song to sing to you, God; <br />
add one more praise song to my repertoire, <br />
one more victory chant to praise you with. <br />
<br />
Continue to build up my son<br />
and make him a mighty oak; <br />
continue to make my daughters <br />
like a marble pillar in righteousness.<br />
<br />
Empty me and mine, <br />
to make room for your provision. <br />
Teach me to give freely<br />
out of all you have given to me. <br />
Make my church a tithing church, Lord. <br />
Make me and mine a people of faith <br />
and generosity <br />
and sacrifice <br />
and joy. <br />
<br />
Let there be no disunity<br />
or deception <br />
or disobedience <br />
in our midst. <br />
<br />
Give us the gift of Instant Obedience, Lord. <br />
Grant that we may do what you say <br />
the moment you say it. <br />
<br />
Blessed are the people of whom this is true; <br />
blessed are the people<span style="color: #ffeedd;"> </span>whose God is the Lord!</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-9920759292048133652011-06-12T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-12T23:59:00.388-07:00Psalm 143<div style="text-align: center;">Teach Me to Do Your Will</div><br />
<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8icDI6DLNFvfHCDTA97osHqS_kGrdr0hRQlGUUwJYnZTlAB-0W7ie1CFWxYH_zPzCKSAtepBareR_ZT3PqE_VwveLP0wrndCFEPXirteYVyXbBiUklEgM9mL5rNOb-wZ4Yd7Rmm1teI/s1600/Psalm+143b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8icDI6DLNFvfHCDTA97osHqS_kGrdr0hRQlGUUwJYnZTlAB-0W7ie1CFWxYH_zPzCKSAtepBareR_ZT3PqE_VwveLP0wrndCFEPXirteYVyXbBiUklEgM9mL5rNOb-wZ4Yd7Rmm1teI/s400/Psalm+143b.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div> </div>Psalm 143 is the last of the <strong>INDIVIDUAL LAMENT PSALMS</strong>. Directly addressed to God, these psalms petition Him to rescue and defend an individual. Psalm 143 is a prayer of David, full of lament of his distress and the danger he was in. He prays earnestly that God would<br />
<ul><li>hear him (v. 1-7)</li>
<li>that He would not deal with him according to his sins (v. 2)</li>
<li>that He would not hide His face from him (v. 7)</li>
<li>that He would manifest His favor towards him (v. 8)</li>
<li>that He would guide & direct him in the way he should go & quicken him in it (v. 8, 10)</li>
<li>that He would deliver him from his troubles (v. 9, 11)</li>
<li>that He would, in due time, reckon with his persecutors (v. 12)</li>
</ul>Psalm 143 is also the 7th and last of the "<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Penitential Psalms</strong></span>" - these psalms have served as a special source of prayer and reflection during Lent for centuries. <span style="color: black;">Our struggles, our sins, our "enemies" - and the ways we describe them - may be different, but these psalms can draw us into coming before our God, as sinners, with real needs. They can help us come to know God's love and mercy.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoOGcaeCjLxCwt1RYnqpI4hAQr919wrx5cqHp22j6Yjr2VPh8c2gYtfUvM8S5fe6TvLivzqP5bOEtMJUHwtEHugFsENwIw91I6pqND2C2SSJEJBPg9yMyCzYSO1sYeA_ddFujKt6AUj0/s1600/Psalm+143c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoOGcaeCjLxCwt1RYnqpI4hAQr919wrx5cqHp22j6Yjr2VPh8c2gYtfUvM8S5fe6TvLivzqP5bOEtMJUHwtEHugFsENwIw91I6pqND2C2SSJEJBPg9yMyCzYSO1sYeA_ddFujKt6AUj0/s400/Psalm+143c.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong>ever wonder which way to turn? </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong>Hide Psalm 143:8 in your heart</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong>May we, like David, lift our souls up to the Lord,</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong>for He will show us the way!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL1OmiiO9_hFzR1UAzUlKM1VRZ_xHSA5ot8lhVv8UXZKGgFp_FPoTwQcjNt4UUoYJggnRA4ttGL8p7jlutiU9HLdl-NYM3gXItT0kPVG-CtRP3U1_OA8tSDgYIMAmxihHKC6cU0NQrP0/s1600/Psalm+143a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL1OmiiO9_hFzR1UAzUlKM1VRZ_xHSA5ot8lhVv8UXZKGgFp_FPoTwQcjNt4UUoYJggnRA4ttGL8p7jlutiU9HLdl-NYM3gXItT0kPVG-CtRP3U1_OA8tSDgYIMAmxihHKC6cU0NQrP0/s320/Psalm+143a.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div> </div><div>Have you ever thought, "I <strong><em>would </em></strong>do God's will, if I just knew what it was!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are 3 meanings to the "will of God:"</div>(a) <b>Sovereign decretive will</b>, the will by which God brings to pass <br />
<div>whatsoever He decrees. This is hidden to us until it happens.</div>(b) <b>Preceptive (revealed) will</b> is God's revealed law or commandments, which we have the power but not the right to break. <br />
(c) <b>Will of disposition</b> describes God's attitude or disposition. It reveals what is pleasing to Him.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We can't know everything about God and what He wills, but we can know His revealed will - those things He has made known to us. This is also known as God's preceptive will because it contains commands or precepts by which we are to structure our lives. When we sin, we act contrary to God's will of precept. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So what's the best way to know His revealed will? <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Read His Word</strong></span>!! Find out what it says, get to know the precepts God has given us, then act on those things!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">RC. Sproul makes this great observation: </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God sets certain parameters, but within these boundaries there are often many godly paths we can take. If we have earnestly studied Scripture, we can choose among many solid options without worrying about transgressing His will. </span></div></blockquote><blockquote><ul><li>The true mark of spirituality is seen in those seeking to know the will of God that is revealed in His preceptive will. It is the godly person who meditates on God's law day and night. </li>
<li>While we seek to be "led" by the Holy Spirit, <em>it is vital to remember that the Holy Spirit is primarily leading us into<strong> righteousness</strong>. </em></li>
<li>We are called to live our lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. <span style="color: blue;"><strong>It is His revealed will that is our business, indeed, <u>the chief business of our lives</u>.</strong></span></li>
</ul></blockquote>WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>God hears & answers my prayers in His faithfulness</li>
<li>In God's sight, no one living is righteous</li>
<li>God has revealed His preceptive will to children through His word</li>
<li>God is my Deliverer and my shelter</li>
<li>God's Spirit is good</li>
<li>God is lovingly kind and merciful to His children</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise God that He hears and answers my prayers according to His faithfulness, lovingkindness and mercy</li>
<li>I praise God for the sacrifice of His Son, that only through Him am righteous before God</li>
<li>I bless God for His Word and how He has revealed Himself to His children - that He doesn't leave us to flounder but has shown us His will and His way for us</li>
<li>I praise God that He is my Deliverer, and that His Spirit is good</li>
</ul>PRAYER:<br />
Hear my prayer, O Lord - give ear to my supplications! How I bless You for Your faithfulness & righteousness to me.<br />
As David, I pray that You will not enter into judgment with me - I know that I am all unrighteousness, and my heart is filled with praise & gratitude for the gift of Your Son and His sacrifice for me, that I am now covered in His righteousness. I plead Christ and Christ alone before You. <br />
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your Spirit hide Your word in my heart forever, that it would be a light unto my feet and a light unto my path, and I would walk according to Your ways. Lead me in the land of uprightness. In Jesus' name I pray ~ AmenSheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-41946106129518281532011-06-11T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-11T23:59:00.256-07:00Psalm 142<div style="text-align: center;">No One Cares for My Soul</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Attend to my cry,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For I am brought very low.</span><br />
~ Ps. 142:6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Have you ever felt like that in this title - that no one cares about you? No one cares about your sorrows or your troubling circumstances? Clearly David was in distress when he penned Psalm 142. My Bible notes that this is a "prayer when he was in the cave." Possibly either Engedi, Adullam, or some other lone cavern where he could conceal himself from Saul and his blood hounds. <br />
<br />
<blockquote>Psalm 142 is a 'Maschil," or psalm of instruction. David is teaching us the lessons he learned in the cave, learned on his knees - of how to order our prayers in times of distress. Spurgeon tell us such instruction is among the most needful, practical, and effectual parts of our spiritual education. He who has learned how to pray has been taught the most useful of the arts and sciences. <div> </div></blockquote>Spurgeon notes there can be little doubt that this song dates from the days when Saul was sorely persecuting David, and David himself was in soul trouble. His fortunes were evidently at their lowest, and, what was worse, his repute had fearfully fallen; yet he displayed a true faith in God, to whom he made known his pressing sorrows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: small;"><strong>When my spirit was overwhelmed with me,</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: small;"><strong>Then You knew my path.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 142:3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A truth to remember when we are overwhelmed: God knows our path - the situations we face.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Matthew Henry notes:</div><div style="text-align: right;">When our spirits are overwhelmed by distress and filled with discouragement; when we see snares laid for us on every side while we walk in His way, we may reflect with comfort that <span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the Lord knows our path</span>. Those who in sincerity take the Lord for their God find Him all-sufficient, as a Refuge and as a Portion.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>There can be no situation so distressing or dangerous, in which faith will not get comfort from God by prayer. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Divine help is most given when most needed. A refuge and a portion when all others fail. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Man has many friends in prosperity, one only in adversity.</span>—<i>G.R.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">David concludes his prayer with faith in his God to deliver him - for which he shall praise God's name. He believed in God's word and promise to deal bountifully with him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><strong>Good men live by prayer. He who gets to the throne of grace is covered by the cloud of glory, through which no sun can smite by day, nor moon by night.</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">—<i>William Swan Plumer</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">God hears my cry</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God knows my 'path' - each of my situations and circumstances</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God is my refuge and my portion</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">As David, I am totally dependent upon the Lord</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God deals bountifully with His children</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"> HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">I praise God that He hears my cry, even from the depths of my soul</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">I bless God that He is my refuge and my portion when it seems as though no one cares for my soul</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">I bless God that He is worthy of my trust, the One on whom I can completely depend</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">I bless the Lord that He dealt bountifully with His servant David . . . and deals bountifully with me today!</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"> PRAYER: by pastor Bob Hostetler </div><blockquote>Lord, my soul is in turmoil. <br />
I am stricken with grief. <br />
I have no answers, <br />
only sadness <br />
and unrest. <br />
<br />
But, as Henri Nouwen once wrote, <br />
"in the midst of much inner turmoil and restlessness, <br />
there is a consoling thought: <br />
maybe you are working in me <br />
in a way I cannot yet feel, experience, or understand." <br />
<br />
I know that's true. <br />
I don't much like it, but I know it. <br />
So in faith I cling to you. <br />
I know that you are God. <br />
I know you are not sleeping. <br />
I know that you see into my heart, <br />
and that you do some of your best work <br />
in darkness. <br />
<br />
So work, Lord. <br />
Lead me. <br />
Teach me. <br />
Soften me. <br />
Mold me. <br />
Break me and put me back together, <br />
as you wish. <br />
<br />
I will do my best to submit, <br />
to listen, <br />
obey, <br />
and glorify you, <br />
by your grace.<br />
<br />
I will not give up on you, <br />
I will not stop praying, <br />
I will not hold back in worship, <br />
I will not blame, <br />
I will not lash out...<br />
by your grace. <br />
<br />
Let this little death <br />
I am experiencing now <br />
be for me (as it was for Jesus) <br />
a path to resurrection life, <br />
in whose name I pray, amen. </blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-44569176819474017192011-06-10T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-10T23:59:00.412-07:00Psalm 141<div style="text-align: center;">Set a Guard, O Lord, over My Mouth!</div><br />
<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc4EnZ8gNLGXIkxIwoXXujtgXsFab21DWxvL04SP5jnPTu-Fy8vH7nEiUn_VO5-G54TdoUlNvvpVjeT3fKXAMmjjpyxBQPtdvalEaSr93hD36UoK84XVLHVf8FX8as_ZWwOb4iN5t1Jg/s1600/Psalm+141b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc4EnZ8gNLGXIkxIwoXXujtgXsFab21DWxvL04SP5jnPTu-Fy8vH7nEiUn_VO5-G54TdoUlNvvpVjeT3fKXAMmjjpyxBQPtdvalEaSr93hD36UoK84XVLHVf8FX8as_ZWwOb4iN5t1Jg/s400/Psalm+141b.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div> </div><br />
<div> </div><div>Again, David was in distress when he penned this psalm. He prays for</div><ul><li>God's favorable acceptance (v. 1-2)</li>
<li>For His powerful assistance (v. 3-4)</li>
<li>That others might be instruments of good to his soul, as he hoped to be to the souls of others (v. 5-6)</li>
<li>For God to graciously appear for his relief and rescue (v. 7-10)</li>
</ul><blockquote>David was a man of prayer, and he opens Psalm 141 with a plea before God that his prayers might be heard and answered. </blockquote>Verse 3 is a prayer that we should all probably pray before we get out of bed every day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Keep watch over the door of my lips,</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Do not incline my heart to any evil thing.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 141:3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><strong>When Jehovah sets the watch the city is well guarded: when the Lord becomes the guard of our mouth the whole man is well garrisoned</strong></span>. </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"> ~ <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spurgeon</span></em></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Nature made my lips to be a door to my words, let <strong><em>grace</em></strong> keep that door, that no word may be suffered to go out which may any way tend to the dishonour of God, or the hurt of others</span>. </span></div><div style="text-align: right;">~ <i>Matthew Henry.</i></div><br />
<div> </div>In verse 5, David teaches us to <strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">receive the reproofs of the righteous & wise</span></strong>. Perhaps he is remembering the time the prophet Nathan came to him after his sin with Bathsheba that resulted in the physical deaths of two people: Bathsheba's husband Uriah and the newborn son born to Bathsheba & David. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Let the righteous strike me;</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>It shall be a kindness.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana;">And let him rebuke me;</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana;">It shall be as excellent oil;</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana;">Let my head not refuse it.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Ps. 141:5</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIM8JavFgyFPDfp5Vc8Dp6ildECIne7IYCZ6CWWrEuYv1T2lX7wLvl3gaiyqleKZi-zeaJbjZUp-Q1wDakwEFcI9VvClBvcyI2j2e0bm2m2UyBc90oDYexjhMIJWOUBKnBhb4tqxeODoM/s1600/Nathan+and+david.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIM8JavFgyFPDfp5Vc8Dp6ildECIne7IYCZ6CWWrEuYv1T2lX7wLvl3gaiyqleKZi-zeaJbjZUp-Q1wDakwEFcI9VvClBvcyI2j2e0bm2m2UyBc90oDYexjhMIJWOUBKnBhb4tqxeODoM/s400/Nathan+and+david.jpg" t8="true" width="310px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Then the Lord sent Nathan to David . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nathan said to David, <strong>'You are the man</strong>!'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">So David said to Nathan, <strong>'I have sinned against the Lord</strong>.'</span><br />
~ II Sam 12</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Let me never fall under that dreadful judgment of being let alone in sin!</strong></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">~ <em>Henry</em></span></div><br />
<div> </div>Has God placed righteous friends & loved ones in your life? Verse 5 is a great one to meditate on and keep in our hearts - how well do we receive reproofs from righteous people in our lives? May we respond like David and allow those reproofs & rebukes to lead us to repentance and a restored relationship with God. My Bible notes that <em><strong>God's person is willing to accept discipline from good people</strong></em>!<br />
<br />
<div> </div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>As iron sharpens iron,</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.</strong></span>~ Prov. 27:17<br />
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<div> </div><br />
<div> </div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christians sharpen one another's graces, or stir up each other to the exercise of them, and the gifts which are bestowed on them, and to love and to good works.</span> ~ John Gill<br />
<br />
<div> </div>WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>God hears my prayer</li>
<li>Keeping our eyes fixed upon God and His word is our guard against sin</li>
<li>God places righteous people in our lives for accountability & encouragement in our Christian walk </li>
<li>God is my refuge and protector from evil</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise the Lord that He hears my prayer . . . such an overwhelming truth to grasp that my voice reaches the ear of the God of the universe!</li>
<li>I bless the Lord for the God-fearing people in my life with whom I can share accountability and the things of God </li>
<li>I praise God that He is my refuge and will not leave my soul destitute</li>
</ul>PRAYER:<br />
Lord, I cry out to You, make haste to hear me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You, and how my heart praises You that You do hear. May my prayers be as an offering to You, made in supplication of my heart's desires, but bending and yielding to Your will.<br />
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. May grace rule my tongue, that no words uttered shall dishonor You or harm others. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing. I am so full of wickedness and pray that each day I will be molded more and more into the image of Jesus Christ, walking before You and others in righteousness.<br />
Father, I praise You for the Christian friends & family members in my life - what a blessing they are to me, and such a sweet kindness from Your hand! Use them to stretch me, as You did Nathan in the life of David. May we be instruments of iron to each other, sharpening and honing our knowledge of You and obedience to Your word.<br />
My eyes are upon You, O God the Lord, in You I take refuge. Do not leave my soul destitute, but be to me a place of safety in a world of evil. In Jesus' name I pray ~ AmenSheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-3283211593745140702011-06-09T21:01:00.000-07:002011-06-09T21:05:21.353-07:00Psalm 140<div style="text-align: center;">Preserve me from Violence</div><blockquote><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As in Psalm 138. David set before his seed <span style="color: blue;">God's promise as the anchor of hope</span> (2Sa 7:1-17); and in Psalm 139, <span style="color: blue;">God's omniscience as our consolation in danger and motive for shunning evil</span>; so in this Psalm he sets forth the danger from calumnious enemies, and <span style="color: blue;">our only safety in Jehovah, our strength</span></span>.—<i>Andrew Robert Fausset.</i></blockquote>It is believed that this psalm was penned by David when he was being persecuted by Saul. In this psalm, <br />
<ol><li>David complains of the malice of his enemies, and prays to God to preserve him from them</li>
<li>He encourages himself in God as <em>his</em> God</li>
<li>He prays for and prophesies the destruction of his persecutors</li>
<li>He gives assurance to God's afflicted people</li>
</ol>Spurgeon notes this:<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>With this sacrifice of prayer David offers the salt of faith; for in a very marked and emphatic manner he expresses his personal confidence in the Lord as the Protector of the oppressed, and as his own God and Defender. Few short Psalms are so rich in the jewelery of precious faith.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: inherit;">Spurgeon also reminds us that, though David</span> expresses his anger towards his enemies, he leaves vengeance in the hands of the Lord:</div><blockquote><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is to be noticed that concerning his enemies David was often hot in language through indignation, and yet <em><strong>he was cool in action</strong></em>, for <strong><u>he was not revengeful</u></strong>. His was no petty malice, but a <span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>righteous anger</strong></span>: he foresaw, foretold, and even desired <em><strong>the just vengeance of God upon the proud and wicked</strong></em>, and yet he would not avail himself of opportunities to revenge himself upon those who had done him wrong. </span></blockquote>September 11, 2001 - every American remembers that day. No American will ever forget that day. 9/11. The day terrorism struck on American soil, and many people lost their lives at the hands of evil, violent men. Our lives were changed forever that day, and the events that took place that horrible morning perhaps help us understand the feelings David has expressed here in Psalm 140 regarding <em>violent men who plan evil things in their hearts.</em> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmclOIFXrW3QB2XOIXWGRfOmVI-A9CPgUpR1v-SiDnc-JVf7r4bOstka7TUy-HACFvDJHIPeOkbu5pqcQw9BT8S6tPe7If-7AoRAw-OiX8_DAyIQ4J-aDhK5GkwcLGqGKS_uRcUW-WaZE/s1600/ground+zero+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmclOIFXrW3QB2XOIXWGRfOmVI-A9CPgUpR1v-SiDnc-JVf7r4bOstka7TUy-HACFvDJHIPeOkbu5pqcQw9BT8S6tPe7If-7AoRAw-OiX8_DAyIQ4J-aDhK5GkwcLGqGKS_uRcUW-WaZE/s400/ground+zero+cross.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Preserve me from violent men,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who plan evil things in their hearts.</span><br />
~ Ps. 140:1<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Cross erected at Ground Zero, site where the World Trade Center once stood.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjuUB5E2_dsj2lXsm3KNEcSDjomVjL5fWE8afIPYoxTMBFMF6GZcSWXXN9qJD5lpkNhro53poUiR7o7cZHdaehPTNZ6vFjPM9l-02oWwz1apjfQpQOz5YhmJiJMDhVjm1W80W7sJjWkA/s1600/Psalm+140a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjuUB5E2_dsj2lXsm3KNEcSDjomVjL5fWE8afIPYoxTMBFMF6GZcSWXXN9qJD5lpkNhro53poUiR7o7cZHdaehPTNZ6vFjPM9l-02oWwz1apjfQpQOz5YhmJiJMDhVjm1W80W7sJjWkA/s320/Psalm+140a.jpg" t8="true" width="226px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Thou hast covered my head </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>in the day of battle.</strong></span> <br />
<em>~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ps. 140:7</span></em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>When our boys were little, we took them horseback riding at Shelby Farms. A little ways down the trail on our ride, one of the horses got spooked and bucked my son off, then was rearing and pounding the ground with his hooves very close to my son's head, trying to trample him. As I was watching in terror, my husband quickly threw his body on top of Michael's to protect him from the horses' hooves. Even more so our Heavenly Father covers our heads in the "day of battle."<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A captain or prince had always beside him in battle an armour bearer, whose duty it was "to cover his master's head", that is, to ward off with the shield the blows aimed at his head, and which, in the heat of the fight, had escaped his own notice.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">—<i>Benjamin Weiss</i></span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>God is our safety and protector from evil people</li>
<li>God is our strength and salvation, and covers our head in the day of battle</li>
<li>The Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise the Lord for His protection over me, and that evil people cannot ultimately prevail over me</li>
<li>I bless the Lord that the upright shall dwell in His presence, and I am upright by my position in Christ Jesus</li>
</ul>PRAYER: by pastor Bob Hostetler<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Keep me, O LORD, out of the hands of the wicked; <br />
protect me from people who find fault so freely with others <br />
and have no insight into the deceit and hypocrisy of their own actions. <br />
<br />
O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." <br />
Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. <br />
O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, <br />
who shields my head in the day of battle- <br />
<br />
do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; <br />
do not let their plans succeed, <br />
for the sake of your people, <br />
for the sake of your righteousness, <br />
for the sake of your reputation. <br />
<br />
Let slanderers not be established in the land; <br />
may disaster hunt down men and women who wreak havoc. <br />
<br />
I know that you secure justice for the poor <br />
and uphold the cause of the needy; <br />
do it now, <br />
do it here, <br />
do it, please, <br />
that the righteous may praise your name <br />
and the upright will live before you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Amen.</span></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-29536861380754356842011-06-08T20:46:00.000-07:002011-06-09T07:31:54.097-07:00Psalm 139<div style="text-align: center;">Search Me, O God<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXwAhilLmnxLC6eNHByBZ0wotAuMreKbXPcVZxCvHnMR1lfVCzZpulEVcGe9zAlQxLTZf6UbeK1OQv3we_rcg5Ge79nCzHPucnletR-GGiBSKcMvoK9PNajgpyNbkCt7OzL6l9MZXrmA/s1600/Psalm+139b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXwAhilLmnxLC6eNHByBZ0wotAuMreKbXPcVZxCvHnMR1lfVCzZpulEVcGe9zAlQxLTZf6UbeK1OQv3we_rcg5Ge79nCzHPucnletR-GGiBSKcMvoK9PNajgpyNbkCt7OzL6l9MZXrmA/s400/Psalm+139b.jpg" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div></div>It is widely held that Psalm 139 is the most excellent of all the psalms of David - it is a very pious devout meditation upon the doctrine of God's omniscience. It is one of my most favorites for the comfort I gain in knowing and meditating upon God's knowledge of me and presence with me.<br />
<br />
Psalm 139 makes 2 confirmations:<br />
<ol><li>God is everywhere present, therefore He knows all</li>
<li>God made us, therefore He knows us. This is a beautiful truth expressed in verse 1 - God's knowledge, while vast & comprehensive, is<em><span style="color: #0b5394;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>personal</strong></span></span></em>.</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtAVoU_4pBPMdBTDkBYeaUprlFaLfJdeWsp2LIFoTHcjhCLRwZsWKzjz80dNw2OHNT_OdzSoTlAdY-8U1APRVqBzy_rRpL_wYGDSKlv_Z4M3chYla_OaRVI9q3cfntj_zj_fvqPhEA4s/s1600/Psalm+139a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtAVoU_4pBPMdBTDkBYeaUprlFaLfJdeWsp2LIFoTHcjhCLRwZsWKzjz80dNw2OHNT_OdzSoTlAdY-8U1APRVqBzy_rRpL_wYGDSKlv_Z4M3chYla_OaRVI9q3cfntj_zj_fvqPhEA4s/s400/Psalm+139a.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>God has a perfect knowledge of us, and all the motions and actions both of our inward and of our outward man are open before Him.</strong></span> ~ <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">M. Henry</span></em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7c4CTfvKS0EOOYMfdYwjW1VYihyphenhyphenl-lQiqEK8FWefFjX3I5l8WHoFSwXXQBLjD1W74x0-4bT2cqsTcZ5IzqhyphenhyphenWFZoeY06vDV7zU0a6ANurcWzv74PEsWs49_A9fcLBwK1eTs9rjXv2MHc/s1600/Psalm+139d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7c4CTfvKS0EOOYMfdYwjW1VYihyphenhyphenl-lQiqEK8FWefFjX3I5l8WHoFSwXXQBLjD1W74x0-4bT2cqsTcZ5IzqhyphenhyphenWFZoeY06vDV7zU0a6ANurcWzv74PEsWs49_A9fcLBwK1eTs9rjXv2MHc/s320/Psalm+139d.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a>When my boys were small, we had a bedtime story I would read to them entitled <em><strong>My God is Always With Me</strong></em>. It is Psalm 139 put into childlike language and pictures. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I still remember reading over and over to them these words, "<em><strong>When I go up, He is with me; when I go down, He is with me. My God is always with me</strong></em>." I can still see in my mind the pictures in the book of a small child being lifted by balloons, and then a picture of small child on the ocean floor. A perfect reminder to any child of God at any age that His Presence is always with us!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div></div>Verses 13 - 16 are a wonderful Biblical resource to reference in a culture that does not acknowledge the sanctity of life at conception:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For You formed my inward parts;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You covered me in my mother's womb.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My frame was not hidden from You,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">when I was made in secret.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Ps. 139:13, 15</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_QCjUF_M1zPMP7HTjQ9_WYFS1GI7Fwbaqvs8Htbl5pCFxXpet_HmLXgVFuo4lNC-r36s-sh0bH38lm07zFrQj7ZfNAKMrQA8w26pbzyTIu-qsb5DllPAJs7njxeSDHhyphenhyphendDJuZ1QeRlk/s1600/Psalm+139g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_QCjUF_M1zPMP7HTjQ9_WYFS1GI7Fwbaqvs8Htbl5pCFxXpet_HmLXgVFuo4lNC-r36s-sh0bH38lm07zFrQj7ZfNAKMrQA8w26pbzyTIu-qsb5DllPAJs7njxeSDHhyphenhyphendDJuZ1QeRlk/s320/Psalm+139g.jpg" t8="true" width="319px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>You saw my substance, being yet unformed.</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>And in Your book they all were written,</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>The days fashioned for me,</strong></span></div><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>When as yet there were none of them.</strong></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ Ps. 139:16</div></td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA5mviBJxyW8v5XPVc0OdOTMMe-6TORHcOF62I_fezQ9hfkLS16SpgDpMX9iOXBCfpgor_h0qX5Gx81g3LP554RXvQut1SsKIT7us4dgCbOe5xbrG0FtttCbxwEejK28dfiyVMi7Fw4c/s1600/Psalm+139e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA5mviBJxyW8v5XPVc0OdOTMMe-6TORHcOF62I_fezQ9hfkLS16SpgDpMX9iOXBCfpgor_h0qX5Gx81g3LP554RXvQut1SsKIT7us4dgCbOe5xbrG0FtttCbxwEejK28dfiyVMi7Fw4c/s1600/Psalm+139e.jpg" t8="true" /></a> How satisfied are you with your body? Your physical attributes? Psalm 139 reminds us that we are made <strong><em>exactly</em></strong> as God would have us to be!</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>You have hedged me behind and before,</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>And laid Your hand upon me.</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>It is high, I cannot attain it.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Ps. 139:5-6</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you love the thought of verse 5! I pray this verse frequently for my children - that the Lord would hedge (surround) them with His protection, and lay His hand upon them. A good prayer for those we love </div><div style="text-align: center;">. . . and for ourselves too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is so much rich, glorious truth in Psalm 139 - another one of my favorite Bible verses is Ps. 139:23:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Search me, O God, and know my heart;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Try me and know my anxieties;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And see if there is any wicked way in me,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And lead me in the way everlasting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Ps. 139:23</div><br />
Do you struggle with anxious thoughts? Ever felt overwhelmed with anxiety? God knows your anxieties . . . He knows your heart and your struggles. May we give them over to Him and find<span style="font-size: large;"> rest</span> in our souls!<br />
<br />
Biblical scholars claim that, of all David's courageous acts: when he slew the lion, successfully encountered a bear, when he went out to meet the giant Goliath, David was most a man of courage because he was determined to explore the recesses of his own heart. May we follow David's example and seek to know - and turn from - our own sin. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>When holy men perused themselves in God's light, they saw their sins of omission and commission, and prayed earnestly to be delivered from all.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">—<i>William Howels,</i> 1832</div>WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>God is omniscient</li>
<li>God is omnipresent</li>
<li>God knows everything about <em>me</em>!</li>
<li>God formed me and fashioned me to <strong><u><em>His</em></u></strong> exact specifications</li>
<li>My days are written in God's book</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>There is praise for God in each verse of Psalm 139! I praise Him for His omniscience and omnipresence in my life, that I can never escape His presence, that He knows me to the depth of my soul, that I am fearfully & wonderfully made, that my days are written in His book, and that God will lead me in the way everlasting.</li>
<li>I praise God for His hedge of protection around me and those I love</li>
</ul>PRAYER:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Father and Lover of life,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You know the depths of my innermost self,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And You understand me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You protect me on every side,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shielding me from all harm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When You put me together </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In my mother’s womb,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You knew all about me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I thank You for the wonder of myself,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And I stand in awe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At all You have made.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As You know and love me,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So may I come to know and love You.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Guide me in Your ways ~ Amen</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <br />
-<em>unknown</em></span></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-31578223634918824482011-06-07T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-08T08:21:09.199-07:00Psalm 138<div style="text-align: center;">God Answered My Prayer<br />
<br />
<div align="left">The heading in my Bible over Psalm 138 is "God Answered My Prayer." I saw a great quote last week regarding answered prayer, and it is a reminder that "<em><strong>no</strong></em>" is also an answer to our prayers sometimes ! </div><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"True prayer never comes weeping home: I shall get either what I ask, or what I ought to have asked."</span> </span><br />
~ <em>Robert Leighton </em></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9XdLNiZfpceTDESdeb9oayHx0SBXgfQ8KW3DpbNW6wPn5D3HxFjGFmub7SzGK2Dqqj3bNJyhA71Y4d-6Y3uCLmszqQ0sNr-og6WV5NsqBj9OIP4BSuMSKazdrjwnNA6Ce3y5BBmKieY/s1600/Psalm+138a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9XdLNiZfpceTDESdeb9oayHx0SBXgfQ8KW3DpbNW6wPn5D3HxFjGFmub7SzGK2Dqqj3bNJyhA71Y4d-6Y3uCLmszqQ0sNr-og6WV5NsqBj9OIP4BSuMSKazdrjwnNA6Ce3y5BBmKieY/s400/Psalm+138a.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Psalm 138 is a beautiful psalm of praise - it is likely that it was penned by David and in it:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">he looks back with thankfulness upon the occasions in which he has experienced God's goodness to him</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">he looks forward hoping that others would go on to praise God like him and that God would go on to do good to him</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the first of a series of eight Psalms (Ps 138 - Ps 145), probably the last composed by David, a kind of commentary on the great Messianic promise in 2 Samuel 7:1-29:</div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And now, O Lord God, You are God and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">II Sam 7:29</span> </div></blockquote><br />
<div> </div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB45R8A8OuPkc8XMXZPK8ycg0zcTn7BdxIsOrZULmkI697FV7r50GjGhVcxqxJVl1JG-JTmQA_I7qo8Gs3_Dq2h9aH7t7PE814Tz-lLi8kBq4z1AMnFMXGSxXYyodmAXULJUZiq98nIaQ/s1600/Psalm+138c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB45R8A8OuPkc8XMXZPK8ycg0zcTn7BdxIsOrZULmkI697FV7r50GjGhVcxqxJVl1JG-JTmQA_I7qo8Gs3_Dq2h9aH7t7PE814Tz-lLi8kBq4z1AMnFMXGSxXYyodmAXULJUZiq98nIaQ/s400/Psalm+138c.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div> </blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"> Regarding verse 3 above, Matthew Henry makes this observation:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><strong>If God give us strength in our souls to bear the burdens, resist the temptations, and do the duties of an afflicted state, if He strengthens us to keep hold of Himself by faith, to maintain the peace of our own minds, and to wait with patience for the issue, we must own that He has answered us and we are bound to be thankful.</strong></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">~ <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">M. Henry</span></em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though the Lord is on high,</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet He regards the lowly:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the proud He knows from afar.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ Ps. 138:6</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We are reminded again in verse 6 that the Lord loves the humble but resists the proud! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Give me the homely vessel of humility, which God shall preserve and fill with the wine of His grace; rather than the varnished cup of pride, which He will dash in pieces, like a potter's vessel.</strong> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;">~ William Seeker, 1660</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqiMpK97E49wjqLZqtWLNHc7oSeWiNCM613jLrdmpSRxuqCyAsJ5ZqUxPuyrF_2El9EZK-uwAY1WItFxVZGceL55rwKBhoau8CN8YoXHJCs1ddxzP9uTAW4nujf-9xeQEtcjvn83HjqE/s1600/Psalm+138b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqiMpK97E49wjqLZqtWLNHc7oSeWiNCM613jLrdmpSRxuqCyAsJ5ZqUxPuyrF_2El9EZK-uwAY1WItFxVZGceL55rwKBhoau8CN8YoXHJCs1ddxzP9uTAW4nujf-9xeQEtcjvn83HjqE/s400/Psalm+138b.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a> <span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Psalm 138:8 is one of my favorite Bible verses!</strong></span> Don't you love the <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>COMFORT</strong></span> and <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>ASSURANCE </strong></span>found in that truth - that God <em><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will</span></strong></em> perfect that which concerns me. <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>A child of God can find great confidence in knowing that God will execute completely His plans for those who walk with Him.</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><ul><li>God is lovingly kind</li>
<li>God is truth</li>
<li>God answers my prayers - sometimes <em>yes,</em> sometimes <em>no !</em></li>
<li>God strengthens my soul</li>
<li>Great is the glory of the Lord</li>
<li>The Lord loves the humble but is far from the proud</li>
<li>God revives me, and saves me with His right hand</li>
<li>The Lord will perfect that which concerns me - He <strong><em>has</em></strong> a plan for me!</li>
</ul></div>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise the Lord that He<strong><em><u> is</u></em></strong> in control - He has the plan and works the plan, and will perfect that which concerns me according to His plan.</li>
<li>I praise the Lord that He hears, and answers, my prayers!</li>
<li>I praise God for His lovingkindness and His truth</li>
<li>I praise God for His great glory</li>
<li>I bless the Lord that He regards the lowly . . . me!</li>
</ul> PRAYER:<br />
O God, I praise You with my whole heart! I sing praises to You and worship You, praising Your name for Your lovingkindess and Your truth. How I bless You that You hear - and answer - my prayers, and strengthen me with boldness in my soul.<br />
Great is the glory of the Lord, yet how I praise You that You regard the lowly . . . may my heart be always humble, before You and before others. Revive me when I am in the midst of trouble, O Lord - save me with Your right hand. <br />
How I pray, Father, that You will perfect that which concerns me and that which concerns those I love. Work out Your plan for each of us, that we may see Your hand in every detail of our lives and live with thanksgiving in our hearts.<br />
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever. Amen and amen!<br />
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<div> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-86985550689383958972011-06-06T21:55:00.000-07:002011-06-06T21:55:07.274-07:00Psalm 137<div style="text-align: center;">Tears in Exile</div><br />
It is held by most Biblical scholars that this psalm was penned towards the latter end of the captivity of God's people in Babylon. The early lines of this psalm are very well known, as they describe the sadness of the Israelites, asked to "sing the Lord's song in a foreign land". This they refuse to do, leaving their harps hanging on trees. The people of God were posted by the rivers of Babylon, in a strange land, a great way from their own country, where they were brought as prisoners of war. The land of Babylon is now a house of bondage for God's people. <br />
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Thoughts of Zion drew tears from their eyes. The remembrance of the temple of their God, the palace of their king, and the centre of their national life broke them down. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>We wept when we remembered Zion.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 137:1</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The people of Edom had looted the fallen city of Jerusalem and gloated over its destruction. Spurgeon's commentary takes us to the last chapter of II Ch 36:14-20 where we find the melancholy tale of Judah's captivity. Many of their friends had been slain by the sword—the house of God was burned—the walls of Jerusalem were broken down—and they themselves were captives in a foreign land. No wonder that they sat down and wept when they remembered Zion. <br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So it is often with the believer when led captive by sin—he sits down and weeps when he remembers Zion. Zion is the place where God makes Himself known. </span><br />
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The Chaldeans were cruel conquerors. When they saw the tears of the Israelites, the Chaldeans taunted them to sing their sweet songs of Zion, perhaps the Songs of Ascent we recently studied. Spurgeon makes this note:<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is the sweet presence of God with us that makes the soul of the believer sing. </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But when that presence is away, the Lord's house is but a howling wilderness; and you say, "How can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?"</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglclSJtwsttXUpGy7r-9s4jdjtO5Vtjs1n_LUtK1F15tA4sJMWeKD_US6SzNt8yh3dxV1sL7EBQ23BpapV18hddCMUP9Bx2lSeR-JSzR2wzdIHVjKZ8uUDzK6YInTrtJ0Vtlgdzb8KfOk/s1600/consequences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglclSJtwsttXUpGy7r-9s4jdjtO5Vtjs1n_LUtK1F15tA4sJMWeKD_US6SzNt8yh3dxV1sL7EBQ23BpapV18hddCMUP9Bx2lSeR-JSzR2wzdIHVjKZ8uUDzK6YInTrtJ0Vtlgdzb8KfOk/s400/consequences.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This psalm is a vivid reminder of God and His word. <strong>He warned His people . . . over and over . . . of what was going to the be <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">CONSEQUENCES</span> </span>of their sin! </strong>My pastor, Dr. Jimmy Young, posted a wonderful observation regarding this on my church's blog:</div><span style="color: black;"><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">This morning, in my time with God, I ran up against a statement that Isaiah made that stopped me in my tracks: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: black;">“Who gave up Jacob to the looter, and <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Israel</place></country-region> to the plunderers? <span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Was it not the Lord</strong>,</span> against whom we have sinned, in whose ways they would not walk, and whose law they would not obey?</span></i><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">” ~Is. 42:24</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Does that sting? I think it ought to, <strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">because what it says is that our heavenly Father is willing to turn us over to the plunderers when we refuse to obey.</span></strong> That little fact needs to be remembered. When we forget, we toy with sin, and end up in the hands of the plunderers… we get plundered. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I can’t speak for you, but I would rather avoid that. I am not suggesting that He boots us out of the family. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">But that verse states rather clearly that God is actively engaged in administering the consequences of our sin. </span></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Guys, the advice I would give is this: <b>we all need daily reminders of who God is and what He said. Without that, our memories fade, and the outcome is often disastrous.</b> This is not fear-mongering. It is trying to explain why we can’t kick bad habits. <b>We cannot, we must not forget the holiness of God</b>.</span></div></blockquote><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #003399;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Sin is the dare of God's justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love." </span> ~ John Bunyan</span></span></h1></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-ansi-language: EN;">"Above all, at its core, sin is offense against God. Why is it not only wrong but also foolish to offend God? God is our final good, our Maker and Savior, the one in whom alone our restless hearts come to rest.” ~<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornelius Plantinga</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sin matters to God . . . and He will administer consequences of our sin!</div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I praise the Lord that I am forgiven of my sins through repentance and faith . . . that even though I may suffer consequences of my actions, I am ultimately forgiven and will spend eternity with God because of Christ's atoning work!</div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">PRAYER:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> O Lord, it is with a heart full of gratitude that I come before You, thanking You for the forgiveness of my sins because of Christ's atoning work on the cross. How I bless You, Father, that You have regarded my lowly state, and reached down and plucked me from a life of sin and shame to a victorious life as a child of God! May I never forget the words of Psalm 137 and remember Your hatred of sin . . . that consequences will surely come, and that You will not be mocked! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> You are a just & holy God, and sin is indeed a mockery of You.and a contempt of Your love. May my heart be ever soft to my sin and repentance always forthcoming. Receive me, O Lord, on the merit of Your Son Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray ~ Amen</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-78891282164822499842011-06-05T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-05T23:59:00.111-07:00Psalm 136<div style="text-align: center;">God's Mercy Endures Forever<br />
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Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving and commonly known as the <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Great Hallel</span> (<em>praise</em>). Its unique feature is the recurrence of the same refrain in each verse with the stress upon God's mercy, or covenant loyalty.<br />
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<blockquote>Forgetful as we are, things must be often repeated to us. By mercy we understand the Lord's disposition to save those whom sin has rendered miserable and vile, and all the provision He has made for the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ. <br />
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The counsels of this mercy have been from everlasting, and the effects of it will endure for ever. The Lord continues equally ready to show mercy to all who seek for it, and this is the source of all our hope and comfort. ~ <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Matthew Henry</em></span></blockquote><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Praise Him for what He is (v 1-3). </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Praise Him for what He is able to do (v 4). </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Praise Him for what He has done in creation (v 5-9). </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Praise Him for what He did in redeeming <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Israel</country-region></place> from bondage (v 10-15). </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Praise Him for what He did in His providence toward them (v 16-22). </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Praise Him for His grace in times of calamity (v 23-24). </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Praise Him for His grace to the world at large (v 25). </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Praise Him at the remembrance that this God is the God of Heaven (v 26)</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Andrew A. Bonar</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn7K9hvDLJd1-Dxb311TKJ_SYwvdOBOeJJPw8w-ZGoP801IkD3pWh38da939TJ0nTUWs7jQe4aATH9uF1hTHY_rEvs9y5YXNARMi3_Wcb7pw1vBZC4DO1IxUnHeYvv5_CetJw44wHXHY/s1600/athanasios_l0500014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn7K9hvDLJd1-Dxb311TKJ_SYwvdOBOeJJPw8w-ZGoP801IkD3pWh38da939TJ0nTUWs7jQe4aATH9uF1hTHY_rEvs9y5YXNARMi3_Wcb7pw1vBZC4DO1IxUnHeYvv5_CetJw44wHXHY/s200/athanasios_l0500014.jpg" t8="true" width="151px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">St. Athanasius of Alexandria</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When, in the time of the Emperor Constantius, Saint Athanasius was assaulted by night in his church at <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Alexandria</city></place> by Syrianus and his troops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many were wounded and murdered, but the Bishop of Alexandria sat still in his chair, and ordered the deacon to begin this Psalm, and the people answered in prompt alternation, “<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><strong>For His mercy endureth for ever</strong></em></span>.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Christopher Wordsworth.</em></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: right;">To Him who made great lights,</div><div style="text-align: right;">For His mercy endures forever -</div><div style="text-align: right;">The sun to rule by day,</div><div style="text-align: right;">For His mercy endures forever,</div><div style="text-align: right;">The moon and stars to rule by night,</div><div style="text-align: right;">For His mercy endures forever.</div><div style="text-align: right;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ps. 136:7-9</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>"O sun! what makes thy beams so bright?<br />
The Word that said, "Let there be light."</strong></span>~ <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>James Montgomery</em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord is good; His mercy endures forever</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God does great wonders - creation is a work of His wisdom</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God delivers His people with a strong hand and outstretched arm (power & might)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God remembers His children in their lowly state - He knows my need!</div></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">God rescues us from our enemies</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">God makes provision for His people</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">As such a great psalm of praise, a meditation on each verse is an offering of my praise to God as I ponder His mercy - which endures forever - bestowed upon me!</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">PRAYER:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> O Lord, I give thanks to You for You <em>are </em>good! How I bless You for Your goodness to me, and ask that You will continue to impart Your mercy and goodness in my lives and the lives of those I love. You alone are God, and You have shown Yourself great by Your works. How I bless You each time I consider Your handiwork in creation - in the spring season when all the earth seems to come "alive," when at the beach and ponder the might of Your seas, when I see a full moon rising, when I hold a newborn baby. You alone do great wonders!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Father, thank You for Your deliverance to Your children of old - for the way You delivered them from the hand of Pharaoh and brought them into the land of Israel as their heritage. How I bless You that You didn't stop with the Israelites, but that You continue today to deliver Your children, of which I am one!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Thank You, O God, that You remembered me in my lowly state. Who am I, that the God of the Universe would consider me! I give thanks to You, O God of Heaven, for Your mercy endures forever! Amen and amen! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-67674165454990586772011-06-04T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-04T23:59:00.189-07:00Psalm 135<div style="text-align: center;">God Has Done Great Things!</div><br />
Psalm 135 has been called a "mosaic" because it is mainly made up of selections from other Scriptures. It is a Psalm of praise in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship.<br />
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The first fourteen verses contain an exhortation to praise God for<br />
<ul><li>His goodness (v 3), </li>
<li>His electing love (v 4), </li>
<li>His greatness (v 5-7) </li>
<li>His judgments (v 8-12), </li>
<li>His unchanging character (v 13), </li>
<li>His love towards his people (v 14)</li>
</ul>This is followed by a denunciation of idols (Ps 135:15-18), and a further exhortation to bless the name of the Lord. Spurgeon's commentary reminds us that Psalm 135 is <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a song full of life, vigour, variety, and devotion<span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>For I know the Lord is great</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>And our Lord is above all gods.</strong></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ps. 135:5</div><br />
Suppose someone tested you on verse 5 above - how would you answer the question, "<em>How do you know the Lord is great?"</em> Spurgeon's commentary notes these ways:<br />
<blockquote>1. By observing nature and providence.<br />
2. By reading His word.<br />
3. By my own conversion, comfort, and regeneration.<br />
4. By my overpowering communion with Him.</blockquote><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What would you say? </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I read somewhere once where someone was asked about their conversion to Christ and proof of the existence of God, and all of the answers the new believer provided were met with cynicism and doubt. Finally that person simply stated, "I can't deny the change in me."</span></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT8olXOYNx6Dir3LF-PX58Pm2z2ax4fI6c6lIydoqSpyT5_jq1yBd5XS4A-6E5uED3KDaswWveQZbEkTP6vrDS5HEcScPKaA7hnBsbrvB5K4ZTJoOshZAxQgLUSoUBUxFtyTssxebV0o/s1600/Psalm+135a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT8olXOYNx6Dir3LF-PX58Pm2z2ax4fI6c6lIydoqSpyT5_jq1yBd5XS4A-6E5uED3KDaswWveQZbEkTP6vrDS5HEcScPKaA7hnBsbrvB5K4ZTJoOshZAxQgLUSoUBUxFtyTssxebV0o/s400/Psalm+135a.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">No region is too high, no abyss too deep, no land too distant, no sea too wide for His omnipotence: His divine pleasure travels post over all the realm of nature, and His behests are obeyed</span>.</span> ~ <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Spurgeon</em></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many, indeed, disobey, and sin against the will of His precept; but <strong>none ever did, none ever shall, frustrate or obstruct the will of His purpose</strong>; for He will do all His pleasure, and in His way mountains shall become a plain.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: blue;">~ <i>William Slater</i> (-1704)</span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90aPVJzDw59pcfYD39Y8FPbU6Fbtd2wczESHSh_8Eo7WT00mbxQS64ajzPklt5iDCSF_hE5-QDx-Dg0BuZEsWrjTRUxs0BEbT4EkH8JhAJqKur0jbHIT8Vfys3Ulio0snvcsx2BC6Fjg/s1600/Atlantis+storm+1+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90aPVJzDw59pcfYD39Y8FPbU6Fbtd2wczESHSh_8Eo7WT00mbxQS64ajzPklt5iDCSF_hE5-QDx-Dg0BuZEsWrjTRUxs0BEbT4EkH8JhAJqKur0jbHIT8Vfys3Ulio0snvcsx2BC6Fjg/s400/Atlantis+storm+1+%25283%2529.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>He makes lightening for the rain,</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>He brings the wind out of His treasuries.</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">~ Ps. 135:7</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Verse 7 reminds me of that poem <em><strong>Who Has Seen the Wind </strong></em>by Christina Rosetti - did you read it as a child? <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Who has seen the wind? <br />
Neither I nor you. <br />
But when the leaves hang trembling, <br />
The wind is passing through. <br />
Who has seen the wind? <br />
Neither you nor I. <br />
But when the trees bow down their heads, <br />
The wind is passing by. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>~ Christina Rosetti</em></span></div><br />
Wind as always intrigued me, partly because it is so powerful yet invisible. It is as if we could end Rosetti's poem by saying, "<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">when the trees bow down their heads, <u>GOD</u> is passing by</span>"</strong></span> !<br />
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WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>God is worthy of my praise</li>
<li>The Lord is good</li>
<li>God's name is pleasant and endures forever</li>
<li>God has a chosen people who are His special treasure</li>
<li>The Lord is great and above any man-made idol</li>
<li>The Lord does whatever pleases Him</li>
<li>God's might & power are shown in nature / creation</li>
<li>God delivers His people</li>
<li>God is Judge</li>
<li>God shows compassion to His children</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise God for the way He reveals Himself through His mighty acts of deliverance and through His handiwork in creation. As I type this, I am at the beach and listening to the roar of the waves crashing on the shore. I always feel so close to God at the beach, because the power of the ocean is so huge and vast and such a reminder to me of the "bigness" God!</li>
<li>I praise God that His chosen ones are His "special treasure" . . . and that includes me!</li>
<li>I praise God that I can <strong><em>TRUST</em></strong> His sovereignty over all things, even when I don't understand them</li>
</ul>PRAYER:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My God, I will praise and extol Thee with heart and mouth to the utmost of my power. Oh, that without the interruptions which eating, and drinking, and sleep require, I could apply myself to this heavenly calling! Every mouthful of air which I inhale is mixed with the goodness which preserves my life; let every breath which I exhale be mingled at least with a hearty desire for Thy honour and praise. Hallelujah! <strong>Ye holy angels, ye children of men, and all ye creatures, praise the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amen and amen!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Christian Scriver Gotthold,</i>1629-1693</span></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-88764827876672405232011-06-03T23:50:00.000-07:002011-06-03T23:50:00.163-07:00Psalm 134<div style="text-align: center;">Praise the Lord in the Evening</div><br />
Psalm 134 is the last of the 15 Songs of Ascent. This psalm includes a two-fold blessing:<br />
<ol><li>Our blessing of God, v 1-2</li>
<li>God's blessing of us, v 3</li>
</ol>Night worship services were held by the Israelites during the fall festivals. I Chronicles 9 also tells us of Levites whose work in the temple was day and night.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Behold, bless the Lord,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All you servants of the Lord,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who by night stand in the house of the Lord!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">~ Ps. 134:1</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>"And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>who remaining in the chambers were free, </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>for they were employed in that work day and night." </strong></span><br />
I Chron. 9:33</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>And bless the Lord.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 134:2</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The benediction comes from the City of the Great King, from his appointed ministers, by virtue of His covenant, and so it is said to be "out of Zion." To this day the Lord blesses each one of His people through His church, His gospel, and the ordinances of His house. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>~ Spurgeon</em></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">God is worthy of my praise, at all times, day & night</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">God blesses His people according to His covenant with them - this is a matter of great praise because it is dependent on who HE is, not on anything I am or have done!</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">PRAYER: a beautiful prayer by pastor Scotty Smith, and a wonderful, worshipful way to conclude the Songs of Ascent:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="background: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Indeed, our souls find rest in you alone, loving Father, for you have given us everything we need for life and godliness in Jesus, <em>everything</em>. Jesus is the end of our restlessness about a relationship with you; for he is our complete forgiveness and our eternal righteousness. Our salvation and honor depend on what Jesus has done <em>for us</em>, not on what we do <em>for you</em>. Continue to free us from the fear of not doing enough to please you and the arrogance of thinking we could <em>ever</em> do enough to earn your favor.</span></div><div style="background: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> And continue to free us from giving the power of salvation to our circumstances. It’s great when people we love make wise choices and it hurts tremendously when they don’t. It’s wonderful when we enjoy good health and minimal suffering, and it’s often incredibly costly and disruptive when we don’t. It’s a really good thing when we have adequate finances to take care of life’s needs, and even a little extra with which to enjoy creature comforts. But Father, help us to <em>really</em> believe that all we need in life is Jesus plus what you choose to give us. That you love us and that you are in control of all things is enough to know theologically; make it enough for us to know experientially. You are our rock, our fortress and our refuge.</span></div><div style="background: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Because the gospel is true, we <em>do</em> trust you, Father. And because the gospel is good, we enjoy incredible freedom to pour out our hearts to you—when we are sad, mad, confused, afraid, or <em>whatever</em>; for our hope comes from <em>you</em> and you alone. There is no other refuge as welcoming, loving or sufficient as you, Father, <em>none</em>. May your Spirit whisper and shout this good news to our hearts all day long. We pray with joy and longing, in Jesus’ name.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-33918011786703729062011-06-02T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-02T23:59:00.385-07:00Psalm 133<div style="text-align: center;">Beauty of the Unity of the Brethren<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7DPxIzzOqtMqOvBNJATSrGz2evxUlgTGtjK7y-aeFUCOPO2yfyxygfDg_3T_C_9cNfpXkwlzHcbUkXjRdkGxeg7T-O8T5-v4N79YMtsz5gyYws0___ift5vR4aRdQiNaRe_Ux5Y_mVM/s1600/Psalm+133b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7DPxIzzOqtMqOvBNJATSrGz2evxUlgTGtjK7y-aeFUCOPO2yfyxygfDg_3T_C_9cNfpXkwlzHcbUkXjRdkGxeg7T-O8T5-v4N79YMtsz5gyYws0___ift5vR4aRdQiNaRe_Ux5Y_mVM/s400/Psalm+133b.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ps. 133:1</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Thomas Aquinas</span></div><br />
Some Biblical scholars believe that David penned this psalm upon occasion of the union between the tribes when they all met unanimously to make him king. It is a psalm of general use to all societies, small and large, civil and sacred. As Spurgeon reminds us, <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>David knew by experience the bitterness occasioned by divisions in families</strong>, and 'was well-prepared to celebrate in choicest Psalmody the blessing of unity for which he sighed.'</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ, and adorns His gospel. May all who love the Lord forbear and forgive one another, as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven them. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">~ Henry</span></span></div><br />
<div></div><div style="text-align: center;">So how do we flesh this out, this "dwelling together in unity?" In John Gill's commentary, he makes these observations:</div><ul><li>serving each other in love, </li>
<li>bearing one another's burdens, </li>
<li>sympathizing with each other in all circumstances, </li>
<li>forgiving each other offences committed, </li>
<li>praying with one another,</li>
<li>building up each other in their most holy faith, stirring up one another to love and to good works: </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">now this is both "good" and "pleasant"; ~ John Gill </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This concept is especially important for Christians, don't you think? It sends a terrible message to a world of non-believers if those who share faith in Christ can't get along. Of course, there are some things over which we MUST disagree - we must always hold fast to the Biblical truth of doctrine and disagree heartily with anyone who tries to distort the foundations of the Christian faith (example, if someone were to claim that the Bible is not the inerrant word of God)! Below is a good guide for this situation:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Essentials, Unity </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Non-Essentials, Liberty</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In all things, Charity </span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>There are three things wherein it is very pleasant to behold the people of God joining in one:<br />
<ol><li>When they join or are <i>one in opinion</i> and judgment, when they all think the same thing, and are of one mind in the truth</li>
<li>When they join together and are <i>one in affection</i>, when they are all of one heart</li>
<li>It is a blessed thing to see them joining together in duty, <i>in doing that which is</i> <i>good, </i>"workers together with God." ~ <em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Joseph Caryl, 1602 - 1673</span></em></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBK-sIVHQaschSZ2MNE79jKlP9nfZ4Ltrcku5wRkIEVksywpfD7AFvetNSasVZQQ6q7T2Pj9x3369tJkx-tB3aoAPFwWaTQmOe9WzdulPXskISzXGV-rkuhYlL8jYfXtcfRJmzClb0To/s1600/Psalm+133c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBK-sIVHQaschSZ2MNE79jKlP9nfZ4Ltrcku5wRkIEVksywpfD7AFvetNSasVZQQ6q7T2Pj9x3369tJkx-tB3aoAPFwWaTQmOe9WzdulPXskISzXGV-rkuhYlL8jYfXtcfRJmzClb0To/s320/Psalm+133c.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> you have ever experienced strife among your family or even with a friend or co-worker, you know well the PLEASANT feeling David is expressing in Psalm 133 of everyone getting along, dwelling together in unity! </span></div><span style="color: #660000;"></span>When I was growing up, my brother & me fighting and bickering was the ONE thing that would always - with certainty - rouse the anger of my parents and result in our punishment!<br />
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<div></div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMlAZLOfqTyz9Qpe_ZyuxbKn_XjGzYbrbSYS6dcZzWQvx3WV2T3dsfnT2bZS94cCuciF3pTR_kJB_iRoP64gAIe5GCnOKz2-7dWtE9JZqyhpcuR0VqOTIEkMbHXbn96vfZ03t1xcP-fw/s1600/bros+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMlAZLOfqTyz9Qpe_ZyuxbKn_XjGzYbrbSYS6dcZzWQvx3WV2T3dsfnT2bZS94cCuciF3pTR_kJB_iRoP64gAIe5GCnOKz2-7dWtE9JZqyhpcuR0VqOTIEkMbHXbn96vfZ03t1xcP-fw/s320/bros+1.jpg" t8="true" width="256px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hogue brothers, 1991</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When my sons were small and would be bickering, I would read them the Bible stories of Moses & Aaron, stressing to them the <strong><em>value of brothers</em></strong> and how <strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moses needed Aaron</span></strong> to do the things God had for him to do. </div><blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;">The Lord said to Moses, "Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well . . . so he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you . . . and Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses." <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">~ Exodus ch. 4 </span></em></div></blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Mount Hermon was the site of unusually heavy dew, a great blessing in an arid country.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwQ4SGrZ1FSLffaQy-k1EIyJv9k80zINgjw_XaKEeUyiNGJQnBwRPgPvbLIV-aJQWNpxA1nCqt_UOZoEZSn8Bb0N-b4jSTE1TvNm03NsZiZUC3DqctPF5EmCBabXdjY5ZL4pLSM6Bnjk/s1600/mount-hermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwQ4SGrZ1FSLffaQy-k1EIyJv9k80zINgjw_XaKEeUyiNGJQnBwRPgPvbLIV-aJQWNpxA1nCqt_UOZoEZSn8Bb0N-b4jSTE1TvNm03NsZiZUC3DqctPF5EmCBabXdjY5ZL4pLSM6Bnjk/s400/mount-hermon.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Behold, how good and pleasant it is</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">For brethren to dwell together in unity!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is like the dew of Hermon</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Descending upon the mountains of Zion.</span><br />
~ Ps. 133:1,3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>God delights in unity among His people</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise God for the unity with the brethren that is available through shared faith in Christ</li>
<li>I praise God for my union with Him through salvation in Christ Jesus </li>
</ul>PRAYER: by Thomas A. Kempis<br />
<strong> <em><span style="color: #0b5394;">I offer up to Thee my prayers and intercessions for those especially who have in any matter hurt, grieved, or found fault with me or who have done me any damage or displeasure; for all those also whom, at any time, I have vexed, troubled, burdened, and scandalized, by words or deeds, knowingly or in ignorance: that Thou wouldst grant us all equally pardon for our sins and for our offenses against each other.</span></em></strong><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong> Take away from our hearts, O Lord, all suspiciousness, indignation, wrath and contention and whatsoever may hurt charity and brotherly love. Amen</strong></span></em><br />
Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-37168144902236971202011-06-01T23:59:00.000-07:002011-06-01T23:59:00.572-07:00Psalm 132<div style="text-align: center;">Trust in the God of David</div><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 132 is a royal psalm with an emphasis upon the Davidic covenant and the Ark of the Covenant. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">It contains </span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">a statement of David's anxious care to build a house for the Lord (Ps 132:1-7); </span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">a prayer at the removal of the Ark (Ps 132:8-10); </span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">and a pleading of the divine covenant and its promises (Ps 132:11-18).</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Below gives an outline of the covenant God made with David, which David is remembering in his opening verse and prayer: "<strong><em>Lord, remember David and all his afflictions</em></strong>." The <i>afflictions</i> of David here meant those which came upon him as a godly man, his endeavours to maintain the worship of Jehovah, and to provide for its decent and suitable celebration.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Davidic covenant – the covenant with David is the 4<sup>th</sup> of the theocratic covenants, which pertain to the rule of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this covenant, David is promised 3 things:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A land forever</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An unending dynasty</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An everlasting kingdom</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><blockquote class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<blockquote><blockquote class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The role of David’s son Solomon is to establish the throne of the Davidic kingdom forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His throne continues, though his seed is cursed in the person of Jeconiah who was the king under whom the nation was carried captive to Babylon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah prophesies that no one whose genealogical descent could be traced back to David through Jeconiah and Solomon would ever sit on David’s throne.</span></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The ark served as a visible reminder of God's presence with the Hebrew people.</strong> The mercy seat, covered with gold, symbolized God's throne and His rule in the hearts of those who acknowledge Him as their Sovereign Lord.</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<blockquote><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span id=""><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joseph, the legal but not physical father of Jesus, traces his lineage to David through Jeconiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David, however, had another son Nathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His line was not cursed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary, the physical mother of Jesus, traces her lineage back to David through Nathan.<span id=""></span></span><br />
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Notice the care and the extent to which God goes to keep His word and to prepare its truthfulness. <br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The virgin birth guarantees that one of David’s line will sit on David’s throne and rule forever, while at the same time preserving intact the curse and restriction on the line of descent through Jeconiah.</span> </blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">The Lord has sworn in truth to David;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">He will not turn from it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~Ps. 132:11</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmXFDg7c3GOCUpIKL_KCSO3okPL1d1DPAOlEOl9ApHXVpDb1JMWXGlnEMbEHwjbgkppVRz_MtOKzRGlCzsJnbBMumFIcdJhfH6KoS31ApcG7Sz88D8Mlo1m8d-iZaUlAU5bEtrQEUIoU/s1600/Israel+flag+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmXFDg7c3GOCUpIKL_KCSO3okPL1d1DPAOlEOl9ApHXVpDb1JMWXGlnEMbEHwjbgkppVRz_MtOKzRGlCzsJnbBMumFIcdJhfH6KoS31ApcG7Sz88D8Mlo1m8d-iZaUlAU5bEtrQEUIoU/s400/Israel+flag+sm.jpg" t8="true" width="322px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the Lord has chosen Zion;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He has desired it for His dwelling place.</span><br />
~ Ps. 132:13</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</span><br />
<ul><li>Ours is a covenant-keeping God</li>
<li>God's word is sure, and He is faithful to it</li>
<li>The Lord has chosen Zion and the children of Israel . . . and He has chosen me!</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise the Lord for His faithfulness to His word</li>
<li>I praise God that He is the keeper of the covenants, and for the unconditional love of God to keep His word even though my faithfulness is weak & faltering</li>
</ul>PRAYER: I thought this prayer by F. B. Meyer was so applicable to Psalm 132 - clearly God chose David and made a covenant with Him, and clearly God chose Israel to be His people. And clearly God chose me to be His child - F.B. Meyer expresses thankfulness for this very thing:<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lord God Almighty, how shall I ever sufficiently thank You for adopting me into Your family and making me one of Your children? You have taught me to know You, pray to You, and love You. You are my shield and my great reward. Bless me, and fill me evermore with the Spirit of Your Son. Amen and amen!</span></blockquote><br />
</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-71897668268164536892011-05-31T23:59:00.000-07:002011-05-31T23:59:00.739-07:00Psalm 131<div style="text-align: center;">A Childlike Faith</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like a weaned child with his mother;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like a weaned child is my soul within me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Ps. 131:2</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLNCBVwBX8KNtIkIAPaUSMeM6E7MG8nQWOxoi4HBEf_Uq5EeDbuQt0uYnhgGKUIhnrocKrIDb7H5qchB3CcWus5KI-OnbOjeesS-DhKkSSaCXE9F351QSV4q3Kczale0ZARXzAmRvhcE/s1600/weaned+child+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLNCBVwBX8KNtIkIAPaUSMeM6E7MG8nQWOxoi4HBEf_Uq5EeDbuQt0uYnhgGKUIhnrocKrIDb7H5qchB3CcWus5KI-OnbOjeesS-DhKkSSaCXE9F351QSV4q3Kczale0ZARXzAmRvhcE/s320/weaned+child+2.jpg" width="213px" /></a></div>I never really understood those verses above until I became a mother. When my children were babies and got hungry, they would scream and cry. I would say to them, "Mama's coming, Mama's coming" but nothing would comfort them until the bottle was in their mouth and the milk began to fill their tummies.<br />
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But when they got to be toddlers and were "weaned" to solid food, they would sit in their high chairs and wait for me as I prepared their food. They could see that I was getting it ready, and they were much more patient to wait - no screaming and crying because they knew they could trust me - dinner was coming!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have written in the margin of my Bible beside Psalm 131</span> "<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>full trust</em></strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"</span><strong><em> - </em></strong></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">that is the picture the psalmist is trying to depict to the reader. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My Bible also notes that a weaned child is a symbol of <strong><em>contentment</em></strong>. The psalmist has been weaned from a self-centered life and thus finds quietness.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In yesterday's psalm, David spoke of forgiveness and celebrates the blessedness of a man whose transgressions are pardoned. Psalm 131 is a song of humility and celebrates the blessedness of the man who is of a meek and lowly spirit. Forgiveness <i>should</i> humble us.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>A man does well to know his own size</strong></span>. ~ <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spurgeon</span></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neither do I concern myself with great matters,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nor with things too profound for me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">~ Ps. 131:1</span></div><span style="font-family: Times;">I love verse 1 - David's life is an excellent </span><span style="font-family: Times;">example to us of TRUSTING GOD - he didn't concern himself with things too profound to him. He knew he was chosen by God to be king of Israel but he allowed God to move in His own time . . . David didn't push himself forward or take the throne violently. The persecution by Saul lasted about 10 years - he left it entirely to God to remove Saul. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Submission to God's guidance, resignation to His dispensations, contentment with that which was allotted to him, are the distinguishing traits of David's noble character</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Franz Delitzsch</span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A child's heart is one that trusts unconditionally. Like David, may we live our lives with that quiet, contented trust in God!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">God is my Heavenly Father, and I can trust Him with a childlike faith</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">I praise God that I can trust Him as His child</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">I praise God that I don't have to concern myself with great matters that belong to God, or with things too profound for me</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">PRAYER:</div><div style="text-align: center;">YOUR CHILD, GOD</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">O God</div><div style="text-align: center;">With deep contrition</div><div style="text-align: center;">I shamefully confess</div><div style="text-align: center;">My small concept of You</div><div style="text-align: center;">My puny faith</div><div style="text-align: center;">My limited comprehension.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Forgive me, O God</div><div style="text-align: center;">And enlarge my narrow vision.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stimulate my trust</div><div style="text-align: center;">As I concentrate on Your greatness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give me even now</div><div style="text-align: center;">A true perspective</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of Your majestic power</div><div style="text-align: center;">To totally transform the child</div><div style="text-align: center;">On whom You have set Your love -</div><div style="text-align: center;">The child whose name is engraved </div><div style="text-align: center;">On the palm of Your hand</div><div style="text-align: center;">The child who claims You</div><div style="text-align: center;">As her Maker and Master.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your child, God!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">~ <em>Ruth Harms Calkin</em></span></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-82639158722618708482011-05-30T23:59:00.000-07:002011-05-31T06:10:44.259-07:00Psalm 130<div style="text-align: center;">My Soul Waits for the Lord</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUyN9P1g-OHl4sXGgyV9Tm4euISBkKmaNu0SZiN2gbWdRvc9sS9uoARkC12pQ9r_7T2xwUOhb_gErVdil2FYhCTdjuxKbrv8Ozx1yq4RHzpt-Ikf-gl2s1y9gF3zvZQcJ9rBFB1DgEfA/s1600/Psalm_130B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUyN9P1g-OHl4sXGgyV9Tm4euISBkKmaNu0SZiN2gbWdRvc9sS9uoARkC12pQ9r_7T2xwUOhb_gErVdil2FYhCTdjuxKbrv8Ozx1yq4RHzpt-Ikf-gl2s1y9gF3zvZQcJ9rBFB1DgEfA/s400/Psalm_130B.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span>Psalm 130 is an individual lament, known as one of the 7 penitential psalms. In these verses, the psalmist expresses<br />
<li>his desire towards God, v 1-2</li><br />
<li>his repentance towards God, v 3-4</li><br />
<li>his attendance (waiting) upon God, v 5-6</li><br />
<li>his expectation from God, v 7-8</li><br />
<blockquote>This Psalm, perhaps more than any other, is marked by its mountains: depth; prayer; conviction; light; hope; waiting; watching; longing; confidence; assurance; universal happiness and joy...</blockquote><div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span>—<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>James Vaughan, 187</i>8.</span></span> <br />
<blockquote>Just as the barometer marks the rising of the weather, so does this Psalm, sentence by sentence, record the progress of the soul. And you may test yourself by it, as by a rule or measure, and ask yourself at each line, "Have I reached to this? Have I reached to this?" and so take your spiritual gauge. </blockquote></div><div></div><br />
Martin Luther penned these words below in an application & interpretation of Psalm 130- Christopher Miner put it to music in 1997 and it's one of my favorites that we sing at church:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">From depths of woe I raise to Thee<br />
The voice of lamentation;<br />
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me<br />
And hear my supplication;<br />
If Thou iniquities dost mark,<br />
Our secret sins and misdeeds dark,<br />
O who shall stand before Thee?<br />
<br />
To wash away the crimson stain,<br />
Grace, grace alone availeth;<br />
Our works, alas! are all in vain;<br />
In much the best life faileth:<br />
No man can glory in Thy sight,<br />
All must alike confess Thy might,<br />
And live alone by mercy.<br />
<br />
Therefore my trust is in the Lord,<br />
And not in mine own merit;<br />
On Him my soul shall rest, His Word <br />
Upholds my fainting spirit:<br />
His promised mercy is my fort,<br />
My comfort, and my sweet support;<br />
I wait for it with patience.<br />
<br />
What though I wait the livelong night,<br />
And till the dawn appeareth,<br />
My heart still trusteth in His might;<br />
It doubteth not nor feareth:<br />
Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed,<br />
Ye of the Spirit born indeed;<br />
And wait till God appeareth.<br />
<br />
Though great our sins and sore our woes,<br />
His grace much more aboundeth;<br />
His helping love no limit knows,<br />
Our utmost need it soundeth.<br />
Our Shepherd good and true is He,<br />
Who will at last His Israel free.<br />
From all their sin and sorrow. </span></div><br />
Regarding verses 3-4, Spurgeon notes: <em><strong><u>These two verses contain the sum of all the Scriptures</u></strong>. In the third is the form of repentance, and in the fourth the mercies of the Lord</em>:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">O Lord, who could stand?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But there is forgiveness with You,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That You may be feared.</span>~ Psalm 130:3-4</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnQDJqBhWmwplCOqCV14wC5VOTMq1LHZfx9idRD4v0WH6tP-kueg2pjTLwZIPiCnF45ap7miH8VHt3jeAEHD1Sp7nvm5jW8KL420SfAimvsvyBOt_AcismIGp_OxRPCxPqOK9R_fjtTk/s1600/Psalm+130D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnQDJqBhWmwplCOqCV14wC5VOTMq1LHZfx9idRD4v0WH6tP-kueg2pjTLwZIPiCnF45ap7miH8VHt3jeAEHD1Sp7nvm5jW8KL420SfAimvsvyBOt_AcismIGp_OxRPCxPqOK9R_fjtTk/s400/Psalm+130D.jpg" width="362px" /></a></div><br />
In verses 5 & 6, the psalmist exhorts us to wait on the Lord. OK - those words sound great, but . . . how exactly do we do it? What does it mean to "wait for the Lord" - Matthew Henry makes this observation:<br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>from Him I expect relief and comfort, believing it will come, but patiently bearing the delay of it, and resolving to look for it from no other hand.</strong></span></div></blockquote> In practical terms, what is more certain than night and day? We know with certainty the sun will come up in the morning . . . verse 6 reminds us:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>God's covenant is more firm than the ordinances of day and night, for they shall come to an end, but God's covenant is everlasting. </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULKaZr8aMTG3JUuBQAMbvAEtlvw1Mh6-PFPyGNbgiJGgsI6ebEK2ahnMF6tyRSytzl2FyM72QsG0cKicvIbu0DZBBWxXGk8N3DYKEvL0leqGioGaNamM6AMC6BuYsfYXUtkP0XjdnG8Q/s1600/Psalm+130C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULKaZr8aMTG3JUuBQAMbvAEtlvw1Mh6-PFPyGNbgiJGgsI6ebEK2ahnMF6tyRSytzl2FyM72QsG0cKicvIbu0DZBBWxXGk8N3DYKEvL0leqGioGaNamM6AMC6BuYsfYXUtkP0XjdnG8Q/s320/Psalm+130C.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Wailing Wall, Jerusalem</span><br />
Western Wall of the Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God has great things in store for His people; they ought to have large expectations.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Spurgeon</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">God hears my voice</div></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">There is forgiveness with God - He does not mark my iniquities</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">There is certainty with God - I can wait on Him with confident expectation</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">With the Lord, there is mercy</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">With the Lord is abundant redemption</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">I praise God that He hears my cry - that the God of the universe is attentive to <strong><em>my</em></strong> voice!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I praise God for His forgiveness, mercy & redemption to His people, and in my life!</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">PRAYER:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <em>Out of the depths I have cried to You, ,O Lord - Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em> If You, Lord, should mark my iniquities, I know there is no way I could stand before You. I bless You for Your Son Jesus Christ and for the forgiveness that is found in Him. For the abundant redemption for all my iniquities, my heart praises You forever. </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em> Thank You, O God, that we can wait with certainty on You, that our hope in You is not in vain. Bear me up and strengthen my heart to wait on You with patience . . . as sure as night follows day, even more sure the Creator whose hand made them both. May I trust You more and more. In Jesus' name I pray ~ Amen</em></div><div><br />
<blockquote></blockquote></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-65664949404667749192011-05-29T23:59:00.000-07:002011-05-29T23:59:00.346-07:00Psalm 129<div style="text-align: center;">Plea of the Persecuted</div><br />
<div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the "degrees" of Christian virtue Psalm 129 corresponds to the tenth step, which is patience in adversity</span>. ~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">H. T. Armfield</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div></div></div>This psalm relates to the public concerns of God's Israel. Scholars believe it was probably penned when they were in captivity in Babylon, or about the time of their return. They look back with thankfulness for the former deliverances, and forward with a believing prayer for the destruction of all the enemies of Zion. <br />
<br />
<div></div>The psalm sings <br />
<ul><li>the trials of Israel, v 1-3</li>
<li>the intervention of the Lord, v 4</li>
<li>the unblessed condition of Israel's foes, v. 5-8</li>
</ul> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMQc0vBX-KtMMJiYz7Pe3uKtUoa2ttJLWhqegJaCLW4OCrH_jBkNBnxkC0OfbofVy8xEomzvM-bjnq1xSiz1NmcITzsB9xVWeNAwWo1w_Q7iDeHK8gesCzv4PIiS7euJw9e0U-XVam-4/s1600/Psalm+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMQc0vBX-KtMMJiYz7Pe3uKtUoa2ttJLWhqegJaCLW4OCrH_jBkNBnxkC0OfbofVy8xEomzvM-bjnq1xSiz1NmcITzsB9xVWeNAwWo1w_Q7iDeHK8gesCzv4PIiS7euJw9e0U-XVam-4/s400/Psalm+129.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Thus, let all Your enemies perish, O Lord!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>but let those who love Him be like the sun</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>When it comes out in full strength.</strong></span><br />
~ Judges 5:31</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we be the people of God, and persist in wrestling against His enemies, we need not fear but that we shall be victorious.</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> ~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Alexander Henderson</span></div> <br />
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<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-hg3HWS7B1YJ0rePd4hLH8MOtkw2Nc-j1BjMyXm-jrKt7WdaQO5fNWQFrS9P9Bxk9l0j_XY5p8jIxsJCNeDHD846KWqEAahfdSDQzwdzOb3jsWHnhLXR9RsrJTqlWcEbbsBQosn6gSU/s1600/sheaves+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-hg3HWS7B1YJ0rePd4hLH8MOtkw2Nc-j1BjMyXm-jrKt7WdaQO5fNWQFrS9P9Bxk9l0j_XY5p8jIxsJCNeDHD846KWqEAahfdSDQzwdzOb3jsWHnhLXR9RsrJTqlWcEbbsBQosn6gSU/s320/sheaves+2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Regarding verses 7 & 8, Spurgeon comments:<br />
<blockquote>In harvest times in Israel, men bless each other in the name of the Lord; but there is nothing in the course and conduct of the ungodly man to suggest the giving or receiving of a benediction. <strong>It would be infamous to compromise the name of the righteous Jehovah by pronouncing his blessing upon unrighteous deeds. </strong></blockquote><br />
<div></div>We see that very thing today . . . a culture compromising God's name by pronouncing God's blessing on unrighteous deeds. Matthew Henry calls it "prostituting" God's name! <strong><em>If we truly know Him</em></strong> . . . truly seek His will and His word, we will know and clearly discern that which is unrighteous and sinful - speak out against it and turn from it!<br />
<br />
WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>God is righteous </li>
<li>God intervenes on behalf of His people</li>
<li>God will defeat His enemies</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise God that the Lord sees my afflictions . . . and that my enemies will not ultimately prevail against me</li>
</ul>PRAYER:<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> <em>Heavenly Father, You know my great need. Graciously draw near to me and protect me in the day of battle, that those evils which the craft and subtlety of the devil or others work against me may be brought to nothing and, by the provision of Your goodness, may be dispersed. </em>~ F. B. Meyer</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-82130928965584756072011-05-28T23:59:00.000-07:002011-05-28T23:59:00.192-07:00Psalm 128<div style="text-align: center;">Blessing on the House of the God-Fearing</div><br />
This is a family-psalm in that through these verses we are taught that the prosperity of our families depends upon the blessing of God - and the only way to obtain that blessing is to live in the fear of God and in obedience to Him.<br />
<br />
Like all the songs of degrees, it has an eye to Zion and Jerusalem, which are both expressly mentioned, and it closes like Psalms 125, 130, and 131, with an allusion to Israel.<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.</strong></span><br />
~ Ps. 128:1<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: right;">~ Ps. 128:4</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwQim8aqxA9C2oi4kmqbg6Q1-RdS1GboV7Ght43vXVh-OtML5Cjp6bCbEbJFm4aGVc2xWMt27NAQakMIHd79ZpFjb-LeO8gT1JsgDaE9r6sLuZ8ULW86ACFXp6zAP6RxFqQug-Ako6T0/s1600/cornerstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwQim8aqxA9C2oi4kmqbg6Q1-RdS1GboV7Ght43vXVh-OtML5Cjp6bCbEbJFm4aGVc2xWMt27NAQakMIHd79ZpFjb-LeO8gT1JsgDaE9r6sLuZ8ULW86ACFXp6zAP6RxFqQug-Ako6T0/s200/cornerstone.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fear of God is the cornerstone of all blessedness. </span><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Spurgeon exhorts us to cultivate that holy fear of Jehovah which is the essence of all true religion; -- the fear of reverence, of dread to offend, of anxiety to please, and of entire submission and obedience. </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>This fear of the Lord is the fit fountain of holy living: we look in vain for holiness apart from it: none but those who fear the Lord will ever walk in his ways. ~ <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Spurgeon</em></span></blockquote></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>If the heart is joined unto God, the feet will follow hard after him.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">God blesses those who fear Him and walk in His ways</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">I praise the Lord for His blessings in my life!</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">PRAYER: by Ruth Myers</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <em>Dear Father, what a delight to know that as I focus on the Lord Jesus, You transform me into His image by Your Spirit within me. You work in me that which is pleasing in Your eyes. You strengthen my heart in every good work and every good word, so that more and more I honor Christ by the way I live. </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em> Fairest Lord Jesus! You alone are my heart's desire . . . my chief delight . . . my soul's glory, joy and crown. Every advantage life can offer is like rubbish compared with the overwhelming gain of knowing You. You are worthy Lord - worthy to be thanked and praised and worshipped and adored. Amen and amen!</em></div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878952668132058110.post-91570331549233929862011-05-27T23:59:00.000-07:002011-05-27T23:59:00.862-07:00Psalm 127<div style="text-align: center;">Children are God's Heritage</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Psalm 127 is a psalm for families, and also known as the "Builder's Psalm."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Spurgeon notes that here we are taught that builders of houses and cities, systems and fortunes, empires and churches all labour in vain without the Lord; but under the divine favour they enjoy perfect rest. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFC9uTPrqZswrves1uA3MZG7-723meDyQmobrmjpF9LLaVlkM-a0Xf4aP-kSP3QjHbGJnvVd_k-0Mp0RgP_Qsqzdc3GEsfBq8PBYfVeVp59FVNs8s4MtlZk2Dx6-jSk4jJVQlPuzFK78/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFC9uTPrqZswrves1uA3MZG7-723meDyQmobrmjpF9LLaVlkM-a0Xf4aP-kSP3QjHbGJnvVd_k-0Mp0RgP_Qsqzdc3GEsfBq8PBYfVeVp59FVNs8s4MtlZk2Dx6-jSk4jJVQlPuzFK78/s400/house.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Unless the Lord builds the house,</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">They labor in vain who build it.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">~ Ps. 127:1</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">My Bible notes: <strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><em>Efforts to develop a family or community apart from God will lead nowhere.</em></span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xWQY47w9L_KhJbDH1AsSLtZHjoFthKytYHJ3SOh5dEIEuZsO8LGJ-uiCLveGWeNfzqMton8QL9IRtTuzD6GhPtZlyWE3mZNBG0AuveoIDFDKvSjw9UtQMOMWd9Z2Hlc_TND-b55SMe4/s1600/tower-of-babel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xWQY47w9L_KhJbDH1AsSLtZHjoFthKytYHJ3SOh5dEIEuZsO8LGJ-uiCLveGWeNfzqMton8QL9IRtTuzD6GhPtZlyWE3mZNBG0AuveoIDFDKvSjw9UtQMOMWd9Z2Hlc_TND-b55SMe4/s320/tower-of-babel1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Come, let us build ourselves a city, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">and a tower whose top is in the heavens.</span><br />
~ Gen. 11:4</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Remember the Biblical account of the Tower of Babel: in vain the people toiled for the Lord's face was against them. God intervened to prevent the builders of Babel from partaking of the power an glory that belongs only to Him. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without God, we are nothing. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Much can be done by man; he can both labour and watch; but without the Lord he has accomplished nothing, and his wakefulness has not warded off evil.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Spurgeon</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg7xnKCQ4iQ-8cr62l7DqaGkgaDZ8pATv967slmExifB7J3ac2RrzPNnXoGnKyFLouTc_0YdCWtxBwemcXxnqc9vzpteoq8_LHGDfzR0p0yp2y4nYQUSNhFYc8Brlhu2-h1rGwiBMxTY/s1600/children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg7xnKCQ4iQ-8cr62l7DqaGkgaDZ8pATv967slmExifB7J3ac2RrzPNnXoGnKyFLouTc_0YdCWtxBwemcXxnqc9vzpteoq8_LHGDfzR0p0yp2y4nYQUSNhFYc8Brlhu2-h1rGwiBMxTY/s320/children.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.</span></strong><br />
~ Ps. 127:3</td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">John Howard Hinton's daughter said to him as she knelt by his death bed:—</span>"<strong>There is no greater blessing than for children to have godly parents."</strong> "<strong>And the next</strong>", <span style="color: black;">said the dying father, with a beam of gratitude</span>, "<strong>for parents to have godly children.</strong>"—</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Memoir in Baptist Handbook</i>, 1875</span>.</div> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Sons (children), who are in the Hebrew called "builders", are set forth as building up families under the same divine blessing, to the great honour and happiness of their parents. ~ <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spurgeon</span></em><br />
<br />
WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>Without God, we are nothing - our toil is in vain</li>
<li>Children are a heritage from the Lord</li>
</ul>HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:<br />
<ul><li>I praise God that He comes alongside His children with His divine favor and blessing</li>
<li>I bless God and praise Him for the children He has given to me!</li>
</ul>PRAYER:<br />
<em> I beseech You, O Lord, to bless those I love. Minister to them as I would, could I be by their side, and better than I could because Your thoughts and ways are so much more tender and helpful than mine could be. Keep them safe beneath Your wing. Amen and amen! ~</em> <span style="font-size: x-small;">F. B. Meyer</span><br />
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</div>Sheri Hoguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15834943684748783617noreply@blogger.com0