QT 7/29/2022 Ps 22:27-28, There is no argument that will work when we stand before God

Psalm 22:27–28 (NIV84) —

27 All the ends of the earth

will remember and turn to the Lord,

and all the families of the nations

will bow down before him,

28 for dominion belongs to the Lord

and he rules over the nations.

NOTE: Someday, this verse will be fulfilled. Is it within a decade or two? It could be. We are approaching 2000 years after Jesus' death (assumes 30 or 33 AD). We can also compute 2030 or 2033 as the 2nd 1000 years, or the 5th 400 years, or the 50th 40 years. We are right now at the 278th 7 years group since the destruction of the temple. What does it all mean? Probably nothing, since Jesus said no one would know the day or hour of his return, only the Father. Of course, he may have been referring to the rapture since we know the day of his second coming, it will be a few days shy of 7 years after the signing of the peace treaty between the Antichrist and Israel. The length of time between the rapture and the start of the tribulation is unknown. What do we call people who believe during that time? Probably tribulation saints since they will have to live through the tribulation.

 

In the end, all people will bow down before him. There is no stupid argument out there that anyone will be able to use. Why evil and pain and injustice? Because we did not want God to rule, but wanted to be our own gods and so we rebelled in the garden. What about the lack of evidence? God himself visited earth with many signs and wonders, and rose again from the dead (verified by over 500 eyewitnesses and documentation). What about the actions of this so-called God against other people-groups? When we stand before God and witness his holiness, we will only wonder why he did not destroy all people groups.

 

PONDER:

1. Do we cling to ridiculous arguments, thinking that if there is a God, we will stump him with our clever question, and thereby earn the right to eternal life?

 

PRAYER: Open our eyes before it is too late to our sin and moral depravity. We are completely unworthy of your love and attention. We do not deserve to live based on our works. Only Jesus can save us in your eyes.

QT 7/28/2022 Ps 22:12-15, Trusting God when it hurts

Psalm 22:12–15 (ESV) —

12 Many bulls encompass me;

strong bulls of Bashan surround me;

13 they open wide their mouths at me,

like a ravening and roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water,

and all my bones are out of joint;

my heart is like wax;

it is melted within my breast;

15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,

and my tongue sticks to my jaws;

you lay me in the dust of death.

 

NOTE: This is a Messianic psalm that reveals Jesus' suffering 1000 years before his crucifixion, but I believe it is also David's suffering. Possibly during Absalom's revolt when David left everything and ran for his life out into the wilderness. David's words seem to indicate that he is in despair. The definition of despair is "the complete loss or absence of hope." In verse 19, we find out that he still has hope, but in the physical world he has experienced a complete loss. David did have hope, a spiritual hope. He may not have had much physical hope, but he always had the Lord. At times in this "seen" world, it is tough to have hope in the "unseen" world, but that is the definition of faith, believing in God despite the enemy's attack and any seeming evidence to the contrary. As Paul writes,

 

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NIV84) — 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

Life can be hard and the words of David in the Psalm shows that it was hard. But we must trust in our God and have faith that what we are going through will have a good purpose.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I trust God in the good times as well as the bad times?
2. Am I only a fair-weather Christian?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that you know me completely and you know what is going on in my life. Thank you for the note this morning that reminded me of a task that you have given me. Continue to lead me and guide me in the right decisions.

QT 7/27/2022 Ps 22:1, He understands my pain and more

Psalm 22:1 (ESV) — My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?

 

NOTE: David's cry was literally also Jesus' cry as he hung on the cross carrying the sins of the world. At that moment in time, sin separated the God-head trinity. The relationship was broken. I don't know what that means and I don't how that looked. I only know that the eternal relationship in the trinity was broken for some period so that Jesus could feel our pain and take away our sins. I'm sure it was deep, heart-wrenching, and painful. And it satisfy the wrath of God toward our sins. Jesus took our place.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe that Jesus understands my suffering?

 

PRAYER: Father, you do understand our suffering. Our problem is that we don't understand your suffering. Our choices to sin and rebel is proof that we don't understand the price you paid for our salvation. Forgive us for our carelessness toward our salvation. Thank you for this new life in you.

QT 7/26/2022 Ps 21:8-11, Sin is the problem, not the idea of a wrathful God

Psalm 21:8–11 (ESV) —

8 Your hand will find out all your enemies;

your right hand will find out those who hate you.

9 You will make them as a blazing oven

when you appear.

The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,

and fire will consume them.

10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,

and their offspring from among the children of man.

11 Though they plan evil against you,

though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.

 

NOTE: We struggle with the idea of God as a judge and a God who is full of wrath. But the real problem is not a problem with our concept of God. The real problem is that we don't understand sin and how it devastates the whole creation. It destroy families. It ruins marriages. It mars people. Sin is the ultimate cause of everything that is not good, as things were prior in creation. I am not saying, as once accused, that mental health issues are the result of the particular person's sin (although that is possible), but I am saying that all mental health is the result of sin's effect on the human race. We weren't meant to die, but the rebellion in the garden brought sin into human history and devastated all of us. The world and each of us will not be restored until we shed this sin-marred body and put on the resurrected body that awaits us at Jesus' return. If we understood sin's effect, we would not be surprised at God's coming judgment and wrath.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I truly understand how sin eats away at our soul?
2. Do l let sin rule my body?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for our great sin. We should be ashamed beyond measure for what we are now taking pride in. We are wrong. We hurt each other. We have rebelled and need to return to you. Open our eyes to see our need for Jesus.

QT 7/25/2022 Ps 21:2, Learning to rest in God

Psalm 21:2 (ESV) —

2 You have given him his heart’s desire

and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

 

NOTE: There are many things I desire and many things I have not received. But when I look back, I am content, because the things I really needed, are the things God gave me. And he has given me things I did not ask for. He also has given mercy to me again and again, and in those cases I did not deserve his mercy. As a previous Psalm said, "the boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places." I am content and at peace. I still struggle with things, people, situations, and pain.  But, I really would not desire my life any different. I love that I have impact in people's lives. I enjoy ministry. I enjoy my relationship with God. I enjoy my job. I enjoy my home and my hobbies, I only wish I had more time. In Philippians, a letter with the theme of joy, Paul says that he had learned the secret of living in plenty and want. He could go on to the kingdom or he could stay and continue to minister. He was at peace.

 

PONDER:

1. Are we experiencing that peace in our lives? Why or why not?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for these days. You have blessed in so many ways. There will be days of struggle. Protect us from the enemy. Protect us from a fallen world. Fill us with your joy and presence.

QT 7/21/2022 Ps 19:7 10-13, Valuable beyond belief

Psalm 19:7, 10–13 (NIV) —

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

. . .

10 They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the honeycomb.

11 By them your servant is warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

12 But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless,

innocent of great transgression.

 

NOTE: In Psalm 19, David declares that God has made himself known through two primary channels, His creation and His word. Theologians call this General Revelation and Specific Revelation. Both evidences reveal aspects of God, although specific revelation gives better insight into the heart of God. That is why David saw specific revelation (His word) more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. Knowing God is the greatest gift one can ever experience, and truly knowing God is the most satisfying experience one can have. My time in the morning reading the word and writing down my thoughts is the most important time of my day. I look forward to it. Ideally, a quiet place without interruptions, and time to meditate upon his word, is critical, and it really does restore the soul. The morning is the best time I can find. It is precious and sweet to me.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I formed the habit of regularly meeting with God and enjoying his presence?
2. Or do I fool myself with once a week service listening to another who met with God?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray all believers might experience the joy and peace of daily time in your word, listening to you (and not others) speak.

QT 7/19/2022 Ps 18:49-50, My witness must be my goal

Psalm 18:49–50 (ESV) —

49 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.

 

NOTE: Paul quotes verse Ps 18:49 in this passage from Romans:

 

Romans 15:9 (ESV) — and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,

and sing to your name.”

 

David was talking about his victory over his enemies and how God had placed him over many nations and peoples. Paul is referring to his ministry and how God has blessed him as he had taken the gospel to much of the Roman empire.

 

So, the real underlying truth is that God blesses us in order that his name may be glorified in this world. That is my mission and that is where God will bless me. My opportunity is in my job. I can do such a good job as a Christian servant leader, that many, who would never consider God or a god, have to consider my God. And some will realize that there is a God that demands their obedience as well.

 

I may be gone soon. The seventieth seven of Daniel is still hanging out there -- put on ice during this church age -- but God is not finished with his people. The seven years of tribulation are coming soon, and my witness now may be the difference in their salvation during those seven years.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I preparing people for the gospel?
2. Am I an attractive witness for Christianity or an unattractive witness?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray my words and actions would be a cause to think about the reality of you and of faith. I pray it would cause them to investigate real truth. I pray it would cause them to search for real answers. Open their eyes to the gospel.

QT 7/18/2022 Ps 18:33-35, Stoop to conquer

Psalm 18:33–35 (ESV) —

33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer

and set me secure on the heights.

34 He trains my hands for war,

so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35 You have given me the shield of your salvation,

and your right hand supported me,

and your gentleness made me great.

 

NOTE: The phrase "your gentleness made me great" is a little different in the NIV where it says "you stoop down to make me great." In the movie, She Stoops to Conquer, Kate pretends to be a barmaid instead of a Lady in order to gain Marlow's affection. She lowers herself to win another. In many ways, God does the same to us. Jesus, God himself, emptied himself of his many aspects of the godhead, to be born in a stable to a poor Jewish family. He dies a thief's death on the cross. But what he really did, was conquer sin and death so that we might have eternal life and a relationship with God. Jesus stooped to win us our salvation. God loved mankind so much, that he sent his son to die in our place. He gave and stooped so that we might live. What a wonderful savior we have!

 

PONDER:

1. Do I understand the true extent of God's love? Probably not because I think that is impossible, but I wonder if we understand even the smallest degree of his great love for us.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for my salvation. Today, help me to live and work in the knowledge of your love for me. I pray that I would work knowing that I serve you and not the world around me. Work is my worship.

QT 7/14/2022 Ps 18:19, Believing and following his lead

Psalm 18:19 (ESV) —

19 He brought me out into a broad place;

he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

 

NOTE: The word is merchab and comes from a root word that means spacious or broad. The idea being, "someone located in the middle of a “broad place” is relatively secure and safe from a surprise attack. (AYBD)" The person can see all around him and he knows that he is okay. It is a peaceful feeling. When we believe that God is in charge and has my best interests at heart, we can relax and know that we are in a safe place. It may not seem like it or even look like it, but we have faith in a God who loves us greatly.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe God has my best interests at heart?
2. And do I trust him that his idea of my best interests are better than my idea of my best interests?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that you are know me and know what is happening in my life even better than I do. You are providing and you are leading. Help me to clearly see and follow your direction.

QT 7/13/2022 Ps 18:7-12, The wrath of God will be terrible

Psalm 18:7–12 (ESV) —

7 Then the earth reeled and rocked;

the foundations also of the mountains trembled

and quaked, because he was angry.

8 Smoke went up from his nostrils,

and devouring fire from his mouth;

glowing coals flamed forth from him.

9 He bowed the heavens and came down;

thick darkness was under his feet.

10 He rode on a cherub and flew;

he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.

11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him,

thick clouds dark with water.

12 Out of the brightness before him

hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.

 

NOTE: There is no record in scripture of God responding to David's situation in this manner. Certainly, there are similarities in Job, at the Exodus, his appearance to Elijah, and at the death of Jesus. The final judgement will be even more terrifying. This is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God -- to the extent a human can "see" the infinite God. But is also a powerful poetic illustration of the anger of God toward those who would threaten his children. Believers die on an almost daily basis. Why does God not answer like this at those moments? Because God has consigned this world to its choice -- "to be their own gods." He will satisfy his children with life that exceeds anything that can be experienced on earth. And he will judge the evil unbelieving world with dread that will defy anything that can be experienced on earth. Hell will give no joy.

 

These thoughts should motivate us to share with people the good news before it is too late. Jesus is coming, not as a lamb to the slaughter, but as a lion to slaughter. I don't when he is coming. It could be very soon, like 8-10 years, and I suppose it could be another 1000 or more. He will come. He is coming. He has fulfilled all his promises except the return.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I serious about the gospel?
2. Do I care for those around me or do my actions suggest I see the second coming as only a myth?

 

PRAYER: Father, give us the boldness and courage to share the good news to those we encounter today. Even a simple acknowledgment of God is a small step toward changing a world that thinks God does not exist.

QT 7/12/2022 Ps 18:1-3, Believing he will protect

Psalm 18:1–3 (ESV) —

1 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.

 

NOTE: "My rock … my fortress … my deliverer." I think these first three descriptors are expanded in the lines that follow. The first, "my rock," is further elaborated as God in whom I take refuge. A rock is a solid object that I can rest upon. It is solid. It is firm. It won't change and I don't need to worry about slipping. God holds me firm. The second descriptor, "my fortress," is elaborated as "my shield." God protects me from the attacks of the enemy. Jesus reiterates this protection in his example prayer, "deliver us from evil." The third descriptor, "my deliverer," is amplified by "the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." My salvation is my stronghold. I know my future. I am ultimately perfectly secure because of what Jesus had done for me. For David, he like Abraham, was saved by faith (declared righteous). I am saved by Jesus.

 

I know that when life's tragedies hit, it does not feel as if God is my strength, but David's words are true. The problem is that we measure God's work in our finite mind, and if it does not fit our perception, then we lose faith. Real faith is believing that God's infinite knowledge is a much better standard and requires my trust.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I still trust even when things to not go the way I want them to go?

 

PRAYER: Father, as someone once prayed, help my unbelief. I know what is true, but I know what I want. And it is hard to give up on my "kingdoms" and trust that yours is and will be immeasurably better. Forgive me and help my unbelief.

QT 7/11/2022 Ps 17:8-9, An example of real faith

Psalm 17:8–9 (ESV)

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;

hide me in the shadow of your wings,

9 from the wicked who do me violence,

my deadly enemies who surround me.

 

NOTE: The "apple of the eye" is an idiom that even today means someone whom you are very fond. It literally referred to another person's reflection seen in your eye, suggesting that you are always looking at that other person, because they are so important. The "shadow of your wings" is another metaphorical expression, portraying a mother protecting her young by covering them with her wings. The message of these two verses is one of the most important messages, and it describes faith, believing that God cares for me and that God will protect me despite any evidence to the contrary. God knows and God will bring about what is best in this sin-marred world. We can't always understand. We probably won't get a message from a storm as Job did, but we can be confident that in the midst of pain, we are greatly loved, cared, and protected.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe in God's love and protection?
2. Do I see life through the prism of God's view, no matter how painful they are?

 

PRAYER: Father, years ago I learned through studies in Philippians, Hebrews, Psalms, and Job, that faith was believing you cared and had my best interests at heart. You have changed my life incredibly in 40 years. You have always been working. I'm not the person I could have ended up being. I am a different man because of my savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord.

QT 7/7/2022 Ps 16:7-11, We need God or else we will all perish in pain

Psalm 16:7–11 (ESV)

7 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.

 

NOTE: My heart is glad. I know my savior owns me. I know that I have a future and a hope. And my hope is not as the world hopes, but it is built on the promises of God. It is an assurance of a future with God in his kingdom. I know too that life will always have work, purpose, pleasure, beauty, and relationships. Because those are characteristics of God, and because, before sin entered life, that is how we were designed to live.

 

There is a lot of pain in the world today. The pain is caused by our rebellion to God that started in the garden. There can be no peace as long as we fight against his rulership of our lives. That is the part the world cannot understand. They want to blame evil on God's non-existence, whereas God is showing people what life is like where he does not rule. We wanted to be our own gods and we don't like the results.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I understand that sin and rebellion is the root cause of all the world's problems?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for our continuous rebellion. Open the eyes of people to see their own sin and failure. We cannot create the world we desire in our own efforts. We must fall on our knees and repent and return to you. Come Lord Jesus, come. We need you. You are the only answer to our problems.

QT 7/6/2022 Ps 16:5-6, Life can be pleasant, but only with God

Psalm 16:5–6 (ESV) — 5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

 

NOTE: I love this verse. I suppose I have many favorite verses. I first read this verse (that I remember) during a time of severe suffering. The lines are not literal in this poem, but reference the idea of boundary or real estate lines -- meaning your property lines. The metaphor that David uses suggests his joy is in the outcome of his life. What was David's joy? It was his relationship with the Lord. That relationship filled his cup. Most people are trying to fill their  cup with things and activities and experiences. We buy more, we do more, we give ourselves to things -- but these things don't provide what we really desire. A deep abiding daily relationship with the Lord provides the joy and peace that we seek, even when life is very painful. Life is not found in this world but in the Lord. David knew this, and that relationship with God allowed him to say, "my lines have fallen in pleasant places." Take some time to spend with God. Meet with him. Enjoy his presence. Be grateful for what he has given. Reflect on your lines.

 

PONDER:

1. Where do I look for true life? In things or in God?
2. When was the last time I spent an extended time with God?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for my life. Thank you that I know you. Life has been hard and times have been difficult, but I can honestly say that the lines have fallen in pleasant places. Thank you for the peace and joy that you provide.

QT 7/5/2022 Ps 15:1-5, Living differently

Psalm 15:1–5 (ESV) — 1 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.

 

NOTE: No one can stand on God's holy hill. None of us are worthy; none of us are clean. I think that was the point of the previous Psalm 14; everyone is guilty of sin. In this psalm, verses 2-5 are the goal, but no one can do those things all the time. They are also encompassed in the second half of Jesus' summation of the law, love your neighbor as yourself. This is the problem with the Christian church today and is the reason our witness is so ineffective. People do not see us as loving. We are just as cruel and sarcastic and "in-you-face" as the world around us. We put up memes which are intended to hurt. We don't show respect to our enemies let alone "love them."

 

I like Spurgeon's thought from the Treasury of David,

 

Impertinent curiosity frequently desires to know who and how many shall be saved; if those who thus ask the question, “Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” would make it a soul-searching enquiry in reference to themselves they would act much more wisely. Members of the visible church, which is God’s tabernacle of worship, and hill of eminence, should diligently see to it, that they have the preparation of heart which fits them to be inmates of the house of God. Without the wedding-dress of righteousness in Christ Jesus, we have no right to sit at the banquet of communion. Without uprightness of walk we are not fit for the imperfect church on earth, and certainly we must not hope to enter the perfect church above. (Spurgeon, C. H. (n.d.). The treasury of David: Psalms 1-26 (Vol. 1, p. 176). Marshall Brothers.)

 

We must live differently. We have the Holy Spirit. We are free from slavery to sin. We have the power. We are different. But we are not connected to our spiritual lifeline and so we are ineffective.

 

PONDER:

1. Does my life really attract people to Christ? Has any unbeliever asked me about knowing my God or told me that I have something they don't have.

 

PRAYER: Father, we need to be connected to the source, your spirit. We need a daily walk. We need to care for others. We need your loving heart. Change us and make us more like you.

QT 7/4/2022 Ps 13:1-6, Am I seeking him?

Psalm 13:1–6 (ESV) — 1 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.

 

NOTE: Spurgeon comments that no one has successfully pinpointed this to a particular event in David's life. It does sound a lot like the period where he was running around the desert--constantly under threat, nearly cornered on more than one occasion. That period lasted a long time. At some point, David cried out for relief. Where was Samuel's prophecy of the kingship? Samuel had died and nothing had changed.

 

It is normal and healthy to do a spiritual checkup during those times. We live under grace, but we also live under a loving Father who will discipline us in order for us to better reflect his name. Is it discipline or is it learning perseverance, patience, longsuffering? … Does it matter? Can I ever not repent of battles of the flesh? Can I ever not learn perseverance? Are the two areas incompatible?

 

There is a third area that is often forgotten during hard times, and that is our relationship with God. Moses wrote,

 

Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV) — 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

 

God wants us to seek him more than anything else. In my mind, almost all suffering should result in a renewed need for God above everything else. We, like Jacob, need to wrestle with God, refusing to let go of him. We need his blessing, not the world's blessing, and that blessing will only come in a relationship with him.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I see God with all my heart? If not, start there in your pain.

 

PRAYER: Father, if there is anything I have learned over and over again through the years -- it is that I need you. There is no greater thing! Everything pales in comparison, and everything shines in that relationship. Life is worth living if it is lived for you.