Are there basically two paths in life, following the wicked or the upright in heart? Where do those two choices lead? Let’s look at Psalm 94.
Does God, as judge of the earth, avenge us against the proud and wicked?
The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? (Ps 94:1-3 NIV)
Do the words and actions of the proud and wicked reveal who they really are?
They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. They break in pieces Your people, O Lord, And afflict Your heritage. They slay the widow and the stranger, And murder the fatherless. Yet they say, “The Lord does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob understand.” (Ps 94:4-7 NKJV)
Again do we find the use of ad hominem, a personal attack, calling people fools, which is appropriate if the persons being addressed are the problem?
Think again, you fools! When will you finally catch on? Is he deaf—the one who made your ears? Is he blind—the one who formed your eyes? He punishes the nations—won’t he also punish you? He knows everything—doesn’t he also know what you are doing? The Lord knows people’s thoughts; he knows they are worthless! (Ps 94:8-11 NLT)
We know that the wicked are faulty but aren’t we all? Don’t we all need God’s discipline? Is the difference that some learn, while others reject it?
Blessed is the man whom you discipline, Yah, and teach out of your law, that you may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. For Yahweh won’t reject his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. For judgment will return to righteousness. All the upright in heart shall follow it. (Ps 94:12-15 WEB)
Do we trust that there is someone in heaven who will stand up for us against wicked evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against the wicked? Who will help me against evildoers? If the Lord hadn’t helped me, I would live instantly in total silence. Whenever I feel my foot slipping, your faithful love steadies me, Lord. When my anxieties multiply, your comforting calms me down. (Ps 94:16-19 CEB)
Is God opposed to dishonest lawmakers who legislate against the lives of innocent victims?
But you are opposed to dishonest lawmakers who gang up to murder innocent victims. You, Lord God, are my fortress, that mighty rock where I am safe. You will pay back my enemies, and you will wipe them out for the evil they did. (Ps 94:20-23 CEV)
While persecution is not something any of us chooses, can we rejoice that God uses it to enormously bless those who suffer?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mat 5:10-12 ESV)
Are there basically two paths in life, following the wicked or the upright in heart? Where do those two choices lead? You decide!
The Lord Reigns (Psalm 93)
Does God reign from eternity past? Do we trust His testimonies as faithful? Let’s look at Psalm 93.
Does God need to win any battles to take His place in the universe, or does He just reign? Will there always be an earth, even though it will some day be made new for eternity?
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. (Ps 93:1 ESV)
Does God sit on a throne established from eternity past?
Your throne has been established from the beginning; You are from eternity. (Ps 93:2 HCSB)
Can a flood be mighty and loud, crushing things in its path?
The rivers have flooded, Lord; the rivers have spoken aloud, the rivers have lifted up their crushing waves. (Ps 93:3 ISV)
Is God mightier than even the greatest storm waves in the ocean?
The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Ps 93:4 KJV)
Do hundreds of fulfilled prophecies, historic accuracy proven by archaeology, a consistent message though over 40 authors over 1,500 years, with far more abundant manuscript evidence than any other literature in history, show the Bible is a faithful and holy book?
Your testimonies are very faithful; Holiness befits Your house, O Yahweh, forevermore. (Ps 93:5 LSB)
Did Jesus prove that He, as God with us, has such power over the sea?
And behold, a violent storm developed on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Mat 8:24-27 NASB)
Does God reign from eternity past? Do we trust His testimonies as faithful? You decide!
Does God need to win any battles to take His place in the universe, or does He just reign? Will there always be an earth, even though it will some day be made new for eternity?
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. (Ps 93:1 ESV)
Does God sit on a throne established from eternity past?
Your throne has been established from the beginning; You are from eternity. (Ps 93:2 HCSB)
Can a flood be mighty and loud, crushing things in its path?
The rivers have flooded, Lord; the rivers have spoken aloud, the rivers have lifted up their crushing waves. (Ps 93:3 ISV)
Is God mightier than even the greatest storm waves in the ocean?
The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Ps 93:4 KJV)
Do hundreds of fulfilled prophecies, historic accuracy proven by archaeology, a consistent message though over 40 authors over 1,500 years, with far more abundant manuscript evidence than any other literature in history, show the Bible is a faithful and holy book?
Your testimonies are very faithful; Holiness befits Your house, O Yahweh, forevermore. (Ps 93:5 LSB)
Did Jesus prove that He, as God with us, has such power over the sea?
And behold, a violent storm developed on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Mat 8:24-27 NASB)
Does God reign from eternity past? Do we trust His testimonies as faithful? You decide!
Give Thanks (Psalm 92)
Rather than give thanks to the God that ubiquitous evidence proves exists, do atheists prefer to pursue simplistic and foolish excuses? Let’s look at Psalm 92.
A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. (WEB)
Do we give thanks, sing praises, declare God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness in our churches?
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. (Ps 92:1-4 NKJV)
Do we acknowledge God’s existence because of the ubiquitous design in nature? In logic an ad hominem criticism is valid if the person is the problem.
O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this: Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. (Ps 92:5-7 NLT)
Will the enemies of God ultimately be scattered and perish?
But you, Yahweh, are on high forever more. For behold, your enemies, Yahweh, for behold, your enemies shall perish. All the evildoers will be scattered. But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox. I am anointed with fresh oil. My eye has also seen my enemies. My ears have heard of the wicked enemies who rise up against me. (Ps 92:8-11 WEB)
Will the righteous ultimately be replanted in God’s house and bear fruit? What will they proclaim?
The righteous will spring up like a palm tree. They will grow strong like a cedar of Lebanon. Those who have been replanted in the Lord’s house will spring up in the courtyards of our God. They will bear fruit even when old and gray; they will remain lush and fresh in order to proclaim: “The Lord is righteous. He’s my rock. There’s nothing unrighteous in him.” (Ps 92:12-15 CEB)
Did Paul also use ad hominem correctly, because atheists are the problem?
From heaven God shows how angry he is with all the wicked and evil things that sinful people do to crush the truth. They know everything that can be known about God, because God has shown it all to them. God's eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made. That's why those people don't have any excuse. They know about God, but they don't honor him or even thank him. Their thoughts are useless, and their stupid minds are in the dark. They claim to be wise, but they are fools. (Rom 1:18-22 CEV)
Do we religious leaders heed Jesus’ warning to the Pharisees or pretend that it does not also apply to us even in the slightest?
they do not practice what they preach … exalt themselves … blind fools … full of greed and self-indulgence … full of hypocrisy and wickedness … You snakes! You brood of vipers! (Mat 23:3, 12, 17, 25, 28, 33)
Rather than give thanks to the God that ubiquitous evidence proves exists, do atheists prefer to pursue simplistic and foolish excuses? You decide!
A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. (WEB)
Do we give thanks, sing praises, declare God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness in our churches?
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. (Ps 92:1-4 NKJV)
Do we acknowledge God’s existence because of the ubiquitous design in nature? In logic an ad hominem criticism is valid if the person is the problem.
O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this: Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. (Ps 92:5-7 NLT)
Will the enemies of God ultimately be scattered and perish?
But you, Yahweh, are on high forever more. For behold, your enemies, Yahweh, for behold, your enemies shall perish. All the evildoers will be scattered. But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox. I am anointed with fresh oil. My eye has also seen my enemies. My ears have heard of the wicked enemies who rise up against me. (Ps 92:8-11 WEB)
Will the righteous ultimately be replanted in God’s house and bear fruit? What will they proclaim?
The righteous will spring up like a palm tree. They will grow strong like a cedar of Lebanon. Those who have been replanted in the Lord’s house will spring up in the courtyards of our God. They will bear fruit even when old and gray; they will remain lush and fresh in order to proclaim: “The Lord is righteous. He’s my rock. There’s nothing unrighteous in him.” (Ps 92:12-15 CEB)
Did Paul also use ad hominem correctly, because atheists are the problem?
From heaven God shows how angry he is with all the wicked and evil things that sinful people do to crush the truth. They know everything that can be known about God, because God has shown it all to them. God's eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made. That's why those people don't have any excuse. They know about God, but they don't honor him or even thank him. Their thoughts are useless, and their stupid minds are in the dark. They claim to be wise, but they are fools. (Rom 1:18-22 CEV)
Do we religious leaders heed Jesus’ warning to the Pharisees or pretend that it does not also apply to us even in the slightest?
they do not practice what they preach … exalt themselves … blind fools … full of greed and self-indulgence … full of hypocrisy and wickedness … You snakes! You brood of vipers! (Mat 23:3, 12, 17, 25, 28, 33)
Rather than give thanks to the God that ubiquitous evidence proves exists, do atheists prefer to pursue simplistic and foolish excuses? You decide!
God's Protection (Psalm 91)
If we choose to love God and live under His protection will He rescue us from troubles? Let’s look at Psalm 91.
Where is our place of safety, our military, a wilderness refuge, our bank account or God?
Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.” (Ps 91:1-2 CEV)
As a fowler traps birds, does the world try to trap us?
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (Ps 91:3-4 ESV)
If we make God our refuge, will we no longer fear things like terrors, wars, and diseases?
You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that stalks in darkness, or the pestilence that ravages at noon. (Ps 91:5-6 HCSB)
If we make God our refuge, do we need to be afraid even in the midst of great calamity?
If a thousand fall at your side or ten thousand at your right hand, it will not overcome you. Only observe it with your eyes, and you will see how the wicked are paid back. (Ps 91:7-8 ISV)
What happens to us when we make God our refuge, our place of habitation?
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. (Ps 91:9-10 KJV)
How will God guard us? How are the angels involved?
For He will command His angels concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, Lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the fierce lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. (Ps 91:11-13 LSB)
Will God answer the prayers of those who have loved Him? What does God say?
“Because he has loved Me, I will save him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a long life, And show him My salvation.” (Ps 91:14-16 NASB)
Did the devil quote this Psalm as he tried to tempt Jesus?
“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” (Mat 4:6 NIV)
If we choose to love God and live under His protection will He rescue us from troubles? You decide!
Where is our place of safety, our military, a wilderness refuge, our bank account or God?
Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.” (Ps 91:1-2 CEV)
As a fowler traps birds, does the world try to trap us?
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (Ps 91:3-4 ESV)
If we make God our refuge, will we no longer fear things like terrors, wars, and diseases?
You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that stalks in darkness, or the pestilence that ravages at noon. (Ps 91:5-6 HCSB)
If we make God our refuge, do we need to be afraid even in the midst of great calamity?
If a thousand fall at your side or ten thousand at your right hand, it will not overcome you. Only observe it with your eyes, and you will see how the wicked are paid back. (Ps 91:7-8 ISV)
What happens to us when we make God our refuge, our place of habitation?
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. (Ps 91:9-10 KJV)
How will God guard us? How are the angels involved?
For He will command His angels concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, Lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the fierce lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. (Ps 91:11-13 LSB)
Will God answer the prayers of those who have loved Him? What does God say?
“Because he has loved Me, I will save him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a long life, And show him My salvation.” (Ps 91:14-16 NASB)
Did the devil quote this Psalm as he tried to tempt Jesus?
“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” (Mat 4:6 NIV)
If we choose to love God and live under His protection will He rescue us from troubles? You decide!
Our Dwelling Place (Psalm 90)
Where do we live, in a proud land, one that arrogant nations look down their noses at, or do we live humbly in the Lord? Let’s look at Psalm 90.
A Prayer by Moses, the man of God. (WEB)
In a spiritual sense, do we live in this world or with God?
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. (Ps 90:1-2 NASB)
What is this mortal life? How quickly do we pass away from this life?
You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. (Ps 90:3-6 NIV)
What is one of the most important tasks in a short life of 70 to 80 years?
For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Ps 90:7-12 NKJV)
Do we need God’s wisdom to fully experience the truly great things in life? Is God’s love, seeing Him work in our lives important to us?
O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! (Ps 90:13-17 NLT)
Have we really considered how long our frail human lives are?
Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (Jas 4:14 WEB)
How does our lifespan compare with how God views time?
Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. (2 Pet 3:8 CEB)
Where do we live, in a proud land, one that arrogant nations look down their noses at, or do we live humbly in the Lord? You decide!
A Prayer by Moses, the man of God. (WEB)
In a spiritual sense, do we live in this world or with God?
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. (Ps 90:1-2 NASB)
What is this mortal life? How quickly do we pass away from this life?
You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. (Ps 90:3-6 NIV)
What is one of the most important tasks in a short life of 70 to 80 years?
For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Ps 90:7-12 NKJV)
Do we need God’s wisdom to fully experience the truly great things in life? Is God’s love, seeing Him work in our lives important to us?
O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! (Ps 90:13-17 NLT)
Have we really considered how long our frail human lives are?
Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (Jas 4:14 WEB)
How does our lifespan compare with how God views time?
Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. (2 Pet 3:8 CEB)
Where do we live, in a proud land, one that arrogant nations look down their noses at, or do we live humbly in the Lord? You decide!
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