Are we the kind of people that give a church a bad name, judgmental gossips, or are we filled with compassion and kindness towards those who love the Lord and fear him? Let’s look at Psalm 103.
A Psalm of David. (WEB)
Do we bless, congratulate, or kneel down to praise the Lord?
Bless Yahweh, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless Yahweh, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. (Ps 103:1-5 LSB)
Whereas humanity frequently fails the oppressed, how does God judge these things?
The Lord performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. (Ps 103:6 NASB)
Are we judgmental gossips in our churches, or like God, compassionate and gracious, not rushing to accuse His very imperfect people?
He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Ps 103:7-12 NIV)
Rather than judgmentalism, do we show pity on those who fear God, remembering that we are all just dust?
As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. (Ps 103:13-14 NKJV)
Do we appreciate how short our lives are here on earth? Does the love of the Lord remain forever with those who fear him?
Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! (Ps 103:15-18 NLT)
Do we praise God for His wonderful kingdom, for His word?
Yahweh has established his throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all. Praise Yahweh, you angels of his, who are mighty in strength, who fulfill his word, obeying the voice of his word. Praise Yahweh, all you armies of his, you servants of his, who do his pleasure. Praise Yahweh, all you works of his, in all places of his dominion. Praise Yahweh, my soul! (Ps 103:19-22 WEB)
Is salvation a result of our good works, or are good works something we were created to walk in?
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10 ESV)
Are we the kind of people that give a church a bad name, judgmental gossips, or are we filled with compassion and kindness towards those who love the Lord and fear him? You decide!
Afflicted (Psalm 102)
As the afflictions of this temporary life burden us, are we encouraged by God’s plans for our eternity? Let’s begin in Psalm 102.
A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh. (WEB)
Have we ever made an urgent prayer to God needing a quick answer?
Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. (Ps 102:1-2 NIV)
Are our lives like a puff of smoke? Have we ever felt so all alone like a solitary bird?
For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth. My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread. Because of the sound of my groaning My bones cling to my skin. I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop. (Ps 101:3-7 NKJV)
Do enemies lie, try to scam us, mock our faith, taunt us daily? Have we ever felt like God has abandoned us?
My enemies taunt me day after day. They mock and curse me. I eat ashes for food. My tears run down into my drink because of your anger and wrath. For you have picked me up and thrown me out. My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass. (Ps 102:8-11 NLT)
How long will the Lord last? Does He take pity, have mercy upon Jerusalem, Zion?
But you, Yahweh, will remain forever; your renown endures to all generations. You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the set time has come. For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and have pity on her dust. (Ps 102:12-14 WEB)
Will the nations eventually honor God’s name as God cares for the poor and needy?
The nations will honor the Lord’s name; all the earth’s rulers will honor your glory because the Lord will rebuild Zion; he will be seen there in his glory. God will turn to the prayer of the impoverished; he won’t despise their prayers. (Ps 102:15-17 CEB)
Does God have a plan to rescue those imprisoned and doomed to die in systems that tread on the poor and needy?
Future generations must also praise the Lord, so write this for them: “From his holy temple, the Lord looked down at the earth. He listened to the groans of prisoners, and he rescued everyone who was doomed to die.” (Ps 102:18-20 CEV)
Will all nations eventually gather to worship the Lord rather than idols, or human political systems, or other things of this world?
that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord, and in Jerusalem his praise, when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the Lord. (Ps 102:21-22 ESV)
Even if God allows our lives to end early rather than at full years, do we trust his plans for all generations?
He has broken my strength in midcourse; He has shortened my days. I say: “My God, do not take me in the middle of my life! Your years continue through all generations. (Ps 102:23-24 HCSB)
Who designed and created the heavens and the earth and will outlive them all? Without God’s help, will we?
You established the earth long ago; the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; and they all will become worn out, like a garment. You will change them like clothing, and they will pass away. But you remain the same; your years never end. May the descendants of your servants live securely, and may their children be established in your presence.” (Ps 102:25-28 ISV)
Did the writer of Hebrews quote this Psalm in his letter? Will there be a new heavens and new earth?
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Heb 1:10-12 KJV)
As the afflictions of this temporary life burden us, are we encouraged by God’s plans for our eternity? You decide!
A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh. (WEB)
Have we ever made an urgent prayer to God needing a quick answer?
Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. (Ps 102:1-2 NIV)
Are our lives like a puff of smoke? Have we ever felt so all alone like a solitary bird?
For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth. My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread. Because of the sound of my groaning My bones cling to my skin. I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop. (Ps 101:3-7 NKJV)
Do enemies lie, try to scam us, mock our faith, taunt us daily? Have we ever felt like God has abandoned us?
My enemies taunt me day after day. They mock and curse me. I eat ashes for food. My tears run down into my drink because of your anger and wrath. For you have picked me up and thrown me out. My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass. (Ps 102:8-11 NLT)
How long will the Lord last? Does He take pity, have mercy upon Jerusalem, Zion?
But you, Yahweh, will remain forever; your renown endures to all generations. You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the set time has come. For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and have pity on her dust. (Ps 102:12-14 WEB)
Will the nations eventually honor God’s name as God cares for the poor and needy?
The nations will honor the Lord’s name; all the earth’s rulers will honor your glory because the Lord will rebuild Zion; he will be seen there in his glory. God will turn to the prayer of the impoverished; he won’t despise their prayers. (Ps 102:15-17 CEB)
Does God have a plan to rescue those imprisoned and doomed to die in systems that tread on the poor and needy?
Future generations must also praise the Lord, so write this for them: “From his holy temple, the Lord looked down at the earth. He listened to the groans of prisoners, and he rescued everyone who was doomed to die.” (Ps 102:18-20 CEV)
Will all nations eventually gather to worship the Lord rather than idols, or human political systems, or other things of this world?
that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord, and in Jerusalem his praise, when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the Lord. (Ps 102:21-22 ESV)
Even if God allows our lives to end early rather than at full years, do we trust his plans for all generations?
He has broken my strength in midcourse; He has shortened my days. I say: “My God, do not take me in the middle of my life! Your years continue through all generations. (Ps 102:23-24 HCSB)
Who designed and created the heavens and the earth and will outlive them all? Without God’s help, will we?
You established the earth long ago; the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; and they all will become worn out, like a garment. You will change them like clothing, and they will pass away. But you remain the same; your years never end. May the descendants of your servants live securely, and may their children be established in your presence.” (Ps 102:25-28 ISV)
Did the writer of Hebrews quote this Psalm in his letter? Will there be a new heavens and new earth?
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Heb 1:10-12 KJV)
As the afflictions of this temporary life burden us, are we encouraged by God’s plans for our eternity? You decide!
Honesty & Justice (Psalm 101)
How important is it to surround ourselves with faithful, honest people? Let’s look at Psalm 101.
A Psalm by David. (WEB)
Do we sing and celebrate God’s justice? Are we honest and fair?
I will sing to you, Lord! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom. (Ps 101:1-2 CEV)
How dedicated are we in seeking Godly values in life?
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil. (Ps 101:3-4 ESV)
Do we tolerate slander, gossip, haughtiness and arrogance or do we honor the humble?
I will destroy anyone who secretly slanders his neighbor; I cannot tolerate anyone with haughty eyes or an arrogant heart. (Ps 101:5 HCSB)
Do we surround ourselves with those who are faithful and honest?
My eyes are looking at the faithful of the land, so they may live with me; The one who lives a life of integrity will serve me. (Ps 101:6 ISV)
Do we make sure that deceitful liars do not have a place in our government or business?
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. (Ps 101:7 KJV)
Is it important to have a process of continuously weeding out evil workers from our government or business?
Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land, To cut off from the city of Yahweh all the workers of iniquity. (Ps 101:8 LSB)
Should the overseers of the church also be above reproach?
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. (1 Tim 3:1-7 NASB)
How important is it to surround ourselves with faithful, honest people? You decide!
A Psalm by David. (WEB)
Do we sing and celebrate God’s justice? Are we honest and fair?
I will sing to you, Lord! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom. (Ps 101:1-2 CEV)
How dedicated are we in seeking Godly values in life?
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil. (Ps 101:3-4 ESV)
Do we tolerate slander, gossip, haughtiness and arrogance or do we honor the humble?
I will destroy anyone who secretly slanders his neighbor; I cannot tolerate anyone with haughty eyes or an arrogant heart. (Ps 101:5 HCSB)
Do we surround ourselves with those who are faithful and honest?
My eyes are looking at the faithful of the land, so they may live with me; The one who lives a life of integrity will serve me. (Ps 101:6 ISV)
Do we make sure that deceitful liars do not have a place in our government or business?
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. (Ps 101:7 KJV)
Is it important to have a process of continuously weeding out evil workers from our government or business?
Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land, To cut off from the city of Yahweh all the workers of iniquity. (Ps 101:8 LSB)
Should the overseers of the church also be above reproach?
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. (1 Tim 3:1-7 NASB)
How important is it to surround ourselves with faithful, honest people? You decide!
A Joyful Shout (Psalm 100)
Are we to become one joyful new nation in Christ Jesus? Let’s begin in Psalm 100.
A Psalm of thanksgiving. (WEB)
Once more are we reminded that it’s acceptable to shout to the Lord? Would we ever think to sing as we enter our churches each week, even if just in our minds?
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Ps 100:1-3 NKJV)
As we enter our churches each week, have we ever thought of giving thanks to God?
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. (Ps 100:4-5 NLT)
Will people from all nations eventually cry with a loud voice in the assembly?
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. They cried with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:9-10 WEB)
Have these diverse people become one holy nation in Christ Jesus?
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. (1 Pet 2:9 CEB)
Are we to become one joyful new nation in Christ Jesus? You decide!
A Psalm of thanksgiving. (WEB)
Once more are we reminded that it’s acceptable to shout to the Lord? Would we ever think to sing as we enter our churches each week, even if just in our minds?
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Ps 100:1-3 NKJV)
As we enter our churches each week, have we ever thought of giving thanks to God?
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. (Ps 100:4-5 NLT)
Will people from all nations eventually cry with a loud voice in the assembly?
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. They cried with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:9-10 WEB)
Have these diverse people become one holy nation in Christ Jesus?
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. (1 Pet 2:9 CEB)
Are we to become one joyful new nation in Christ Jesus? You decide!
Exalt Yahweh (Psalm 99)
Does God need our flattery, or is praise to God simply a statement of reality that aligns us to Him and benefits us more than God? Let’s look at Psalm 99.
No matter what happens here on earth, who reigns and is exalted above all?
The Lord reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He is enthroned above the cherubim. Let the earth quake. Yahweh is great in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awe-inspiring name. He is holy. (Ps 99:1-3 HCSB)
Does God love fairness? Does prophecy point to God’s eventual justice in His time?
A mighty king who loves justice, you have established fairness. You have exercised justice and righteousness over Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God; worship and bow down at his footstool; He is holy! (Ps 99:4-5 ISV)
Though God punished the patriarchs of old for their sins, did He also forgive them?
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. (Ps 99:6-8 KJV)
Who is like our God, “Yahweh” in Hebrew, or “the Lord” in many English translations?
Exalt Yahweh our God And worship at His holy mountain, For holy is Yahweh our God. (Ps 99:9 LSB)
Do the angels in heaven also testify to God’s holiness?
And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” (Rev 4:8 NASB)
What are the implications of God’s holiness for us?
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Pet 1:15-16 NIV)
Does God need our flattery, or is praise to God simply a statement of reality that aligns us to Him and benefits us more than God? You decide!
No matter what happens here on earth, who reigns and is exalted above all?
The Lord reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He is enthroned above the cherubim. Let the earth quake. Yahweh is great in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awe-inspiring name. He is holy. (Ps 99:1-3 HCSB)
Does God love fairness? Does prophecy point to God’s eventual justice in His time?
A mighty king who loves justice, you have established fairness. You have exercised justice and righteousness over Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God; worship and bow down at his footstool; He is holy! (Ps 99:4-5 ISV)
Though God punished the patriarchs of old for their sins, did He also forgive them?
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. (Ps 99:6-8 KJV)
Who is like our God, “Yahweh” in Hebrew, or “the Lord” in many English translations?
Exalt Yahweh our God And worship at His holy mountain, For holy is Yahweh our God. (Ps 99:9 LSB)
Do the angels in heaven also testify to God’s holiness?
And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” (Rev 4:8 NASB)
What are the implications of God’s holiness for us?
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Pet 1:15-16 NIV)
Does God need our flattery, or is praise to God simply a statement of reality that aligns us to Him and benefits us more than God? You decide!
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