QT 31 Jul 17, Ps 51:1-2, Mercy cleans us

Psalm 51:1–2 (ESV) —

1 Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy

blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin!

NOTE: Mercy; we define it as not getting what we deserve, and it is a glorious thing. And it is not just not getting the punishment that our actions have earned us, but it is the feeling (and knowledge) of having those actions and sins washed away. We are cleansed, clean, fresh, and new again, untainted by the past and ready to move forward. It is good that it is abundant, because it seems I pray for it far too often. It is good that God's love is steadfast -- that he does not give up on me. There is no limit to God's love or mercy, but God's love will lead him to do what is best for us, and so sometimes, we will face discipline, not because we sinned but because we need to learn to not sin. In all cases, the Lord knows what is best and will do what is best for our spiritual growth. Lord, continue to have mercy on me. Thank you so much for the cleanness that comes from mercy and forgiveness.

QT 27 Jul 17, Ps 146:8-9, God tenderly cares for his children who are emotionally hurt

Psalm 146:8–9 (ESV) —

8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

the Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the sojourners;

he upholds the widow and the fatherless,

but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

NOTE: God wants our trust. Verses 6 and 7 discuss his help and provision. But God does the impossible as well -- he heals. God also provides for us emotionally: the bowed down, the persons without a true home, the person without a spouse, and children without fathers. People hurt because we live in a fallen world where we chose to rebel against God's rule. While that ought to cause us to return to God, the bitter rail against God arguing that evil things is proof that God either does not love, is not all-knowing, or does not have power. And yet, the corollary, if God was to fix every evil, while we continued in our rebellion, would not cause anyone to seek God or be thankful. History proves that when times are good, we forget God or any obligation to God. God cares for our emotional hurts and pains. He responds differently and wisely. The verbs: lifts, loves, watches, and upholds, are all tender words. We need God's tenderness because we all struggle with pain in this world.

QT 26 Jul 17, Ps 146:7, God is working for us

Psalm 146:7 (ESV) —

7 who executes justice for the oppressed,

who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;

NOTE: Verses 5-9 are the heart of the psalm, and the Psalmist's argument for how God cares. A problem is that we don't see justice for the oppressed or food for the hungry or prisoners (wrongly prisoned) set free. But that does not mean that God does not do these things, only that we do not see them for everyone. To a certain extent, that is our own failure. We rebelled. We did not want God to rule over our lives and God acquiesced to our stupidity, hoping that our experiment with self-god-ness would show us how much of a failure it is. What I see, is that most people are not convinced. They seem to argue that there is always something else to be done that prevents us from achieving utopia. I am convinced that the elimination of Christians and Christian morals will be the ultimate last steps. In fact, those actions might coincide with the rapture (as God once again gives man what he wants to his own hurt). It will certainly be one of the goals of the tribulation as the Antichrist seeks to destroy all those who come to faith during the last days. God does care and no matter what is happening in history or in our lives, God looks down on earth and is watching over his children. We need fear not.

QT 25 Jul 17, Ps 146:3-4, The God of the universe cares for me

Psalm 146:3–4 (ESV) —

3 Put not your trust in princes,

in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;

on that very day his plans perish.

NOTE: There are a lot of things we trust in rather than in God. Sometimes it is people, either because of their high position (they can make things happen) or because of their world-renowned skill (the surgeon can make the person whole) or because of the charisma of their character (surely people will listen to him and things will be different). Ultimately, God is in charge of the universe, our galaxy, our small solar system, our planet, our nation, our family, and us. It seems so impossible for the God of the universe to take our interests to heart, but he does. In an unbelievable way, God is not only the God of the universe, but he is my God too. He is personally involved in my life for his good will and glory. That is hard to understand at times. A famous person might barely remember me, but God knows me fully and always remembers me.

QT 24 Jul 17, Ps 146:1-2, Praise the Lord

Psalm 146:1–2, 10 (ESV) —

1 Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

…

10 The Lord will reign forever,

your God, O Zion, to all generations.

Praise the Lord!

NOTE: This is a chiastic Psalm, it builds up and then comes back down similarly. The beginning and end (A and A') is the phrase "Praise the Lord!" The next part of the structure (B and B') contain the two thoughts, "I will praise God as long as I have being" and "God will reign forever." Since my belief in God (and the work of his Son on the cross) secures for me eternal life, and God is eternal, I will always be praising God. It really is and ought to be a regular part of my life. In today's age, it seems archaic to say "praise the Lord," because we have so firmly entrenched ourselves as gods of our destiny. But it is not true, although God has given us limited autonomy and the associated consequences due to our rebellion, we are not in charge. God still reigns even as he allowed mankind to destroy their spiritual selves. Father, help me to never to be embarrassed to say "praise the Lord." You are worthy of all the praise I can give to you.

QT 20 Jul 17, Ps 136:23-26, Pray for Israel

Psalm 136:23–26 (ESV) — 23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

24 and rescued us from our foes,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

25 he who gives food to all flesh,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

NOTE: Most of the Psalm remembers Israel's exodus and the capturing of the land. Here, at the end, the psalmist is more general. When the psalmist says "he remembered us in our low estate," he is saying something very similar to what God said when he chose Israel. God tells us Israel He did not choose them because they were the biggest, strongest, or smartest. God says that he chose them because they were the weakest. One would not think that of Israel today--they seem to dominate the world conversation. They are still very small, one of the smallest countries in the whole world, and hated by many, even believers in years past. Our treatment of Israel, as believers, saddens me greatly. Yes, they rejected their Messiah, and were co-conspirators with the Gentiles (Romans) to kill him. But their rejection has meant life to us who are Gentiles. And those branches are not wild like ours and they can and will be easily reattached back to the vine. We need to pray for Israel. We need to especially pray for them to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah before the great and terrible day of the Lord's wrath comes. Their rejection has cost them greatly and benefited us immensely. We need to pray for them to experience the blessing of knowing God.

QT 19 Jul 17, Ps 136:10-15, The past should remind us of God's goodness and love

Psalm 136:10–15 (ESV) — 10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

NOTE: The next section of verses focuses on the rescue from Egypt. After each verse, as is the case throughout the Psalm, is the refrain, "for his steadfast love endures forever." The events of the past serve as reminders of God's steadfast love. Most events have to be viewed in the past because in the midst, it does not seem as if God is aware or is working. As we look back on events in our life, we see the hand of God, and we see that it is good and loving. In fact, I would argue (for a believer) that if something still does not look good, even viewing it in the past, then there are still things that God is doing to bring good out of it. Paul tells us in Romans that God is working in all things to bring good to those who love him and are called by him. So, if it still looks bad, then there are still things to learn and to understand from God's perspective.

QT 18 Jul 17, Ps 136:4-9, God is the creator (an important biblical truth)

Psalm 136:4–9 (ESV) — 4 to him who alone does great wonders,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

7 to him who made the great lights,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

8 the sun to rule over the day,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

NOTE: This set of verses focuses on a theme in the OT psalms, and the whole bible for that matter, and the theme is that God is the creator of everything. In these six verses, the aspect of creation is only the planets, satellites, and stars. But in other passages, such as Ps 139, other aspects of creation are commended of God. This is important to God, which is why random evolution is so antithetical to the biblical concept of God. Leaving aside the incredible immense probabilities which have not been solved in random evolution, the biblical issue is that God has declared himself the creator. It is possible God used a guided (theistic) evolutionary process in creation -- that would explain the probability problem -- but the main point is that God is our creator. It is an incredibly important point in scripture and one that we would be wise to embrace. Our creator made us exactly as we are. He has a new body for us in the future (un-marred by sin), but for now, he knit us together as he saw fit. We need to rejoice in our creation. Sin has marred creation to some extent, but for the believer, God uses it for good.

QT 17 Jul 17, Ps 136:1-3, God's goodness

Psalm 136:1–3 (ESV) —

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

NOTE: The psalmist repeats the phrase, "for his steadfast love endures forever," throughout the Psalm. And I am sure there is a purpose, which will need to be explored later in the week. For today, another repetition stands out, and that is in the first three verses: "give thanks …." The psalmist begins by being thankful that the Lord is good. He then gives thanks that God is the God of gods and then that God is the Lord of lords. What does it mean for God to be good? I think from the psalmist's perception it would not be his righteousness, but the aspect of good that is most appropriate to the creature -- God does good things for us. At least that is what comes to my mind. God does not have to be good to us since we rebelled against his rule. God does not have to give us anything. God would be perfectly righteous and good if he eliminated us from existence. But God has not done that and in fact God has gone out of his way to redeem us from our rebellion. He took our place on the cross and paid our penalty for sin. He gave us his Holy Spirit to live in us and change us so that we are becoming more like him every day -- well, at least for those who let the Holy Spirit worked to change them. God is good and I am so undeserving. Thank you Lord, your steadfast love endures forever.

QT 12 July 17, Ps 19:1, Truth is revealed in creation

Psalm 19:1 (ESV) — 1 The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

NOTE: In Jewish thought, there are three heavens. The first is the atmosphere, the second heaven is space. The third heaven is the unseen home of God. In this passage, the first two heavens are referenced. This verse agrees with the NT verse in Romans 1:18–20 (ESV) — 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. The point is that creation, the external view, is sufficient to declare God's existence and power. In Romans, Paul writes that men suppress this truth. Today, men have deceived themselves in false philosophies and so-called "settled" science that there is no evidence of God. But random evolution does not disprove God, in fact, it requires a great deal of faith to believe that our world, us, even the smallest single cell came about through random evolution. People will believe what they want to believe but that does not make something true or not true. But God will use the argument of creation against those who disbelieve when they are judged.

QT 11 Jul 17, John 17:17, Truth sanctifies

John 17:17 (ESV) — 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

NOTE: Sanctification sets us apart for God's use. It also is the process by which we become more like Jesus Christ. Truth is what changes us, which is why the word of God is so essential and the concept of absolute truth is 'foundational.' If truth is relative, it cannot change us because it would cease to exist as truth. For truth to change us, it must 'foundationally' change who we are and what we think. Truth cannot be true in one case and not true in another  case or later on. Truth is our bedrock. It is based on God himself, as he has revealed His truth to us in the bible. Consequently, it is absolutely essential that we wash our mind in the truth of God's word. It is the only way to transform our thinking from the world's deceitful ways. Every day, we need to be in God's word.

QT 10 Jul 17, John 14:1-7, Truth is

John 14:1–7 (ESV) — 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

NOTE: One of the most famous statements of Jesus is his claim of being the way to God--actually, the only way to God. It is an exclusive statement, and if true, it must be exclusive. One cannot make truth to be what they want it to be. Truth is. Or it is not truth. Just as God is, or does not exist. Jesus makes multiple claims of divinity. They cannot be ignored without risk to a person's eternal destiny. Jesus was returning to heaven to prepare a new home. Thomas was focused on the seen and material. Jesus was referring to the unseen and eternal, our larger life. Claims, like Jesus made, can be dismissed but only if you categorize the claimant as lying, deranged, or ignorant. Jesus' life clearly shows none of these characteristics. He was rational, logical, incredibly precise, and organized in his speech and thought processes. He was not trying to be popular. He would challenge a follower as easily as a hypocritical Pharisee. Which brings us back to his claim to be the only way to God--how can he make such a claim? He is God and truth is.

QT 6 Jul 17, Ps 95:7-9, Faith is believing in God's personal love and care for you

Psalm 95:7–9 (ESV) — 7 For he is our God,

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand.

Today, if you hear his voice,

8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,

as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,

9 when your fathers put me to the test

and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

NOTE: The more I read this passage, the more I am convinced that the Israelite's lack of faith was not a disbelief in God's power. Even the passage says, "though they had seen my work." No, the issue is the phrase "put me to the test" and "put me to the proof." What were they testing or trying to prove? That God is powerful? I don't think so. The only one that makes sense, given that Massah and Meribah refer to the places where the people ran out of water in the desert, is his care. They had only a few days to live given three million people needing water. The babies, the children, and some of the animals will die. The people "demand" that God supply water, else it proves God does not care. There is no doubt God is powerful, but does God care? Water could not wait, but was required immediately for survival, therefore God must respond now! The issue was that the people did not believe God loved or cared for them individually. He was moving the nation to an objective in the grand scheme, but they were not sure he cared or knew them individually. They had no personal relationship with God. Unlike David, who later would exalt in a personal relationship, these people did not believe in God's love. We need the same faith of David, not that God is powerful and can do anything, but that God will do what is best for me because he loves me (and that may include him not doing what we want him to do--which is true faith). Help me Lord, to obey your word and to believe in your love for me, and my family.

QT 5 Jul 17, Ps 95:6-7c, We are not God's children, unless we have believed in Jesus

Psalm 95:6–7c (ESV) — 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;

let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

7 For he is our God,

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand.

NOTE: We are all his creation, but we are no longer all his children or his people. We lost that designation in the garden when we rebelled against the creator. God has designated Israel and the church as his people. And those who place their faith in Jesus are the only ones on earth who can say they are God's children since the bible tells us that those who believe in Jesus are adopted into God's family. We all have the offer of salvation and the opportunity to be adopted into the family of God. But those who refused have no status with God outside of being his creation. And as the creator, he can do whatever he wants to his creation, even destroying it. The creation has no rights apart from what the creator allows. For a time now, he is allowing it to continue in the desire for people to turn from their sin and join the family of God. But there is coming a time, where he will judge the people of the earth and destroy the creation. Will we respond or will we persist in our sin?

QT 3 Jul 17, Ps 95:1-5, Sing! We are so undeserving

Psalm 95:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;

let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

3 For the Lord is a great God,

and a great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;

the heights of the mountains are his also.

5 The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

NOTE: The gods of the land were limited to certain places or certain abilities. The Psalmist extols the God of Israel as the God above all gods, who does not reign in limited areas, but rules over all. He is the creator of all things. And for these reasons and more, we should sing joyfully to him--He is deserving of all our praise. For Christians, these statements are even more true. We have been redeemed and sealed with Holy Spirit. Our bodies are not temples of the HS. We have been adopted in God's family. We carry his name, although poorly at times. We are loved, completely loved, and loved independently from our actions. What an amazing and undeserved consequence of our faith. And all the more reason, that we need to sing praise to the great God of all the earth. We are His!!