PSALM 1: PART 2 DELIGHTING, MEDITATING, THRIVING

Byadmin
This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Psalm 1, Introduction

Psalm 1, Introduction

God promises abundant blessings to those who delight in and meditate upon His words. Blessed is the one, the recipient of the lavish gifts of God that supply all our needs and deepens faith.  God’s extravagant blessings touch our relationships, family, home, work, finances, and physical health.   God personally charts our path and leads us in the best ways. 

BLESSINGS COME TO WORD-LOVERS.

Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.  Psalm 1:1, 2

Blessed means, “how happy.”  It means, “to go straight,”  “be level,” “right.”  The more critical aspect of God’s blessings deals with our faith, which yields satisfaction and contentment.

  • Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sins are covered (Romans 4:7).  
  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:3,4,6).

God’s blessings more often deal with building our faith than with gaining more material blessings, although God has promised he will supply all that we need (Philippians 4:19).  God’s blessings are consistent as we delight and meditate in God’s Word. 

DELIGHT

Delighting is a response of wanting to hear more, experience the presence of, or be with someone we value. There’s a passion for God’s Word. When we delight in the Word, we can’t wait to read the next chapter, we can’t wait to be in His presence, and we can’t wait to know more of God’s character. 

Delighting compels me to:

1) be consistent in my reading each day,

2) please and honor the Lord,

3) willingly surrender my will to align with God’s will,

4) builds inner strength, confidence, peace, comfort, and contentment, and to

5) believe the promises, and

6) align my conduct with God’s Word.

It’s not surprising that the longest chapter of Scripture, Psalm 119,  describes the benefits of loving God’s Word.  The 176 verses speak to the importance of knowing and loving the Writer.  God’s character spills off the page into our spirit and does the eternal work of making us into the likeness of Jesus.

Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
for your instructions are my delight. Psalm 119:77 NLT

MEDITATE

MEDITATING trains the mind to think and process the Word.  The Holy Spirit anchors faith and believing as we meditate.  Meditating improves our physical and emotional health. Sleep improves, worries lessen.  Anxious thoughts give way to peace.  Conviction of sin leads to repentance. Attitudes become more positive.  Meditating causes a deeper hunger for the words of Life. 

God’s appointed leader, Moses, received the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, written with the finger of God when leading the Israelites to the Promised Land.  God spoke directly to Moses at the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 33:7,9).   When Moses would leave the Tent, Joshua, the next leader of Israel,  lingered in the presence of the Lord, with an eager heart for God. When God assigned him to succeed Moses, God directed his success based upon his attention to God’s law. 

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night,

so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.

Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

Thriving and success wasn’t just for Joshua but each student of the Word.  It’s a promise to all Word-lovers.

THRIVE

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3

Trees thrive by water!  Trees (about 50% water) and humans (about 60% of water)  need a fresh supply each day.  The person who delights in and meditates on has the promise to thrive in all seasons and situations of life. 

A companion verse that offers the same promise of blessing, Jeremiah 17:7-8, says,

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.”

Time each day will grow and deepen spiritual roots into that Living Water of refreshment and sustenance. There’s a promise,  “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give shall never thirst again” (John 4:14). Through the ups and downs of life, we will be like a healthy, thriving tree that is in good soil with plenty of water. 

Jesus said there would be rivers of living water within (John 7:38).  Rivers, that’s plural; not just a few drops, a trickle or a small stream, but rivers that provide abundance and refreshment in seasons of plenty and seasons of drought. “It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:8).  Jesus,  our Shepherd, will give all we need.  We will lack nothing (Psalm 23:1).

I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments

and reflect on your ways.  Psalm 119:14, 15 NLT

Today the promise of abundant blessing will follow the Word-lover who delights and meditates on God’s love letter.

End of Part 2, Go to Psalm 1, Part 3  Loss of World-lover, Gain of Word-lover!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series Navigation<< PSALM 1 INTRODUCTION Word-Lovers VS World-Lovers.PSALM 1, PART 3 LOSS OF WORLD-LOVER, GAIN OF WORD-LOVER! >>

Similar Posts

| | |

OUR GREAT DELIVERER, Psalm 18:2

Byadmin

Often in reading scripture, it’s easy to quickly gloss over words and fail to see the deeper meaning.  In Psalm 18:2, our thoughts can anchor into the protection and deliverance God provides as a rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn, and stronghold.  Consider the deeper meanings of these symbolic words describing our Deliverer.

David’s Psalm powerfully reminds us that a perfect God watches over us.  This Psalm, repeated in 2 Samuel 22, may have been written near the end of David’s reign, and again proclaims God’s faithfulness to protect and save from enemies and troubles.  Before David ascended the throne as King of Israel, he spent years running from the murderous threats of God-dethroned and jealous King Saul.   This 3000-year-old Psalm of David continues to shout praise to our Living God, who is our rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn, and stronghold.  

Psalm 18:2  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

ROCK “The Lord is my rock,”

We live in Arizona, and a few miles from boulder rocks, some more massive than our house!   Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by magnificent, majestic mountains that inspire and point to the heavens, where our help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1).  David, fleeing from King Saul found a sure footing on the unwavering, stable, secure rock, often towering above his enemies.

A gifted and prophetic muscian, David,  through the Holy Spirit, wrote the Pslams.  David said, The Lord is my rock.  In the New Testament, the foundational rock of faith is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16-18).  We are wise to build our lives upon that firm foundation, Jesus!

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  Matthew 7:24, 25

When we anchor on the Rock, Christ Jesus, we will be anchored through the storms of life.  When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Proverbs 10:25

 

FORTRESS  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress,“

A fortress, as in a military stronghold, is a safe place.  We are secure inside not susceptible to outside influence or disturbances. God surrounds his people. 

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people (Psalm 125:2).

In spiritual warfare, not unlike a military battle, we fight the enemy of our soul.  Knowing God is our Fortress, together with daily time in the Word (the sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:17), and prayer, we can stand against the forces of evil.

This symbolism reflects the strength and power of God to keep and protect from the attack of our enemies, especially the Devil.  God’s presence is our safe place of refuge and peace. 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear (Isaiah 41:10).

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29).

DELIVERER  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;”

A deliverer is someone who rescues from harm or danger.  Our Savior has saved us from sin and death.  You may recount times God has kept you from an accident while driving or protected you from a harmful situation.  Our Deliverer is always aware of every detail of our lives.  Our Deliverer has given us the Holy Spirit, our helper, comforter, and daily guide. 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Not only does God deliver us in this world, but from the eternal wrath to come: and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

REFUGE  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,“

In a time of trouble, we have a shelter from the storms of life, a place where we are safe and sheltered from pursuit, danger, or stress.   God speaks that if the mountains fall into the sea – which would be more than alarming and frightening – God says, don’t be anxious, but be still.  Over 300 times in the Bible God says we should not be afraid.  God says it so many times because he knows we are repeatedly afraid and fearful. Thankfully, God is our rock, fortress, refuge, and deliverer as we put our trust in Him.  

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. 

 Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:1, 2 ,10).

God also provides a refuge from lies, mean and hurtful words or actions of others.  When we fix our mind on the Lord’s promises, we find that secret place of peace and refuge.

You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues (Psalm 31:20)

 God is imminently ready to be our refuge!

 

SHIELD   “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield,” 

A shield is protective armor against an attack of the enemy.  David, on the run from Saul, knew God as a shield, ultimately the Protector who would fulfill his destiny.

The shield, in essence,  is a reference to the Sovereign God who does the impossible.  A  Sovereign  is one who possesses supreme, ultimate power, able to defend.   In Genesis 15, God calls himself a shield (Sovereign) of Abram. 

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward.”  But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless?” (Genesis 15:1, 2).

The Sovereign Lord did the impossible by giving a son to a 90-year-old barren woman and 100-year-old man.

 …” a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”  He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:4, 5

The supreme, ultimate power of God knows how to fight our battles.  He is our shield! 

 

HORN OF SALVATION  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.”

Horns symbolize strength and victory. 

  • Horn in the Old Testament was a shofar, ram’s horn, like a bugle.  At Jericho, the first Canaanite city conquered upon entrance into the Promised Land, the horns blew, the people shouted, and the walls fell (Jericho 6:20). 
  • Horns in Revelation symbolized the power of nations and their leaders (Revelation 13:1)
  • Horns on the altar in Temple were placed on each corner, symbolizing atonement, or purity by the blood of the Old Testament sacrifice of animals, and the blood sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament  (Exodus 27:2; Ezekiel 43:20).

The horn of salvation symbolizes not only strength to help, but victory over sin.   Forgiveness of sin, the strength of God through all Jesus accomplished on the cross and resurrection, gives overcoming power and triumph to the child of God.  Not only over sin but strength to achieve daily tasks and energy to do more than we think we can.   David said, With God’s help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall (Psalm 18:29).  

God, the horn (strength) of our salvation is stronger than any other power.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is working in us to defeat sin and give life.

 

STRONGHOLD  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

One of the most beautiful places in Israel, in the Judean desert and next to the Dead Sea, is a place called En Gedi.  David found this fortified and protected stronghold from an attack, an oasis of canyons and caves, fertile vineyards, freshwater springs, and animals that provide food.  Strongholds, like David’s, was a place of protection, an oasis in the desert. 

Metaphorically, negative strongholds in the mind – uncontrolled anger, addictions, sexual temptations,  alcohol, or hoarding –  can be overcome by the power of God.   Armed in the transforming Word and God’s presence guarantees a protected stronghold against fears, stresses, and insecurity.  We are safe as we remain in God’s stronghold.  The Word will keep our thoughts right, actions pure, and lives under God’s protection.

The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.   2 Corinthians 10:4-5

 

I LOVE YOU, LORD, MY STRENGTH

As you consider these terms as symbolic of God’s divine help as rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn of my salvation, and stronghold, we can say as David did,  I love you, Lord, my strength!  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1,2).

The Lord lives! 

Praise be to my Rock! 

Exalted by God my Savior!

Psalm 18:40

 

 

 

 

PSALM 1, PART 3 LOSS OF WORLD-LOVER, GAIN OF WORD-LOVER!

Byadmin
This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Psalm 1, Introduction

Psalm 1, Introduction

Psalm 1, verse 4, identifies the World-lovers. Their time is invested in what the world loves.  Psalm 1 describes these World-lovers as chaff that quickly blows away with the slightest breeze.  

4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not (be able to) stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. Psalm 1:4-5

Our culture, once defined as a Christian nation built upon the principles of Scripture and God’s blessings, now is taking bold effort to erase God from political parties, courthouses, and from the oath of office, “So help me, God.”  The Ten Commandments are removed from public buildings, nativity scenes banned from public squares, and crosses torn down from public land. 

The twenty-third president of our country, Benjamin Harrison, penned, “If you take out of your statutes, your constitution, your family life all that is taken from the Sacred Book, what would there be left to bind society together?” America is removing God from our foundation.  The nation is blessed whose God is the Lord (Psalm 32:12). 

2 Timothy 3:2,4  says, “In the end times,  people will be lovers of themselves… and lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.”  Culture is accepting of values that God says are abominations and perverse.  Culture allows and approves of abortion, sexual sins, careless language, dishonesty, and hatred. Insanity is on the rise.  For example, in New York, it’s illegal to declaw a cat, but acceptable to leave an aborted newborn baby to die. 

The more we read and understand Scripture, the more we will be able to stand on the side of truth. We can discern right and wrong and conduct our lives to bring honor to God.  Knowing the Word guards against deception.

Those who are ignorant of God’s commands are unable to discern God’s voice. 

CHAFF

Chaff is the inedible, thin, dry, scaley husk around the seed.  The chaff is devoid of nutritional value and quickly blows away with the slightest breeze.  Chaff is close to the grain.   It surrounds the seed like husk around an ear of corn, the part we strip off and throw away before eating the corn.  In Psalm 1, verse 1, we read the description of those who walk, stand, or sit – metaphors speaking of a lifestyle – in the wrong company with the wicked.    

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Walking in step with the wicked, standing with the crowd, or spending time sitting with those who disregard speak of the cultural values and activities of the World-lover.  Which voices speak louder – the world, or the Word?  If uncertain as to God’s value on some of the above mentioned cultural-approved morals –such as abortion, sexual sins, homosexuality, dishonesty – the louder cultural voices will shape a  lifestyle that God cannot bless. 

World-lovers are on the broad road, the cultural way, that leads to destruction and separation from God. 

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

There is a way that gains the blessings of God, the way of the righteous who are Word-lovers.

RIGHTEOUS

 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.  Psalm 1:6 (NIV)

Word-lovers forge through the distractions of busyness, work, and family responsibilities.  Word-lovers are seed cultivators with the good soil that produces a harvest (Parable of the Seed, Matthew 13:18-23).  The seed, God’s Word,  produces a harvest of fruit – character, faith,  and devotion to God.  Word-lovers thrive like trees planted by the waters. 

Word-Lovers who passionately love God have the assurance that Jesus passionately loves them.

Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands…and I will passionately love you in return and will manifest my life within you.  John 14:21 TPT

PATH OF DESTRUCTION

Those who love the world will be cast away from the Lord,  “but the way of the wicked leads to destruction (Psalm 1:6).  Matthew 7 speaks a chilling thought about people who claim to be Christians, but who have not been Word-lovers!

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘LORD, LORD,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.   Many will say to me on that day, ‘LORD, LORD, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’   Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23).

Studies reveal Bible-centeredness is decreasing.  Many Christians fall into the category of non-Bible readers.    Many of our children and adults don’t know the stories of the Bible. Several churchgoers only hear scripture during a sermon.  A vast majority have not read from cover to cover and are not experiencing the daily “feast” with God as the Holy Spirit speaks.

NOW IS THE TIME to become a Word-lover and guarantee the blessings that come from one who delights in and meditates on the Word!  Consider these next steps in establishing a reading pattern that will take you deeper into spiritual growth and new life.   Whether you’re an avid reader of Scripture or just beginning the Word-lover journey, God meets us where we are and promises to dish out the blessings until “my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5).   Let today be the start of feasting in God’s Word!  Blessed is the one who delights in and meditates on the word day and night.

 

 NEXT STEPS:

  1. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GOD DAILY

Open your heart!  Schedule a daily time in the Bible and stick to it!  Start with 15 minutes.  Read at least a chapter a day.  Grow until you are reading five or ten chapters or even a total book of the Bible at one sitting.  

  1. USE A BIBLE READING PLAN

Have a Bible reading plan with the goal of reading from cover to cover.  See the Bible Reading Helps page here. When you sow into the Word, you will reap the best from God!

  1. JOURNAL

Listen and hear as God speaks to you.  Write it down.  Then respond and walk-in those affirmations. Align with the Word as it teaches, trains, corrects, and leads.  You will discover the secrets of God’s blessings in every area of your life as a Word-lover!

O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97

 

 

 

 

 

Series Navigation<< PSALM 1: PART 2 DELIGHTING, MEDITATING, THRIVING

Why Study the Bible?

Byadmin

I’ve started reading Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks (available on Amazon).  “The adventure of your life awaits!”  Although I’ve read through the Bible nearly 100 times from cover to cover, I still crave the Word.  This book is helping me develop better ways to observe, read, hear, interpret, and apply the Word to my everyday life.  Professor Hendricks presents three benefits of Bible Study — growth, obedience (maturity), and effectiveness.  And it’s available for anyone! No special skills required.  Dr. Hendricks says, “If you can read, you can glean important insight from Scripture.”

If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
and find the knowledge of God.  Proverbs 2:4,5  NKJV

TIME

One of the most significant objections to studying the Bible is time.  Everyone is busy, although we make time for what is essential.  Time spent in God’s Word is never wasted!   Bible Study is vital to spiritual development.  Unlike a crying child that needs and receives immediate attention, God’s Word often sits silently on the end table waiting to be picked up and embraced.  Until the cover opens and the words travel into the heart of the reader, it lies there as an unmined diamond, a pearl of high price, a buried treasure. 

PSALM 119

Considering the importance of Bible study.  Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, fixates on the treasure of God’s every word written for us.  Blessings want to leap off the page if we open the cover and quarry the gems there.  Bountiful blessings await those who thirst for it as a deer panting for water.

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
    who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—
 they do no wrong but follow his ways.  Psalm 119:1-3

God’s Word gives knowledge and good judgment.  It brings confidence that I’m loved. My heart turns to God and trains me to say “no” to sin.  It removes guilt.  I right relationships. God leads.  God speaks!

Every verse of Psalm 119 is God declaring, loving us, calling us to come and eat at the banquet table of life. 

Consider the significance of the longest chapter of Scripture, Psalm 119. The Divine Author has unquestionably placed this longest chapter in the Bible to emphasize the importance of the Word of God.  Every verse focuses on the necessity of reading and studying the Word – every verse!  So, why not hunger for it as we hunger for food?  Why not cultivate and digest it as it nourishes holiness? Why not apply the essentials of growth, obedience, and effectiveness each day?

ESSENTIALS

Dr. Hendricks gives three benefits of Bible Study:

1) Bible study is essential to growth

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

Just as a baby cries for food every four hours, to grow, we need to feed on God’s Word regularly, daily.  When my boys were little, I would get up in the night (though not convenient, and tired) to feed them because I loved them more than my own needs.  Learning God’s Word is not about convenience or having time.  It is passionate for more of God; more than stuff, more than time, more than sleep, more than work., and because I love God.   Time in God’s Word delivers wise choices, develops the right relationships, and determines maturing faith.  Spiritual fruits blossom.  Passion for loving God escalates. Growth happens. 

2) Bible study is essential to spiritual maturity

Hebrews 5:13-14   Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Jesus repeatedly said, “If you have ears to hear, hear.”  We are often “dull” in our understanding of spiritual principles.  Studying develops knowledge.  I don’t expect my toddler to understand math or history, but by high school, he will.  Comparatively, daily study of scripture will build understanding and the ability to stay within the guardrails that keep life sweet.

Bible study isn’t only for pastors, preachers, missionaries, or ministers.  It’s for every person who loves the Lord.  Maturity results in obedience. 

 The opposite of ignorance is not knowledge but obedience.  Dr. Hendricks

3)  Bible study is essential to spiritual effectiveness.

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Time and energy invested in training conferences and mentoring are part of being useful in one’s work and career.  A successful CEO rises to that position through sacrifice, training, study, and goal setting.  A devoted follower of Jesus involves more than church attendance or singing songs of worship.  Bible study is essential for growing maturity and effectiveness.  2 Timothy 3:16 says all scripture trains and equips each reader to be profitable for:

  1. doctrine/teaching us (right thinking about God/life/others),
  2. rebuke (behavior and attitudes), 
  3. correction (purity), 
  4. training in righteousness (learning what pleases God). 

I’m always amazed and joyful that the Word is alive (Hebrews 4:12), reaching to the depth of me, drawing out those things that offend God, encouraging me in the right ways, and giving guidance.   All scripture is God-breathed.   God inspired every verse, every word, every phrase, every paragraph, every book.  And each verse, word, phrase, paragraph, and book is useful and essential to my spiritual growth and development.  

God’s word links us to eternity while becoming God-honoring in thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes.

God loves it when we love His word!   It’s my prayer that you will read and make this a daily “training for righteousness” as you spend time in God’s presence and with the life-giving Word!

FOLLOW UP

Read Psalm 119 and notice the repetition regarding the indispensability of and the multitude of blessings waiting to be poured out on the reader.  

Schedule time in the Word.  Make-it-happen.  Commit to daily reading.  Reading three to four pages a day (10 minutes) you can read through your Bible in a year.  Reading  10 pages (15-20 minutes) per day you can read through twice a year!  I recommend it.  Out of 24 hours daily, a few minutes each day in God’s Word will change your life!   It’s essential!

I’m praying for you to crave God’s Word.  

Prayer:  God, help me take the time to listen, learn, and love your Word,  Amen.

New Youtube Video, “Be Still,” Psalm 46:10

Byadmin

When the tragedies of life hit, there is a refuge in the infinitely perfect God. Even if mountains fall into the sea (that’s alarming and catastrophic), God is an ever-present help.  The Psalmist writes, “Therefore, we will not fear.”  Whether the political disarray of our nation, the world concerns, the evil that abounds, or in our own tragedies of life, God says to “be still,” “stop” and “cease from striving,” “let go,” and know He is God.  Trust Him. God is not alarmed by the news. God is not surprised by the domination of corrupt people.  God is not unaware of what you are facing. The God who knows your thoughts and the number of hairs on your head is in command. The God who can boast in the resurrection, and created us in His image is more than able to be that “ever-present” help in trouble. 

Bryce National Park, photo by Judy

“Be still and know that I am God.” This verse has been a steady and staying verse for me. It’s a beautiful Psalm written by the sons of Korah, gatekeepers of the Temple and for
soprano singers in the temple (a little tidbit info). This Psalm inspired Martin Luther to write the song, A Mighty Fortress is our God.

Let this simple song of scripture encourage you today!

Click on the link and enjoy! https://youtu.be/L6JC-RUKBYg

I’ll be posting more youtube videos, so stay tuned. You can find me at youtube by putting in my name, Judy McEachran. 

PSALM
46

God
is our refuge and strength,

    an ever-present help in
trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the
earth give way

    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam

    and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

    the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is
within her, she will not fall;

    God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are
in uproar, kingdoms fall;

    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

 

7 The Lord Almighty is
with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

8 Come and see what the Lord has
done,

    the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes
wars cease

    to the ends of the earth.

He
breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

    he burns the shields with fire.

10 He says, “Be
still, and know that I am God;

    I will be exalted among
the nations,

    I will be exalted in the
earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with
us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

 

| |

Lingering in the Lord’s Presence Reveals God’s Power and Glory

Byadmin

Often, we may think that lingering in God’s presence is not a good use of time. With many necessary responsibilities in a day, why linger? However, time in God’s presence brings many benefits. Our ears are open to hearing God’s voice, our eyes see the glory of God, our minds are renewed, and our hearts become transformed. And we gain the confidence that God wins our battles. Joshua is a good example for us. God’s glory and presence shaped Joshua’s life.

God called Moses, the elders, and Joshua to the mountain to ratify the covenant between God and Israel. Together with God, “they ate and drank together.” Leaving the elders, Moses and Joshua went further up the mountain and entered God’s presence, and saw the glory of the Lord (Exodus 24:9-18).

At the “tent of meeting” when Moses and God spoke “face to face, Joshua heard the conversation inside the tent. When Moses left, Joshua lingered.

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent (Exodus 33:11).

designed by Judy

Through the forty years in the wilderness, Joshua, confident of God’s presence, was ready to lead the people into the Promised Land. Now standing before Jericho, the doorway into the Promised Land, Joshua looked up and saw a man in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man replied, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:14-15).

Joshua was familiar with the Lord’s voice. He knew the power and glory behind it and was eager to worship, listen, and obey.

He humbly received his orders from the Commander of the armies of heaven, confident in God’s promises to win this battle. Miraculously, the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. The Israelites conquered the city and began their quest for the Promised Land.

Like Joshua, taking time to be present with God, soaking in the glory of His presence through the life-changing encounter with Almighty God, tunes our ears to listen, our hearts to obey, and our minds to be confident in God’s provision. God will fight for us.

Time in God’s presence covers us with God’s favor and deliverance.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11.

PSALM 1 INTRODUCTION Word-Lovers VS World-Lovers.

Byadmin
This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Psalm 1, Introduction

Psalm 1, Introduction

Psalm 1 affirms there are two kinds of people – those who delight in the WORD, and those who enjoy in the WORLD.  Word-lovers delight, meditate, and live by God’s Word in every decision through the day.  They are hungry for Scripture.  They thrive through good and bad days and have God’s blessings. Time in the Word builds faith (Romans 10:17), truth (John 8:31-32), and renewal (Romans 12:2).  Word-lovers receive the promise of God’s blessing as they delight in and meditate on the Word (more about this in Psalm 1, Part Two).   Having a passion for the Word becomes a lifestyle that reaps extravagant blessings from God!

 

Those who do not love the Word, have little, if any, faith.  The World-lovers resemble chaff that is blown away at the slightest breeze.  Although the chaff surrounds the seed, the wind separates it from the seed forever. 

WORD-lovers know and receive the multitude blessings of God that light our path and hear the Holy Spirit teach us.

Blessed is the one… 2 whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1,2

 

LIGHT

God’s Word lights our path and leads us in the right ways.  The word “light” is in the word delight.  Loving God’s Word (delighting) pierces the invading darkness of sin.  Darkness, a metaphor for sin, ignores God’s rules and commands, but the light exposes sin, habits, behaviors, and attitudes that are not God-honoring.  The Light, one of the names of Jesus, points us in the right way. 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

My soul is hungry for Scripture every day.  Reading a daily devotional with a verse or two is commendable.  Also, dive into your Bible.  Read a chapter, one of the books (there are 66), or read through the New Testament, then the Old.  Plan to read from cover to cover, then reread it. 

Explore ways to feed on scripture.  Too often, we live on the crumbs when we could be having a feast!  Jesus prepares a table (Psalm 23), a feast through the Word.  Whether you’ve read the passage the first time or the 50th time, there is something new and fresh for your day.  God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrew 4:12).  The self-revelation of God leaps off the pages as the Holy Spirit speaks right to you for your specific “need of the day.”  The spotlight shines deep into the reader’s heart and convicts, corrects, instructs, and teaches the way to live (2 Timothy 3:16,17).  You will grow spiritually fat, a good thing!

In 2 Peter 1, the apostle Peter writes that we need to pay attention to what is written because the Bible is the completely reliable word from God.  It’s not an old, out-of-date document, but is alive and divinely inspired, infallible Word of God.

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, 

and you will do well to pay attention to it,

as to a light shining in a dark place.

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture

came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets,

though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by

the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21

 

GOD SPEAKS

Increasing time in the Word helps us hear the Holy Spirit’s voice.  God draws near.  Transformation happens.  Life looks brighter.  Confidence takes hold.  Battles are won.  Joy abounds.  Contentment sets in.  Security is found.  God leads, and I know I’m safe in Him.  Word-lovers are blessed!

Blessings are guaranteed to the one who desires and meditates on the Word!  Have you received your blessing today? 

Go to Psalm 1, Part 2, Delighting, Meditating, Thriving

 

 

 

Series NavigationPSALM 1: PART 2 DELIGHTING, MEDITATING, THRIVING >>

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *