June 9, 2016
We are to be thankful for our children as a “heritage,” as a gift. It is not just biology at work, for they are “from the Lord.” They are a “reward” to be desired, not a burden to be avoided. Yet, we need this reminder from God’s Word because sin would have us view God’s gifts as curses. Beloved, meditate on this verse as you consider our little ones.
June 3, 2016
Why did the psalmist look to the “hills” for help? No doubt he referred to the hills of Mount Zion upon which stood the Temple in Jerusalem. Psalm 121 is the second of fifteen “Psalms of Ascent” (Psalms 120-134). These psalms became known as such because of their use by Hebrew pilgrims making the three annual treks to Jerusalem for the required festivals. The pilgrims would sing these songs as they ascended to the temple mount in preparation for worship. During Jesus’ time there were fifteen steps to the Herodian Temple that approached the Double Gate. These psalms were sung on these steps before entering the gates to the temple. Today, the gates are sealed, but the steps remain. It’s good to start worshiping before one enters God’s house. And it’s good to remember, as the psalmist did, that our help doesn’t actually come from the “hills” where the church building stands. Rather, our help “comes from the Lord,” who made not only the “hills,” but also everything else in “heaven and earth.”
May 28, 2016
Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem written in celebration of God’s Word. It’s 22 stanzas were based on the Hebrew alphabet and at 176 verses, it is the longest chapter in the Bible. Verse 89 marks the beginning of the “Lamedh” stanza and also stands near the halfway mark of the psalm. It is like a keystone in a beautiful archway, anchoring the Word of God in the heavens. It is wondrous to consider the stars at night, yet God’s Word is more “firmly fixed in the heavens” than any ancient constellation. Why trust an astrological sign when theological revelation is infinitely superior and more clear? The heavens and the earth may pass, but God’s Word will last forever (Matt. 24:35).
May 23, 2016
How do you “store up” (“hide”) God’s Word in your heart? First believe it and receive it. Then, study and commit it to memory, so that it begins to re-write your thinking. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan, He responded with Scripture every time. Memorize and repeat the Word to face today’s challenges.
May 21, 2016
A good reminder during a political year.
May 13, 2016
David declared his intent to “give great thanks” to God in “the midst of the throng.” Not little thanks, but “great” thanks. Not private thanks, but public, in the middle of a noisy multitude. David, who often wrote of his gratitude in a psalmist journal, declared his intent to shout out loud thanks with his “mouth,” and not just his pen. He saw no separation between his private and public faith. He was ready to stand in the “midst” of a cacophonous crowd and be heard praising the Lord.
May 2, 2016
This psalm of David begins with an introspective imperative that every detail of his life, both within and without, would live in a continuous state of worshiping God. Was there an area where David worshiped his own will or had found his desire focused on another? If so, he commanded himself to “let all that I am,” every part of my “heart,” be focused on praising the Lord.
Is there an area in your life today that isn’t in alignment with God’s will for you? If there is, then how can you truly worship the Lord? How can you bring only part of your heart, part of your life to Him in praise? This is half-worship, and God will not accept it. Stop being half-hearted in following Jesus. Confess your sins and “let all” that you are praise the Lord. Praise Him with your “whole heart.”
April 27, 2016
Those who know the Lord should sing joyful songs of praise and make joyful noises with their instruments. Worship is no time to be shy or self-aware. It is a time to focus on the King, giving Him the praise due him. The psalmist uses imperative language to urge our worship: “Make a joyful noise” and “break forth into joyous song!” When was the last time you “broke forth?” Perhaps that’s what many of us need today… a breakthrough. We need a worship breakthrough. Worship that breaks forth through our fear, our worry, our trouble. Worship that lifts our focus from our circumstances to His face. And this command to worship also moves us to carry the gospel to “all the earth,” so that people from every tribe and tongue join us in joyful song. Break forth!
April 21, 2016
The Lord sits on His throne of “righteousness and justice,” yet He has sent Christ, so that He is able to look upon us with “steadfast love and faithfulness.” It was at the cross of Christ that both God’s justice and love were satisfied. The penalty for sin that God’s righteousness and justice demanded was meted out upon Christ. And God’s “steadfast love” (Hebrew: “chesed” – “covenantal love.” Similar to “agape” love in the NT) and “faithfulness” were expressed in that God provided a way for us to be saved through Christ’s sacrifice of love. God is seated on a throne of righteous justice, yet His faithful love has gone before His face, so that He looks upon us through Christ.
March 30, 2016
Hope is the strong desire for a favorable future. Yet, experiences of past and present failures often dash our hopes, making us less hopeful for tomorrow. But the Psalmist found that his hope in the Lord was trustworthy and true since his youth. Anchoring his hope in the Lord, his hope for the future soared. We can make Christ our hope. He will never disappoint. Our hope in Jesus is anchored in his resurrection, trusts in his reliability and focuses on his soon return. Christ is our hope for our past, present and future.