April 20, 2021 -- Psalm 19:14 -- Fixing our Thoughts on God

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
   be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 English Standard Version

After recognizing the Living God in the wonders and powers of creation and then moving on by celebrating the Law of the LORD, which revives the soul and both rejoices and warns the heart, the psalm writer confessed his sins. Now, he binds it all together as he prays. He pauses. He has meditated on the magnificence of the LORD. He has overcome his nagging doubts and the temptations to sin which would pull him down and this victory was achieved by reviewing the glories of God.

How is the LORD our Rock and Redeemer? He is such because of the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus overcame the devil, the world and our own wicked flesh and fleshly desires and brought us salvation. The devil, the world and our own fears still threaten to overwhelm us and blind us to the beauty of creation. Fleshly temptations, the pull of peers and the old habits of the world, and the devil want to distract us from the power of God revealed in the Word. Therefore, the Christian who wants to take hold of the Living God and bring all these benefits to his own heart and head spends time in quiet before the LORD. He meditates on all the blessings God is bringing into his life—grace and mercy greater than all his sin. Love and salvation that is constantly being displayed, if he will just take time to stop, look and listen and recite the rich parade of blessings which dance before the eyes of faith.

Today’s prayer is taken from Psalm 18:31-32a and 46. To conclude the prayer, name 5 reasons for thanksgiving to God or reasons your soul has found to praise Him! Review these several times today.

For Who is God, but the LORD?
   And Who is a Rock, except our God?—
   the God Who equipped me with strength.
The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock!
Now, my King, here are a few reasons I bless Your Name…

Exalted be the God of my salvation!

https://youtu.be/I1GiZL60c80

April 19, 2021 -- Psalm 19:13 -- How will these wonders affect you?

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me!

Then I shall be blameless,

and innocent of great transgression.

Psalm 19:13 English Standard Version

Over the last 11 verses the psalmist celebrated two soul-anchoring truths. First the heavens declare the glory of God. Beautiful. Second he noted the Word of the LORD is perfect. It is the interpreter of creation’s glory. The Word is the instructor of the humble one ready to receive it. And the rules of the LORD are more precious than gold and sweeter than the drippings of honey.

When the two stanzas of God’s revelation (generation revelation: creation and special revelation the Bible) are placed side by side, then the humbled servant of the LORD will cry out—restrain me from willful or arrogant sins! The beauty of all You have in store for the believer is greater than the cravings that are seeking to dominate me. This is why the Psalm pivots at verse 12—the renown of the LORD and splendor of His perfections cause the believer to examine his ways and his attitude and his heart, from which these actions and attitudes flow.

Perhaps this is not your experience. Perhaps in your pride you think, pfft, these sins, I can conquer them any time I want to. I just don’t want to right now. Hmm. Go back over this Psalm. Read it aloud. Look at the fame of God the Creator which the heavens and skies constantly declare. Listen to the ways in which the Word of God reveal your heart and test your actions and repent. If you are not moved in the same way as the Psalmist here is my advice. Pray urgently for the LORD’s restoration so that sins which are small on the surface of your life, but deep-rooted in your mind and heart will be plucked out and conquered before they dominate you to your ruin.

King Jesus, blessed are You. The pinnacle of creation—the Son of God perfect in obedience. Humble before God our Father and yet by the Spirit’s presence powerful in knowledge and the fear of the LORD, in wisdom and understanding, in counsel and might. By Your Spirit’s presence in us, direct us into the holy and happy living You so clearly lived. May wonder fill us. Wonder at the marvels and intricacies of creation and wonder before the LORD God Who made them all.

Here is the suggestion for a song of response made by Owen, my son-in-law. Good choice!

https://youtu.be/5IlVfkY5q54

April 18, 2021 -- Psalm 19:1-2 -- Seasoned Christians--remember the heavens declare the glory of God!

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours out speech,

and night reveals knowledge.

Psalm 19:1-2 English Standard Version

Yesterday, the 17th of April, I threw open the bedroom curtains to see it had snowed in the night! On social media there were all kinds of statements like: “the weather sucks”! While that was my sentiment for a couple of minutes…until coffee entered my system, and I was more fully awake and then read this as my devotional Psalm. My conscience was pricked. No, the weather is not miserable! Even the snow is declaring the glory of God.

The weather shows us how small we really are.

The weather reminds us God is in charge.

The night displays a magnificence of stars and planets beyond imagination and description all of which are for the pleasure of the LORD of the Universe Who rules them.

As long as there is day and night, and season following season, the LORD keeps His covenant love to His people (Jeremiah 33:20).

The seasons, day and night, all which proclaim His covenant love graphically remind us of His covenant love best displayed in Jesus Christ—Who is the salvation of God—the fulfilment of covenant promises of the Old Testament.

As long as there is day and night, sunshine and clouds, rain and snow, this promise is sure, Jesus will return and bring the dearly loved sons and daughters of God to their eternal home!

Father in heaven, forgive me for my bad attitude when I am confronted with Your glory displayed in the seasons and skies, in the night and newness of the seasons. Spirit of God, give me great joy in the knowledge that even the weather and the seasons confirm the covenant promises which are yes and amen in Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/BMTKr0igiz0

April 17, 2021 -- Psalm 18:31-32; 49-50 -- Decide Now to Worship

For who is God, but the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?—
32 the God who equipped me with strength
and made my way blameless.

For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,
and sing to your name.
50 Great salvation he brings to his king,
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his offspring forever.

Psalm 18:31-32; 49-50 English Standard Version

Tomorrow is Sunday. Decide right now, today, to join with God’s people for worship. If you have the privilege of gathering in person—blessed be the Name of the LORD! If not, gather your approved bubble and get nicely dressed as if you were going to join with other Christians in your church building for worship, and bless the Name of the LORD. He is our strength in these confusing times. Jesus asked: “but when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) What a critical question for our day. It is hard to know how zealous others are for the praise of God. Especially among those who cannot gather in large groups, it can be so deflating. Take courage.

Jesus has, by His blood, made us blameless before God our Father. He has taken away the stain of our sins. It is our joy and great honour to know God and bless Him. Worship stokes the fires of faith. Worship renews our hope in our rich salvation poured out on the people of the Triune God. Therefore, decide today, to worship God the glorious One, and be prepared tomorrow to celebrate before Him with whomever you can.

Pray in these confusing Covid times. Earnestly pray for the LORD to bring His people through these times strengthened in our faith and even more confident in the victory of Jesus. Confess your times of discouragement and aimless strivings which have been in your own strength rather than anchored in the Lord’s strength. Pray that the eyes of faith will discern what is otherwise imperceptible to us now. Pray that the lessons our LORD wants us to learn during these times will be sealed to our hearts and by these refining trials we will be renewed in our hope, faith and love.

https://youtu.be/zvDSG4s5FJw

April 16, 2021 -- Psalm 18:34-35 -- The LORD My Shield and Salvation

He trains my hands for war,

so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You have given me the shield of your salvation,

and your right hand supported me,

and your gentleness made me great.

Psalm 18:34-35 English Standard Version

The child of God will be engaged in battle. There is a fight against the old nature and the sins which cling so tenaciously. War continues as those who hate Jesus seek to undermine your faith and your confidence in Him. The devil is a roaring lion seeking those whom he can devour (I Peter 5:8). Usually a bow is made of wood, a hard material with some flexibility. A bow of bronze, which has no flexibility, would require great, inhuman strength to use, strength that only the LORD our God can give in times of need.

Beautifully these short verses combine the Old Testament work of the Father and the New Testament work of Jesus. God the LORD promised Abraham “I am your shield and your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1). The word “salvation” is Jeshua, the Old Testament version of the Name Jesus. The Name Jeshua, or Jesus, means God saves, or God is my Salvation. This is evidenced in the Old and in the New Testament it is the right hand of God’s power which has supported and sustained His people through-out all generations.

The final line is odd, isn’t it: Your gentleness made me great? When you read the combination of shield and salvation from the previous line it begins to make sense. Jesus came to this earth, gentle, meek, riding a donkey. He was the rightful king of Israel, Who in complete surrender to His Father’s will, was obedient in all things perfectly obedient to His Father so that He is the sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world. At the cross Jesus was punished for our sins, at the cross His righteousness—His perfect, gentle obedience—is credited to all who believe. More than this, He is now the High King of Heaven, seated at the Father’s right hand, in Whose Name and by Whose victory we are sons and daughters of the Living God. As the opening of this Psalm stated, so we say together “I love You, O LORD, my strength!”

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be Your Name.

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/YTqfDCPvp_Q

April 15, 2021 -- Psalm 18:27-28 -- The Light of the LORD's Love

For you save a humble people,
but the haughty eyes you bring down.
28 For it is you who light my lamp;
the Lord my God lightens my darkness.

Psalm 18:27-28 English Standard Version

One of the strongest memories of relief springs to mind with this passage. While I was in college I boarded at the home of Margaret Furman. She, a then retired senior who I had worked with in previous years in the college’s kitchen, opened up her home to me, for a laughably small token monthly rent payment. There were times when I’s be studying and she’d bake cookies and bring these to me while they were still slightly warm and soft. She’d have brewed coffee, poured out a cup adding just the right amount of sugar and cream to go with them. It was such a blessing. I remember one night when I was struggling with school, betrayed by friends and so discouraged. I was bicycling home at night after a long day. It is just four miles or so from the college campus to home. Half-way back the power went out through that section of town. It was eerily dark. It was frightening. The fear arose in me because of emotional weariness, it was too hard to shake off fears that were obviously baseless. So, half of the journey home was cycled in darkness and I don’t have proper reflectors or a lamp for my bike. Margaret had set up 5 candles on the window sill of the living room side window. The small window looked out over the side of the street where I’d be arriving home. In the black night those cheery candles were discernable a long way off. My heart was encouraged. To this day I can remember those five little candles, perched on a little candle stand that made the centre one highest, the two on either side slightly lower and the two outside candles on the lowest tier. The yellow and orange glow of the flames cast enough light to show the cheery red hue of the candles themselves.

When you know you have wandered far into sin or away from the LORD your God and are aimlessly pacing circles in ever darkening fears then the light of His presence is glorious. You are humble enough to know your need. You are not going to argue I can do this by myself—in fact, in the warm light of His blessings you will like a starving beggar grabbing hold of an offered gift of a coffee and a muffin take to yourself every gift of His grace generously given in Jesus Christ—the Light of the World. You will, prompted by the fresh presence of the Spirit, confess everything that cast you into the terrible darkness so that you will not return to it. You will in the light of all the Word continues to teach you, continually, humbly confess your sins and all the things which would threaten to lead you back into the horrors of darkness—not because God is hard and cruel, but because you have experienced such darkness and such fearful wanderings that your soul knows the hopelessness of it all and refuses to return to it. No wonder the Psalmist began by declaring at verse 1 ‘I love you, O LORD, my strength’!

I love You, O LORD, my strength!

In my distress I called upon the LORD;

to my God I cried for help.

From HIs temple He heard my voice,

and my cry to Him reached His ears.

For this I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations,

and sing to Your Name.

Psalm 18:1,6,49

Today’s song selection is based on Psalm 27

https://youtu.be/_nZJL6Hauk0

April 14, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- The LORD my Stronghold!

I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

The very first Psalm notes: Blessed is the man….[whose] delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (verse 1a, 2b). By carefully examining this bible text over many days, we are meditating on the word of God—seeking God’s blessing—the very blessing His word promises us.

The Name of God repeated three times in this passage is ‘LORD’. The One to Whom we are bringing our love and to Whom we cry out is the very One Who has promised He will hear the cries of His people. He is God. He is perfect. He is able, loving and willing to help His people. He knows our infirmities and our sinfulness. Yet, in Christ He has reached out and called us His own. Therefore in view of His great promises, based on His Word and the Spirit Who lives in us, we declare our love for God. And in confidence approach the throne of grace to find help in our time of need.

In Hebrew poetry, one line is followed by the next which has synonyms, word intensifiers. So, the first line of verse 2 includes “my fortress” and the parallel intensifier is “my stronghold”. In Isaiah this word means “unassailable fortifications”. When believers are surrounded by their enemies—and believers will be surrounded by troubles and enemies because our Master Jesus faced hatred, how much more so will His servants face these for their devotion to Him but Jesus’ resurrection proves He has overcome the world (John 16:1-4;33)—they can have this sure comfort Christ Himself is our unassailable stronghold. We know this sure truth Jesus has power over life and over death and more than this, He has power to bring believers to eternal life with Him or to throw wicked ones to eternal agonies in hell. He is My Stronghold for life now and for eternity. I love You, O LORD, my strength!

I love You, O LORD, my strength! As I meditate on Your Word, by Your Spirit’s on-going work in me, increase my love for You, Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. By the Word which is drilling into me, deeper than my fears and insecurities, let the truth that You are the unassailable fortification of my life make me bold to declare Your love and teach others Your ways. LORD, You are worthy to be praised. Amen.

https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

April 13, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- Victory in Jesus

I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

The LORD is the horn of my salvation. Likely it is an expression that does not mean much to the average reader. Verses 2 and 3 are part of David’s song in II Samuel 22:2-4. David is praising God for the victory over the Philistines. David himself was in a precarious predicament in battle, when the LORD caused Abishai to go to his aid and cut down Ishbibenob (a descendant of the giants) and so save David. Notice that David credits the victory and his personal salvation from danger in that battle to the LORD—the horn of his salvation—the God of power.

In his vision—the Book of Revelation—John describes Jesus this way: I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth (Revelation 5:6). Jesus is the Lamb who had been slain—and is now standing in power. Seven horns represent perfect power, fullness of power. This is the power of God, poured out on all who believe. Notice that these seven horns of power are the Spirits (the Seven-fold Spirit of God which you read of in Revelation 1:4 and Isaiah 11:2-3 where the seven attributes of the Spirit is presented (the fear of the LORD, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, power knowledge).

Whenever you think, “I can’t do this” you are right. But the LORD your God has given you Christ’s victory over sin, death, the grave and hell. And the Father and the Son have given you the horn of salvation, the seven-fold Spirit of power Who lives in you to bring Christ’s victory to completion in you. When you face a temptation which normally defeats you, or are trapped in sin and wonder—is there a way out of this? Cry out to the LORD—the horn of your salvation.

I love You, O LORD my strength! Your Spirit has quickened me, has brought me into a new world as a new creature, has given me spiritual perception, has opened to me thy Word as light, guide, solace, joy. They presence is to me a treasure of unending peace. Keep me, for I cannot keep myself; Protect me that no evil befall me; Let me lay aside every sin admired of many; Help me to walk by thy side, lean on thy arm, hold converse with thee, That henceforth I may be salt of the earth and a blessing to all.

Today’s prayer is Psalm 18:1 and a portion of the Valley of Vision prayer called: Regeneration.

https://youtu.be/zBngAHsAMIY

April 10, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- Delivered

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

Sometimes, when looking up the root meaning of a word in the original language, the meaning is pretty surprising. The focus today is on the title: Deliverer. David declares his love for the LORD “my Deliverer”. In Hebrew the word ‘deliverer’ means a number of different things—like it does in English.

In Job 20:21 Job notes that “their cows do not fail to deliver (to calve)”. So to deliver can mean to be delivered from the womb. Later in Psalm 18 the sense of the verb is to be delivered from one’s enemies (verses 43 & 48). Both of these senses of the verb ‘to deliver’ are combined here in the title the Spirit revealed through David’s prayer, My Deliverer.

The LORD our God delivers all those who cry out to Him. He is the Deliverer, all the work is His. Like an infant in the womb cannot deliver itself, but is delivered from the mother’s body—so the one who cries out to the LORD is delivered by the LORD—He alone is the Savior and He alone deserves the credit and the praise. The LORD delivers and brings from the place of danger and conflict to the refuge, the strong tower of defense on the craggy heights. The Deliverer is ‘my Deliverer’. Though many billions of people populate this planet, the LORD of heaven and earth is ‘my Deliverer’—He hears your cry and mine and He answers perfectly. Blessed be His Name.

Our prayer today are the verses 46-48 of Psalm 18:

The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be the God of my salvation—
the God who gave me vengeance
and subdued peoples under me,
who rescued me from my enemies;
yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me;
you delivered me from the man of violence.

The song of praise is often associated with Christmas. This is appropriate, but far too narrow. It celebrates the Deliverer this Psalm of David anticipates. Enjoy it!

https://youtu.be/K8-NxI_IWd0

April 9, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- The LORD our Rock and Fortress

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

What a beautiful declaration—I love you and I will continue to love You, O LORD, my strength! And then what follows is a series of descriptions, or titles for the LORD. We will spend a few days contemplating these. The LORD is my rock.—the word rock is that of a high cliff, a rocky crag where one stands over his enemies. It is the place where a watch tower—a fortress for defense—can be built so that no one can sneak up on you and surprise attack you. What a beautiful expression and glorious picture.

If the LORD is such, a high rock and a fortress, why are we so often at the mercy of our enemies? Why are we so often feeling low? Great question. Examine your life. Are you asserting the words of verse 1—preaching to your heart and soul of your great love for God? Have you decided to serve Him and Him alone? If not, there is your problem right there. You cannot serve God half-heartedly. The very thought of that is mockery.

Have you left this high rock and strong tower of refuge in order to flirt with the enemy? Have you been toying with sin and allowing your heart to be invaded by sin? That is on you, not on the LORD. When Cain was angry with his brother Abel, this is what the LORD said:

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6-7) ESV

Sin wants to master you. Sin is crouching at the door the strong tower, it has sent a scout to look for weaknesses in your armor and to catch you wandering away from the tower of the LORD’s strength. Do not toy with sin!

Therefore, begin your day with worship, singing to Jesus, the Rock of your salvation. The One Who has delivered us from sin, and brings us safely to the Father. End the day with prayers to the LORD. Confess your temptations and admit to the LORD the sins which are seeking to master you. He is your Rock, He is your strong tower, the salvation from your enemies—He will fill you with the strength of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit’s presence and the Bible sins and temptations are unmasked for the violent, stench-filled, pustules of danger that they truly are! In sharp contrast the Spirit makes the radiance, the beauty, the virtues, and the charismatic qualities of Christ irresistible. The Word of God, applied to your heart by the Spirit, will make this reality for you, so that you are insatiable for Christ and Him alone.

Blessed be Your Name—O God, My Rock! Great are You, Jesus—our Warrior-King, Who tramples down the enemy. Spirit of the Living God, keep us safe within the strong tower of Jesus’ deliverance so that we will not toy with sin or dance with the devil. Our souls call out to You, Triune God, You are worthy to be praised! In Christ we are saved from all our enemies! Amen.

https://youtu.be/gM7gt_cSxjw

April 8, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1 -- Seven words that'll change you

I love you, O LORD, my strength.

Psalm 18:1 English Standard Version

What a simple declaration, stuffed to bursting with meaning and implications. The word ‘love’ renders a Hebrew word of intimacy and intensity. Several translations put this into a declarative vow ‘I will love you’ that is, with the tenderness and emotion I feel now, I will continue to love You.

LORD—rendered in English all in capital letters indicates the covenant Name for God. Yesterday I heard a comedian note Christians should all be dog owners. Dog owners know something of how we should appeal to the Mighty One, our Master. A dog will beg for food. There is no point in going to the fridge at night and sneaking back to bed with food hoping the dog won’t notice. A human has approximately 6 million olfactory receptors in our noses, while dogs have up to 300 million. So the dog will always smell the food you have. The dog will beg, day and night. The dog will beg for food, for attention, for love, for a walk, for companionship, for you to rub their belly. The point the comedian makes is this: Christians could be a lot more intensive and intentional in their requests of God their Master. He is far more willing to give than believers are willing to ask. It is noted in scripture we do not have because we do not ask of God (James 4:2-3). David is prepared to love the LORD, and a good part of this is to acknowledge the LORD is the Source of every blessing.

The LORD is the strength, or protector of His people. What a glorious title that is! If you read the introduction to this Psalm you’ll see that this was composed when God rescued David from the hand of Saul. (Sure, go ahead and look it up. Yes, now. I’ll wait—I won’t tap my foot or impatiently look at my watch. Yes, pick up that bible!) The point is this: the LORD is always our protector. Sometimes we see it and are relieved and ready to dance with wonder and praise. But so often it is the case we won’t see and dive deeply into understanding the depths of our Protector’s deliverance until we reach the eternal shores and the glorious work of God will be revealed in unfolding spectacles of splendor as steady as the metronomic waves.

Dearly loved children of God, the greatest work of God our Savior, is His great deliverance given us in Christ. Our sins fall to the ground, powerless, because of our King and Deliverer. The Spirit of God applies this glorious victory to our hearts. With David we declare: I will love You, O LORD, my strength!

I love You, LORD, my Strength!

I will love You. Spirit of God, continually renew in me emotions and intellect, heart and the head, so that I will praise the LORD my Protector. Jesus, my Victory, move me to greater love and acts of obedience which flow from such intimate, thanks-filled love. Amen.

https://youtu.be/DANgNI6rqxI

April 7, 2021 -- Psalm 17:7 -- Wondrously show Your love!

Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.

Psalm 17:7 English Standard Version

This short verse begins with an imperative—a strong request of God the Savior. There is the sense of as You have in the past shown Your wondrous and steadfast love to your people show it now again! Think of it. How often the LORD our God has shown love to His faithless people. He delivered them out of Egypt—they grumbled for food imagining the God Who brought them laden with treasures out of Egypt from slavery to freedom couldn’t provide food. He gave them mana. They grumbled because they wanted meat to eat. He provided quail. The great lesson of Scripture is that the LORD our God is mighty to save. Every time, He is mighty to save. Repeatedly His is mighty to save. To a people who constantly forget His goodness, He is mighty to save.

Seek refuge in Him. Pray. Ask for the help you so desperately need. He is the Savior of those who seek refuge in Him. Your own resources will never be enough. Your strength and and your skills will fail. But the LORD our God is wondrous in His steadfast love. Again and again and again and again He rescues His people. You might object, but I am a sinner. Yes you are. Turn from your sin to Him for He will save. But I am not worthy. True, you are not. But He is the Savior of those who are nothing in the eyes of the world—He knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made for His purposes. Do not lose hope. Seek refuge in Him for it is His glory and His delight to save those who seek Him.

Here I am again, God my Savior. Stuck. Frustrated. I know how desperately I need Your mercy, but wrestling with the thought that I am tap-dancing on Your last, frayed, nerve. Maybe this time I am beyond the grip of Your grace and mercy?! Thank You for the richness of today’s text—Oh, I confess how much I need to hear it. Whenever and every time I need it, You show steadfast love which is wondrous—overflowing with abundance, brimful of constantly renewing love, bursting with joy, rock-solid in faithfulness. Help me to understand more fully how rich and vast and extravagant is Your storehouse of mercy, ever being replenished by the love of Christ and generously poured out by His Spirit’s presence. Blessed be Your Name, Triune God, as Your restore my hope. Amen.

https://youtu.be/I1GiZL60c80

April 6, 2021 -- Psalm 17:13-14a -- Jesus the Warrior-King Arises

Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him!

Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,

from men of the world whose portion is in this life.

Psalm 17:13-14a English Standard Version

Though the psalmist has determined to avoid the ways of the violent and keep steady on the pathway of the LORD (verses 4 & 5) the wicked still assault the believer in various ways. The mere mention of the Name of the LORD, any public declaration of one’s love for Christ, and every evidence of the strength of the Spirit to call out against the wrong-doings committed by the people of this world are enough to have people come against you swords drawn. In fact, the godly are surrounded as if by lions eager to tear, jumping from ambush (verse 12) against the godly.

Be warned, beloved of the LORD—Christians cannot toy with sin. Though one is committed to living for Jesus and prayer for the Spirit’s strength to stay on the path of life, it takes Jesus, the Warrior-King to deliver our souls from the wicked. The wickedness of the culture all around us seeps into our pores. The wickedness of the godless, whose rebellions both overt and covert, can entangle us. The wickedness of those who would push us from the sacred sanctuary where our love for Jesus causes the boundary lines of our life to fall in pleasant places.

The sword of the LORD is the Word of God—to cut out the sins that like pus are infecting areas of our life. The sword of the LORD is the Sword of our Warrior King, Jesus Who will ultimately subdue the wicked. When Christ arises, at the trumpet’s last blast, there will be a terrible judgment against all the evil-doers, all who have not been covered by the redeeming blood of Christ. The sword of the LORD is the Word of God which Christians wield when they are tightly bound in union with Jesus Christ. Without His direction and dear presence we would slash ourselves and be ineffective in our efforts to remain holy. Even people who are dear to us can be for us dangerous because their love for this world and the dead philosophies which go with it can be like gangrene to our minds and souls. But the LORD our God rises to confront sin and sinners, and with His divine precision, will deliver our souls from wickedness. Blessed be His Name.

Mighty are You, Jesus, Faithful and True, astride the white war horse, judging the nations. Blessed are You in carrying out the commandments and judgments written in the Word of the LORD so that the people whom the LORD has prepared for the Great Supper of God shall come trembling from the East and the West, the North and the South. Spirit of the Living God, fill our hearts with such anticipation for the return of Christ our Warrior-King that the tawdry and fading things of this world will be revealed as vanity and meaningless in the light of His majestic-splendor. Purify us, Spirit of God, so that we are prepared for the Great Supper of God. Amen.

(Prayer is based on Revelation 19:11ff)

April 5, 2021 -- Psalm 16:11 -- Boasting in our Spouse

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are eternal pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 English Standard Version

Many Christians wonder about this relationship should I pursue it or not? Or taking that job—seeking a sign from God, like Gideon placed a fleece, because the job will require compromises to my precious faith.. What stands out for me in this verse is the confidence of the psalmist that God our Father will make known the path of life—the way of faithful obedience through Christ.

The Puritan John Flavel (1627 - 1691) has written extensively on our mystical union with Jesus Christ. One paragraph I recently read is quite helpful in knowing the path of life:

Examine your relations to Christ. Are you his spouse?

Have you forsaken all for him? Are you ready to take

your lot with him, as it falls in prosperity or adversity?

Are you loyal to Christ? Do you yield obedience to

him as your Head and Husband? Are you his spiritual

seed, his children by regeneration? Are you born of the

Spirit? Do you resemble Christ in holiness? Do you find

a reverential fear of Christ carrying you to obey him in

all things? Are you led by the Spirit of Christ? To

conclude, Have you the spirit of adoption, enabling

you to cry, Abba, Father?

Flavel, Works, I:482

What a clear picture. As one who is a member of Jesus’ Church and therefore one of the people of whom it is said, we are the Bride of Christ, we ask this question—what I am about to do will it bring honour to Christ my Husband, or will I bring disrepute and shame to our relationship? And to that end, Christ has given us His Holy Spirit so that we will know the path of life and be strengthened to walk with the resurrection righteousness given at Easter. Read the Bible. It is our marriage manual. Pray. The Spirit Who lives in us brings our prayers, imperfect as they are, to our Husband-King Jesus.

Such a journey on the path of life is one full of joy. In times of strength or sorrow, in persecution or adulation, riches or poverty because we are espoused (married to Christ) and He is the Spouse in Whom is all our boasting. We declare to all we meet—have you met my Spouse? No one is greater than Him Is!

LORD of angel hosts You have fulfilled Your great promise. You have shaken the heavens and the earth and the Desire of all Nations, Jesus our King, has come. You, Father of Wonders, have filled Your people with greater glory—greater than silver, far more than the riches of gold—for by Your Spirit You have placed the peace of Christ in the hearts of Your people—so that we are the new temple! Blessed are You Triune God! Hallelujah! Amen.

The prayer is based on Haggai 2:5-9

https://youtu.be/EE8N-BK7ojk

April 4, 2021 -- Psalm 16:7-11 -- He is Risen! He is our Soul's Delight

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
    my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
    or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:7-11 English Standard Version

As I am preparing today’s devotional, there are sounding sirens of police cars and ambulances wailing in the distance. As their warning sounds reverberate, a sense of urgency is created for all listeners—something is wrong—and confusion rises for the hearers who ask themselves what is it?

It seems incredibly fitting! I wonder, when Jesus, Who as our text teaches, was not abandoned to Sheol, Whose body did not see corruption, but rose to life by the glory of the Father that blessed Resurrection morning, I wonder—were there mass wailings and confusion and the stomp of soldiers’ feet as officialdom sought to make sense of this miracle? No doubt there was much confusion. No doubt a growing sense of urgency and alarm awoke in the pit of their stomachs.

Yes, He has made known the path of life—the grave is not the victor, death does not win. Christ our King has overcome death and the grave. No wonder there are pleasures forever more at His right hand! He is throwing the world into confusion, but all who know Him feel the swelling of gladness as our heart rejoice in Him and the victory He has won.

Our dear family and friends in Ontario are facing a new round of lockdowns, do not despair. The resurrection of Jesus, our Hope in Life and death, reminds us with Him at our Father’s right hand, we have pleasures and hope in Him forever more! Oh, sing Hallelujah—our hope in Him springs eternal.

O GOD OF THE HIGHEST HEAVEN,

   Occupy the throne of my heart,

   take full possession and reign supreme,

   lay low every rebel lust,

   let no vile passion resist thy holy war;

   manifest thy mighty power,

     and make me thine for ever.

Thou art worthy to be

   praised with my every breath,

   loved with my every faculty of soul,

   served with my every act of life.

Thou hast loved me, espoused me, received me,

   purchased, washed, favoured, clothed, adorned me,

   when I was worthless, vile, soiled, polluted.

I was dead in iniquities,

   having no eyes to see thee,

   no ears to hear thee,

   no taste to relish thy joys,

   no intelligence to know thee;

But thy Spirit has quickened me,

  has brought me into a new world as a new creature,

  has given me spiritual perception,

   has opened to me thy Word as light, guide, solace, joy.

Thy presence is to me a treasure of unending peace;

No provocation can part me from thy sympathy,

   for thou hast drawn me with cords of love,

   and dost forgive me daily, hourly.

O help me then to walk worthy of thy love,

   of my hopes, and my vocation.

Keep me, for I cannot keep myself;

Protect me that no evil befall me;

Let me lay aside every sin admired of many;

Help me to walk by thy side, lean on thy arm,

hold converse with thee,

That henceforth I may be salt of the earth

   and a blessing to all.

Puritan Prayers and Devotions: The Valley of Vision “REGENERATION”

https://youtu.be/OibIi1rz7mw

April 3, 2021 -- Psalm 16:1-4 -- Fellowship Up

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
    in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips.

Psalm 16:1-4 English Standard Version

Maybe you have heard this expression “fellowship up”? This expression is applied to those seeking to improve their lives, they are advised to find someone, or a group of people, whose walk with God is admirable, obvious, and spend time with such people. This is what the psalmist is advocating. He noted first of all that the LORD is His refuge and the source of every good in his life. That is exactly what the whole Bible teaches. God Himself is the fountain of life, the Lord governs of the storehouse of heaven which is poured out into the life of believers.

Next, the psalmist realized that other believers, who know the blessings of God and His refuge, these are the ones to spend time with. They are the excellent ones, they are holy, because they press deeper into knowing God and delighting in Him. One comic I listened to, speaking of his old life, humorously commented “Spend time with smart people. Dumb people are fun. To all my dumb friends, thank you. But when you spend time with smart people, you won’t get 2 AM calls asking to be picked up, quickly and don’t tell anyone where I am.” Or demands like “loan me $200 but don’t ask any questions”. Unwittingly, this secular comic is teaching “fellowship up”. He can see benefits accruing to himself in a life lived better. The Christian understands this truth which can be taken to oneself in the LORD our God and living among those who find Him their heart’s true satisfaction.

The psalmist noted those who abandon the One, True God, find their sorrows will multiply. Surely we see this in our world today. There is a profound sense of emptiness in the lives of people around us. Statistics from “Worldometers.com” from January 1 to March 25, 2020 worldwide show deaths break down this way:

249,904 deaths by suicide

581,599 deaths by alcohol

1,162,481 deaths by smoking

9,9913,702 deaths by abortion

Notice how sorrows multiply for hose who have abandoned the Living God. What a grievous list.

This Resurrection Weekend is the time when Christians around the world celebrate Jesus’ punishment in our place, His disarming the powers of Satan at the cross, making a mockery of Satan’s power, putting our old self and sins in the grave and in Him rising to new life. In Jesus Christ we have new, full, life. Jesus is the ultimate, only “fellowship-up”. All who cling to Him and delight in Him are all my delight.

Truth be told, it can be challenge to find Christians who are living and active in their faith. It is not merely a label or a thing they do most Sundays. Those who truly believe “apart from the LORD I have no good thing” are those who speak of God, find their greatest pleasure in Him and in His Name blessing others. Find a Christian whose walk you admire and fellowship up!

O LORD my God, in You I take refuge from all the sorrows and troubles of this world. You are my King, the One Who has claimed me in Christ, directing my life in all good through Your Spirit’s power. You are the Source of Light, You are the Giver of every good gift! God of all satisfaction and jubilation, let my life shine as a beacon of hope and encouragement to those who are finding this world is souring and increasingly bitter. Mighty God, by Your Word and Spirit, revive believers so that our life in Christ is not mere surface-level showing off, but may the glorious truth of life in Christ radiate from the core of who we are so that our lives are redolent with His sweetness. Spirit of the Living God, this Resurrection weekend, bring many sons and daughters to Christ, in Whom we have a Just and Merciful Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/f26P1ftbCco

April 2, 2021 -- Psalm 15 -- Why it is called "Good" Friday

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
    Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
    and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
    and does no evil to his neighbor,
    nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
    and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15 English Standard Version

Reading this list discourages me. There is no way I can keep all these requirements so that I can sojourn (take up residence in) the place where God Himself lives. Note the second phrase though—on Your Holy Hill”. I deserve to be thrown out of the tent. I deserve to be punished for my sinfulness and the slander of my tongue and evil intentions of my heart. But God brought Jesus outside the tent. But God put all my sins on Jesus and then had Jesus mocked, whipped, carry His cross outside the city walls and there be crucified in my place. This is why today is Good Friday.

It is Good because God the Father decided, before the foundations of the world, so seek and save lost sinners and bring them to Himself as beloved sons and daughters. It is Good because Jesus Himself willingly gave up His throne in heaven, humbled Himself and became like us in every way, except sin, so that He could be punished in our place. It is called Good because the Spirit of God takes the righteousness and perfections of Jesus and applies them to us. As often as we confess our sins, as often as we recognize how great is our God for His mercies and kindnesses, which are new every morning, we are invited to live in the place where God Himself lives.

The Spirit of God is preparing us now. The Spirit of God lives in us, moves us to recognize our sins and do what seems counter intuitive, which is to confess them so that our hearts can be purified and clean. The Spirit of God is creating in us, a great anticipation of the glorious day when faith shall become sight and we live in the presence of the Triune God of Majesty and Holiness. Because of Good Friday, God the Father has declared you “forgiven”—now go and sin no more and serve your King!

Mighty God of mercy, I feel like the women at the empty tomb on that first Resurrection Sunday—they heard the message and were frightened. Perhaps thoughts like these filled them with fear: “I don’t deserve this love. I don’t know, what if I sin again? I know I’ll sin again.” Thank You for the powerful message of Good Friday—Father You are, by Your Spirit’s presence in me applying the righteousness of Jesus Christ to every part of my heart and mind so that I am wholly Yours. Oh let these glorious truths drill down deep into me. Blessed are You, O God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/MnTgleMFK14

April 1, 2021 -- Psalm 14:7 -- Rejoice! Be Glad!

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,

let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Psalm 14:7 English Standard Version

Why is the focus on Israel and her salvation? Why is the whole world not in view? To understand this you’d have to go all the way back to Abraham’s story in Genesis 12 and 15. The LORD promised a seed, a righteous descendant from Abraham, those who blessed Him would be blessed and those who cursed Him would be cursed. Jesus is that Righteous One, He is the salvation that comes out of Zion.

What is more, when the LORD restores the fortunes of His people, Jesus, the Righteous One, rises with healing in His wings—salvation that sweeps across this globe. As was promised in Genesis 15, the blessing of the Righteous One would originate in Israel, with Abraham’s descendant, but His great blessings would flow to all nations.

As our world begins the celebrations associated with Resurrection Sunday, recognize this is anchored in Jesus Christ—the One blessed descendant of Abraham, the blessing bringer, Who restores the fortunes of His people. Look at the treasures from the storehouse of heaven which are poured out on believers!

In Jesus Christ the fortune of forgiveness is given to all who believe. Forgiveness between God and men, and forgiveness between people.

In Jesus Christ the fortune of joy is given—full life begins now in Him and continues through eternity.

In Jesus Christ the fortune of gladness is given—the Spirit of the Living God takes us residence in the heart of believers so that it is delight to draw closer and closer to the God, our Father, the Source of every good gift.

Blessed be Your Name, Triune God! What the psalmist prophesied in expectation, believers in Christ experience in wonder and exuberance—the LORD has restored our fortunes. Thousand, thousand thanks are due, dearest Savior unto You! Amen.

https://youtu.be/vTsfTSgvS_A

March 31, 2021 -- Psalm 14:1 -- What are you preaching to your heart?

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,

there is none who does good.

Psalm 14:1 English Standard Version

Notice that the second sentence speaks to the direct consequences of the first. If a foolish person is preaching to his heart “there is no God” he is looking for a way to live without consequences. If there is a God, and He is our Creator, He has the right to dictate how we live. But if someone preaches to his soul, over and over again, there is no God, then that person is looking for reasons to live recklessly and ruinously.

Remember Psalm 13, the righteous one, sings to the LORD—even when the storms of life are threatening, and with joy when life is bright—confirming to his head and heart he belongs to God. This is the glory of Jesus’ work. He takes us, ruined and reckless sinners, and gives to us His righteousness. He lifts us from death to life. Therefore, the righteous, in sharp contrast to the fool, seek to honour God with their heart and hands, their mind and mouth. The righteousness know they are accountable to God their Creator, Redeemer and Strength.

Thou, God of all Grace

May thy dear Son preserve me from this present evil world,

so that its smiles never allure,

nor its frowns terrify,

nor its vices defile,

nor its errors delude me.

May I feel that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on earth,

declaring plainly that I seek a country,

my title to it becoming daily more clear,

my meetness^ for it more perfect,

my foretastes of it more abundant;

and whatsoever I do may it be done

in the Saviour’s name.

^definition: suitability for

https://youtu.be/a91_3VYRiZo

March 30, 2021 -- Psalm 13 -- Sorrow-filled child sh'ma ~ singingly hear and obey Jesus

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13 English Standard Version

Fascinating how those who profess they do not believe in God, yet, the moment when troubles come, blame Him? They don’t blame the Easter Bunny for eggs not delivered. They do not blame the tooth fairy if their beloved child only get $5.00 per tooth while their daughter’s classmates get $10. It is ridiculous even to consider it. Ask yourself, how often do non-believer friends shake a fist at whatever god they claim they do not believe in when things go against them?

Here today the psalmist deeply believes in the LORD God. He is crying out, using the covenant Name of God three times, at verse 1, 3, and 6. LORD. It is the Name by which God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush. It is the Name which reveals God is above and beyond time—from eternity to eternity—and therefore is powerful to save. It is the Name by which He has promised He will act on behalf of His people and for this reason it is the Covenant Name of God.

In this world believers in Jesus Christ will have sorrows. As the clouds hide the sun, so the face of the LORD God seems to be hidden. Yet just as it is vapors and waters which hide the sun so also it is the merest mists of troubles that make the LORD our God seem distant. As the slightest breath of wind, or the first warming rays of sunshine will evaporate all the mist so too will the slightest evidence of the LORD’s nearness restore hope and light to the tormented psalmist.

The vexations of the psalmist are real. The burdens are heavy. But what removes the mists of sorrow and tears away the veils of anguish are songs sung to the LORD. In them the people of God are reminded Jesus has conquered sin, death, Satan and all his hosts. What we see with our eyes is fleeting, the eyes of faith behold God in His terrible majesty, where the angels of the LORD are about to lift to their lips to sound the trumpet’s last call signaling that Christ will return accompanied by all His holy ones. The Spirit of God takes the songs of faith and Scripture and puts them on our lips so that hope is renewed. As the LORD our God has been faithful in the past, so He ever will be faithful. Sing to Him, O believer. Hymn your songs until hope rises renewed like the dawn.

My LORD God, it is almost too much for me to formulate a prayer. With the psalmist I declare: I have trusted in Your steadfast love; therefore I will choose to rejoice in Your salvation. As I hear the songs of salvation, may my heart join in singing to You, King of kings and LORD of lords and thus remember You have dealt bountifully with me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ORSYRgu6Z7g