February 22, 2011 - My Thoughts

Psalm 39:4

4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.  Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.

Often we go about our days and weeks, living life trying to keep up with society, wanting the newest, best things that are offered to us.  But we often don't think about our life in the eyes of God.  Think about 2 Corinthians 5:20, God's Word tells us that "²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."  In other words, we are "sent" by God into this world to bring a message to non-believers, we are as the scripture says, "ambassadors" of God, sent to speak to people on His behalf.  If we are sent by God, then someday, He will call us back home when our assignment is complete according to His purposes.  Only He knows the precise time when we are to go be with our Maker.  It is important to pray to Jesus that He reminds us every day that our lives are not ours, we have submitted them to Him, and that He bought our lives with blood on the cross.  And although our lives seem like 100 years on earth, if you compare the average human life of 62.7 years (2010 est.)(Wikipedia), and compare it to the beginning of creation (roughly to our knowledge) 6,000 years (4,000 B.C.), then our lives so far at an average, account for 0.01045 percent, or 1.045 % of time since creation, so how much less is our lives compared to eternity.  It is ultimately important to realize that our lives are minimal in the grand scheme of things and that we need to make the most of them as "ambassadors" on Earth, to each other, sent by God and to be someday called from our visitation on Earth back to God's kingdom at an appointed time.  I pray that my thoughts encourage you step back from your daily living, and take a breath, and step back in line with Jesus if your not already doing so.  Time is short, make it matter!

Love you all!
John

Additional Content

Life is short no matter how long we live. If there is something important we want to do, we must not put it off for a better day. Ask yourself, "If I had only six months to live, what would I do?" Tell someone that you love him or her? Deal with an undisciplined area in your life? Tell someone about Jesus? Because life is short, don't neglect what is truly important.

February 21, 2011

Psalm 37:1

A psalm of David.

1  Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.

 

We should never envy evil people, even though some may be extremely popular or excessively rich. No matter how much they have, it will fade and vanish like grass that withers and dies. Those who follow God live differently from the wicked and, in the end, will have far greater treasures in heaven. What the unbeliever gets may last a lifetime, if he is lucky. What you get from following God lasts forever.

February 20, 2011

Psalm 33:11

11  But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

"The LORD's plans stand firm forever." Are you frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others, or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthy-his intentions never change. There is a promise that good and perfect gifts come to us from the Creator who never changes. When you wonder if there is anyone in whom you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent. Let him counsel you, and trust in his plans for your life.

February 19, 2011

Psalm 32:5

5  Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

What is confession? To confess our sin is to agree with God, acknowledging that he is right to declare what we have done as sinful, and that we are wrong to desire or to do it. It is to affirm our intention of abandoning that sin in order to follow him more faithfully.

February 18, 2011

Psalm 25:14

14  The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.

 

"The LORD is a friend to those who fear him." God offers intimate and lasting friendship to those who revere him, who hold him in highest honor. What relationship could ever compare with having the Lord of all creation for a friend? Your everlasting friendship with God will grow as you revere him.

February 17, 2011

Psalm 25:4

4  Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.

 

David expressed his desire for guidance. How do we receive God's guidance? The first step is to want to be guided and to realize that God's primary guidance system is in his Word, the Bible. By reading it and constantly learning from it, we will gain the wisdom to perceive God's direction for our lives. We may be tempted to demand answers from God, but David asked for direction. When we are willing to seek God, learn from his Word, and obey his commands, then will we receive his specific guidance.

February 16, 2011

Psalm 22:30-31

30  Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.

31  His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.

 

If we want our children to serve the Lord, they must hear about him from us. It is not enough to rely on the church or those with more knowledge to provide all their Christian education. We must reinforce the lessons of the Bible in our homes.

February 15, 2011

Psalm 19:14

14  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. As you begin each day, determine that God's love will guide what you say and how you think.

February 14, 2011 - Happy Valentine's Day!

Psalm 19:3-4

3  They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

4  Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

The apostle Paul referred to this psalm when he explained that everyone knows about God because nature proclaims God's existence and power. This does not cancel the need for missions because the message of God's salvation found in his Word, the Bible, must still be told to the ends of the earth. While nature points to the existence of God, the Bible tells us about salvation. God's people must explain to others how they can have a relationship with God. Although people everywhere should already believe in a Creator by just looking at the evidence of nature around them, God needs us to explain his love, mercy, and grace. What are you doing to take God's message to the world?

February 13, 2011

Psalm 18:2-3

2  The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

3  I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

 

God's protection of his people is limitless and can take many forms. David characterized God's care with five military symbols. God is like (1) a rock that can't be moved by any who would harm us, (2) a fortress or place of safety where the enemy can't follow, (3) a shield that comes between us and harm, (4) a horn of salvation-a symbol of might and power, and (5) a stronghold high above our enemies. If you need protection, look to God.

February 12, 2011

Psalm 17:8

8  Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Just as we protect the pupils (literally, "apples") of our eyes, so God will protect us. We must not conclude, however, that we have somehow missed God's protection if we experience troubles. God's protection has far greater purposes than helping us avoid pain; it is to make us better servants for him. God also protects us by guiding us through painful circumstances, not only by helping us escape them.

February 11, 2011

Psalm 16:9

9  No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.

David's heart was glad-he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God's presence within us. As we contemplate his daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future he has for us, we will experience joy. Don't base your life on circumstances, but on God.

February 10, 2011

Psalm 16:7-8

7  I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.

8  I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

 

It is human nature to make our own plans and then ask God to bless them. Instead, we should seek God's will first. By constantly thinking about the Lord and his way of living, we will gain insights that will help us make right decisions and live the way God desires. Communicating with God allows him to counsel us and give us wisdom.

February 9, 2011

Psalm 13:5-6

5 But I trust in your unfailing love.  I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.

These verses really have a humbling effect on me today.  Last night, I fell again, and then to read this breaks my heart.  It seems so difficult at times, but in verse 5, I can read, "...you have rescued me."  I am no longer in bondage to sin, I am however still battling it.  Does that make it right to sin?  Absolutely not!  As hard as it may seem I know that I can trust Jesus to fight the big fight for me, and not give into the temptations because as it says in the earlier part of verse 5, Gods "...unfailing love" means exactly what it says, UNFAILING LOVE.  Unfailing means "to never fail"  which means that Jesus's love will never fail us.  And whether we pray, praise, sing, share with others, or journal success in overcoming sin, it will be a song to God in all ways as we thank Him for showing us the path and lighting the way.  God is good to us, and often we tend to overlook what He has (delivered me from an immoral past) and is doing (renewing my heart, mind and soul) and is going to do (deliver all belivers and followers of Him from this twisted world that Satan calls his own.

February 8, 2011

Psalm 12:6

6 The Lord’s promises are pure,like silver refined in a furnace,purified seven times over.

Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. As a king, David certainly faced his share of such people, who hoped to win his favor and gain advancement through flattery. When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one hope-the Word of God. God's words are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when he speaks.

February 7, 2011

Psalm 11:4

4 But the Lord is in his holy Temple;the Lord still rules from heaven.He watches everyone closely,examining every person on earth.

When the foundations are shaking and you wish you could hide, remember that God is still in control. His power is not diminished by any turn of events. Nothing happens without his knowledge and permission. When you feel like running away-run to God. He will restore justice and goodness on the earth in his good time.

February 6, 2011

Psalm 9:13-14

13 Lord, have mercy on me.See how my enemies torment me.Snatch me back from the jaws of death.


14 Save me so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem’s gates,so I can rejoice that you have rescued me.

All of us want God to help us when we are in trouble, but often for different reasons. Some want God's help so that they will be successful and other people will like them. Others want God's help so that they will be comfortable and feel good about themselves. David, however, wanted help from God so that justice would be restored to Israel and so that he could show others God's power. When you call to God for help, consider your motive. Is it to save yourself pain and embarrassment or to bring God glory and honor?

February 5, 2011

Psalm 8:3

2 You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength,silencing your enemiesand all who oppose you.

Children are able to trust and praise God without doubts or reservations. As we get older, many of us find this more and more difficult to do. Ask God to give you childlike faith, removing any barriers to having a closer walk with him. Get in touch with this childlike quality in yourself so that you can be more expressive.

February 4, 2011

Psalm 7:17

17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

My Thoughts:
David here in the Psalms is reflecting on his heart attitude towards God.  David is not saying that he should, or he'll think about it, rather David, showing God reverance, is saying "I will give thanks to the Lord..."  We need to remember that no matter what we go through, need must give thanks to Him who brought us into this world.  Lets look at more of the passage, the sentance goes on to say "I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness;"  David is giving empty thanks, there is reason behind it.  God is the only one that can say something to us, and deliver on it 100%.  God is always faithful to His word and therefore, like David, we need to always be thanking Him.  Next time you're worshiping at church or whatever, think about the words that are in the song, and pray to God that He places on your heart a desire like Davids to always be thanking and recognizing what we have been rescued from.

Psalm 7:17 Additional Content:

During a time of great evil and injustice, David was grateful that God is righteous. When we wonder if anyone is honest or fair, we can be assured that God will continue to bring justice and fairness when we involve him in our activities. If you ever feel that you are being treated unfairly, ask the one who is always fair and just to be with you. Then thank him for his presence.

February 3, 2011

Psalm 7:9

9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure — you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.

Nothing is hidden from God-this can be either terrifying or comforting. Our thoughts are an open book to him. Because he knows even our motives, we have no place to hide, no way to pretend we can get away with sin. But that very knowledge also gives us great comfort. We don't have to impress God or put up a false front. Instead, we can trust God to help us work through our weaknesses in order to serve him as he has planned. When we truly follow God, he rewards our effort.

February 2, 2011

Psalm 4:3

3  You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him.

 

The godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. David knew that God would hear him when he called and would answer him. We too can be confident that God listens to our prayers and answers when we call on him. Sometimes we think that God will not hear us because we have fallen short of his high standards for holy living. But if we have trusted Christ for salvation, God has forgiven us, and he will listen to us. When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that he loves you. He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems.

February 1, 2011

Psalm 2:11-12

11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear,and rejoice with trembling.  12 Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—for his anger flares up in an instant.But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

We must surrender fully and submit to the Son. Christ is not only God's chosen King, he is also the rightful King of our hearts and lives. To be ready for Christ's return, we must submit to his leadership every day.