October 29, 2014
David understood something about God’s “love and justice.” He had learned both the loving mercy and the holy righteousness of God. Some today would view God with an “either/or” perspective. They “either” focus too much on God’s love, making Him a saccharine sweet, permissive push-over grandparent with a white beard (like Santa). “Or” they see an angry judge who is to blame for every war, disease, terrorist attack and natural disaster that befalls us. However, the Lord’s character is not simply “either/or,” but “both/and.” He is “both” full of love “and” holiness. The two traits are fully and equally His. Certainly the greatest revelation of God’s love and justice is seen in the cross of Christ. It was God’s great love that sent His Son and God’s great holiness that was satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice. At the cross we see God’s love and justice intersect.
September 24, 2014
I often heard my mother quote this psalm in prayer after my father died. She was only 31 years old when she found herself a widow raising four children alone. She called on God to keep His promise to be a Father to her fatherless children and a Defender, a Husband, to her. I think He heard her prayers. My life and calling are a testament to them.
September 23, 2014
This psalm was to be sung in the Temple accompanied by instruments. It is a prayer, asking God to make Himself known to people everywhere. This prayer is consistent with God’s will and it is being answered today, perhaps even in this generation. Jesus has commanded us to go to the nations and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20) and He also said that when every nation has heard the gospel, the end would come (Matt 24:14). So, we pray this psalm to God, knowing that only He can save and make Himself known, yet also knowing that we are called to be His heralds, announcing the gospel to the nations, so that they may hear and be saved.
September 9, 2014
Atheism is a heart not a head condition. The atheist claims intellectual reasons for unbelief, but the root actually lies in a “corrupt” heart. This condition of the heart is like a computer program with corrupted files, it does not respond as its designer planned. Intellectual proofs will not change a corrupted heart. A spiritual heart transplant is required.
September 8, 2014
This psalm of David was written during the time when he was hiding from Saul. Even though David was being persecuted and circumstances looked bleak, he trusted in “God’s unfailing love.” He compared himself to an olive tree that had sunk its roots into God’s house. Throughout the Middle East the olive tree is known to thrive. No matter the conditions: hot, dry, cold, wet, rocky, or sandy, this gnarly, evergreen tree will live and produce fruit. Even when cut down or burned, new shoots emerge from its roots. Some trees grow from roots that are over 2,000 years old. The olive tree was a symbol of steadfastness and fruitfulness in Israel. Where other trees would die, it thrives. This is what David declared, that with his life rooted in God’s unfailing love, he would thrive in spite of his circumstances. Instead of asking God to change our circumstances, let’s sink our roots into His living water and thrive where we’re planted!
September 7, 2014
David prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness after being confronted with his sin with Bathsheba. He did not ask for God’s mercy based on himself, but according to God’s “unfailing love” and “great compassion.” David knew what his sin deserved, yet he cried out for God to forgive according to His nature, not his own. He did not bargain with God, promising some great sacrifice. He begged God’s forgiveness, willingly confessing his sin and repentance. David’s prayer is a template for those of us who would confess our sins and seek forgiveness from God. For God has already demonstrated His own love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).
September 6, 2014
The Lord Jesus, our Mighty Hero, is God of very God, and He has spoken to us through His gospel which was written down. This gospel summons us to bring to Him disciples from every tongue and tribe, even from the ends of the earth. Our God speaks. And we have heard Him. He is not distant nor silent. He reveals Himself through creation and through His Spirit, yet His fullest revelation is through His Son, Jesus. Our God has spoken and still speaks. Do you have spiritual ears to hear?
August 20, 2014
Commit what? Everything. Trust God with what? Everything. And what will God do? He will help you in everything. What does it mean to “commit” something to the Lord? It means to put it in His hands, to put His Name on it. Have you committed everything to Jesus? Have you trusted your all-in-all to Him? Your possessions? Your hopes and dreams? Your kids? Your spouse? Your schooling or job? What are you doing or owning or desiring that you haven’t turned over to God? Stop holding back and trying to control things yourself. Commit all to Jesus, all to Him, surrender. You can trust Him. He will help.
August 4, 2014
What a wonderful life goal David had! To live in the Lord’s house, to delight in His perfections and to meditate on Him. It is the fulfillment of this goal that Christ promises to make possible in John 14:1-3 when He speaks of preparing a place in the Father’s house for us. Some people wonder what they would do in this eternal abode, but David didn’t. He understood the eternal and ever-engaging nature of God’s “perfections” and looked forward to spending eternity delighting and meditating on them. If we can spend lifetimes considering God’s creation, then what wonders must await those who dwell in the Creator’s home and delight in Him.
August 3, 2014
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand. I’m going to second service today to hear my son preach and to to publicly praise the Lord! God is good!