Are we satisfied in God or do we make idols out of the things that a corrupt world values? Who is our God? Let’s look at Psalm 63.
A Psalm by David, when he was in the desert of Judah. (WEB)
How deep is our desire for God? Is it just a weekly afterthought, or a deep thirst in a world that is a spiritual desert?
God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You. I thirst for You; my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water. So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. (Ps 63:1-2 HCSB)
How much greater is God’s love than that of human society? Is lifting up hands in church just for charismatics? Do we praise God with joy in our churches or just stand there mute?
Because your gracious love is better than life itself, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in your name. Just as I am satisfied with the choicest of foods, so my lips will praise you joyfully. (Ps 63:3-5 ISV)
Do we think about God on our beds at night and rejoice in Him and His help? How hard do we follow after God?
When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. (Ps 63:6-8 KJV)
In the midst of a world that seeks to destroy our lives for money, selling tainted food products, creating scams, speaking lies, do we keep our promises to God?
But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth. They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; They will be a portion for foxes. But the king will be glad in God; Everyone who swears by Him will boast, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be closed. (Ps 63:9-11 LSB)
For what do we hunger and thirst, the ethics of a corrupt world or God’s values?
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Mat 5:6 NIV)
Are we satisfied in God or do we make idols out of the things that a corrupt world values? Who is our God? You decide!
Rest in God (Psalm 62)
Where do we find true rest and refuge when we are attacked on all sides? How frail is our human life? Let’s look at Psalm 62.
For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by David. (WEB)
Where do we find true rest, in a day, in our wealth, in a world of sin, a political party, our defense forces, or God?
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Ps 62:1-2 NIV)
Not once did Jesus command that we rest in a day, Sabbath or Sunday, but did He command that we come to Him for true rest?
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28 NKJV)
Have we ever experienced two-faced enemies trying to destroy us, spreading lies?
So many enemies against one man—all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts. Interlude (Ps 62:3-5 NLT)
Who is our rock and salvation, a politician, a mere human being, our wealth, our military, or God alone?
My soul, wait in silence for God alone, for my expectation is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor is with God. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Ps 62:5-8 WEB)
In who alone can we put our ultimate trust, a faulty fellow human being, wealth, protecting our homes with threats of violence, business practices that are more like robbery than completely honest?
Human beings are nothing but a breath. Human beings are nothing but lies. They don’t even register on a scale; taken all together they are lighter than a breath! Don’t trust in violence; don’t set false hopes in robbery. When wealth bears fruit, don’t set your heart on it. God has spoken one thing—make it two things—that I myself have heard: that strength belongs to God, and faithful love comes from you, my Lord—and that you will repay everyone according to their deeds. (Ps 62:9-12 CEB)
What is a human life that we so often brag about ourselves and get so arrogant about?
What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. (James 4:14 CEV)
Who is the cornerstone of our common Christian faith, a pope, a patriarch, a reformer or Christ?
For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” (1 Pet 2:6 ESV Isa 28:16)
Where do we find true rest and refuge when we are attacked on all sides? How frail is our human life? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by David. (WEB)
Where do we find true rest, in a day, in our wealth, in a world of sin, a political party, our defense forces, or God?
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Ps 62:1-2 NIV)
Not once did Jesus command that we rest in a day, Sabbath or Sunday, but did He command that we come to Him for true rest?
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28 NKJV)
Have we ever experienced two-faced enemies trying to destroy us, spreading lies?
So many enemies against one man—all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts. Interlude (Ps 62:3-5 NLT)
Who is our rock and salvation, a politician, a mere human being, our wealth, our military, or God alone?
My soul, wait in silence for God alone, for my expectation is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor is with God. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Ps 62:5-8 WEB)
In who alone can we put our ultimate trust, a faulty fellow human being, wealth, protecting our homes with threats of violence, business practices that are more like robbery than completely honest?
Human beings are nothing but a breath. Human beings are nothing but lies. They don’t even register on a scale; taken all together they are lighter than a breath! Don’t trust in violence; don’t set false hopes in robbery. When wealth bears fruit, don’t set your heart on it. God has spoken one thing—make it two things—that I myself have heard: that strength belongs to God, and faithful love comes from you, my Lord—and that you will repay everyone according to their deeds. (Ps 62:9-12 CEB)
What is a human life that we so often brag about ourselves and get so arrogant about?
What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. (James 4:14 CEV)
Who is the cornerstone of our common Christian faith, a pope, a patriarch, a reformer or Christ?
For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” (1 Pet 2:6 ESV Isa 28:16)
Where do we find true rest and refuge when we are attacked on all sides? How frail is our human life? You decide!
Hear my Cry (Psalm 61)
What is promised to those who fear God, who cry out to Him with regular thanks and praise? How frequently do we pray to God? Let’s look at Psalm 61.
For the Chief Musician. For a stringed instrument. By David. (WEB)
Do we pray when our hearts are without strength? Do we want to live with God forever?
God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. I call to You from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for You have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. I will live in Your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of Your wings. Selah (Ps 61:1-4 HCSB)
Have we made promises to God? Do we trust the heritage awaiting those who revere His name?
For you, God, have heard my promises; you have assigned to me the heritage of those who fear [morally: revere] your name. (Ps 61:5 ISV)
Who is our king? Does He abide before God forever?
Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. (Ps 61:6-7 KJV)
Do we praise God’s name and keep our promises every day?
So I will sing praise to Your name forever, As I pay my vows day by day. (Ps 61:8 LSB)
What is the promise given to those who pray to and give thanks to God frequently?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NASB)
What is promised to those who fear God, who cry out to Him with regular thanks and praise? How frequently do we pray to God? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. For a stringed instrument. By David. (WEB)
Do we pray when our hearts are without strength? Do we want to live with God forever?
God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. I call to You from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for You have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. I will live in Your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of Your wings. Selah (Ps 61:1-4 HCSB)
Have we made promises to God? Do we trust the heritage awaiting those who revere His name?
For you, God, have heard my promises; you have assigned to me the heritage of those who fear [morally: revere] your name. (Ps 61:5 ISV)
Who is our king? Does He abide before God forever?
Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. (Ps 61:6-7 KJV)
Do we praise God’s name and keep our promises every day?
So I will sing praise to Your name forever, As I pay my vows day by day. (Ps 61:8 LSB)
What is the promise given to those who pray to and give thanks to God frequently?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NASB)
What is promised to those who fear God, who cry out to Him with regular thanks and praise? How frequently do we pray to God? You decide!
Rejected (Psalm 60)
How can we conquer our own worst enemies, even ourselves? Let’s look at Psalm 60.
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A teaching poem by David, when he fought with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. (WEB)
Have our sins sometimes caused God to reject us? Does God do this in love, raising a banner rallying us back to Him?
You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor. You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles. You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling. But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude (Ps 60:1-4 NLT)
When we cry out in repentance for our sins, will God save us even from ourselves?
So that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us. (Ps 60:5 WEB)
Upon forgiveness, will God not only give us back what was ours, but also what our enemies claim?
God has spoken in his sanctuary: “I will celebrate as I divide up Shechem and portion out the Succoth Valley. Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter. But Moab is my washbowl; I’ll throw my shoe at Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia! I wish someone would bring me to a fortified city! I wish someone would lead me to Edom!” (Ps 60:6-9 CEB)
Can God rescue us, defeat our enemies and give us victory?
Have you rejected us and deserted our armies? Help us defeat our enemies! No one else can rescue us. You will give us victory and crush our enemies. (Ps 60:10-12 CEV)
Are we sometimes our own worst enemy? How can we conquer even ourselves?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 ESV)
How can we conquer our own worst enemies, even ourselves? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A teaching poem by David, when he fought with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. (WEB)
Have our sins sometimes caused God to reject us? Does God do this in love, raising a banner rallying us back to Him?
You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor. You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles. You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling. But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude (Ps 60:1-4 NLT)
When we cry out in repentance for our sins, will God save us even from ourselves?
So that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us. (Ps 60:5 WEB)
Upon forgiveness, will God not only give us back what was ours, but also what our enemies claim?
God has spoken in his sanctuary: “I will celebrate as I divide up Shechem and portion out the Succoth Valley. Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter. But Moab is my washbowl; I’ll throw my shoe at Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia! I wish someone would bring me to a fortified city! I wish someone would lead me to Edom!” (Ps 60:6-9 CEB)
Can God rescue us, defeat our enemies and give us victory?
Have you rejected us and deserted our armies? Help us defeat our enemies! No one else can rescue us. You will give us victory and crush our enemies. (Ps 60:10-12 CEV)
Are we sometimes our own worst enemy? How can we conquer even ourselves?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 ESV)
How can we conquer our own worst enemies, even ourselves? You decide!
Deliver Me (Psalm 59)
In the midst of overwhelming danger, do we have faith that God will deliver us? Let’s look at Psalm 59.
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. (WEB)
In a dangerous world, do we need delivery from those who work evil?
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. (Ps 59:1-2 ESV)
Is our society filled with ambushes, traps, scams? Do we need God’s protection?
Lord, look! They set an ambush for me. Powerful men attack me, but not because of any sin or rebellion of mine. For no fault of mine, they run and take up a position. Awake to help me, and take notice. Lord God of Hosts, You are the God of Israel, rise up to punish all the nations; do not show grace to any wicked traitors. Selah (Ps 59:3-5 HCSB)
Who steals cars at night, sneaks into houses to rob people? Are they proud of themselves?
At night they return like howling dogs; they prowl around the city. Look what pours out of their mouths! They use their lips like swords, saying “Who will hear us?” (Ps 59:6-7 ISV)
Does God know what criminals are up to, and does He have a plan to deal with them?
But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. (Ps 59:8-10 KJV)
Does David ask God not to kill them but to expose them and finish them, letting everyone know that God rules?
Do not slay them, or my people will forget; Make them wander about by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield. On account of the sin of their mouth and the word of their lips, Let them even be caught in their pride, And on account of curses and lies which they utter. Destroy them in wrath, destroy them that they may be no more; That men may know that God rules in Jacob To the ends of the earth. Selah. (Ps 59:11-13 LSB)
What does David compare the criminals to among us?
They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And prowl around the city. They wander about for food And murmur if they are not satisfied. (Ps 59:14-15 NASB)
Do we have faith in the midst of trouble, that God is our strength, our refuge, our fortress?
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. (Ps 59:16-17 NIV)
Did Jesus experience a similar betrayal? Can even religious leaders plot against us?
Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. (Mat 26:3-4 NKJV)
In the midst of overwhelming danger, do we have faith that God will deliver us? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. (WEB)
In a dangerous world, do we need delivery from those who work evil?
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. (Ps 59:1-2 ESV)
Is our society filled with ambushes, traps, scams? Do we need God’s protection?
Lord, look! They set an ambush for me. Powerful men attack me, but not because of any sin or rebellion of mine. For no fault of mine, they run and take up a position. Awake to help me, and take notice. Lord God of Hosts, You are the God of Israel, rise up to punish all the nations; do not show grace to any wicked traitors. Selah (Ps 59:3-5 HCSB)
Who steals cars at night, sneaks into houses to rob people? Are they proud of themselves?
At night they return like howling dogs; they prowl around the city. Look what pours out of their mouths! They use their lips like swords, saying “Who will hear us?” (Ps 59:6-7 ISV)
Does God know what criminals are up to, and does He have a plan to deal with them?
But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. (Ps 59:8-10 KJV)
Does David ask God not to kill them but to expose them and finish them, letting everyone know that God rules?
Do not slay them, or my people will forget; Make them wander about by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield. On account of the sin of their mouth and the word of their lips, Let them even be caught in their pride, And on account of curses and lies which they utter. Destroy them in wrath, destroy them that they may be no more; That men may know that God rules in Jacob To the ends of the earth. Selah. (Ps 59:11-13 LSB)
What does David compare the criminals to among us?
They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And prowl around the city. They wander about for food And murmur if they are not satisfied. (Ps 59:14-15 NASB)
Do we have faith in the midst of trouble, that God is our strength, our refuge, our fortress?
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. (Ps 59:16-17 NIV)
Did Jesus experience a similar betrayal? Can even religious leaders plot against us?
Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. (Mat 26:3-4 NKJV)
In the midst of overwhelming danger, do we have faith that God will deliver us? You decide!
Wicked People (Psalm 58)
Do we delude ourselves or face the truth, that we are living in a corrupt world, led by wicked people? Let’s look at Psalm 58.
Do society’s leaders truly speak rightly and judge fairly or is wickedness in their hearts and violence in their hands?
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David. (WEB)
Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men? No, in heart you work wickedness; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth. (Ps 58:1-2 NKJV)
What is the author’s frank assessment of many in our world?
These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way. They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen, ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play. (Ps 58:3-5 NLT)
What will God do to these fraudsters who pretend to care about the people, but actually serve only themselves?
Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh. Let them vanish like water that flows away. When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made blunt. Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns, he will sweep away the green and the burning alike. (Ps 58:6-9 WEB)
Will the righteous rejoice to see justice done, to see evil people removed from society?
But the righteous will rejoice when they see vengeance done, when they wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then it will be said: “Yes, there is a reward for the righteous! Yes, there is a God who judges people on the earth.” (Ps 58:10-11 CEB)
Is it just society’s leaders who are corrupt, or have we all made bad choices? Are there basically only two directions to follow in life? Which do we choose?
You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up. (Gal 6:7-9 CEV)
Do we delude ourselves or face the truth, that we are living in a corrupt world, led by wicked people? You decide!
Do society’s leaders truly speak rightly and judge fairly or is wickedness in their hearts and violence in their hands?
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David. (WEB)
Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men? No, in heart you work wickedness; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth. (Ps 58:1-2 NKJV)
What is the author’s frank assessment of many in our world?
These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way. They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen, ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play. (Ps 58:3-5 NLT)
What will God do to these fraudsters who pretend to care about the people, but actually serve only themselves?
Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh. Let them vanish like water that flows away. When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made blunt. Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns, he will sweep away the green and the burning alike. (Ps 58:6-9 WEB)
Will the righteous rejoice to see justice done, to see evil people removed from society?
But the righteous will rejoice when they see vengeance done, when they wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then it will be said: “Yes, there is a reward for the righteous! Yes, there is a God who judges people on the earth.” (Ps 58:10-11 CEB)
Is it just society’s leaders who are corrupt, or have we all made bad choices? Are there basically only two directions to follow in life? Which do we choose?
You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up. (Gal 6:7-9 CEV)
Do we delude ourselves or face the truth, that we are living in a corrupt world, led by wicked people? You decide!
Steadfast Trust (Psalm 57)
In a lion's den of trouble, do we trust in God’s mercy to send from heaven, and save us? Let’s look at Psalm 57.
Who do we ask for mercy in the midst of calamity, trusting in God?
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. (Ps 57:1-3a KJV)
In the midst of danger do we still trust God? Will He lead our enemies to fall into the trap they set for us?
God will send His lovingkindness and His truth. My soul is among lions; I am lying down among those who breathe forth fire, Sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. They have set a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah. (Ps 57:3b-6 LSB)
Are our hearts steadfast in trust, singing praises in public?
My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your goodness is great to the heavens And Your truth to the clouds. Be exalted above the heavens, God; May Your glory be above all the earth. (Ps 57:7-11 NASB)
Are we anxious in a dangerous world, or does the peace of God guard our hearts?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NIV)
In a lion's den of trouble, do we trust in God’s mercy to send from heaven, and save us? You decide!
Who do we ask for mercy in the midst of calamity, trusting in God?
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. (Ps 57:1-3a KJV)
In the midst of danger do we still trust God? Will He lead our enemies to fall into the trap they set for us?
God will send His lovingkindness and His truth. My soul is among lions; I am lying down among those who breathe forth fire, Sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. They have set a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah. (Ps 57:3b-6 LSB)
Are our hearts steadfast in trust, singing praises in public?
My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your goodness is great to the heavens And Your truth to the clouds. Be exalted above the heavens, God; May Your glory be above all the earth. (Ps 57:7-11 NASB)
Are we anxious in a dangerous world, or does the peace of God guard our hearts?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NIV)
In a lion's den of trouble, do we trust in God’s mercy to send from heaven, and save us? You decide!
Be Merciful (Psalm 56)
Does God know every detail of our hurts? Do we turn to Him for mercy when enemies are many? Let’s look at Psalm 56.
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. (WEB)
Do enemies want to swallow us up, taking everything from us?
Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me. My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. (Ps 56:1-2 WEB)
Who do we turn to when circumstances make us afraid?
whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you—in God, whose word I praise. I trust in God; I won’t be afraid. What can mere flesh do to me? (Ps 56:3-4 CEB)
Do we know people whose only focus is to find fault, bellyachers, nitpickers, hypercritics? Who will stop them?
Enemies spend the whole day finding fault with me; all they think about is how to do me harm. They attack from ambush, watching my every step and hoping to kill me. They won't get away with these crimes, God, because when you get angry, you destroy people. (Psalm 56:5-7 CEV)
Does God know every detail of our suffering, tossing and turning on our beds, our tears? How quickly can God make our enemies turn back?
You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Ps 56:8-11 ESV)
What commitment have we made to God? Are we thankful for the many times He delivered us from danger?
I am obligated by vows to You, God; I will make my thank offerings to You. For You delivered me from death, even my feet from stumbling, to walk before God in the light of life. (Ps 56:12-13 HCSB)
Who did Jesus say would be blessed to freely receive God’s mercy?
How blessed are those who are merciful, because it is they who will receive mercy! (Mat 5:7 ISV)
Does God know every detail of our hurts? Do we turn to Him for mercy when enemies are many? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. (WEB)
Do enemies want to swallow us up, taking everything from us?
Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me. My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. (Ps 56:1-2 WEB)
Who do we turn to when circumstances make us afraid?
whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you—in God, whose word I praise. I trust in God; I won’t be afraid. What can mere flesh do to me? (Ps 56:3-4 CEB)
Do we know people whose only focus is to find fault, bellyachers, nitpickers, hypercritics? Who will stop them?
Enemies spend the whole day finding fault with me; all they think about is how to do me harm. They attack from ambush, watching my every step and hoping to kill me. They won't get away with these crimes, God, because when you get angry, you destroy people. (Psalm 56:5-7 CEV)
Does God know every detail of our suffering, tossing and turning on our beds, our tears? How quickly can God make our enemies turn back?
You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Ps 56:8-11 ESV)
What commitment have we made to God? Are we thankful for the many times He delivered us from danger?
I am obligated by vows to You, God; I will make my thank offerings to You. For You delivered me from death, even my feet from stumbling, to walk before God in the light of life. (Ps 56:12-13 HCSB)
Who did Jesus say would be blessed to freely receive God’s mercy?
How blessed are those who are merciful, because it is they who will receive mercy! (Mat 5:7 ISV)
Does God know every detail of our hurts? Do we turn to Him for mercy when enemies are many? You decide!
Betrayal (Psalm 55)
In a world of oppression, grudges, violence, strife, fraud, lies, and betrayal by friends, where do we turn for relief? Let’s look at Psalm 55.
How do we handle life when oppressed by wicked people? Do we pray?
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me. (Ps 55:1-3 ESV)
What is our natural reaction when we are oppressed by the wicked? Is it to flee in fear?
My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness. Selah (Ps 55:4-7 HCSB)
When oppressed do we seek immediate escape? Do violence, fraud and lies happen in our cities?
I want to deliver myself quickly from this windstorm and tempest.” Confound them, Lord, and confuse their speech, because I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl around its walls; evil and iniquity are within it. Wickedness is at the center of it; fraud and lies never leave its streets. (Ps 55:8-11 ISV)
Do even friends betray friends in our world? Can we trust our guides and acquaintances?
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. (Ps 55:12-13 KJV)
What will happen to those who once walked with us into the house of God, yet betrayed us without repentance? Should we wish that upon them or not?
We who had sweet counsel together Walked in the house of God in the throng. Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol, For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst. (Ps 55:14-15 LSB)
Should we act like those who betrayed us, or be spurred to even greater devotion, placing our complaints and moaning before God?
As for me, I shall call upon God, And the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and moan, And He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who are aggressive toward me. God will hear and humiliate them—Even the one who sits enthroned from ancient times— Selah (Ps 55:16-19a NASB)
How does God deal with those who betrayed us using smooth talk and deceptively soothing words?
he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. (Ps 55:19b-21 NIV)
In a world where sadly such betrayal is all too common, who do we turn to?
Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. (Ps 55:22-23 NKJV)
Did even Jesus understand betrayal by a close friend, Judas?
But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48 NLT)
In a world of oppression, grudges, violence, strife, fraud, lies, and betrayal by friends, where do we turn for relief? You decide!
How do we handle life when oppressed by wicked people? Do we pray?
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me. (Ps 55:1-3 ESV)
What is our natural reaction when we are oppressed by the wicked? Is it to flee in fear?
My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness. Selah (Ps 55:4-7 HCSB)
When oppressed do we seek immediate escape? Do violence, fraud and lies happen in our cities?
I want to deliver myself quickly from this windstorm and tempest.” Confound them, Lord, and confuse their speech, because I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl around its walls; evil and iniquity are within it. Wickedness is at the center of it; fraud and lies never leave its streets. (Ps 55:8-11 ISV)
Do even friends betray friends in our world? Can we trust our guides and acquaintances?
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. (Ps 55:12-13 KJV)
What will happen to those who once walked with us into the house of God, yet betrayed us without repentance? Should we wish that upon them or not?
We who had sweet counsel together Walked in the house of God in the throng. Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol, For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst. (Ps 55:14-15 LSB)
Should we act like those who betrayed us, or be spurred to even greater devotion, placing our complaints and moaning before God?
As for me, I shall call upon God, And the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and moan, And He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who are aggressive toward me. God will hear and humiliate them—Even the one who sits enthroned from ancient times— Selah (Ps 55:16-19a NASB)
How does God deal with those who betrayed us using smooth talk and deceptively soothing words?
he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. (Ps 55:19b-21 NIV)
In a world where sadly such betrayal is all too common, who do we turn to?
Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. (Ps 55:22-23 NKJV)
Did even Jesus understand betrayal by a close friend, Judas?
But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48 NLT)
In a world of oppression, grudges, violence, strife, fraud, lies, and betrayal by friends, where do we turn for relief? You decide!
Rescue Me (Psalm 54)
Is salvation a rescue from dangers in this life as well as for eternity? Let’s look at Psalm 54.
Do we ever experience a need for God to rescue us from attacks in this life?
[For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “We know where David is hiding.” To be accompanied by stringed instruments.] Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. Interlude (Ps 54:1-3 NLT)
Who repays our enemies in His time? What ultimately destroys evil plans?
Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the one who sustains my soul. He will repay the evil to my enemies. Destroy them in your truth. (Ps 54:4-5 WEB)
Is giving thanks like a sacrifice? What are we thankful for?
I will sacrifice to you freely; I will give thanks to your name, Lord, because it’s so good, and because God has delivered me from every distress. My eyes have seen my enemies’ defeat. (Ps 54:6-7 CEB)
Will God rescue us from dangers in this life as well as grant us eternal salvation?
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. (Phil 4:6-7 CEV)
Is salvation a rescue from dangers in this life as well as for eternity? You decide!
Do we ever experience a need for God to rescue us from attacks in this life?
[For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “We know where David is hiding.” To be accompanied by stringed instruments.] Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. Interlude (Ps 54:1-3 NLT)
Who repays our enemies in His time? What ultimately destroys evil plans?
Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the one who sustains my soul. He will repay the evil to my enemies. Destroy them in your truth. (Ps 54:4-5 WEB)
Is giving thanks like a sacrifice? What are we thankful for?
I will sacrifice to you freely; I will give thanks to your name, Lord, because it’s so good, and because God has delivered me from every distress. My eyes have seen my enemies’ defeat. (Ps 54:6-7 CEB)
Will God rescue us from dangers in this life as well as grant us eternal salvation?
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. (Phil 4:6-7 CEV)
Is salvation a rescue from dangers in this life as well as for eternity? You decide!
The Fool (Psalm 53)
Is it foolish to disregard God in life and suffer the consequences of atheism? Let’s look at Psalm 53.
What is the primary cause and what is the natural result of atheism?
[For the choir director: on Mahalath {perhaps a mournful musical instrument}. A Davidic Maskil.{perhaps a contemplation}] The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. (Ps 53:1 HCSB)
Does Romans 1 say something similar about the real motive behind atheism, the denial of the obvious in the face of ubiquitous evidence?
For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and wickedness of those who in their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God himself has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been understood and observed by what he made, so that people are without excuse. (Rom 1:18-20 ISV)
As God observes humanity, is He disappointed in what He finds?
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Ps 53:2-3 KJV)
Are there disgusting people in our world who consume people’s lives like bread?
Do the workers of iniquity not know, Who eat up my people as they eat bread And do not call upon God? (Ps 53:4 LSB)
Does sudden terror overwhelm those who camp in siege against God? Will God eventually put atheists to shame?
They were in great fear there, where no fear had been; For God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you; You put them to shame, because God had rejected them. (Ps 53:5 NASB)
Despite all our human failure will God eventually restore His people?
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Ps 53:6 NIV)
Did Paul write to the Romans quoting this Psalm, that none of us can really brag about how perfect we are? Do we all need God’s gracious mercy?
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Rom 3:10-12 NKJV)
Is it foolish to disregard God in life and suffer the consequences of atheism? You decide!
What is the primary cause and what is the natural result of atheism?
[For the choir director: on Mahalath {perhaps a mournful musical instrument}. A Davidic Maskil.{perhaps a contemplation}] The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. (Ps 53:1 HCSB)
Does Romans 1 say something similar about the real motive behind atheism, the denial of the obvious in the face of ubiquitous evidence?
For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and wickedness of those who in their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God himself has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been understood and observed by what he made, so that people are without excuse. (Rom 1:18-20 ISV)
As God observes humanity, is He disappointed in what He finds?
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Ps 53:2-3 KJV)
Are there disgusting people in our world who consume people’s lives like bread?
Do the workers of iniquity not know, Who eat up my people as they eat bread And do not call upon God? (Ps 53:4 LSB)
Does sudden terror overwhelm those who camp in siege against God? Will God eventually put atheists to shame?
They were in great fear there, where no fear had been; For God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you; You put them to shame, because God had rejected them. (Ps 53:5 NASB)
Despite all our human failure will God eventually restore His people?
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Ps 53:6 NIV)
Did Paul write to the Romans quoting this Psalm, that none of us can really brag about how perfect we are? Do we all need God’s gracious mercy?
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Rom 3:10-12 NKJV)
Is it foolish to disregard God in life and suffer the consequences of atheism? You decide!
Dishonest Wealth (Psalm 52)
There are honest business people whose customers trust them, but how many others build wealth on lies instead of honesty? Let’s begin in Psalm 52.
Do people in our world boast about their crimes, plot destruction, and tell lies?
[For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Doeg the Edomite said to Saul, “David has gone to see Ahimelech.”] Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever? All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies. You love evil more than good and lies more than truth. Interlude (Ps 52:1-3 NLT)
What is the ultimate end of those who speak destructive words, all deceivers unless they repent?
You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue. God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah. (Ps 52:4-5 WEB)
Who is our true refuge? What substitute do people often seek refuge in?
The righteous will see and be in awe; they will laugh at those people: “Look at them! They didn’t make God their refuge. Instead, they trusted in their own great wealth. They sought refuge in it—to their own destruction!” (Ps 52:6-7 CEB)
What happens to those who stay in God’s house, where His people meet?
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever. I will always thank God for what he has done; I will praise his good name when his people meet. (Ps 52:8-9 CEV)
What is perhaps the biggest lesson that the rich in this world need to learn?
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1 Tim 6:17 ESV)
There are honest business people whose customers trust them, but how many others build wealth on lies instead of honesty? You decide!
Do people in our world boast about their crimes, plot destruction, and tell lies?
[For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Doeg the Edomite said to Saul, “David has gone to see Ahimelech.”] Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior? Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever? All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies. You love evil more than good and lies more than truth. Interlude (Ps 52:1-3 NLT)
What is the ultimate end of those who speak destructive words, all deceivers unless they repent?
You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue. God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah. (Ps 52:4-5 WEB)
Who is our true refuge? What substitute do people often seek refuge in?
The righteous will see and be in awe; they will laugh at those people: “Look at them! They didn’t make God their refuge. Instead, they trusted in their own great wealth. They sought refuge in it—to their own destruction!” (Ps 52:6-7 CEB)
What happens to those who stay in God’s house, where His people meet?
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever. I will always thank God for what he has done; I will praise his good name when his people meet. (Ps 52:8-9 CEV)
What is perhaps the biggest lesson that the rich in this world need to learn?
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1 Tim 6:17 ESV)
There are honest business people whose customers trust them, but how many others build wealth on lies instead of honesty? You decide!
Have Mercy (Psalm 51)
Do we confess our sins to God? Let’s look at Psalm 51.
Is this David’s confession after adultery? Do we acknowledge our sin or pretend it doesn’t exist?
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. When the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy, God, according to your gracious love, according to your unlimited compassion, erase my transgressions. Wash me from my iniquity, cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression; my sin remains continuously before me. (Ps 51:1-3 ISV)
How far back does sin go in the human family? Are we truthful inwardly or do we lie even to ourselves?
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what was evil in your sight. As a result, you are just in your pronouncement and clear in your judgment. Indeed, in iniquity I was brought forth; in sin my mother conceived me. Indeed, you are pleased with truth in the inner person, and you will teach me wisdom in my innermost parts. (Ps 51:4-6 ISV)
Symbolically using a cleansing plant, how thoroughly do we want to be cleansed from our sins?
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. (Ps 51:7-9 KJV)
Where does repentance truly occur, inside or outside? When is a person ready to teach others?
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. (Ps 51:10-13 LSB)
Are we guilty of bloodshed, by practices that put other lives in danger? What sacrifices does God really want in spirit and heart?
Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, So that my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise. (Ps 51:14-17 NASB)
When will God be pleased with Jerusalem? What would turn any religious sacrifices into something that truly pleases God?
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. (Ps 51:18-19 NIV)
As David confessed to God and was cleansed, is this proper for us today?
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
Do we confess our sins to God? You decide!
Is this David’s confession after adultery? Do we acknowledge our sin or pretend it doesn’t exist?
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. When the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy, God, according to your gracious love, according to your unlimited compassion, erase my transgressions. Wash me from my iniquity, cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression; my sin remains continuously before me. (Ps 51:1-3 ISV)
How far back does sin go in the human family? Are we truthful inwardly or do we lie even to ourselves?
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what was evil in your sight. As a result, you are just in your pronouncement and clear in your judgment. Indeed, in iniquity I was brought forth; in sin my mother conceived me. Indeed, you are pleased with truth in the inner person, and you will teach me wisdom in my innermost parts. (Ps 51:4-6 ISV)
Symbolically using a cleansing plant, how thoroughly do we want to be cleansed from our sins?
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. (Ps 51:7-9 KJV)
Where does repentance truly occur, inside or outside? When is a person ready to teach others?
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. (Ps 51:10-13 LSB)
Are we guilty of bloodshed, by practices that put other lives in danger? What sacrifices does God really want in spirit and heart?
Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, So that my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise. (Ps 51:14-17 NASB)
When will God be pleased with Jerusalem? What would turn any religious sacrifices into something that truly pleases God?
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. (Ps 51:18-19 NIV)
As David confessed to God and was cleansed, is this proper for us today?
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
Do we confess our sins to God? You decide!
Giving Thanks (Psalm 50)
Do we give God thanks, fulfill promises and honor Him? Let’s look at Psalm 50.
Has God summoned all humanity to tell us about something important?
A psalm of Asaph. The Lord, the Mighty One, is God, and he has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets. From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance. Our God approaches, and he is not silent. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him. (Ps 50:1-3 NLT)
Who does God specifically gather to make this important worldwide announcement?
He calls to the heavens above, to the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather my saints together to me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” The heavens shall declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah. (Ps 50:4-6 WEB)
Does God call upon heaven and earth to judge His people? How does creation judge us? Is it because the evidence for God’s hand is ubiquitous as Romans 1 declares?
God calls out to the skies above and to the earth in order to judge his people: “Bring my faithful to me, those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” The skies proclaim his righteousness because God himself is the judge. Selah (Ps 50:4-6 CEB)
What kind of attitude does God say is far more important than any other religious sacrifice? How important are giving thanks, fulfilling promises and honoring God?
Listen, my people, I will now speak; Israel, I will now testify against you. I am God—your God! I’m not punishing you for your sacrifices or for your entirely burned offerings, which are always before me. I won’t accept bulls from your house or goats from your corrals because every forest animal already belongs to me, as do the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every mountain bird; even the insects in the fields are mine. Even if I were hungry, I wouldn’t tell you because the whole world and everything in it already belong to me. Do I eat bulls’ meat? Do I drink goats’ blood? Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving! Fulfill the promises you made to the Most High! Cry out to me whenever you are in trouble; I will deliver you, then you will honor me. (Ps 50:7-15 CEB)
What does God have to say to the wicked who reject His commands for violence, lies and gossip?
But to the wicked I say: “You don't have the right to mention my laws or claim to keep our agreement! You refused correction and rejected my commands. You made friends with every crook you met, and you liked people who break their wedding vows. You talked only about violence and told nothing but lies; you sat around gossiping, ruining the reputation of your own relatives.” (Ps 50:16-20 CEV)
Was God silent while the nations sinned? Does He eventually rebuke them? How does giving thanks tie into salvation?
These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. “Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Ps 50:21-23 ESV)
What does the author of Hebrews say about the ineffectiveness of blood sacrifices compared to the sacrifice of Jesus?
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, as He was coming into the world, He said: You did not want sacrifice and offering, but You prepared a body for Me. You did not delight in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. Then I said, “See—it is written about Me in the volume of the scroll—I have come to do Your will, God!” After He says above, You did not want or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings (which are offered according to the law), He then says, See, I have come to do Your will. He takes away the first to establish the second. By this will of God, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. (Heb 10:4-10 HCSB)
Do we give God thanks, fulfill promises and honor Him? You decide!
Has God summoned all humanity to tell us about something important?
A psalm of Asaph. The Lord, the Mighty One, is God, and he has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets. From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance. Our God approaches, and he is not silent. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him. (Ps 50:1-3 NLT)
Who does God specifically gather to make this important worldwide announcement?
He calls to the heavens above, to the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather my saints together to me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” The heavens shall declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah. (Ps 50:4-6 WEB)
Does God call upon heaven and earth to judge His people? How does creation judge us? Is it because the evidence for God’s hand is ubiquitous as Romans 1 declares?
God calls out to the skies above and to the earth in order to judge his people: “Bring my faithful to me, those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” The skies proclaim his righteousness because God himself is the judge. Selah (Ps 50:4-6 CEB)
What kind of attitude does God say is far more important than any other religious sacrifice? How important are giving thanks, fulfilling promises and honoring God?
Listen, my people, I will now speak; Israel, I will now testify against you. I am God—your God! I’m not punishing you for your sacrifices or for your entirely burned offerings, which are always before me. I won’t accept bulls from your house or goats from your corrals because every forest animal already belongs to me, as do the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every mountain bird; even the insects in the fields are mine. Even if I were hungry, I wouldn’t tell you because the whole world and everything in it already belong to me. Do I eat bulls’ meat? Do I drink goats’ blood? Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving! Fulfill the promises you made to the Most High! Cry out to me whenever you are in trouble; I will deliver you, then you will honor me. (Ps 50:7-15 CEB)
What does God have to say to the wicked who reject His commands for violence, lies and gossip?
But to the wicked I say: “You don't have the right to mention my laws or claim to keep our agreement! You refused correction and rejected my commands. You made friends with every crook you met, and you liked people who break their wedding vows. You talked only about violence and told nothing but lies; you sat around gossiping, ruining the reputation of your own relatives.” (Ps 50:16-20 CEV)
Was God silent while the nations sinned? Does He eventually rebuke them? How does giving thanks tie into salvation?
These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. “Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Ps 50:21-23 ESV)
What does the author of Hebrews say about the ineffectiveness of blood sacrifices compared to the sacrifice of Jesus?
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, as He was coming into the world, He said: You did not want sacrifice and offering, but You prepared a body for Me. You did not delight in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. Then I said, “See—it is written about Me in the volume of the scroll—I have come to do Your will, God!” After He says above, You did not want or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings (which are offered according to the law), He then says, See, I have come to do Your will. He takes away the first to establish the second. By this will of God, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. (Heb 10:4-10 HCSB)
Do we give God thanks, fulfill promises and honor Him? You decide!
Listen World (Psalm 49)
Are all our economic systems similar at the core, where the powerful feast while the weak hunger? Is a government coming that truly cares for all? Let’s begin in Psalm 49.
Is there wisdom, a riddle that all the inhabitants of the world need to hear?
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together! My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre. (Ps 49:1-4 ESV)
In what do we put our trust, money or something far more costly?
Why should I fear in times of trouble? The iniquity of my foes surrounds me. They trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches. Yet these cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God—since the price of redeeming him is too costly, one should forever stop trying—so that he may live forever and not see the Pit [the grave]. (Ps 49:5-9 HCSB)
Despite all our arrogant conceit and desires to make our mark in history, will we all end up in the same place?
Indeed, he will see wise people die; the stupid and the senseless will meet their doom and leave their wealth to others. Their inner thoughts are on their homes forever; their dwellings from generation to generation. They even name their lands after themselves. But humanity cannot last, despite its conceit; it will pass away just like the animals. (Ps 49:10-12 ISV)
Do we approve of the boasting of our civilization despite the folly of it all?
This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. (Ps 49:13 KJV)
Is our society built upon greed and corruption that causes needless deaths? Like the rise and fall of all civilizations will ours also end? Who can save us from the grave?
As sheep they are appointed for Sheol [the grave]; Death will shepherd them; And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning, And their form shall be for Sheol to consume, Far away from his habitation. But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For He will receive me. Selah. (Ps 49:14-15 LSB)
Can a rich man living in splendour take his wealth with him after death?
Do not be afraid when a person becomes rich, When the splendor of his house is increased; For when he dies, he will take nothing with him; His wealth will not descend after him. Though while he lives he congratulates himself—And though people praise you when you do well for yourself—He will go to the generation of his fathers; They will never see the light. Mankind in its splendor, yet without understanding, Is like the animals that perish. (Ps 49:16-20 NASB)
On whose shoulders will that perfect government be, that is to come?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6 NIV)
Who will sit on thrones to rule for a literal or symbolic thousand years?
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Rev 20:4-6 NKJV)
Are all our economic systems similar at the core, where the powerful feast while the weak hunger? Is a government coming that truly cares for all? You decide!
Is there wisdom, a riddle that all the inhabitants of the world need to hear?
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together! My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre. (Ps 49:1-4 ESV)
In what do we put our trust, money or something far more costly?
Why should I fear in times of trouble? The iniquity of my foes surrounds me. They trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches. Yet these cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God—since the price of redeeming him is too costly, one should forever stop trying—so that he may live forever and not see the Pit [the grave]. (Ps 49:5-9 HCSB)
Despite all our arrogant conceit and desires to make our mark in history, will we all end up in the same place?
Indeed, he will see wise people die; the stupid and the senseless will meet their doom and leave their wealth to others. Their inner thoughts are on their homes forever; their dwellings from generation to generation. They even name their lands after themselves. But humanity cannot last, despite its conceit; it will pass away just like the animals. (Ps 49:10-12 ISV)
Do we approve of the boasting of our civilization despite the folly of it all?
This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. (Ps 49:13 KJV)
Is our society built upon greed and corruption that causes needless deaths? Like the rise and fall of all civilizations will ours also end? Who can save us from the grave?
As sheep they are appointed for Sheol [the grave]; Death will shepherd them; And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning, And their form shall be for Sheol to consume, Far away from his habitation. But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For He will receive me. Selah. (Ps 49:14-15 LSB)
Can a rich man living in splendour take his wealth with him after death?
Do not be afraid when a person becomes rich, When the splendor of his house is increased; For when he dies, he will take nothing with him; His wealth will not descend after him. Though while he lives he congratulates himself—And though people praise you when you do well for yourself—He will go to the generation of his fathers; They will never see the light. Mankind in its splendor, yet without understanding, Is like the animals that perish. (Ps 49:16-20 NASB)
On whose shoulders will that perfect government be, that is to come?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6 NIV)
Who will sit on thrones to rule for a literal or symbolic thousand years?
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Rev 20:4-6 NKJV)
Are all our economic systems similar at the core, where the powerful feast while the weak hunger? Is a government coming that truly cares for all? You decide!
City of our God (Psalm 48)
Does God have plans for a future that will astound the nations and bless them all? Let’s begin in Psalm 48.
While Zion is literally a small hill in Jerusalem, is it lofty as a mountain in reputation, because it is at the center of God’s city?
Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress. (Ps 48:1-3 NIV)
When the nations realize who they are dealing with, God who created them, will fear take hold of them?
For behold, the kings assembled, They passed by together. They saw it, and so they marveled; They were troubled, they hastened away. Fear took hold of them there, And pain, as of a woman in birth pangs, As when You break the ships of Tarshish With an east wind. (Ps 48:4-7 NKJV)
What will the nations say of the city of God once they see it?
We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves—the city of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever. Interlude [Selah] (Ps 48:8 NLT)
Once the nations realize how good God really is, will they praise Him and rejoice?
We have thought about your loving kindness, God, in the middle of your temple. As is your name, God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments. (Ps 48:9-11 WEB)
Were the nations then encouraged to tour Zion and see how wonderful God truly is?
Walk around Zion; go all the way around it; count its towers. Examine its defenses closely; tour its fortifications so that you may tell future generations: “This is God, our God, forever and always! He is the one who will lead us even to the very end.” (Ps 48:12-14 CEB)
Will Jerusalem have its ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem?
Then I saw New Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God in heaven. It was like a bride dressed in her wedding gown and ready to meet her husband. (Rev 21:2 CEV)
Does God have plans for a future that will astound the nations and bless them all? You decide!
While Zion is literally a small hill in Jerusalem, is it lofty as a mountain in reputation, because it is at the center of God’s city?
Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress. (Ps 48:1-3 NIV)
When the nations realize who they are dealing with, God who created them, will fear take hold of them?
For behold, the kings assembled, They passed by together. They saw it, and so they marveled; They were troubled, they hastened away. Fear took hold of them there, And pain, as of a woman in birth pangs, As when You break the ships of Tarshish With an east wind. (Ps 48:4-7 NKJV)
What will the nations say of the city of God once they see it?
We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves—the city of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever. Interlude [Selah] (Ps 48:8 NLT)
Once the nations realize how good God really is, will they praise Him and rejoice?
We have thought about your loving kindness, God, in the middle of your temple. As is your name, God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments. (Ps 48:9-11 WEB)
Were the nations then encouraged to tour Zion and see how wonderful God truly is?
Walk around Zion; go all the way around it; count its towers. Examine its defenses closely; tour its fortifications so that you may tell future generations: “This is God, our God, forever and always! He is the one who will lead us even to the very end.” (Ps 48:12-14 CEB)
Will Jerusalem have its ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem?
Then I saw New Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God in heaven. It was like a bride dressed in her wedding gown and ready to meet her husband. (Rev 21:2 CEV)
Does God have plans for a future that will astound the nations and bless them all? You decide!
Voice of Triumph (Psalm 47)
Will God eventually triumph over the evils in this world? Whose side are we on? Let’s begin in Psalm 47.
Who should clap for God, just Israel or all the earth?
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. (Ps 47:1-4 KJV)
What kind of song is mentioned four times that the nations should sing? Do we sing praises to God?
God has ascended with a loud shout, Yahweh, with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises. (Ps 47:5-6 LSB)
As a foregone conclusion, who will ultimately reign over the nations?
For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a psalm of wisdom. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham, For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted. (Ps 47:7-9 NASB)
Does God eventually reign over all the world, no longer the devil’s kingdom.
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Rev 11:15 NIV)
Will God eventually triumph over the evils in this world? Whose side are we on? You decide!
Who should clap for God, just Israel or all the earth?
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. (Ps 47:1-4 KJV)
What kind of song is mentioned four times that the nations should sing? Do we sing praises to God?
God has ascended with a loud shout, Yahweh, with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises. (Ps 47:5-6 LSB)
As a foregone conclusion, who will ultimately reign over the nations?
For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a psalm of wisdom. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham, For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted. (Ps 47:7-9 NASB)
Does God eventually reign over all the world, no longer the devil’s kingdom.
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Rev 11:15 NIV)
Will God eventually triumph over the evils in this world? Whose side are we on? You decide!
Our Mighty Fortress (Psalm 46)
Is God a refuge from enemies, and does He have a mysterious plan to bring about world peace? Let’s begin in Psalm 46.
Is God our refuge, like in a mighty fortress in troubling times?
God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea. Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves shake the mountains. (Ps 46:1-3 CEV)
Is this river prophetic of New Jerusalem, reminiscent of the Garden, picturing the peace of God contrasted with the raging sea of international torment, a symbolic theme?
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Ps 46:4-7 ESV)
Who will make wars cease when He returns to bring about world peace?
Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth. He makes wars cease throughout the earth. He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces; He burns up the chariots. “Stop your fighting—and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” Yahweh of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah (Ps 46:8-11 HCSB)
Is there a prophesied river to flow from the throne in New Jerusalem?
I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. … Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal. It was flowing from the throne of God and the lamb. (Rev 21:2, 22:1 ISV)
Is God a refuge from enemies, and does He have a mysterious plan to bring about world peace? You decide!
Is God our refuge, like in a mighty fortress in troubling times?
God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea. Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves shake the mountains. (Ps 46:1-3 CEV)
Is this river prophetic of New Jerusalem, reminiscent of the Garden, picturing the peace of God contrasted with the raging sea of international torment, a symbolic theme?
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Ps 46:4-7 ESV)
Who will make wars cease when He returns to bring about world peace?
Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth. He makes wars cease throughout the earth. He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces; He burns up the chariots. “Stop your fighting—and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” Yahweh of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah (Ps 46:8-11 HCSB)
Is there a prophesied river to flow from the throne in New Jerusalem?
I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. … Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal. It was flowing from the throne of God and the lamb. (Rev 21:2, 22:1 ISV)
Is God a refuge from enemies, and does He have a mysterious plan to bring about world peace? You decide!
Mighty King (Psalm 45)
Is there a conquering King, a Bride and a wedding to take place? Who are they? Let’s look at Psalm 45.
Who is our king? Is He our theme? Is He blessed forever?
My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a skillful scribe. You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. (Ps 45:1-2 LSB)
Will God win any war He enters? Is the cause of truth, humility and righteousness an important battle?
Strap Your sword on Your thigh, Mighty One, In Your splendor and majesty! And in Your majesty ride on victoriously, For the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness; Let Your right hand teach You awesome things. Your arrows are sharp; The peoples fall under You; Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies. (Ps 45:3-5 NASB)
How long will God rule the universe? Is God’s king anointed with joy?
Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. (Ps 45:6-9 NIV)
If the bride is the church then does it make sense for her to worship the king as Lord?
Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear; Forget your own people also, and your father’s house; So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him. And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich among the people will seek your favor. (Ps 45:10-12 NKJV)
Is the marriage of the Lamb described as a similar celebration?
The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown. In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids. What a joyful and enthusiastic procession as they enter the king’s palace! (Ps 45:13-15 NLT)
Will the people give thanks to this king forever and ever?
Your sons will take the place of your fathers. You shall make them princes in all the earth. I will make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever. (Ps 45:16-17 WEB)
Where do we find the allegory of Christ and the Church as His Bride?
This is why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two of them will be one body. Marriage is a significant allegory, and I’m applying it to Christ and the church. (Eph 5:31-32 CEB)
Is there a marriage to take place between the Lamb and His Bride?
And I heard something that sounded like a huge crowd, like rushing water and powerful thunder. They said, “Hallelujah! The Lord our God, the Almighty, exercised his royal power! Let us rejoice and celebrate, and give him the glory, for the wedding day of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. She was given fine, pure white linen to wear, for the fine linen is the saints’ acts of justice [righteous acts].” (Rev 19:6-8 CEB)
Is there a conquering King, a Bride and a wedding to take place? Who are they? You decide!
Who is our king? Is He our theme? Is He blessed forever?
My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a skillful scribe. You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. (Ps 45:1-2 LSB)
Will God win any war He enters? Is the cause of truth, humility and righteousness an important battle?
Strap Your sword on Your thigh, Mighty One, In Your splendor and majesty! And in Your majesty ride on victoriously, For the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness; Let Your right hand teach You awesome things. Your arrows are sharp; The peoples fall under You; Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies. (Ps 45:3-5 NASB)
How long will God rule the universe? Is God’s king anointed with joy?
Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. (Ps 45:6-9 NIV)
If the bride is the church then does it make sense for her to worship the king as Lord?
Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear; Forget your own people also, and your father’s house; So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him. And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich among the people will seek your favor. (Ps 45:10-12 NKJV)
Is the marriage of the Lamb described as a similar celebration?
The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown. In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids. What a joyful and enthusiastic procession as they enter the king’s palace! (Ps 45:13-15 NLT)
Will the people give thanks to this king forever and ever?
Your sons will take the place of your fathers. You shall make them princes in all the earth. I will make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever. (Ps 45:16-17 WEB)
Where do we find the allegory of Christ and the Church as His Bride?
This is why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two of them will be one body. Marriage is a significant allegory, and I’m applying it to Christ and the church. (Eph 5:31-32 CEB)
Is there a marriage to take place between the Lamb and His Bride?
And I heard something that sounded like a huge crowd, like rushing water and powerful thunder. They said, “Hallelujah! The Lord our God, the Almighty, exercised his royal power! Let us rejoice and celebrate, and give him the glory, for the wedding day of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. She was given fine, pure white linen to wear, for the fine linen is the saints’ acts of justice [righteous acts].” (Rev 19:6-8 CEB)
Is there a conquering King, a Bride and a wedding to take place? Who are they? You decide!
Wake Up, Lord (Psalm 44)
How do we deal with situations when we believe that we have not sinned yet God seems far away? Let’s look at Psalm 44.
How did Israel inherit the land from the perverted nations before them?
We have heard with our ears, God; our fathers have told us what work you did in their days, in the days of old. You drove out the nations with your hand, but you planted them. You afflicted the peoples, but you spread them abroad. For they didn’t get the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable to them. (Ps 44:1-3 WEB)
Do we trust in military might or God to fight our battles?
It’s you, God! You who are my king, the one who orders salvation for Jacob. We’ve pushed our foes away by your help; we’ve trampled our enemies by your name. No, I won’t trust in my bow; my sword won’t save me because it’s you who saved us from our foes, you who put those who hate us to shame. So we glory in God at all times and give thanks to your name forever. Selah (Ps 44:4-8 CEB)
Under what circumstances does God reject us, defeat us in battle, make us look foolish?
But now you have rejected us; you don't lead us into battle, and we look foolish. You made us retreat, and our enemies have taken everything we own. You let us be slaughtered like sheep, and you scattered us among the nations. You sold your people for little or nothing, and you earned no profit. (Ps 44:9-12 CEV)
How do we feel when we are in disgrace and shame?
You have made us the taunt of our neighbors, the derision and scorn of those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face at the sound of the taunter and reviler, at the sight of the enemy and the avenger. (Ps 44:13-16 ESV)
Like Job, did the Psalmist proclaim his innocence from sins worthy of punishment?
All this has happened to us, but we have not forgotten You or betrayed Your covenant. Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path. But You have crushed us in a haunt of jackals and have covered us with deepest darkness. If we had forgotten the name of our God and spread out our hands to a foreign god, wouldn’t God have found this out, since He knows the secrets of the heart? Because of You we are slain all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. (Ps 44:17-22 HCSB)
Have we ever prayed urgently for God to save us from affliction or oppression?
Wake up! Why are you asleep, Lord? Get up! Don’t cast us off forever! Why are you hiding your face? Why are you ignoring our affliction and oppression? For we have collapsed in the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Arise! Deliver us! Redeem us according to your gracious love! (Ps 44:23-26 ISV)
Did the souls under the altar that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held, ask a similar question?
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? (Rev 6:10 KJV)
How do we deal with situations when we believe that we have not sinned yet God seems far away? You decide!
How did Israel inherit the land from the perverted nations before them?
We have heard with our ears, God; our fathers have told us what work you did in their days, in the days of old. You drove out the nations with your hand, but you planted them. You afflicted the peoples, but you spread them abroad. For they didn’t get the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable to them. (Ps 44:1-3 WEB)
Do we trust in military might or God to fight our battles?
It’s you, God! You who are my king, the one who orders salvation for Jacob. We’ve pushed our foes away by your help; we’ve trampled our enemies by your name. No, I won’t trust in my bow; my sword won’t save me because it’s you who saved us from our foes, you who put those who hate us to shame. So we glory in God at all times and give thanks to your name forever. Selah (Ps 44:4-8 CEB)
Under what circumstances does God reject us, defeat us in battle, make us look foolish?
But now you have rejected us; you don't lead us into battle, and we look foolish. You made us retreat, and our enemies have taken everything we own. You let us be slaughtered like sheep, and you scattered us among the nations. You sold your people for little or nothing, and you earned no profit. (Ps 44:9-12 CEV)
How do we feel when we are in disgrace and shame?
You have made us the taunt of our neighbors, the derision and scorn of those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face at the sound of the taunter and reviler, at the sight of the enemy and the avenger. (Ps 44:13-16 ESV)
Like Job, did the Psalmist proclaim his innocence from sins worthy of punishment?
All this has happened to us, but we have not forgotten You or betrayed Your covenant. Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path. But You have crushed us in a haunt of jackals and have covered us with deepest darkness. If we had forgotten the name of our God and spread out our hands to a foreign god, wouldn’t God have found this out, since He knows the secrets of the heart? Because of You we are slain all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. (Ps 44:17-22 HCSB)
Have we ever prayed urgently for God to save us from affliction or oppression?
Wake up! Why are you asleep, Lord? Get up! Don’t cast us off forever! Why are you hiding your face? Why are you ignoring our affliction and oppression? For we have collapsed in the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Arise! Deliver us! Redeem us according to your gracious love! (Ps 44:23-26 ISV)
Did the souls under the altar that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held, ask a similar question?
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? (Rev 6:10 KJV)
How do we deal with situations when we believe that we have not sinned yet God seems far away? You decide!
God's Light (Psalm 43)
In a world of darkness, where is the light? In a world of false accusations, who can vindicate us? Let’s look at Psalm 43.
Does any nation truly do the right thing for its citizens? Does any nation protect people from food fraud, pharmaceutical greed, predatory lending, medical bankruptcy, built-in obsolescence and a thousand other modern scams? Do we panic, wondering when God will help us?
Vindicate me, God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; Save me from the deceitful and unjust person! For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? (Ps 43:1-2 NASB)
Who cares for us better than anybody else? Do we praise God for that with music?
Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. (Ps 43:3-4 NIV)
When we are downcast and distressed, what can we focus on?
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. (Ps 43:5 NKJV)
The Psalmist asked for God’s light to lead Him to God’s holy mountain, the place where He dwells. What did Jesus say about the light of the world?
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
In a world of darkness, where is the light? In a world of false accusations, who can vindicate us? You decide!
Does any nation truly do the right thing for its citizens? Does any nation protect people from food fraud, pharmaceutical greed, predatory lending, medical bankruptcy, built-in obsolescence and a thousand other modern scams? Do we panic, wondering when God will help us?
Vindicate me, God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; Save me from the deceitful and unjust person! For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? (Ps 43:1-2 NASB)
Who cares for us better than anybody else? Do we praise God for that with music?
Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. (Ps 43:3-4 NIV)
When we are downcast and distressed, what can we focus on?
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. (Ps 43:5 NKJV)
The Psalmist asked for God’s light to lead Him to God’s holy mountain, the place where He dwells. What did Jesus say about the light of the world?
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
In a world of darkness, where is the light? In a world of false accusations, who can vindicate us? You decide!
Thirst for God (Psalm 42)
How could we describe our desire for God? Let’s look at Psalm 42.
Do we have a thirst for God? Do we sing and shout God’s praise in our churches?
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. (Ps 42:1-4 ESV)
What do we do when we are depressed? Do we draw near to God with song and prayer?
Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your billows have swept over me. The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life. (Ps 42:5-8 HCSB)
Do we ever mourn and feel like God has forsaken us? Do the taunts of our enemies discourage us?
I will ask God, my Rock, “Why have you forsaken me? Why do I go around mourning under the enemy’s oppression?” Like the shattering of my bones are the taunts of my oppressors, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (Ps 42:9-10 ISV)
Why are we discouraged at times and what is a solution?
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Ps 42:11 KJV)
Is similar imagery used to describe the scene around the throne and the Lamb of God?
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of the water of life. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. (Rev 7:17 LSB)
How could we describe our desire for God? You decide!
Do we have a thirst for God? Do we sing and shout God’s praise in our churches?
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. (Ps 42:1-4 ESV)
What do we do when we are depressed? Do we draw near to God with song and prayer?
Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your billows have swept over me. The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life. (Ps 42:5-8 HCSB)
Do we ever mourn and feel like God has forsaken us? Do the taunts of our enemies discourage us?
I will ask God, my Rock, “Why have you forsaken me? Why do I go around mourning under the enemy’s oppression?” Like the shattering of my bones are the taunts of my oppressors, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (Ps 42:9-10 ISV)
Why are we discouraged at times and what is a solution?
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Ps 42:11 KJV)
Is similar imagery used to describe the scene around the throne and the Lamb of God?
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of the water of life. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. (Rev 7:17 LSB)
How could we describe our desire for God? You decide!
Kind to the Poor (Psalm 41)
Should we be kind to the poor, confess our sins, and leave vengeance to God? Let’s look at Psalm 41.
What attribute of a believer does God bless with joy, divine rescue, protection, prosperity and health?
Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. (Ps 41:1-3 NLT)
Do we confess our sins to God? Do enemies cause us to suffer? Are some of our enemies once close friends?
I said, “Yahweh, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you.” My enemies speak evil against me: “When will he die, and his name perish?” If he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood. His heart gathers iniquity to itself. When he goes abroad, he tells it. All who hate me whisper together against me. They imagine the worst for me. “An evil disease”, they say, “has afflicted him. Now that he lies he shall rise up no more.” Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me. (Ps 41:4-9 WEB)
Does God give us the vengeance of victory over our enemies?
But you, Lord, please have mercy on me and lift me up so I can pay them back! Then I’ll know you are pleased with me because my enemy won’t be shouting in triumph over me. You support me in my integrity; you put me in your presence forever. Bless the Lord, the God of Israel, from forever to forever! Amen and Amen! (Ps 41:10-13 CEB)
Should we take personal vengeance on our enemies or is that God’s business?
Dear friends, don't try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, “I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.” (Rom 12:19 CEV)
Should we be kind to the poor, confess our sins, and leave vengeance to God? You decide!
What attribute of a believer does God bless with joy, divine rescue, protection, prosperity and health?
Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. (Ps 41:1-3 NLT)
Do we confess our sins to God? Do enemies cause us to suffer? Are some of our enemies once close friends?
I said, “Yahweh, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you.” My enemies speak evil against me: “When will he die, and his name perish?” If he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood. His heart gathers iniquity to itself. When he goes abroad, he tells it. All who hate me whisper together against me. They imagine the worst for me. “An evil disease”, they say, “has afflicted him. Now that he lies he shall rise up no more.” Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me. (Ps 41:4-9 WEB)
Does God give us the vengeance of victory over our enemies?
But you, Lord, please have mercy on me and lift me up so I can pay them back! Then I’ll know you are pleased with me because my enemy won’t be shouting in triumph over me. You support me in my integrity; you put me in your presence forever. Bless the Lord, the God of Israel, from forever to forever! Amen and Amen! (Ps 41:10-13 CEB)
Should we take personal vengeance on our enemies or is that God’s business?
Dear friends, don't try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, “I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.” (Rom 12:19 CEV)
Should we be kind to the poor, confess our sins, and leave vengeance to God? You decide!
Patient Waiting (Psalm 40)
Do we confess our sins and wait patiently for God’s forgiveness and healing? Is there a sacrifice that would permanently pay the price for our sins? Let’s look at Psalm 40.
Does God build faith as we wait patiently for Him to hear our prayers?
I patiently waited, Lord, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the Lord God. (Ps 40:1-3 CEV)
In whom do we place our trust, the proud, liars, or God?
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. (Ps 40:4-5 ESV)
What does God delight in, religious ceremony or those who do His will?
You do not delight in sacrifice and offering; You open my ears to listen. You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering. Then I said, “See, I have come; it is written about me in the volume of the scroll. I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction lives within me.” (Ps 40:6-8 HCSB Heb 10:5-7)
Is the good news proclaimed in our congregation? Are God’s faithfulness and deliverance, love and truthfulness preached?
In the great congregation I have proclaimed the righteous good news. Behold, I did not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. I have not ignored your righteousness in my heart; instead, I have proclaimed your faithfulness and deliverance. I have not concealed your gracious love and truthfulness from the great congregation. (Ps 40:9-10 ISV)
When our iniquities take a tight hold on us, does our heart fail? Do we confess our sins to God?
Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. (Ps 40:11-12 KJV)
Do we ask God to deliver us from our own sin and the consequences?
Be pleased, O Yahweh, to deliver me; Make haste, O Yahweh, to help me. Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my life to sweep it away; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in evil against me. Let those be appalled because of their shame Who say to me, “Aha, aha!” Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Yahweh be magnified!” As for me, I am afflicted and needy, May the Lord think of me. You are my help and the One who rescues me; Do not delay, O my God. (Ps 40:13-17 LSB)
How is the sacrificial system transformed under the new covenant in daily life?
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Rom 12:1 NASB)
After quoting Jesus, citing verses 6-8, what did Paul say about Jesus’ personal sacrifice, and the new covenant?
First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first [covenant] to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Heb 10:8–10 NIV)
Do we confess our sins and wait patiently for God’s forgiveness and healing? Is there a sacrifice that would permanently pay the price for our sins? You decide!
Does God build faith as we wait patiently for Him to hear our prayers?
I patiently waited, Lord, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the Lord God. (Ps 40:1-3 CEV)
In whom do we place our trust, the proud, liars, or God?
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. (Ps 40:4-5 ESV)
What does God delight in, religious ceremony or those who do His will?
You do not delight in sacrifice and offering; You open my ears to listen. You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering. Then I said, “See, I have come; it is written about me in the volume of the scroll. I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction lives within me.” (Ps 40:6-8 HCSB Heb 10:5-7)
Is the good news proclaimed in our congregation? Are God’s faithfulness and deliverance, love and truthfulness preached?
In the great congregation I have proclaimed the righteous good news. Behold, I did not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. I have not ignored your righteousness in my heart; instead, I have proclaimed your faithfulness and deliverance. I have not concealed your gracious love and truthfulness from the great congregation. (Ps 40:9-10 ISV)
When our iniquities take a tight hold on us, does our heart fail? Do we confess our sins to God?
Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. (Ps 40:11-12 KJV)
Do we ask God to deliver us from our own sin and the consequences?
Be pleased, O Yahweh, to deliver me; Make haste, O Yahweh, to help me. Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my life to sweep it away; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in evil against me. Let those be appalled because of their shame Who say to me, “Aha, aha!” Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Yahweh be magnified!” As for me, I am afflicted and needy, May the Lord think of me. You are my help and the One who rescues me; Do not delay, O my God. (Ps 40:13-17 LSB)
How is the sacrificial system transformed under the new covenant in daily life?
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Rom 12:1 NASB)
After quoting Jesus, citing verses 6-8, what did Paul say about Jesus’ personal sacrifice, and the new covenant?
First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first [covenant] to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Heb 10:8–10 NIV)
Do we confess our sins and wait patiently for God’s forgiveness and healing? Is there a sacrifice that would permanently pay the price for our sins? You decide!
A Short Life (Psalm 39)
What is really important in a short life? Let’s look at Psalm 39.
In the presence of the wicked and constant foul language, have we tried to keep silent?
I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: (Ps 39:1-3 NIV)
Have we ever thought about how short life is, how temporary, how vain is wealth?
Lord, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah. Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them. (Ps 39:4-6 NKJV)
Where do we put our hope? Does God’s punishment sometimes seem too much? Is life but a breath?
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude (Ps 39:7-11 NLT)
How urgent is today’s prayer? What if today is our last chance to pray?
Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Don’t be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, as all my fathers were. Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away and exist no more. (Ps 39:12-13 WEB)
If we really realized how short our lives were going to be, what would we focus on?
Thus, All human life on the earth is like grass, and all human glory is like a flower in a field. The grass dries up and its flower falls off, but the Lord’s word endures forever. (1 Pet 1:24-25 CEB Isa 40:6-8)
What is really important in a short life? You decide!
In the presence of the wicked and constant foul language, have we tried to keep silent?
I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: (Ps 39:1-3 NIV)
Have we ever thought about how short life is, how temporary, how vain is wealth?
Lord, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah. Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them. (Ps 39:4-6 NKJV)
Where do we put our hope? Does God’s punishment sometimes seem too much? Is life but a breath?
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude (Ps 39:7-11 NLT)
How urgent is today’s prayer? What if today is our last chance to pray?
Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Don’t be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, as all my fathers were. Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away and exist no more. (Ps 39:12-13 WEB)
If we really realized how short our lives were going to be, what would we focus on?
Thus, All human life on the earth is like grass, and all human glory is like a flower in a field. The grass dries up and its flower falls off, but the Lord’s word endures forever. (1 Pet 1:24-25 CEB Isa 40:6-8)
What is really important in a short life? You decide!
Sin's Burden (Psalm 38)
How do we find rest from the burden of anxiety that our sins have caused? Let’s look at Psalm 38.
As we repent of our sins, do we ask God to be merciful in His discipline?
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. (Ps 38:1-2 ESV)
As we repent of our sins, do we sincerely examine the extent of the pain that we have caused ourselves and others?
There is no health in my body because of Your indignation; there is no strength in my bones because of my sin. For my sins have flooded over my head; they are a burden too heavy for me to bear. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am bent over and brought low; all day long I go around in mourning. For my loins are full of burning pain, and there is no health in my body. I am faint and severely crushed; I groan because of the anguish of my heart. (Ps 38:3-8 HCSB)
Are our innermost secret concerns known to God? Is our suffering at the hand of enemies invisible to God?
Lord, all my longings are before you, and my groaning is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me, even the gleam in my eye is gone. As for my friends and my neighbors, they stand aloof from my distress; even my close relatives stand at a distance. Those who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek to do me harm brag all day long about their wicked planning. (Ps 38:9-12 ISV)
Do we trust enough that God has heard our prayers to be silent, without protest?
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. (Ps 38:13-16 KJV)
Does sin cause anxiety? Do we trust that God will intervene swiftly in our troubles?
For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin. But my enemies are vigorous and strong, And those who wrongfully hate me abound. And those who repay evil for good, They accuse me, for I pursue what is good. Do not forsake me, O Yahweh; O my God, do not be far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Ps 38:17-22 LSB)
What wonderful rest did the Old Testament Sabbath picture, where we can rest from our burdens all week long?
Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light. (Mat 11:28-30 NASB)
How do we find rest from the burden of anxiety that our sins have caused? You decide!
As we repent of our sins, do we ask God to be merciful in His discipline?
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. (Ps 38:1-2 ESV)
As we repent of our sins, do we sincerely examine the extent of the pain that we have caused ourselves and others?
There is no health in my body because of Your indignation; there is no strength in my bones because of my sin. For my sins have flooded over my head; they are a burden too heavy for me to bear. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am bent over and brought low; all day long I go around in mourning. For my loins are full of burning pain, and there is no health in my body. I am faint and severely crushed; I groan because of the anguish of my heart. (Ps 38:3-8 HCSB)
Are our innermost secret concerns known to God? Is our suffering at the hand of enemies invisible to God?
Lord, all my longings are before you, and my groaning is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me, even the gleam in my eye is gone. As for my friends and my neighbors, they stand aloof from my distress; even my close relatives stand at a distance. Those who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek to do me harm brag all day long about their wicked planning. (Ps 38:9-12 ISV)
Do we trust enough that God has heard our prayers to be silent, without protest?
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. (Ps 38:13-16 KJV)
Does sin cause anxiety? Do we trust that God will intervene swiftly in our troubles?
For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin. But my enemies are vigorous and strong, And those who wrongfully hate me abound. And those who repay evil for good, They accuse me, for I pursue what is good. Do not forsake me, O Yahweh; O my God, do not be far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Ps 38:17-22 LSB)
What wonderful rest did the Old Testament Sabbath picture, where we can rest from our burdens all week long?
Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light. (Mat 11:28-30 NASB)
How do we find rest from the burden of anxiety that our sins have caused? You decide!
Worry (Psalm 37)
In a world of wars, crime and other evils, how do we stop worrying? Let’s look at Psalm 37.
Do we fret and worry about evildoers in this world or wait patiently for them to fade?
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. (Ps 37:1-2 ESV)
Do we trust and delight in the Lord? Are we committed to Him?
Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. (Ps 37:3-6 HCSB)
Should we yell and get angry about the evil in our world or wait on the Lord?
Be silent in the Lord’s presence and wait patiently for him. Don’t be angry because of the one whose way prospers or the one who implements evil schemes. Calm your anger and abandon wrath. Don’t be angry—it only leads to evil. Those who do evil will perish. But those who wait on the Lord will inherit the land. (Ps 37:7-9 ISV)
What will happen to the wicked in a little while? What will the meek inherit?
For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. (Ps 37:10-13 KJV)
Do the evil plans of wicked men only come back on themselves?
The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To cast down the afflicted and the needy, To slay those who are upright in conduct. Their sword will enter their own heart, And their bows will be broken. (Ps 37:14-15 LSB)
What is better, a simple life rich in giving, or great wealth and a stingy life of taking?
Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked will be broken, But the Lord sustains the righteous. The Lord knows the days of the blameless, And their inheritance will be forever. They will not be ashamed in the time of evil, And in the days of famine they will have plenty. But the wicked will perish; And the enemies of the Lord will be like the glory of the pastures, They vanish—like smoke they vanish away. The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives. For those blessed by Him will inherit the land, But those cursed by Him will be eliminated. (Ps 37:16-22 NASB)
Though the steps of those who delight in God may stumble, what will God ensure does not happen?
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Ps 37:23-24 NIV)
Though there is no promise of wealth in this life, what can the righteous be sure of?
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed. (Ps 37:25-26 NKJV)
Does repentance include the concept of turning from evil to doing good? Who will inherit the good eternity?
Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. The godly will possess the land and will live there forever. (Ps 37:27-29 NLT)
What kind of conversation marks the righteous? What do the wicked wait for?
The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. His tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart. None of his steps shall slide. The wicked watch the righteous, and seek to kill him. Yahweh will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait for Yahweh, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. (Ps 37:30-34 WEB)
To whom does the future belong, wicked powerful people, or people of peace?
I myself have seen wicked powerful people, exalting themselves like a stately cedar. But when I came back, they were gone! I looked all over for them, but they couldn’t be found! Observe those who have integrity and watch those whose heart is right because the future belongs to persons of peace. But wrongdoers will be destroyed all together; the future of the wicked will be cut short. The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their refuge in times of trouble. The Lord will help them and rescue them—rescue them from the wicked—and he will save them because they have taken refuge in him. (Ps 37:35-50 CEB)
What did Jesus say about worry? What example is right in front of our eyes to encourage us?
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth much more than birds? (Mat 6:25-26 CEV)
In a world of wars, crime and other evils, how do we stop worrying? You decide!
Do we fret and worry about evildoers in this world or wait patiently for them to fade?
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. (Ps 37:1-2 ESV)
Do we trust and delight in the Lord? Are we committed to Him?
Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. (Ps 37:3-6 HCSB)
Should we yell and get angry about the evil in our world or wait on the Lord?
Be silent in the Lord’s presence and wait patiently for him. Don’t be angry because of the one whose way prospers or the one who implements evil schemes. Calm your anger and abandon wrath. Don’t be angry—it only leads to evil. Those who do evil will perish. But those who wait on the Lord will inherit the land. (Ps 37:7-9 ISV)
What will happen to the wicked in a little while? What will the meek inherit?
For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. (Ps 37:10-13 KJV)
Do the evil plans of wicked men only come back on themselves?
The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To cast down the afflicted and the needy, To slay those who are upright in conduct. Their sword will enter their own heart, And their bows will be broken. (Ps 37:14-15 LSB)
What is better, a simple life rich in giving, or great wealth and a stingy life of taking?
Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked will be broken, But the Lord sustains the righteous. The Lord knows the days of the blameless, And their inheritance will be forever. They will not be ashamed in the time of evil, And in the days of famine they will have plenty. But the wicked will perish; And the enemies of the Lord will be like the glory of the pastures, They vanish—like smoke they vanish away. The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives. For those blessed by Him will inherit the land, But those cursed by Him will be eliminated. (Ps 37:16-22 NASB)
Though the steps of those who delight in God may stumble, what will God ensure does not happen?
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Ps 37:23-24 NIV)
Though there is no promise of wealth in this life, what can the righteous be sure of?
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed. (Ps 37:25-26 NKJV)
Does repentance include the concept of turning from evil to doing good? Who will inherit the good eternity?
Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. The godly will possess the land and will live there forever. (Ps 37:27-29 NLT)
What kind of conversation marks the righteous? What do the wicked wait for?
The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. His tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart. None of his steps shall slide. The wicked watch the righteous, and seek to kill him. Yahweh will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait for Yahweh, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. (Ps 37:30-34 WEB)
To whom does the future belong, wicked powerful people, or people of peace?
I myself have seen wicked powerful people, exalting themselves like a stately cedar. But when I came back, they were gone! I looked all over for them, but they couldn’t be found! Observe those who have integrity and watch those whose heart is right because the future belongs to persons of peace. But wrongdoers will be destroyed all together; the future of the wicked will be cut short. The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their refuge in times of trouble. The Lord will help them and rescue them—rescue them from the wicked—and he will save them because they have taken refuge in him. (Ps 37:35-50 CEB)
What did Jesus say about worry? What example is right in front of our eyes to encourage us?
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth much more than birds? (Mat 6:25-26 CEV)
In a world of wars, crime and other evils, how do we stop worrying? You decide!
God's Loving Kindness (Psalm 36)
Do we repent daily of temptations or fall prey to the blind conceit that once was enough? Let’s look at Psalm 36.
Do we know how the wicked are and make every effort to turn from evil?
Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful. They refuse to act wisely or do good. They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil. (Ps 36:1-4 NLT)
How loving and kind is God? Does He abundantly satisfy our every desire?
Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. Yahweh, you preserve man and animal. How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures. For with you is the spring of life. In your light we will see light. (Ps 36:5-9 WEB)
Is there a heart condition required, a prerequisite for God’s intervention?
Extend your faithful love to those who know you; extend your righteousness to those whose heart is right. Don’t let the feet of arrogant people walk all over me; don’t let the hands of the wicked drive me off. Look—right there is where the evildoers have fallen, pushed down, unable to get up! (Ps 36:10-12 CEB)
Does the river of your pleasures picture a prophecy of the new heaven and new earth?
The angel showed me a river that was crystal clear, and its waters gave life. The river came from the throne where God and the Lamb were seated. Then it flowed down the middle of the city's main street. On each side of the river are trees that grow a different kind of fruit each month of the year. The fruit gives life, and the leaves are used as medicine to heal the nations. (Rev 22:1–2 CEV)
Do we repent daily of temptations or fall prey to the blind conceit that once was enough? You decide!
Do we know how the wicked are and make every effort to turn from evil?
Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful. They refuse to act wisely or do good. They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil. (Ps 36:1-4 NLT)
How loving and kind is God? Does He abundantly satisfy our every desire?
Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. Yahweh, you preserve man and animal. How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures. For with you is the spring of life. In your light we will see light. (Ps 36:5-9 WEB)
Is there a heart condition required, a prerequisite for God’s intervention?
Extend your faithful love to those who know you; extend your righteousness to those whose heart is right. Don’t let the feet of arrogant people walk all over me; don’t let the hands of the wicked drive me off. Look—right there is where the evildoers have fallen, pushed down, unable to get up! (Ps 36:10-12 CEB)
Does the river of your pleasures picture a prophecy of the new heaven and new earth?
The angel showed me a river that was crystal clear, and its waters gave life. The river came from the throne where God and the Lamb were seated. Then it flowed down the middle of the city's main street. On each side of the river are trees that grow a different kind of fruit each month of the year. The fruit gives life, and the leaves are used as medicine to heal the nations. (Rev 22:1–2 CEV)
Do we repent daily of temptations or fall prey to the blind conceit that once was enough? You decide!
God's Deliverance (Psalm 35)
Will God deliver the faithful from every kind of evil? Let’s look at Psalm 35.
Do we ask God to defend us from both verbal and physical attacks?
Lord, argue with those who argue with me; fight with those who fight against me! Grab a shield and armor; stand up and help me! Use your spear and ax against those who are out to get me! Say to me: “I’m your salvation!” (Ps 35:1-3 CEB)
Are there people who would rather see us dead, a greedy family member waiting for an inheritance, criminals who don’t value human life, companies that put profit before people, terrorists that call us infidels?
Let all who want to kill me be disgraced and put to shame. Chase away and confuse all who plan to harm me. Send your angel after them and let them be like straw in the wind. Make them run in the dark on a slippery road, as your angel chases them. I did them no harm, but they hid a net to trap me, and they dug a deep pit to catch and kill me. Surprise them with disaster! Trap them in their own nets and let them fall and rot in the pits they have dug. (Ps 35:4-8 CEV)
Who will deliver the faithful poor from those who exploit people?
Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation. All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?” (Ps 35:9-10 ESV)
Are there malicious witnesses, false accusers even among people who we have cared for?
Malicious witnesses come forward; they question me about things I do not know. They repay me evil for good, making me desolate. Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer was genuine. I went about grieving as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning a mother. (Ps 35:11-14 HCSB)
Do we know of people who would be glad if we fell, malicious gossipers who love to tear others down?
But when I stumbled, they rejoiced and gathered together. They gathered together against me—attackers whom I did not know. They tore me apart and would not stop. Malicious mockers—they gnashed their teeth against me. (Ps 35:15-16 ISV)
When we are waiting on God to rescue us do we get impatient?
Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. (Ps 35:17-18 KJV)
Do we pray that God would not let our enemies who hate us triumph over us?
Let those who are wrongfully my enemies not be glad over me; Nor let those who hate me without cause wink maliciously. For they do not speak peace, But they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land. They opened their mouth wide against me; They said, “Aha, aha, our eyes have seen it!” (Ps 35:19-21 LSB)
Does God see all the attacks of those who would want to hurt us? Can God thwart their plans?
You have seen it, Lord, do not keep silent; Lord, do not be far from me. Stir Yourself, and awake to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord. Judge me, Lord my God, according to Your righteousness, And do not let them rejoice over me. Do not let them say in their heart, “Aha, our desire!” Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up!” May those be ashamed and altogether humiliated who rejoice at my distress; May those who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and dishonor. (Ps 35:22-26 NASB)
Do fellow true believers rejoice in our exoneration? Do we praise God, knowing that we will win in the end?
May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. (Ps 35:27-28 NIV)
Did Paul also experience this deliverance from every evil work?
I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (2 Tim 4:17b-18 NKJV)
Will God deliver the faithful from every kind of evil? You decide!
Do we ask God to defend us from both verbal and physical attacks?
Lord, argue with those who argue with me; fight with those who fight against me! Grab a shield and armor; stand up and help me! Use your spear and ax against those who are out to get me! Say to me: “I’m your salvation!” (Ps 35:1-3 CEB)
Are there people who would rather see us dead, a greedy family member waiting for an inheritance, criminals who don’t value human life, companies that put profit before people, terrorists that call us infidels?
Let all who want to kill me be disgraced and put to shame. Chase away and confuse all who plan to harm me. Send your angel after them and let them be like straw in the wind. Make them run in the dark on a slippery road, as your angel chases them. I did them no harm, but they hid a net to trap me, and they dug a deep pit to catch and kill me. Surprise them with disaster! Trap them in their own nets and let them fall and rot in the pits they have dug. (Ps 35:4-8 CEV)
Who will deliver the faithful poor from those who exploit people?
Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation. All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?” (Ps 35:9-10 ESV)
Are there malicious witnesses, false accusers even among people who we have cared for?
Malicious witnesses come forward; they question me about things I do not know. They repay me evil for good, making me desolate. Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer was genuine. I went about grieving as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning a mother. (Ps 35:11-14 HCSB)
Do we know of people who would be glad if we fell, malicious gossipers who love to tear others down?
But when I stumbled, they rejoiced and gathered together. They gathered together against me—attackers whom I did not know. They tore me apart and would not stop. Malicious mockers—they gnashed their teeth against me. (Ps 35:15-16 ISV)
When we are waiting on God to rescue us do we get impatient?
Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. (Ps 35:17-18 KJV)
Do we pray that God would not let our enemies who hate us triumph over us?
Let those who are wrongfully my enemies not be glad over me; Nor let those who hate me without cause wink maliciously. For they do not speak peace, But they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land. They opened their mouth wide against me; They said, “Aha, aha, our eyes have seen it!” (Ps 35:19-21 LSB)
Does God see all the attacks of those who would want to hurt us? Can God thwart their plans?
You have seen it, Lord, do not keep silent; Lord, do not be far from me. Stir Yourself, and awake to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord. Judge me, Lord my God, according to Your righteousness, And do not let them rejoice over me. Do not let them say in their heart, “Aha, our desire!” Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up!” May those be ashamed and altogether humiliated who rejoice at my distress; May those who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and dishonor. (Ps 35:22-26 NASB)
Do fellow true believers rejoice in our exoneration? Do we praise God, knowing that we will win in the end?
May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. (Ps 35:27-28 NIV)
Did Paul also experience this deliverance from every evil work?
I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (2 Tim 4:17b-18 NKJV)
Will God deliver the faithful from every kind of evil? You decide!
God's Providence (Psalm 34)
Do we praise the Lord in good times and bad? Do we have faith that He will provide our every need? Let’s begin in Psalm 34.
Who do we praise at all times, politicians, celebrities, sports heroes or God?
I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim Yahweh’s greatness with me; let us exalt His name together. (Ps 34:1-3 HCSB)
Who is our ultimate deliverer from the things that we fear? Who promises eternal radiance with delivery from death?
I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all of my fears. Look to him and be radiant; and you will not be ashamed. (Ps 34:4-5 ISV)
Can even a rich king describe himself as poor because he recognizes his inability to escape death and other dangers of this world?
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (Ps 34:6-7 KJV)
Have we tasted the goodness of God, receiving every good thing that we need?
O taste and see that Yahweh is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Oh, fear Yahweh, you His saints; For there is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who inquire of Yahweh shall not be in want of any good thing. (Ps 34:8-10 LSB)
What are some other benefits and responsibilities that come from the fear of the Lord?
Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the person who desires life And loves length of days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Turn from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. (Ps 34:11-14 NASB)
Who does God watch over, listen to, deliver and save? Who does He ignore?
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Ps 34:15-18 NIV)
Who delivers the righteous from their many afflictions? Whose soul is redeemed?
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. (Ps 34:19-22 NKJV)
Was part of this Psalm a prophecy about the crucifixion of our Lord?
These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” (John 19:36 NLT)
Did Peter allude to this Psalm in describing tasting that God is good?
as newborn babies, long for the pure spiritual milk, that with it you may grow, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:2-3 WEB)
Do we praise the Lord in good times and bad? Do we have faith that He will provide our every need? You decide!
Who do we praise at all times, politicians, celebrities, sports heroes or God?
I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim Yahweh’s greatness with me; let us exalt His name together. (Ps 34:1-3 HCSB)
Who is our ultimate deliverer from the things that we fear? Who promises eternal radiance with delivery from death?
I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all of my fears. Look to him and be radiant; and you will not be ashamed. (Ps 34:4-5 ISV)
Can even a rich king describe himself as poor because he recognizes his inability to escape death and other dangers of this world?
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (Ps 34:6-7 KJV)
Have we tasted the goodness of God, receiving every good thing that we need?
O taste and see that Yahweh is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Oh, fear Yahweh, you His saints; For there is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who inquire of Yahweh shall not be in want of any good thing. (Ps 34:8-10 LSB)
What are some other benefits and responsibilities that come from the fear of the Lord?
Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the person who desires life And loves length of days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Turn from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. (Ps 34:11-14 NASB)
Who does God watch over, listen to, deliver and save? Who does He ignore?
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Ps 34:15-18 NIV)
Who delivers the righteous from their many afflictions? Whose soul is redeemed?
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. (Ps 34:19-22 NKJV)
Was part of this Psalm a prophecy about the crucifixion of our Lord?
These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” (John 19:36 NLT)
Did Peter allude to this Psalm in describing tasting that God is good?
as newborn babies, long for the pure spiritual milk, that with it you may grow, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:2-3 WEB)
Do we praise the Lord in good times and bad? Do we have faith that He will provide our every need? You decide!
God's Praise (Psalm 33)
Who do we look to for wisdom and protection, the nations or politics of this world or God? Let’s look at Psalm 33.
Do we sing joyfully to the Lord or begrudgingly or not at all? Are stringed instruments appropriate? Is shouting appropriate in church?
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (Ps 33:1-3 NIV)
Is the word of the Lord preached in our churches or the opinions of men? Do we see the goodness of the Lord in the earth or only the evil of men?
For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Ps 33:4-5 NKJV)
How incredible is God, that He merely spoke and everything that is was created?
The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. (Ps 33:6-9 NLT)
How valuable is all this world’s advice put together compared to God’s wisdom?
Yahweh brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. He makes the thoughts of the peoples to be of no effect. The counsel of Yahweh stands fast forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance. Yahweh looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions all of their hearts; and he considers all of their works. (Ps 33:10-15 WEB)
Does the size of a nation’s military save them? Who truly delivers us from death?
Kings aren’t saved by the strength of their armies; warriors aren’t rescued by how much power they have. A warhorse is a bad bet for victory; it can’t save despite its great strength. But look here: the Lord’s eyes watch all who honor him, all who wait for his faithful love, to deliver their lives from death and keep them alive during a famine. (Ps 33:16-19 CEB)
Upon whom do we depend to help and protect us?
We depend on you, Lord, to help and protect us. You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God. Be kind and bless us! We depend on you. (Ps 33:20-22 CEV)
For whom do all things work together for good?
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 ESV)
Who do we look to for wisdom and protection, the nations or politics of this world or God? You decide!
Do we sing joyfully to the Lord or begrudgingly or not at all? Are stringed instruments appropriate? Is shouting appropriate in church?
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (Ps 33:1-3 NIV)
Is the word of the Lord preached in our churches or the opinions of men? Do we see the goodness of the Lord in the earth or only the evil of men?
For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Ps 33:4-5 NKJV)
How incredible is God, that He merely spoke and everything that is was created?
The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. (Ps 33:6-9 NLT)
How valuable is all this world’s advice put together compared to God’s wisdom?
Yahweh brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. He makes the thoughts of the peoples to be of no effect. The counsel of Yahweh stands fast forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance. Yahweh looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions all of their hearts; and he considers all of their works. (Ps 33:10-15 WEB)
Does the size of a nation’s military save them? Who truly delivers us from death?
Kings aren’t saved by the strength of their armies; warriors aren’t rescued by how much power they have. A warhorse is a bad bet for victory; it can’t save despite its great strength. But look here: the Lord’s eyes watch all who honor him, all who wait for his faithful love, to deliver their lives from death and keep them alive during a famine. (Ps 33:16-19 CEB)
Upon whom do we depend to help and protect us?
We depend on you, Lord, to help and protect us. You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God. Be kind and bless us! We depend on you. (Ps 33:20-22 CEV)
For whom do all things work together for good?
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 ESV)
Who do we look to for wisdom and protection, the nations or politics of this world or God? You decide!
God's Forgiveness (Psalm 32)
Do we confess our sins to God and to one another or hide behind lies and pride? Let’s look at Psalm 32?
How does happiness relate to forgiveness of sin, of guilt being covered, of honesty of spirit?
The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy! The one the Lord doesn’t consider guilty—in whose spirit there is no dishonesty—that one is truly happy! (Ps 32:1-2 CEB)
What happens when we try to cover up our sins rather than confess them to God?
Before I confessed my sins, my bones felt limp, and I groaned all day long. Night and day your hand weighed heavily on me, and my strength was gone as in the summer heat. [Selah] (Ps 32:3-4 CEV)
To whom do we primarily confess our sin and what does He do about it?
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah (Ps 32:5 ESV)
What should the faithful do without delay once sin is recognized?
Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah (Ps 32:6-7 HCSB)
Who is qualified to teach the difference between right and wrong, the unrepentant or the one who repents of sin?
I will instruct you and teach you concerning the path you should walk; I will direct you with my eye. Don’t be like a horse or mule, without understanding. They are held in check by a bit and bridle in their mouths; otherwise they will not remain near you. (Ps 32:8-9 ISV)
What is the blessing that follows those who trust in the Lord?
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (Ps 32:10-11 KJV)
What happens to those who hide their sins compared to those who not only confess but forsake their sins?
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will receive compassion. (Pr 28:13 LSB)
Apart from God, to whom else should we confess our sins?
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much. (James 5:16 NASB)
Do we confess our sins to God and to one another or hide behind lies and pride? You decide!
How does happiness relate to forgiveness of sin, of guilt being covered, of honesty of spirit?
The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy! The one the Lord doesn’t consider guilty—in whose spirit there is no dishonesty—that one is truly happy! (Ps 32:1-2 CEB)
What happens when we try to cover up our sins rather than confess them to God?
Before I confessed my sins, my bones felt limp, and I groaned all day long. Night and day your hand weighed heavily on me, and my strength was gone as in the summer heat. [Selah] (Ps 32:3-4 CEV)
To whom do we primarily confess our sin and what does He do about it?
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah (Ps 32:5 ESV)
What should the faithful do without delay once sin is recognized?
Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah (Ps 32:6-7 HCSB)
Who is qualified to teach the difference between right and wrong, the unrepentant or the one who repents of sin?
I will instruct you and teach you concerning the path you should walk; I will direct you with my eye. Don’t be like a horse or mule, without understanding. They are held in check by a bit and bridle in their mouths; otherwise they will not remain near you. (Ps 32:8-9 ISV)
What is the blessing that follows those who trust in the Lord?
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (Ps 32:10-11 KJV)
What happens to those who hide their sins compared to those who not only confess but forsake their sins?
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will receive compassion. (Pr 28:13 LSB)
Apart from God, to whom else should we confess our sins?
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much. (James 5:16 NASB)
Do we confess our sins to God and to one another or hide behind lies and pride? You decide!
God a Rock (Psalm 31)
Who is the true rock of our faith? Let’s look at Psalm 31.
In whom do we take refuge, like on a rock high above danger below?
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! (Ps 31:1-2 ESV)
Who is our rock and fortress, where we find true safety from the net that traps us?
For You are my rock and my fortress; You lead and guide me because of Your name. You will free me from the net that is secretly set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hand I entrust my spirit; You redeem me, Lord, God of truth. (Ps 31:3-5 HCSB)
Have we been deceived into worshiping anything other than God, like statues, materialism, nationalism or our own opinions?
I despise those who trust vain idols; but I have trusted in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your gracious love, for you see my affliction and take note that my soul is distressed. You have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy, but you have set my feet in a sturdy place. (Ps 31:6-8 ISV)
Do we all fall into iniquity and as a result, our strength fails? Who can give us mercy?
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. (Ps 31:9-10 KJV)
Does sin ultimately damage our reputation? Whether deserved or not, do we get enemies?
Among all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me. I am forgotten like a dead man—out of mind—I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the bad report of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take my life. (Ps 31:11-13 LSB)
In whose hand do we place our lives to protect us from persecution and lies?
But as for me, I trust in You, Lord, I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me in Your faithfulness. Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I call upon You; Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol. Let the lying lips be speechless, Which speak arrogantly against the righteous With pride and contempt. (Ps 31:14-18 NASB)
How good and wonderful are the blessings that God has stored up for those who shelter for safety in Him?
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. (Ps 31:19-20 NIV)
When we feel cut off from all help, who can intervene and save us?
Blessed be the Lord, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried out to You. (Ps 31:21-22 NKJV)
In whom do we put our hope? Who does the Lord protect and who does He punish?
Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! (Ps 31:23-24 NLT)
What did Jesus say about those who both hear and do what He taught?
Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Mat 7:24 WEB)
Who is the true rock of our faith? You decide!
In whom do we take refuge, like on a rock high above danger below?
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! (Ps 31:1-2 ESV)
Who is our rock and fortress, where we find true safety from the net that traps us?
For You are my rock and my fortress; You lead and guide me because of Your name. You will free me from the net that is secretly set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hand I entrust my spirit; You redeem me, Lord, God of truth. (Ps 31:3-5 HCSB)
Have we been deceived into worshiping anything other than God, like statues, materialism, nationalism or our own opinions?
I despise those who trust vain idols; but I have trusted in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your gracious love, for you see my affliction and take note that my soul is distressed. You have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy, but you have set my feet in a sturdy place. (Ps 31:6-8 ISV)
Do we all fall into iniquity and as a result, our strength fails? Who can give us mercy?
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. (Ps 31:9-10 KJV)
Does sin ultimately damage our reputation? Whether deserved or not, do we get enemies?
Among all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me. I am forgotten like a dead man—out of mind—I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the bad report of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take my life. (Ps 31:11-13 LSB)
In whose hand do we place our lives to protect us from persecution and lies?
But as for me, I trust in You, Lord, I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me in Your faithfulness. Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I call upon You; Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol. Let the lying lips be speechless, Which speak arrogantly against the righteous With pride and contempt. (Ps 31:14-18 NASB)
How good and wonderful are the blessings that God has stored up for those who shelter for safety in Him?
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. (Ps 31:19-20 NIV)
When we feel cut off from all help, who can intervene and save us?
Blessed be the Lord, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried out to You. (Ps 31:21-22 NKJV)
In whom do we put our hope? Who does the Lord protect and who does He punish?
Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! (Ps 31:23-24 NLT)
What did Jesus say about those who both hear and do what He taught?
Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Mat 7:24 WEB)
Who is the true rock of our faith? You decide!
Godly Humility (Psalm 30)
When we become proud, what does God teach us? Let’s look at Psalm 30.
Who lifted us out of the depths, rescued us from the grave where our enemies could gloat over us?
I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. (Ps 30:1-3 NIV)
Do we sing praises to God? Do we give thanks to God?
Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Ps 30:4-5 NKJV)
When we prosper, do we become self-reliant? Does God turn away from us?
When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered. (Ps 30:6-7 NLT)
When God turns away, is His purpose to teach us to rely on Him not our worldly resources?
I cried to you, Yahweh. I made supplication to the Lord: “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth? Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me. Yahweh, be my helper.” (Ps 30:8-10 WEB)
What happens when we learn the lesson and return to relying on God alone?
You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever. (Ps 30:11-12 CEB)
When we allow the resources of the world to make us proud, does God humble us, so that He can bless us again?
In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say, “God opposes everyone who is proud, but he blesses all who are humble with undeserved grace.” (James 4:6 CEV)
When we become proud, what does God teach us? You decide!
Who lifted us out of the depths, rescued us from the grave where our enemies could gloat over us?
I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. (Ps 30:1-3 NIV)
Do we sing praises to God? Do we give thanks to God?
Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Ps 30:4-5 NKJV)
When we prosper, do we become self-reliant? Does God turn away from us?
When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered. (Ps 30:6-7 NLT)
When God turns away, is His purpose to teach us to rely on Him not our worldly resources?
I cried to you, Yahweh. I made supplication to the Lord: “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth? Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me. Yahweh, be my helper.” (Ps 30:8-10 WEB)
What happens when we learn the lesson and return to relying on God alone?
You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever. (Ps 30:11-12 CEB)
When we allow the resources of the world to make us proud, does God humble us, so that He can bless us again?
In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say, “God opposes everyone who is proud, but he blesses all who are humble with undeserved grace.” (James 4:6 CEV)
When we become proud, what does God teach us? You decide!
God's Voice (Psalm 29)
What is God’s voice like? How could we describe it? Let’s look at Psalm 29.
Do we credit God with glory and strength and holiness?
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. (Ps 29:1-2 ESV)
Is God’s voice pictured in power and splendor in thunder over the sea?
The voice of the Lord is above the waters. The God of glory thunders—the Lord, above vast waters, the voice of the Lord in power, the voice of the Lord in splendor. (Ps 29:3-4 HCSB)
Is God’s voice strong enough to break giant cedar trees and make them leap like a young bull?
The voice of the Lord snaps the cedars; the Lord snaps the cedars of Lebanon. He makes them stagger like a calf, even Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox. (Ps 29:5-6 ISV)
Is God’s voice powerful enough to shake the wilderness? In the assembly do we speak of God’s glory?
The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. (Ps 29:7-9 KJV)
In our planet’s greatest catastrophe, Noah’s flood, was God still in control? Do sedimentary rock layers worldwide testify to God’s power?
Yahweh sat enthroned over the flood; Indeed, Yahweh sits as King forever. Yahweh will give strength to His people; Yahweh will bless His people with peace. (Ps 29:10-11 LSB)
Did Jesus display this same divine power by calming a storm?
And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. (Mark 4:39 NASB)
What is God’s voice like? How could we describe it? You decide!
Do we credit God with glory and strength and holiness?
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. (Ps 29:1-2 ESV)
Is God’s voice pictured in power and splendor in thunder over the sea?
The voice of the Lord is above the waters. The God of glory thunders—the Lord, above vast waters, the voice of the Lord in power, the voice of the Lord in splendor. (Ps 29:3-4 HCSB)
Is God’s voice strong enough to break giant cedar trees and make them leap like a young bull?
The voice of the Lord snaps the cedars; the Lord snaps the cedars of Lebanon. He makes them stagger like a calf, even Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox. (Ps 29:5-6 ISV)
Is God’s voice powerful enough to shake the wilderness? In the assembly do we speak of God’s glory?
The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. (Ps 29:7-9 KJV)
In our planet’s greatest catastrophe, Noah’s flood, was God still in control? Do sedimentary rock layers worldwide testify to God’s power?
Yahweh sat enthroned over the flood; Indeed, Yahweh sits as King forever. Yahweh will give strength to His people; Yahweh will bless His people with peace. (Ps 29:10-11 LSB)
Did Jesus display this same divine power by calming a storm?
And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. (Mark 4:39 NASB)
What is God’s voice like? How could we describe it? You decide!
God Hears (Psalm 28)
Are there conditions required for answered prayers? Are there divine consequences of good and evil deeds? Let’s begin in Psalm 28.
When we pray, do we ask God to hear our pleas? Do we waver in faith?
To You, Lord, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit. Hear the sound of my pleadings when I cry to You for help, When I raise my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. (Ps 28:1-2 NASB)
Do we cry out to God for justice in an unjust world, that He would punish evil?
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve. (Ps 28:3-4 NIV)
In the end of all things, what will happen to those who do not respect God’s works?
Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, Nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them And not build them up. (Ps 28:5 NKJV)
Did God hear the Psalmist’s prayer? Did he burst out in thanksgiving?
Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. (Ps 28:6-7 NLT)
Who is our strength, our bank account, our real estate holdings, or our nation’s military?
Yahweh is their strength. He is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed. Save your people, and bless your inheritance. Be their shepherd also, and bear them up forever. (Ps 28:8-9 WEB)
Do we have the confidence that God will answer our prayers that are in line with His will?
This is the confidence that we have in our relationship with God: If we ask for anything in agreement with his will, he listens to us. (1 John 5:14 CEB)
Is there a general principle that aligns with this Psalm?
You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. (Galatians 6:7 CEV)
Are there conditions required for answered prayers? Are there divine consequences of good and evil deeds? You decide!
When we pray, do we ask God to hear our pleas? Do we waver in faith?
To You, Lord, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit. Hear the sound of my pleadings when I cry to You for help, When I raise my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. (Ps 28:1-2 NASB)
Do we cry out to God for justice in an unjust world, that He would punish evil?
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve. (Ps 28:3-4 NIV)
In the end of all things, what will happen to those who do not respect God’s works?
Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, Nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them And not build them up. (Ps 28:5 NKJV)
Did God hear the Psalmist’s prayer? Did he burst out in thanksgiving?
Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. (Ps 28:6-7 NLT)
Who is our strength, our bank account, our real estate holdings, or our nation’s military?
Yahweh is their strength. He is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed. Save your people, and bless your inheritance. Be their shepherd also, and bear them up forever. (Ps 28:8-9 WEB)
Do we have the confidence that God will answer our prayers that are in line with His will?
This is the confidence that we have in our relationship with God: If we ask for anything in agreement with his will, he listens to us. (1 John 5:14 CEB)
Is there a general principle that aligns with this Psalm?
You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. (Galatians 6:7 CEV)
Are there conditions required for answered prayers? Are there divine consequences of good and evil deeds? You decide!
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