tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168486383150418902024-03-13T03:06:50.240-07:00Daily Devotional on Faith Hope and LoveDaily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.comBlogger2557125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-30721556186010958752024-03-12T18:13:00.000-07:002024-03-12T18:13:19.086-07:00Psalm 30- Joy comes in the Morning<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">A Psalm. A song for the dedication of the temple. Of David.</span></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/bsb/psalms/30.htm#" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span>I will exalt You, O LORD,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">for You have lifted me up</p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;">and have not allowed my foes</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">to rejoice over me.<a name="3"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>O LORD my God, I cried to You for help,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">and You healed me.<a name="4"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">You spared me from descending into the Pit.<a name="5"></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>Sing to the LORD, O you His saints,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">and praise His holy name.<a name="6"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>For His anger is fleeting,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">but His favor lasts a lifetime.</p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;">Weeping may stay the night,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">but joy comes in the morning.<a name="7"></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>In prosperity I said,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">“I will never be shaken.”<a name="8"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>O LORD, You favored me;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">You made my mountain stand strong.</p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;">When You hid Your face,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">I was dismayed.<a name="9"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>To You, O LORD, I called,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">and I begged my Lord for mercy:<a name="10"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>“What gain is there in my bloodshed,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">in my descent to the Pit?</p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;">Will the dust praise You?</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?<a name="11"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>Hear me, O LORD, and have mercy;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">O LORD, be my helper.”<a name="12"></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>You turned my mourning into dancing;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,<a name=""></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/30-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent.</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">THOUGHTS: This Psalm is a call for perspective. Hard times will come. Weeping may remain for the night. There is mourning in life. But joy and dancing comes in the morning. God is able to turn things around. For Christians, this is always our perspective. We know who will win in the end, and we know He loves us with an everlasting love. No one can thwart God's plans. Even after the cross there comes the resurrection. If this Psalm was used for the dedication of the Temple- a time of great celebration and joy- then it is a reminder that we can pray to the Lord in our darkest valleys and He will hear us. In good times, we can remember God saved us from the bad ones. He is the lifter of our heads and our hearts. </p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">Prayer: Lord, thank you that with you there is victory over bad times. In every cross there is the halo of the resurrection. </p>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-91609273210561684042024-03-11T08:35:00.000-07:002024-03-11T08:35:09.367-07:00Sermon: Nothing is So Strong as Gentleness<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Nothing is So Strong as Gentleness” Eph. 4:1-6
(unison); Prov. 15:1; Phil. 4:5</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
Preached by Rev. Dr. J. Ben Sloan at Eastminster Presbyterian 3/11/2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control- all compliment and support one another beautifully. Today we will look at the fruit of gentleness. <br />
Prov. 15:1- “A gentle answer turns away wrath- but a harsh word stirs up
anger.” <br />
Phil. 4:5 “let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Eph. 4- “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another
in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make every effort to keep the
unity of the spirit in the bond of peace- one Lord, one faith, one baptism…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
1991 I went to the brand new Walmart to buy diapers in Asheville NC.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I arrived I saw an old beat up pickup with an old guy in overalls leaving and a
few Walmart employees waving goodbye.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Turns
out it was Sam Walton, the richest guy in America at the time and founder of
Walmart. He liked to visit his stores incognito.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
vision was to help people save money so they could live better.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
and his wife were elders at First Presbyterian, Bentonville AK where he taught
high school SS. earlier that year they had left the equivalent of 12 million to
the PCUSA Foundation to start new churches.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
another year he would die of leukemia.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was smart, creative, and a meek humble guy. </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
fruit of the Spirit today is gentleness. Sometimes translated meekness.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
was God but he was described and even described himself as gentle and lowly in
heart.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
don’t have to be weak to be meek. God in Jesus was not weak.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> In
fact, I would argue it takes Great Strength to turn the other cheek, to love
your neighbor as yourself- even when they are not lovable, or love your enemies,
deny self, bear a cross while living, or die a sacrificial death on the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew 5:5 says, “God blesses those who
are gentle- the whole earth will belong to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The KJV says, “Blessed are the meek for they
will inherit the earth.” <br />
1) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often don’t understand the
Christian concept of meekness, gentleness or humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact the word “humility” was not even in
the ancient Greek- it is a new Christian standard that other religions and
people had not heard of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you cannot
understand the person of Jesus or even the idea of the incarnation of God if
you cannot grasp that humility is not antithetical to power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almighty God can accommodate to our level by
stooping gently down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some have rightly
said gentleness is strength under control- like bridled power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A horse that is able to be ridden is still as
strong as it was before it was a wild kicking bronco- but its strength is now
under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opposite of this is
being egotistical, self-aggrandizing, or even bullying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story of Beauty and the Beast is one of
my favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Prince is turned into a
beast because he is harsh and not gentle toward a stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can only be softened by love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems impossible that gentle love could be
found toward a harsh beast before the pedals of life run out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the beauty of gentle love tames the beast
and he softens and turns into a prince again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was not the raging beast, but the gentle beauty who had the
power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each have our pedals
dropping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is to precious to not
live it with gentleness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
2) OUR WORLD needs Gentleness today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
live in a bullying age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One in five
students say they have been bullied at school, 30% of report they have been
bullied at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>60% of kids and 40% of
adults report they have been cyberbullied on social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this political mud slinging year- we might
do well to remember Christ’s call to us to be gentle through scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember King Rehoboam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He inherited a unified, wealthy kingdom under
Solomon. The people went to Rehoboam and asked for some tax and work relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The older advisers said if Rehoboam would 1)
Serve them and 2) Answer them gently- they would follow him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The younger advisers said he needed to show
them who is boss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned and said,
“My father used whips to keep you in line- I will use scorpions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kingdom split then and never came back
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs says a “Gentle answer turns away
wrath.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Washington, Lincoln, MLK Jr,
Ghandi, Mandella, Moses were great leaders who were gentle yet strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses was said to be the most humble man
alive at that time.Of course we could add Jesus to that list too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said he is gentle and lowly in
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see that in how he gently
healed people who were hurting, and how terribly patient he was with his disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said the gentle or meek shall inherit
the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly He did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today He is the most popular figure in all
the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the only religious
figure who has adherents in every country in the world today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gentle Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The One who didn’t bring an army into Jerusalem, but rode on a humble
donkey. Jesus said, “Foxes have holes, birds of the air have nests but the Son
of Man has no place to lay his head. Yet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He inherited the earth!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The root of gentleness- as all the fruits of
the Spirit is found in God Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3) This, by the way would apply well to
our HOMES. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colossians 3:19- says
“Husbands, love your wives and be gentle with them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Peter 3:4 says to the women that an
unfading beauty is found in a gentle spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you remember the story of Boaz and Ruth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boaz was a wealthy businessman, Ruth was a
foreigner and had nothing, but she had a great humble heart caring for her
widowed mother-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boaz saw her on
his land- he could have told her to get off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead he gently allowed her and encouraged her to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ruth told him, “You have made me feel better
by speaking gently with me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guys- we
can learn from that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One pastor [Rick
Warren] said, “If Boaz had been ruthless, he would have been Ruth-less.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, Boaz and Ruth are the great
grandparents of King David and ancestors of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So without his gentleness there would be no
King David. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible also encourages us
to be gentle discipliners of our children and to not be overly harsh with them
(Eph. 6:4). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gentle answer to our
spouse and to our children and to our parents goes a long way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
4) OUR NEIGHBORS & CHURCH NEED IT- An old saying goes “love your neighbor
as yourself-sometimes use words.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eph
6:4- be comepletely humble & gentle. EPC is that way. In our First Steps
Class the new comers talk about how welcoming and gracious the church is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
grateful for Eastminster’s concrete way of helping others motivated by our love
for God who calls us to love neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What we did on March Out missions day was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Habitat work is a way to love a stranger
in Jesus’ name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favorite
Habitat workers was a guy named Don Mabe in Georgetown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the former CEO for Perdue
Chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lived in Debordieu, had a
plantation in Maryland, two beach houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But every time the church built a Habitat House he was both a major
donor and a guy who came out and worked on the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Millard Fuller, who founded Habitat, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a millionaire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had 2,000 acres of land, horses, cows,
speed boats, luxury cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he didn’t
get to see his wife at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left him
and went to New York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He flew there and
said, “I have failed in my relationship with God and my relationship with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s give it all up and start
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They became missionaries to Zaire (now the
Democratic Republic of Congo) for three years. People thought they were
crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They came back and started
Habitat for Humanity in 1976- with the idea that a home helps families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the homeowner doesn’t have to pay a downpayment,
and they pay 0% interest on the building materials and their money goes to fund
the next home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each homeowner gets a
Bible along with their keys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost a
million homes in 92 countries have been built with these concepts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it started with a meek and gentle swallowing
of ego- a giving up of all they had to save their marriage and to save others
from homelessness in Christ’s name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
5) THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS GENTLENESS-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rather let the Spirit of Gentleness flow through you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Embrace gentleness. Do not quench the Spirit
of gentleness with your pride or ego.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
not grieve the Spirit by turning away from His prompting to be gentle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, be filled with the Spirit of gentleness
in your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open your heart to
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This stained glass says, “Come to
me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the main point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the full verses says, Come to me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all you who are weary and heavy laden and I
will give you rest for your souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in
heart and you will find rest for your souls.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Mt. 11:28-29)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want more
gentleness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The God of the Universe has
this controlled, gentle power and He can give you just a taste of it and
transform your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like what Rick
Warren said about applying gentleness: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when someone is helping you at a restaurant
this week- seek to be Christ to them- by being understanding not
demanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When someone disagrees with
you this week be tender without surrender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can listen to those who disagree with you without stomping on them or
stomping out of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When someone
disappoints you this week be gentle not judgmental.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to close with another concrete
example of gentleness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Billy Graham’s
last remaining sibling died this past week- Jean Graham Ford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She married Leighton Ford, who also was an
evangelist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a steady, peaceful,
example of unity in the church to that family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was a member of Myer’s Park Presbyterian in Charlotte.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not too many people knew about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had polio and unlike her brother, could
not speak loudly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She suffered
physically her entire life, but she led a gentle faith-filled life impacting
her brother, her husband, and those around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Someone in her family said she was a peacemaker, and a gentle, faithful
person who loved reaching others for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Bible says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I am saying is that it is possible to
see gentleness in others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look for it,
and seek to be filled with the gentleness of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Some of this was taken (not verbatim)
from a sermon from Rick Warren 5/27/2014]<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-22132403409313488162024-01-28T18:53:00.000-08:002024-01-28T18:53:25.310-08:00Psalm 29 <div class="stanza" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>1</b></a></span>Ascribe to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, you heavenly beings,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">ascribe to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> glory and strength.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>2</b></a></span>Ascribe to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> the glory due his name;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">worship the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> in the splendor of his <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/29.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;" title="Or LORD with the splendor of">a</a></sup></span> holiness.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>3</b></a></span>The voice of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is over the waters;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the God of glory thunders,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> thunders over the mighty waters.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>4</b></a></span>The voice of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is powerful;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the voice of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is majestic.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>5</b></a></span>The voice of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> breaks the cedars;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>6</b></a></span>He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Sirion <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/29.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;" title="That is, Mount Hermon">b</a></sup></span> like a young wild ox.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>7</b></a></span>The voice of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> strikes</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with flashes of lightning.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>8</b></a></span>The voice of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> shakes the desert;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> shakes the Desert of Kadesh.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>9</b></a></span>The voice of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> twists the oaks <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/29.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;" title="Or LORD makes the deer give birth">c</a></sup></span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and strips the forests bare.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”</p></div><div class="stanza" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>10</b></a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> sits enthroned over the flood;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is enthroned as King forever.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/29-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>11</b></a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> gives strength to his people;</p></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">the</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">blesses his people with peace.</span></p><p>****************</p><p>Thoughts: This Psalm speaks of how the thunder and lightning point to God- as if the loud and roaring thunder was God’s voice. They shake the ground, twist the oaks, and people see this as part of the glory of God, It is this powerful god who made the thunder who gives strength to His people. </p><p>Prayer: Lord, you are great and louder than any thunderclap. You are great and powerful- and thank you for pouring just a little bit of that strength on to me. Help me to point others to your strength! </p>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-58177809357454573222024-01-28T18:44:00.000-08:002024-01-28T18:44:57.027-08:00Psalm 28<p> <span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>1</b></a></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">To you,</span><span face="Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" face="Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span face="Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, I call;</span></p><div class="stanza" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you are my Rock,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">do not turn a deaf ear to me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">For if you remain silent,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I will be like those who go down to the pit.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>2</b></a></span>Hear my cry for mercy</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">as I call to you for help,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">as I lift up my hands</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">toward your Most Holy Place.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>3</b></a></span>Do not drag me away with the wicked,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with those who do evil,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">who speak cordially with their neighbors</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but harbor malice in their hearts.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>4</b></a></span>Repay them for their deeds</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and for their evil work;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">repay them for what their hands have done</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and bring back on them what they deserve.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>5</b></a></span>Because they have no regard for the deeds of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and what his hands have done,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">he will tear them down</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and never build them up again.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>6</b></a></span>Praise be to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for he has heard my cry for mercy.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>7</b></a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is my strength and my shield;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">My heart leaps for joy,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and with my song I praise him.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>8</b></a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is the strength of his people,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/28-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration: none;"><b>9</b></a></span>Save your people and bless your inheritance;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">be their shepherd and carry them forever.</p></div>**************<div>Thoughts: When you are going down, do you have a foundation- a rock to bounce off of? The writer is clearly in trouble. He us crying out for mercy-and awaiting the Lord’s answer. If God remains silent, he will die. But in verse 6 everything changes- he praises God for hearing his cry for mercy. He praises God as his strength and shield. He says, “Be their shepherd and carry them forever.” A shepherd puts a wounded sheep on his shoulders and carries them. Do you have anyone to carry you? We are called to invite other people to believe in the shepherd and come to Him to be carried and helped. </div><div><br /></div><div>Prayer: Lord, you can hear my cry for help, Thank you. Help me to tell others about your help. </div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-37358298440995880182024-01-27T04:38:00.000-08:002024-01-27T04:38:02.795-08:00Psalm 27<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">is my light and my salvation—</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">whom shall I fear?</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is the stronghold of my life—</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">of whom shall I be afraid?</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>When the wicked advance against me</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">to devour <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/27.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or slander">a</a></sup></span> me,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">it is my enemies and my foes</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">who will stumble and fall.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>Though an army besiege me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my heart will not fear;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">though war break out against me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">even then I will be confident.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>One thing I ask from the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">this only do I seek:</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">that I may dwell in the house of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">all the days of my life,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">to gaze on the beauty of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and to seek him in his temple.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>For in the day of trouble</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he will keep me safe in his dwelling;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and set me high upon a rock.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>Then my head will be exalted</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">above the enemies who surround me;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I will sing and make music to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>Hear my voice when I call, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">be merciful to me and answer me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Your face, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, I will seek.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>Do not hide your face from me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">do not turn your servant away in anger;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you have been my helper.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">Do not reject me or forsake me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">God my Savior.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>Though my father and mother forsake me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will receive me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>Teach me your way, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">lead me in a straight path</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">because of my oppressors.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for false witnesses rise up against me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">spouting malicious accusations.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-13.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">13</a></span>I remain confident of this:</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I will see the goodness of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">in the land of the living.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/27-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">14</a></span>Wait for the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">be strong and take heart</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and wait for the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<br />**********************<br />Thoughts: Do you have a light in the darkness of life? A few months ago, I decided to walk about a half mile right at dusk. I couldn't see really well and almost stepped on a snake. If I had a light and was looking where I was going, I would<br />n't have come close and startle both snake and me! The Lord is my light and my salvation. He shows me the snakes on the pavement and the potholes to avoid. Because God shows us how we should go in life, and we trust in Him, we do not need to be afraid? The Psalmist (maybe David- the postscript is added later) trusts in God even in times of war or trouble. It is not all up to defense plans and weapons, it is ultimately up to God. This does not mean that just being good makes you win wars. But this is for the individual who can find strength in God. <br />Then he says "one thing he asks"- that is that he may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. His hearts love- is to worship God. He talks about the sacred tent (the tabernacle- for the Temple had not yet been built) as the "house of the Lord." Today, our bodies are the Temple or dwelling place of God. Yet, there is something special about going to a place where other believers are singing, praying, and listening for God. <br />People will forsake us. They may forsake us on purpose- to save their own skin or better themselves. They may forsake us by death. Certainly parents usually die before children, and even the adult child may feel forsaken. Yet God is eternal, and is an eternal help to us while we are alive. Loneliness is an epidemic (according to the US Surgeon General). The UK has a cabinet post appointed- "the minister of loneliness" to combat it. We may be alone, but God is always there. Part of our loneliness is turning away from God and turning toward a fake or half relationship of social media- <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9817115/">to which we can become addicted</a>. <br />I remain confident of this- that God will help me-right now in this life- in the land of the living. God's help is not just in the life to come- though the help of heaven means God will always win in the end. <br />Because of this confidence, we can wait on the Lord, even when things are bad and trials come. David had multiple enemies in this life and overcame them all. It was not that he didn't have a hard time. He was exiled; his own son betrayed him; he was accused falsely; he risked his life against a giant; he fought when he was a boy against wolves and bears who were trying to kill his sheep. Yet David did not give up his trust in God. We too can have confidence and wait on the Lord. He is our light and our salvation. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, when things get dark and I feel alone, help me to put my trust in you. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-90178587093351097242024-01-27T04:11:00.000-08:002024-01-27T04:11:08.679-08:00Psalm 26<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Vindicate me,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">,</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for I have led a blameless life;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">I have trusted in the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and have not faltered.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>Test me, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, and try me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">examine my heart and my mind;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>I do not sit with the deceitful,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">nor do I associate with hypocrites.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>I abhor the assembly of evildoers</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and refuse to sit with the wicked.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>I wash my hands in innocence,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and go about your altar, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>proclaiming aloud your praise</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and telling of all your wonderful deeds.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span><span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, I love the house where you live,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the place where your glory dwells.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>Do not take away my soul along with sinners,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my life with those who are bloodthirsty,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>in whose hands are wicked schemes,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">whose right hands are full of bribes.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>I lead a blameless life;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">deliver me and be merciful to me.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/26-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>My feet stand on level ground;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">in the great congregation I will praise the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<br />***********************<br />Thoughts: Here is a good man who is asking God for help. He deems himself good because: <br />1) He has led a blameless life (meaning avoiding major sins)<br />2) He trusts in the Lord. This trust is faith and reliance on God. <br />3) He has been mindful- mindful of God's love- he doesn't forget God. <br />4) He doesn't sit with the evil- meaning deceitful or hypocrites. <br />5) He loves God's house and God's worship</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">6) He has hope- that he is on level ground and will again praise God in worship. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">In Western thinking, we begin to criticize this belief. We might say, "Good people do not always avoid trouble. Good people die- just like the evil. So why try to be good? Why claim the promise of goodness to get God's help?" Such thinking goes to extremes. First, no one is absolutely good- all sin and fall short of the glory of God. No one absolutely trusts in the Lord and totally avoids evil and always comes to church. That is not what this writer is saying. He is pointing to general principles. He is living in the middle doing his best with his heart set on God. There are people, though not perfect, who try to do good and generally succeed. As the writer points out- not everybody is like this. <br />But it is also a general principle that people who do good live longer. So avoid drugs and alcohol abuse and generally you live longer. According to some studies <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/long-term-effects-drug-abuse">using hard drugs takes 10-50 years off your life</a>. ( <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=does+altruism+lead+to+a+longer+life%3F&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1041US1042&oq=does+altruism+lead+to+a+longer+life%3F&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCjEwMjYzajBqMTWoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">If you have altruism</a> and benevolence in your heart instead of selfishness, generally (not always- you will occasionally find the hundred year old selfish person) you will feel better about yourself and be stronger inside yourself- <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=does+altruism+lead+to+a+longer+life%3F&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1041US1042&oq=does+altruism+lead+to+a+longer+life%3F&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCjEwMjYzajBqMTWoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">effecting life expectancy</a>. Belief in (and worship of) God motivates us to do good for others, be compassionate, be forgiving, be more loving. So, you are alive. If you love life- which God wants you to do, then don't waste it, but use it for good. <br />But also, this person has hope. He has hope that he will overcome the trial he is facing and praise the Lord. Being in a right relationship with the Lord, not letting sin and selfishness and corrupt company mar that relationship- gives us a basis for hope in life. In some ways, this is the missionary's call. We bring real hope. While we all may face sickness and die- God can heal our sickness now and can raise us up. Jesus' healing of others, raising others (Lazarus), and his own resurrection- give us hope that the good will win- and that it pays to have trust, do worship, and have hope in God. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, keep me form giving up. Help me to have hope in you and tell others of the hope I have. You are the One who sees my life and you are able to lift me up when I cannot lift myself up. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"> </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-28047600798396025002024-01-26T18:47:00.000-08:002024-01-26T18:47:13.598-08:00Psalm 25<p> <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/bsb/psalms/25.htm#" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;</span></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><a name="3"></a></p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>in You, my God, I trust.</p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;">Do not let me be put to shame;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">do not let my enemies exult over me.<a name="4"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced.<a name="5"></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>Show me Your ways, O LORD;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">teach me Your paths.<a name="6"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>Guide me in Your truth and teach me,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">for You are the God of my salvation;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">all day long I wait for You.<a name="7"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and loving devotion,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">for they are from age to age.<a name="8"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>Remember not the sins of my youth,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">nor my rebellious acts;</p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;">remember me according to Your loving devotion,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">because of Your goodness, O LORD.<a name="9"></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>Good and upright is the LORD;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">therefore He shows sinners the way.<a name="10"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>He guides the humble in what is right</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">and teaches them His way.<a name="11"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.<a name="12"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>For the sake of Your name, O LORD,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">forgive my iniquity, for it is great.<a name="13"></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>Who is the man who fears the LORD?</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.<a name="14"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-13.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">13</a></span>His soul will dwell in prosperity,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">and his descendants will inherit the land.<a name="15"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">14</a></span>The LORD confides in those who fear Him,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">and reveals His covenant to them.<a name="16"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-15.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">15</a></span>My eyes are always on the LORD,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">for He will free my feet from the mesh.<a name="17"></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-16.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">16</a></span>Turn to me and be gracious,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">for I am lonely and afflicted.<a name="18"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-17.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">17</a></span>The troubles of my heart increase;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">free me from my distress.<a name="19"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-18.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">18</a></span>Consider my affliction and trouble,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">and take away all my sins.<a name="20"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-19.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">19</a></span>Consider my enemies, for they are many,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">and they hate me with vicious hatred.<a name="21"></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-20.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">20</a></span>Guard my soul and deliver me;</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">let me not be put to shame,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">for I take refuge in You.<a name="22"></a></p><p class="indent1" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-21.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">21</a></span>May integrity and uprightness preserve me,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">because I wait for You.<span class="fn" style="color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/bsb/psalms/25.htm#fn" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">b</a></span><a name=""></a></p><p class="indent1stline" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/25-22.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">22</a></span>Redeem Israel, O God,</p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">from all its distress.<br />*********************<br />Thoughts: This is an honest song. It contradicts itself with trust and worry. This is the way life is. We walk by faith, but we are not on the perfect side of heaven yet. So we also worry when we are afflicted or in trouble. <br />There are amazing - and true promises to claim here. Here is a list:<br />1) None who wait for you will be put to shame. <br />2) He shows sinners the way<br />3) He guides the humble<br />4) His ways are loving and right to those who keep His covenant and decrees<br /><br /></p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">There are also many prayers: Show me your ways; guide me in your truth; remember not my sins but remember me; forgive me; free me from my distress; guard my soul; May integrity and uprightness preserve me; redeem Israel from all their troubles. <br />This Psalm is a hopeful Psalm of someone in trouble. He wrestles with the dissonance of promises, prayers, and the trouble he is currently facing. In the end, he does not give up on hoping in God. <br />Missionaries do not paint a picture that when we begin to believe all our troubles disappear. Instead, missionaries struggle in their call as an example of Christ who was on the cross. The sadness, inequities and hurts of life are great. Yet, we believe because in Christ we do not have to give into despair. God can help us and lift us up in the midst of our crosses and afflictions in life. </p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;">Prayer: Lord, to you I lift up my soul. I trust and wait in you. When I face afflictions and crosses, help me to find hope in you. </p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="indent2" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-40895486097808393642024-01-24T03:32:00.000-08:002024-01-24T03:32:59.708-08:00Psalm 24<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The earth is the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">’s, and everything in it,</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the world, and all who live in it;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>for he founded it on the seas</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and established it on the waters.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>Who may ascend the mountain of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>?</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Who may stand in his holy place?</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">who does not trust in an idol</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">or swear by a false god. <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/24.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or swear falsely">a</a></sup></span></p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>They will receive blessing from the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and vindication from God their Savior.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>Such is the generation of those who seek him,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">who seek your face, God of Jacob. <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/24.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts face, Jacob">b</a></sup></span> <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/24.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 10.">c</a></sup></span></p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>Lift up your heads, you gates;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">be lifted up, you ancient doors,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">that the King of glory may come in.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>Who is this King of glory?</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> strong and mighty,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> mighty in battle.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>Lift up your heads, you gates;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">lift them up, you ancient doors,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">that the King of glory may come in.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/24-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>Who is he, this King of glory?</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> Almighty—</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he is the King of glory.<br />********************<br />Thoughts: It is a simple thought, but one we forget often- we are not in control of God, God is in control. The whole earth is His. There are many especially in the West who (post-enlightenment) think it is our job to pick or design God. It is a bit like Harry Potter picking heaven- or heaven as whatever you want it to be (and God as whatever you want God to be). This appeals to us because we think we are in control. When humans have designed gods (think Greek, Roman, Norse, or Hindu pantheon), they are just a bit above Marvel super heroes. The gods we design are often fickle and weak showing human qualities and the limits of human imagination. The same with our choosing our own heaven. I can't imagine heaven being limited to a train station. The whole earth is the Lord's. Therefore He has the right to choose who may come into His presence (ascend His holy hill= heaven). <br /> Protestants immediately go into justification mode here- we don't ascend because we have clean hands and a pure heart- but because God gives us clean hands and a pure heart. Yes, God is the One who makes us complete in the end, but that is not the point here. The emphasis here is seeking God. Not a god we make up (an idol), but a God we can listen to. Not a talisman for magic or good luck, but a God we can rely on and trust in (vs. 4). Verse 3 and 4 are tied together. Those receive a blessing who seek (and trust) in Him. God will confirm their action of seeking and trust by blessing them (both now and later) and vindicating them in the end. <br /> So in many ways this Psalm is about our coming to God and also God's coming to us. We seek Him who comes to us. He comes to us through the ancient doors, the ancient gates, the ancient ways. God has come before, and He comes again to us. When the Holy Spirit comes to us- we should lift up our heads and seek Him. He is the King of glory. He is the king of glory over all the earth He has made. So part of our job, is to glorify and worship Him who made the whole earth. Part of our duty is to point to people to ask them to seek Him. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord help me to seek you and find you when I search for you with all my heart. Help me to not seek after an idol, or to find solace in just the seeking. Thank you that you, the King of glory, cares about me. Help me to be an instrument of yours spreading your glory to the whole earth. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-9437491426093145842024-01-23T12:50:00.000-08:002024-01-23T12:50:14.136-08:00Psalm 23<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/23-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">is my shepherd, I lack nothing.</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/23-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>He makes me lie down in green pastures,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">he leads me beside quiet waters,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/23-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>he refreshes my soul.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">He guides me along the right paths</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for his name’s sake.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/23-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>Even though I walk</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">through the darkest valley, <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/23.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or the valley of the shadow of death">a</a></sup></span></p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">I will fear no evil,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for you are with me;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">your rod and your staff,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they comfort me.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/23-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>You prepare a table before me</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">in the presence of my enemies.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">You anoint my head with oil;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my cup overflows.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/23-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>Surely your goodness and love will follow me</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">all the days of my life,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">and I will dwell in the house of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">forever.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">*******************************************</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Thoughts: If this is not your favorite Psalm, it is one that you are familiar with. It is the most familiar and quoted Psalm. While Jesus did not quote this Psalm, he livedThe i it. He pointed out the lilies of the field in the green pastures. He often preached beside the still waters of Galilee. He may have thought about being in the valley of the shadow of death in Gethsemane (the Kidron Valley), or on the cross itself. He may have thought about preparing a table in the presence of his enemies when he ate at the Pharisees' house or when he ate and drank with "sinners." His title "Messiah" (meaning "anointed one") refers to being anointed. Jesus basked in the goodness of the Lord, and He always had hope and even prophesied that the Father would raise Him from the dead. <br />But this Psalm rings true to all of our souls. God gives us the peace, poetically described as green pastures and still waters. God sees us through the valley of death on to the other side. God delivers us from our enemies, and we have hope in the goodness of the Lord in this life and that we will dwell/live with Him where He is forever. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">For the missionary, this Psalm is a well worn passage. Many missionaries quote this Psalm in their memoirs. But in terms of telling others, this passage talks about the peace God can give, the assurance (even in trouble) God gives, the hope of God. The peace and contentment found here is vapid without God. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are my shepherd. Help me to tell others to join the flock and to experience your peace and guidance and hope. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-3331723156387611722024-01-23T05:48:00.000-08:002024-01-23T05:48:36.935-08:00Psalm 22<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Why are you so far from saving me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">so far from my cries of anguish?</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">by night, but I find no rest. <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/22.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or night, and am not silent">b</a></sup></span></p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you are the one Israel praises. <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/22.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel">c</a></sup></span></p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>In you our ancestors put their trust;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they trusted and you delivered them.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>To you they cried out and were saved;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">in you they trusted and were not put to shame.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>But I am a worm and not a man,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">scorned by everyone, despised by the people.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>All who see me mock me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they hurl insults, shaking their heads.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>“He trusts in the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,” they say,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">“let the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> rescue him.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">Let him deliver him,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">since he delights in him.”</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>Yet you brought me out of the womb;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>From birth I was cast on you;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">from my mother’s womb you have been my God.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>Do not be far from me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for trouble is near</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and there is no one to help.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>Many bulls surround me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-13.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">13</a></span>Roaring lions that tear their prey</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">open their mouths wide against me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">14</a></span>I am poured out like water,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and all my bones are out of joint.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">My heart has turned to wax;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">it has melted within me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-15.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">15</a></span>My mouth <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/22.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text strength">d</a></sup></span> is dried up like a potsherd,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you lay me in the dust of death.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-16.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">16</a></span>Dogs surround me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">a pack of villains encircles me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they pierce <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/22.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Dead Sea Scrolls and some manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Septuagint and Syriac; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text me, like a lion">e</a></sup></span> my hands and my feet.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-17.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">17</a></span>All my bones are on display;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">people stare and gloat over me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-18.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">18</a></span>They divide my clothes among them</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and cast lots for my garment.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-19.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">19</a></span>But you, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, do not be far from me.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">You are my strength; come quickly to help me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-20.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">20</a></span>Deliver me from the sword,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my precious life from the power of the dogs.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-21.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">21</a></span>Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">save me from the horns of the wild oxen.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-22.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">22</a></span>I will declare your name to my people;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">in the assembly I will praise you.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-23.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">23</a></span>You who fear the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, praise him!</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-24.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">24</a></span>For he has not despised or scorned</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the suffering of the afflicted one;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">he has not hidden his face from him</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but has listened to his cry for help.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-25.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">25</a></span>From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">before those who fear you <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/22.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Hebrew him">f</a></sup></span> I will fulfill my vows.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-26.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">26</a></span>The poor will eat and be satisfied;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">those who seek the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will praise him—</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">may your hearts live forever!</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-27.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">27</a></span>All the ends of the earth</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">will remember and turn to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">and all the families of the nations</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">will bow down before him,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-28.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">28</a></span>for dominion belongs to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and he rules over the nations.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-29.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">29</a></span>All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">those who cannot keep themselves alive.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-30.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">30</a></span>Posterity will serve him;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">future generations will be told about the Lord.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/22-31.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">31</a></span>They will proclaim his righteousness,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">declaring to a people yet unborn:</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">He has done it!<br />*******************<br />Thoughts: I want us to concentrate today on this line, "Those who cannot keep themselves alive." Who is that? That is everyone! None of us can keep ourselves alive. Christians often point out this Psalm describes what Jesus was going through on the cross: the feeling of forsakenness, the mocking, the bones out of joint the heart like wax. But in other ways- this is a reminder of our own death. None of us can keep ourselves alive. God rules over all the nations in at least this sense- all nations, all tribes, all families, all individuals will die. This points out that all who go down to death will kneel before him- even the wealthiest, even the most powerful, even the poor, everyone. No one can thwart God's purposes. If we are with God, we will win with God. <br />But this Psalm also is a praise of God for lifting us up when we are down. Verse 24 says he does not despise the suffering of the afflicted. Our suffering is not ignored by God. He is able and can heal us. He is sometimes our only help. I think about our run in with Covid from 2020-2022. For at least one year, there were no real known meds and no vaccines and lots of guesses of what can hurt or help. Issolation, masks and fear seemed to rule. It hurt the world economy and for the first time since the 1940s things were missing from the common grocery shelf. In such a time, God was and still is our only refuge. In the end, the immune system that God gave us worked well enough- to see us through- triggered in part by the vaccine. But God is our strength. <br />The Psalmist is also concerned about the missionary work. The concern is that the future generations will be told about the Lord. The concern is that in the future, the next generation will proclaim his goodness/righteousness. That is that, God is right, and He is worthy of worship- and He has done it! What did He do? He accomplished His purposes. He created all things. Nothing that has been done could be done without Him. Not "we have done it" but "He" has done it. He is worthy of our praise- and that praise is worthy of being passed on- not being silenced or muffled out. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, you have done it! I face many crosses. But your purposes are achieved. Give me strength, O God, to be faithful to you in the crosses of life, and to proclaim to others your righteousness. <br /><br /></p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-80244659937495250822024-01-23T04:57:00.000-08:002024-01-23T04:57:45.582-08:00Psalm 21<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">Psalm 21</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"> </span><span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: center;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/21.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="In Hebrew texts 21:1-13 is numbered 21:2-14.">a</a></sup></span></p><p class="hebrewtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align: center;">For the director of music. A psalm of David.</p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span>The king rejoices in your strength, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">How great is his joy in the victories you give!</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>You have granted him his heart’s desire</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and have not withheld the request of his lips. <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/21.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.">b</a></sup></span></p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>You came to greet him with rich blessings</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">length of days, for ever and ever.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>Surely you have granted him unending blessings</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and made him glad with the joy of your presence.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>For the king trusts in the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">through the unfailing love of the Most High</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he will not be shaken.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">your right hand will seize your foes.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>When you appear for battle,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will swallow them up in his wrath,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and his fire will consume them.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>You will destroy their descendants from the earth,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">their posterity from mankind.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>Though they plot evil against you</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>You will make them turn their backs</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">when you aim at them with drawn bow.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/21-13.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">13</a></span>Be exalted in your strength, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">we will sing and praise your might.<br />******************<br />Thoughts: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Here, the ruler of the people rejoices in the strength of God who helps the king triumph over their enemies. <br />For the first time in a long, long time, I do not hear much about "God" on the campaign trail except for the words "so help me God." I don't think talk about God is popular right now. But the candidate/ruler's prayer for God to help them fulfill their promises, their office, their dreams to make things better is important. <br />What makes us steadfast and unshaken is a trust in the One who is unshakeable. There are and will be difficult times. In this world, we are not in heaven yet. We will have tribulation- but we can be of good cheer for the One who overcomes the world. He is our strength because He overcomes and gives us the victory that is His to give. <br />Missionaries and rulers have an interesting dance. Missionaries are called to speak to rulers and encourage them to have faith. Missionaries are to pray for rulers and their families- the deeper part behind the celebrity worship and the speeches. So today, pray for those who are over you- mayor, representative, governor, president, candidates. Pray that God will strengthen the good, and let those who have selfish or evil intent fail. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, may your good triumph. May your strength sustain those who rule. May your strength sustain the missionaries of this world- and may it sustain me this day. <br /><br /></p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-28328141183093596812024-01-20T11:09:00.000-08:002024-01-20T11:09:08.511-08:00Psalm 20<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">Psalm 20</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"> </span><span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: center;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/20.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="In Hebrew texts 20:1-9 is numbered 20:2-10.">a</a></sup></span></p><p class="hebrewtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align: center;">For the director of music. A psalm of David.</p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span>May the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> answer you when you are in distress;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>May he send you help from the sanctuary</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and grant you support from Zion.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>May he remember all your sacrifices</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and accept your burnt offerings. <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/20.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.">b</a></sup></span></p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>May he give you the desire of your heart</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and make all your plans succeed.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>May we shout for joy over your victory</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and lift up our banners in the name of our God.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">May the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> grant all your requests.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>Now this I know:</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> gives victory to his anointed.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with the victorious power of his right hand.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>Some trust in chariots and some in horses,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but we trust in the name of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> our God.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>They are brought to their knees and fall,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but we rise up and stand firm.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/20-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span><span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, give victory to the king!</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Answer us when we call!<br />****************<br />Thoughts: This is a prayer for God to answer when we call to Him. It reminds me a bit of the contest between Ba'al's prophets and Elijah on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18). Elijah said, "How long will you waver between two opinions, if the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God follow Him...the God who answers by fire- He is God." <br />I am not so sure that, looking back, I want God to answer every prayer I prayed. Some were prayed foolishly and selfishly, and may have even hurt others if they were answered in my own way. Yet- when my heart is as God's heart; when HE is the desire of my heart, then the prayer should be answered positively. Ironically, when He is my desire, I care less about my worldly benefits- and am even able to face my crosses. <br />Yet, our trust should be in God. Some trust in chariots or horses- or hyper technology or the latest drone or aircraft or missile or missile protection. To be sure, God sometimes uses chariots and horses (as in David's battles while King). Yet, our ultimate trust- and peace- and hope is beyond our best thoughts and technology. The one who made one trillion billion stars is the One we should trust in. So, Lord, hear us. You who answer faster than Google, You who provides faster than online banking, You who cares more than any human has ever cared for me- answer and help me. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, hear my prayer. Hear it not because of what I have done, but because of your great mercy and because I have put my trust in you. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-46385946199049512852024-01-19T07:01:00.000-08:002024-01-19T07:01:36.459-08:00Psalm 19<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">Psalm 19</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="hebrewtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align: center;">For the director of music. A psalm of David.</p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span>The heavens declare the glory of God;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the skies proclaim the work of his hands.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>Day after day they pour forth speech;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">night after night they reveal knowledge.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>They have no speech, they use no words;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">no sound is heard from them.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">their words to the ends of the world.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">like a champion rejoicing to run his course.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>It rises at one end of the heavens</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and makes its circuit to the other;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">nothing is deprived of its warmth.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>The law of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is perfect,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">refreshing the soul.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">The statutes of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> are trustworthy,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">making wise the simple.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>The precepts of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> are right,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">giving joy to the heart.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">The commands of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> are radiant,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">giving light to the eyes.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>The fear of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is pure,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">enduring forever.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">The decrees of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> are firm,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and all of them are righteous.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>They are more precious than gold,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">than much pure gold;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">they are sweeter than honey,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">than honey from the honeycomb.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>By them your servant is warned;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">in keeping them there is great reward.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>But who can discern their own errors?</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Forgive my hidden faults.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-13.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">13</a></span>Keep your servant also from willful sins;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">may they not rule over me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">Then I will be blameless,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">innocent of great transgression.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/19-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">14</a></span>May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">be pleasing in your sight,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, my Rock and my Redeemer.<br />***************<br />Thoughts: This is one of my favorite Psalms. The heavens point not just to the existence of God- which is plain, but to the glory of God. The stars point to the height and depth of the ability of God to create but also to care. The Master mind behind it all, and the precision that the universe balances despite moving at a rapid pace (492,000 miles per hour or 220 kilometers per second). The earth itself moves at 1,000 miles per hour- rotating every 24 hours- yet we do not fall off. There are 200 billion trillion stars in the universe. God made them all- which shows His greatness. We can only see between 1,000 to 10,000 with the naked eye and about 5 million through telescopes. God's greatness is amazing. We will have much to explore in heaven. <br />While the heavens point to God's glory, the Word of God is even more precise and sweeter for us. They warn us, correct us, and keep us in the right path that is healthy for us. Calvin pointed out this third use of the law- that it doesn't just convict us and show us our need for grace- but it also can guide us to making right decisions in this life. <br />The Psalmist ends with a call for God to bless his musings and thoughts- that they would also please Him. God the creator of all and of His Word is also our Rock- steadfast and faithful; and also our Redeemer- who rescues us from trouble and our own sins. This is another reason to be a missionary- to point people to His greatness in creation and His Word. Everyone needs a rock. Everyone needs someone who can lift them up when they cannot lift themselves. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br />Prayer: Lord, help me to meditate on your greatness and your Word. Give me grace to point everyone to your greatness and Word. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-17375200712303954362024-01-18T20:04:00.000-08:002024-01-18T20:04:03.628-08:00<p class="psalmhdg" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">Psalm 18 <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/18.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="In Hebrew texts 18:1-50 is numbered 18:2-51.">a</a></sup></span></p><p class="hebrewtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align: center;">For the director of music. Of David the servant of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>. He sang to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> the words of this song when the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:</p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span>I love you, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, my strength.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my shield <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/18.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or sovereign">b</a></sup></span> and the horn <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/18.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Horn here symbolizes strength.">c</a></sup></span> of my salvation, my stronghold.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>I called to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, who is worthy of praise,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and I have been saved from my enemies.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>The cords of death entangled me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>The cords of the grave coiled around me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the snares of death confronted me.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>In my distress I called to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I cried to my God for help.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">From his temple he heard my voice;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my cry came before him, into his ears.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>The earth trembled and quaked,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and the foundations of the mountains shook;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they trembled because he was angry.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>Smoke rose from his nostrils;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">consuming fire came from his mouth,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">burning coals blazed out of it.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>He parted the heavens and came down;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">dark clouds were under his feet.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>He mounted the cherubim and flew;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he soared on the wings of the wind.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the dark rain clouds of the sky.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with hailstones and bolts of lightning.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-13.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">13</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> thundered from heaven;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the voice of the Most High resounded. <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/18.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint (see also 2 Samuel 22:14); most Hebrew manuscripts resounded, amid hailstones and bolts of lightning">d</a></sup></span></p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">14</a></span>He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with great bolts of lightning he routed them.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-15.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">15</a></span>The valleys of the sea were exposed</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and the foundations of the earth laid bare</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">at your rebuke, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">at the blast of breath from your nostrils.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-16.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">16</a></span>He reached down from on high and took hold of me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he drew me out of deep waters.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-17.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">17</a></span>He rescued me from my powerful enemy,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">from my foes, who were too strong for me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-18.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">18</a></span>They confronted me in the day of my disaster,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> was my support.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-19.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">19</a></span>He brought me out into a spacious place;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he rescued me because he delighted in me.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-20.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">20</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has dealt with me according to my righteousness;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-21.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">21</a></span>For I have kept the ways of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I am not guilty of turning from my God.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-22.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">22</a></span>All his laws are before me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I have not turned away from his decrees.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-23.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">23</a></span>I have been blameless before him</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and have kept myself from sin.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-24.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">24</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has rewarded me according to my righteousness,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-25.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">25</a></span>To the faithful you show yourself faithful,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">to the blameless you show yourself blameless,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-26.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">26</a></span>to the pure you show yourself pure,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-27.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">27</a></span>You save the humble</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-28.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">28</a></span>You, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, keep my lamp burning;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my God turns my darkness into light.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-29.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">29</a></span>With your help I can advance against a troop <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/18.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or can run through a barricade">e</a></sup></span> ;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with my God I can scale a wall.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-30.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">30</a></span>As for God, his way is perfect:</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>’s word is flawless;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he shields all who take refuge in him.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-31.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">31</a></span>For who is God besides the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>?</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">And who is the Rock except our God?</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-32.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">32</a></span>It is God who arms me with strength</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and keeps my way secure.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-33.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">33</a></span>He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he causes me to stand on the heights.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-34.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">34</a></span>He trains my hands for battle;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my arms can bend a bow of bronze.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-35.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">35</a></span>You make your saving help my shield,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and your right hand sustains me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">your help has made me great.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-36.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">36</a></span>You provide a broad path for my feet,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">so that my ankles do not give way.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-37.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">37</a></span>I pursued my enemies and overtook them;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I did not turn back till they were destroyed.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-38.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">38</a></span>I crushed them so that they could not rise;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they fell beneath my feet.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-39.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">39</a></span>You armed me with strength for battle;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you humbled my adversaries before me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-40.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">40</a></span>You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and I destroyed my foes.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-41.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">41</a></span>They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, but he did not answer.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-42.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">42</a></span>I beat them as fine as windblown dust;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I trampled them <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/18.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac and Targum (see also 2 Samuel 22:43); Masoretic Text I poured them out">f</a></sup></span> like mud in the streets.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-43.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">43</a></span>You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you have made me the head of nations.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">People I did not know now serve me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-44.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">44</a></span>foreigners cower before me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-45.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">45</a></span>They all lose heart;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they come trembling from their strongholds.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-46.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">46</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> lives! Praise be to my Rock!</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Exalted be God my Savior!</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-47.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">47</a></span>He is the God who avenges me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">who subdues nations under me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-48.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">48</a></span>who saves me from my enemies.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">You exalted me above my foes;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">from a violent man you rescued me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-49.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">49</a></span>Therefore I will praise you, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, among the nations;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I will sing the praises of your name.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/18-50.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">50</a></span>He gives his king great victories;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he shows unfailing love to his anointed,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">to David and to his descendants forever.<br />*********************"<br />This is a poem of gratitude to God for saving him from his enemies. It has great imagery of God leaving His throne to answer the prayers of the one who prayed. God not only delivered him, but lifted him up above all. <br />We would do well to listen to him, and to praise God for helping us when we were in need. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, you live and you listen to even my prayers. Help me to grow in appreciation of how well you listen though I do not deserve it. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-59412935600041654432024-01-17T04:09:00.000-08:002024-01-17T04:09:49.314-08:00Psalm 17<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Hear me,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, my plea is just;</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">listen to my cry.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">Hear my prayer—</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">it does not rise from deceitful lips.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>Let my vindication come from you;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">may your eyes see what is right.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>Though you probe my heart,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">though you examine me at night and test me,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">you will find that I have planned no evil;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my mouth has not transgressed.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>Though people tried to bribe me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I have kept myself from the ways of the violent</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">through what your lips have commanded.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>My steps have held to your paths;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my feet have not stumbled.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>Show me the wonders of your great love,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you who save by your right hand</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">those who take refuge in you from their foes.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>Keep me as the apple of your eye;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">hide me in the shadow of your wings</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>from the wicked who are out to destroy me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">from my mortal enemies who surround me.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>They close up their callous hearts,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and their mouths speak with arrogance.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>They have tracked me down, they now surround me,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>They are like a lion hungry for prey,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">like a fierce lion crouching in cover.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-13.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">13</a></span>Rise up, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, confront them, bring them down;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with your sword rescue me from the wicked.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">14</a></span>By your hand save me from such people, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">from those of this world whose reward is in this life.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">may their children gorge themselves on it,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and may there be leftovers for their little ones.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/17-15.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">15</a></span>As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.<br />*********************<br />Thoughts: It is hard to understand why some who do not believe get so angry at those who do. When the USSR took over from the Czar in 1917 50,000 Christian clergy were killed and it is estimated that between 12-20 million Christian laity were killed for their faith. By 1939 only 500 of 50,000 churches remained open. The Turks tried to kill off the Christian Armenians in WW1- between 800,000 to 1.2 million were killed. In the Maoist Revolution of communist China (1966- 76) about 30 million Christians were killed for their faith. It is estimated that over 70 million Christians have been killed for their faith (Gordon Conwell estimate). It is estimated there are 90-100,000 new martyrs every year. <br /> The Jewish faith- our Old Testament friends (yes, the Psalm is in the OT), have had their share too in the Holocaust where 6 million European Jews died at the hands of the Nazis. October 7 about 1,200 died in an attack mainly on civilians. The cry, "From the River to the Sea" is not a cry for a two state solution, but rather the destruction of the Jews. Why are so many against religious people? Are they irritating? Do they offensively (not defensively) hurt the non-religious? Christians are called to love their neighbor and to turn the other cheek. In this Psalm is not a call to war against those oppressing him (probably David), but a call for God to vindicate and defend them. Ironically, persecution usually has the reverse effect. When people see that others have a reason for living- and dying- it often inspires them to adapt the faith. As Tertullian said, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." We are called to remember we have a help in times of trouble. <br />This Psalm is a missionary Psalm in that it encourages us to keep the faith even when it hurts. Missionaries do not give the faith up when it gets hard. Jim Elliot, who died in the 1950s trying to bring the gospel to the Auca Indians of Ecuador said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Elliot could have stayed comfortable but he felt God's call to reach those who have never heard, even if it put him in danger. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Some may look at this and say, "See, God does not defend them!" But the answer is found on the cross. Jesus was persecuted and killed though he asked, "If it be possible let this cup pass from me." But today more believe in him than any other religion and there are Christian adherents in every country on the earth (the only religion that can or ever could claim that). God, who raises Jesus from the dead, also does vindicate us.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, let me not love comfort more than you. Help me to be a missionary where I am, and where you call me to go. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-56061739233930877492024-01-16T18:57:00.000-08:002024-01-16T18:57:10.211-08:00Psalm 16 <p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Keep me safe, my God,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">for in you I take refuge.</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>I say to the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, “You are my Lord;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">apart from you I have no good thing.”</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>I say of the holy people who are in the land,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">or take up their names on my lips.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span><span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, you alone are my portion and my cup;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you make my lot secure.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">surely I have a delightful inheritance.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>I will praise the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, who counsels me;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">even at night my heart instructs me.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>I keep my eyes always on the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my body also will rest secure,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">nor will you let your faithful <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/16.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or holy">b</a></sup></span> one see decay.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/16-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>You make known to me the path of life;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you will fill me with joy in your presence,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">with eternal pleasures at your right hand.<br />******************<br />Thoughts: This is a prayer and then assurance after that it will be answered. <br />This also is a praise of putting all our eggs in God's basket so to speak. He is our refuge, our Lord, our only good thing, our reason for not suffering, my portion, my cup, my security, the reason for my blessings/inheritance, our counsel, our night teacher, our immediate/powerful help (right hand), the reason for my gladness, the reason my body is at peace, my refuge even in the face of death, my path to life, my eternal joy and pleasure. <br />So this too is a missionary Psalm. It is a listing of the many blessings of God- as a testimony to the world of the benefits of believing in God. <br />The writing here is stunning- the idea of blessing as "the boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places". In imploring for us to follow his example of keeping his eyes always on the Lord. God does not abandon us to the dead, but lifts us up. There are scholars who box the Old Testament in as if no one believed in eternal life until the time of Jesus- but this is just not true. God, however, not nature- is the giver of eternal life. Eternal life is not something just natural- God enables us to not see decay. This passage was quoted about Jesus later. But it is a cause to tell others now- we can abandon decay to follow the living God. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord be my refuge, and my source of hope and life. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-45790321975032337742024-01-15T04:03:00.000-08:002024-01-15T04:03:15.097-08:00Psalm 15<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/15-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, who may dwell in your sacred tent?</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Who may live on your holy mountain?</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/15-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>The one whose walk is blameless,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">who does what is righteous,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">who speaks the truth from their heart;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/15-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>whose tongue utters no slander,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">who does no wrong to a neighbor,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and casts no slur on others;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/15-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>who despises a vile person</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but honors those who fear the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">who keeps an oath even when it hurts,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and does not change their mind;</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/15-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>who lends money to the poor without interest;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">Whoever does these things</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">will never be shaken.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">********************<br />Thoughts: Who can live with God? How do you get closer to God? <br />Behavior is important here. <br />Walking the walk, speaking the truth is important. <br />Not trying to hurt others- by slandering them, slurring them or cheating them. <br /><br />We also get closer to God by not honoring those whose behavior is vile.<br />This includes the talented, the beautiful, the popular, the well-known. <br />Politicians and celebrities who are vile (morally bankrupt- in Hebrew ma'ac= rejecting God's statutes). In our day, we don't like to reject anyone for their behavior. There is a danger of spiritual pride in doing so- like the Pharisee who said that he was better than the tax collector. We should never reject a person for their soul- but for their behavior. Everyone is valuable before God- but when people do vile things, to not turn the presentation (TV, internet) off, or to say it doesn't matter would be wrong. Rather, we should seek people to emulate who fear God. That is people who listen to God and do not go their own way or even rebel against God. There are many people out there- we choose who to follow. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Keeping an oath even when it hurts. This means they are reliable and faithful and you can count on them. This means they do not betray you for their own interests or even for some policy. In our day, too many are betrayed when the person realizes that to keep that promise may hurt their pride or pocketbook. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">A person gets closer to God by caring for the poor. This is a missionary's heart- a heart of compassion. If you want to get close to God think of those in need- the least, the last, and the lost in your area. By least last and lost I do not mean ontologically so. Everyone is valuable in God's eyes. But these are people who are oppressed, or forgotten, or without hope-meaning-purpose in life. Someone with a heart for missions cares for them- and this is an effort to please and honor God. <br />Similarly, not accepting a bribe to condemn the innocent is a matter of integrity. I know many countries who demand bribes to do anything. But bribes put those with money ahead of the poor (who cannot bribe). But here it is not simply accepting bribes that is condemned but also accepting a bribe to hurt people who did nothing wrong. This is basic stuff- living out loving our neighbor as ourself. <br /><br />Such people who have this integrity will not be scared or shaken. They have a firm moral ground and a deep trust in God. They are not swayed by money or pride but by what is right. Such people are deep- meaning that they are not blown about by the wind and waves of the surface, but are steadfast, and close to God (the tabernacle of God and Mt. Zion are visible symbols of God's presence and blessing). </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Behavior is important. God cares about what we do- that we listen to Him, and value what He values. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, make me a missionary of integrity. Let me be steadfast in doing good and avoiding or lifting up wrong. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-53530507866794657072024-01-13T14:49:00.000-08:002024-01-17T04:21:10.042-08:00Psalm 14<p> <span face="Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">For the director of music. Of David.</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/14-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span>The fool <span class="nivfootnote" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0066aa; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/14.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="The Hebrew words rendered fool in Psalms denote one who is morally deficient.">a</a></sup></span> says in his heart,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">“There is no God.”</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">there is no one who does good.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/14-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> looks down from heaven</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">on all mankind</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">to see if there are any who understand,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">any who seek God.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/14-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>All have turned away, all have become corrupt;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">there is no one who does good,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">not even one.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/14-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>Do all these evildoers know nothing?</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">They devour my people as though eating bread;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they never call on the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/14-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for God is present in the company of the righteous.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/14-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is their refuge.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/14-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">When the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> restores his people,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!<br /><br />********************<br />Thoughts: the fool is someone who is morally deficient- someone who is ethically challenged. They only really fool themselves into thinking behavior and actions do not matter. The fool- the one who thinks their actions do not matter- believe there is no God. Why Because they do not WANT to believe. It is a part of their will. They would rather behave as they want than to choose God and try to live in His way. That God holds us to account means that there is an ultimate right and wrong. <br />Often when people turn away from God- they give up a primary reason to be moral. Religion is a strong motivation to be moral. In a 2019 survey 44% of Americans say that belief in God is necessary to be moral. Sociologists point out that even when people leave their faith behind they still carry its moral affects (they call them "religious drones"). But studies indicate that while there is a residue effect- like those who have left the faith give to charities more than those who never had faith- but much less than those who keep the faith. Interestingly, those who have left the faith still strongly believe against cheating and unfairness (as oppoed to those who never had faith). <br />But God remembers the poor, the oppressed. He is their refuge. Religion has a great power to energize and motivate people to do good and to care for others and give <a href="https://wcfia.harvard.edu/files/wcfia/files/rputnam_religion_social_networks.pdf">happiness in life</a>. <br />The hope is that God will restore faith- and restore God's people. <br />For those who feel morally discouraged. Who look at the world and see evil only. It is important to have the attitude of the Psalmist to pray that God will restore the right order again. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, it is so discouraging sometime to look at all the wrongs in the world. We clearly see them on social media and TV, adultery, pornography, degrading of people into objects to be manipulated, addiction, people not wanting compassion but rather pride. Thank you that in you there is at least a prayer for hope. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-83866665902743783672024-01-13T14:37:00.000-08:002024-01-13T14:37:24.691-08:00Psalm 13<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">Psalm 13</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"> </span><span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: center;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/13.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="In Hebrew texts 13:1-6 is numbered 13:2-6.">a</a></sup></span></p><p class="hebrewtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align: center;">For the director of music. A psalm of David.</p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/13-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span>How long, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>? Will you forget me forever?</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">How long will you hide your face from me?</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/13-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>How long must I wrestle with my thoughts</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and day after day have sorrow in my heart?</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">How long will my enemy triumph over me?</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/13-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>Look on me and answer, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> my God.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/13-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and my foes will rejoice when I fall.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/13-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>But I trust in your unfailing love;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">my heart rejoices in your salvation.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/13-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>I will sing the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>’s praise,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for he has been good to me.<br /><br />*****************************<br />Thoughts: There is a peace even when we feel far from God. <br />It echoes Psalm 22 (which Jesus quoted on the cross): "My God, My God why have you forsaken me?" Here the writer also feels forsaken or forgotten by God. <br />He is feeling overwhelmed by things beyond his control- his enemies. <br />He is "wrestling with his thoughts" tossing and turning. Over a third of Americans do not get enough sleep. Today things like "Tik Tok" and reading on the phone at night can keep us up. But this is sheer worry. <br />There is no indication here that the writer is turning to God as a last resort. He may have been turning to God all along. But now he is desperate- unable to sleep and he is afraid he will really sleep (in death). <br />But then... the writer remembers his faith. He trusts in God's love which is not fickle- but faithful. He even rejoices in the salvation that he does not see yet but trusts he will have. He looks forward to singing God's praise. Now this is an example. Why not rejoice in God in a tight spot? When Jehoshaphat had his singers sing as they were going out to face an army 15 times their size, the enemy started fighting among themselves. It is better to rejoice and trust in God that to get depressed, stoic, or say, "woe is me." <br />Now this Psalm ends on a happy ending. The happy ending is not his circumstances, but rather his finding help in trusting in God. This is offered to everyone. A person who has hope is strengthened and can persevere. Florence Chadwick swam 25 miles in <a href="https://medium.com/emphasis/youre-closer-than-you-think-a-story-about-long-distance-swimmer-florence-chadwick-99f9cf360b9f">1952 to Cataline Island</a>. She only had one mile to go but the fog kept her and her associates from seeing how close she was, so she gave up. Hope gives us wings and energy. We should be heralds of the hope of God. For people with hope are better off than people with no hope at all. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, sometimes I feel all alone. But help me to remember I am not. You are always there. You have been there for me in the past. Lift my head and my heart to you. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-62540036405334882472024-01-12T06:03:00.000-08:002024-01-12T06:03:10.278-08:00Psalm 12<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/12-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Help,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, for no one is faithful anymore;</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/12-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>Everyone lies to their neighbor;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they flatter with their lips</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but harbor deception in their hearts.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/12-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>May the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> silence all flattering lips</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and every boastful tongue—</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/12-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>those who say,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">“By our tongues we will prevail;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/12-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I will now arise,” says the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">“I will protect them from those who malign them.”</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/12-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>And the words of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> are flawless,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">like silver purified in a crucible,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">like gold <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/12.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text earth">c</a></sup></span> refined seven times.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/12-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>You, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, will keep the needy safe</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and will protect us forever from the wicked,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/12-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>who freely strut about</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">when what is vile is honored by the human race.<br />**********<br />Psalm 11 speaks of the desire to flee away when things are going in the way of the righteous. Psalm 12 also asks for help because we feel alone in our faithfulness- the faithful are no more. But God's faithfulness to truth does not depend on our faithfulness to Him. <br />The Message translates vs. 2: "Everyone talks in lie language; Lies slide off their oily lips. They double talk with forked tongues." <br />Smooth, well chosen words do not impress God is they are used to defend evil. <br />In contrast, God's Word is true, pure and trustworthy. God cares for the poor and protects them from the oppressors. Anyone can rationalize away not helping the needy or treating the powerless wrongly because there seems to be no consequences to abusing the poor. But God sees. God cares. Though we are unfaithful, God is faithful still. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, Do help us. Help the poor. Help me to be a missionary of faithfulness to them. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-11261958570597515872024-01-12T05:55:00.000-08:002024-01-12T05:55:53.237-08:00Psalm 11<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/11-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">In the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">I take refuge.</span></p><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">How then can you say to me:</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">“Flee like a bird to your mountain.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/11-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>For look, the wicked bend their bows;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they set their arrows against the strings</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">to shoot from the shadows</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">at the upright in heart.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/11-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>When the foundations are being destroyed,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">what can the righteous do?”</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/11-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is in his holy temple;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is on his heavenly throne.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;">He observes everyone on earth;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">his eyes examine them.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/11-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> examines the righteous,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">but the wicked, those who love violence,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he hates with a passion.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/11-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>On the wicked he will rain</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">fiery coals and burning sulfur;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">a scorching wind will be their lot.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/11-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>For the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is righteous,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he loves justice;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the upright will see his face.</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">*****************************<br />Thoughts: Trouble comes to us all. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble." The advice given by someone here is to escape- fly like a bird to a mountain. This same person discourages by saying the wicked are powerful (bending their bows) and bent on your destruction. This person says (like many today) that the foundations of righteousness (morality and spirituality) are being destroyed- so what can we do but to flee and escape? <br />Certainly there is a time to escape. But not to form some kind of Christian commune. In Jesus' day the Essenes tried to escape from all the problems of the rule of pagan Rome- but eventually even they were destroyed. Jesus did not advocate escape- except "when you see the armies surrounding Jerusalem flee to the hills" (Lk. 21:20). But for the most part Jesus stood up even in the face of problems and persecutions in the midst of wickedness and evil. It was hard. It was a denying of his self and involved the bearing of the cross- but Jesus did it. Some leave churches because they get a consumer (what's in it for me) attitude and as soon as a church does something wrong- they feel the foundations are being destroyed so they flee. But Christ calls us to love our enemies- and that means living in the midst of them. No church, no nation, no ideology in this world is perfect. There are hypocrites in every one on this side of heaven. Our task is to not join the hypocrites in action, but stand in love where God has placed us. <br />So the Psalm ends with the writer assuring himself that God is indeed in His holy Temple. We all stand accountable to the One who sees and examines us all. We don't have to judge. We don't have to flee. We are called to be faithful, until God raises us up. The Psalmist ends with the thought that God is truly good/righteous and does not forget to be fair and just. In the end, it is the upright who will see His face- so let's be upright today- standing instead of giving up on others and fleeing. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Missionaries do not give up in the face of trouble. If that were true, where would Patrick be, or Paul or Hudson Taylor? Missionaries are called to be faithful to a people who are not to make a difference for God. We are all missionaries in the church God has placed us in. Let us not give up or be weary in doing good. But let us be steadfast, trusting in God. </p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;"><br /></p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Prayer: Lord, You know it is so hard to be faithful when we see things falling apart around us. When things get difficult, I want to flee instead of stand up. Help me to stand today. </p></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-32527096933876368532024-01-11T09:22:00.000-08:002024-01-11T09:22:50.451-08:00Love- The Command, The Gift, The Fruit, The Witness<p> <em style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Love: The Command, the Gift, the Fruit, the Witness</em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong id="m_-6628211501825582919docs-internal-guid-78c90773-7fff-4d7e-67b4-65cd11462edb">Scripture: </strong>"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All people will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." <strong>- John 13:34,35</strong></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">“Love, Love, Love, Love. The Gospel in one word is love- love your neighbor as yourself, for God is love.” Those are the words of a now-mostly-forgotten but great praise song. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Love is a command. Jesus says it is the main thing of the first and second greatest commandment to love God and neighbor. Love is a gift. It is "the greatest of the gifts" and lasts forever, along with faith and hope- but it is even greater. Paul says it is the "most excellent way." </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Love is a fruit of the Spirit. That is, when we abide in him and the Holy Spirit is flowing through us, we will love. It is also how the world sees who we are and leads to them wanting more of Jesus. It is said of the early church by pagan observers: "See how they love one another." </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">But we have become a noisy gong and a clanging cymbal because we have elevated our theories and ideas above love. Today when people speak of "love," they confuse agape (unconditional love) with eros (sexual love). God has placed parameters around love for the well-being of human beings. So adultery is just wrong: It hurts the spouse and breaks the covenant we make before God. To love another is to show kindness, and compassion, going out of your way for them; it is "more than a feeling." <strong> </strong></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">In Jeremiah 2 the people are condemned for forsaking the God of their youth to love other gods who are just counterfeit. Loving the Lord your God, really loving him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, is not a bad thing, even if other people seem to think so. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We are created to love our Creator. One important thought on this is that God is one who can love and be loved in return. He is not just a machine or a great big computer or AI in the sky. Augustine of Hippo talked about ordering our loves correctly. If we love God first, we have made the first step. Luther said, "Love God and do what you will," meaning that if you truly love God, then love for neighbor, family and those hurting will surely follow. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">If we do this, then all the world will know that we are really his disciples. I long for the day when the non-church goer will say, "See how they love one another!" That, indeed, is a fruit of the Spirit. God is love- and that shows in that it is everywhere as a command, a gift, a fruit, and a witness. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><em><strong>Prayer: </strong>Lord, give me the will to love, the gift of love, the Spirit who enables me to love, and help my life be a witness to your love. Amen. </em></p>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-33307302163948488852024-01-10T04:40:00.000-08:002024-01-10T04:40:58.095-08:00Psalm 10 <p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Why,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, do you stand far off? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? <br /></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who are caught in the schemes he devises. <br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">He boasts about the cravings of his heart; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">he blesses the greedy and reviles the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">.<br /></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;">4</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">in all his thoughts there is no room for God. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">His ways are always prosperous; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">your laws are rejected by</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="nivfootnote" style="background-color: white; color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: justify;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/10.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="See Septuagint; Hebrew / they are haughty, and your laws are far from">b</a></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">him; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">he sneers at all his enemies. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;">7</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">His mouth is full of lies and threats; </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trouble and evil are under his tongue. <br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;">8</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">He lies in wait near the villages; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">from ambush he murders the innocent. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His eyes watch in secret for his victims;<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;">9</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">like a lion in cover he lies in wait. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">He lies in wait to catch the helpless; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.<br /></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;">10</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">His victims are crushed, they collapse; </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they fa ll under his strength.<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">He says to himself, “God will never notice; </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he covers his face and never sees.”<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Arise,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">! Lift up your hand, O God. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not forget the helpless.<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;">13</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Why does the wicked man revile God? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Why does he say to himself, </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“He won’t call me to account”? <br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">14</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">you consider their grief and take it in hand.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The victims commit themselves to you;</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you are the helper of the fatherless.<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-15.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">15</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Break the arm of the wicked man; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">call the evildoer to account for his wickedness </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that would not otherwise be found out.<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-16.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">16</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">is King for ever and ever; </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the nations will perish from his land.<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-17.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">17</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">You,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, hear the desire of the afflicted; </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,<br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/10-18.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">18</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">defending the fatherless and the oppressed, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">so that mere earthly mortals </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">will never again strike terror.</span></p><hr color="DDEEFF" size="1" style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span class="mainfootnotes" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">********************<br />Thoughts: Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble" ("tribulation" KJV). The Psalmist feels far from God at first. Specifically, he is being afflicted by a wicked person who is full of pride and arrogance. <br /> I just watched the 2023 movie "Napoleon." He clearly was one of the most brilliant yet most arrogant people in history. Napoleon was not a church goer, but he restored the worship of the Roman Catholic church in France- which had been wiped out by the Enlightenment thinking of the French Revolution. Napoleon had asked that the pope be "arrested" when the pope opposed his invasion of Rome. The Pope was kidnapped but Napoleon released him after he ceded the papal lands to him. Later he placed the crown of France on his wife's head and then his own head, not allowing the church to crown him (which was the common practice throughout Europe since Charlemagne 900 years prior). In contrast to him, the Duke of Wellington was a church goer in the Anglican faith- even though in his later years he confessed that he could not hear the sermon. I could imagine this Psalm was said much by the people who were conquered by Napoleon. Napoleon (as Hitler later would) tried to use the church only to increase his popularity and stabilize his power. However, as the Psalmist said, [only] the Lord is king forever (vs. 16). </span><div><span class="mainfootnotes" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> How does this Psalm apply to the need to reach others for Christ? God is the One who hears the desires of the afflicted. He is the One who helps those who cannot help themselves (the fatherless, the oppressed, but really ALL of us). We all at some point (even Napoleon in his double defeats), are afflicted and deposed from the throne of life. We all realize we are NOT king of the universe. But there is One who IS who can help us. Christianity is not about our helping ourselves- and earning our way. It is about an outside Helper who lifts up our hearts when they are discouraged and in the dust. People need to know there is a helper in times of affliction- that they are not alone- or simply dependent on the experts (doctors, financiers, political leaders). </span></div><div><span class="mainfootnotes" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="mainfootnotes" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Prayer: Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted and listen to their cry. Hear my cry this day. Have mercy on me. And, let me tell others that YOU are the One who can help us when no one else can. </span></div><div><span class="mainfootnotes" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><div><span class="mainfootnotes" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span class="footnotebot"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></div>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-55274770010671254252024-01-09T06:51:00.000-08:002024-01-09T06:51:12.547-08:00Psalm 9<div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span>I will give thanks to you, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, with all my heart;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-2.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">2</a></span>I will be glad and rejoice in you;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span>My enemies turn back;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">they stumble and perish before you.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span>For you have upheld my right and my cause,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span>You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-6.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">6</a></span>Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">you have uprooted their cities;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">even the memory of them has perished.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> reigns forever;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he has established his throne for judgment.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span>He rules the world in righteousness</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and judges the peoples with equity.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is a refuge for the oppressed,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">a stronghold in times of trouble.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-10.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">10</a></span>Those who know your name trust in you,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">for you, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, have never forsaken those who seek you.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-11.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">11</a></span>Sing the praises of the <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, enthroned in Zion;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">proclaim among the nations what he has done.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-12.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">12</a></span>For he who avenges blood remembers;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-13.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">13</a></span><span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, see how my enemies persecute me!</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-14.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">14</a></span>that I may declare your praises</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">in the gates of Daughter Zion,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">and there rejoice in your salvation.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-15.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">15</a></span>The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-16.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">16</a></span>The <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is known by his acts of justice;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. <span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/9.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="The Hebrew has Higgaion and Selah (words of uncertain meaning) here; Selah occurs also at the end of verse 20.">c</a></sup></span></p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-17.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">17</a></span>The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">all the nations that forget God.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-18.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">18</a></span>But God will never forget the needy;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">the hope of the afflicted will never perish.</p></div><div class="stanza" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: justify;"><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-19.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">19</a></span>Arise, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, do not let mortals triumph;</p><p class="line2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px 0px 50px;">let the nations be judged in your presence.</p><p class="line1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 25px;"><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/9-20.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">20</a></span>Strike them with terror, <span class="name" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</p></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">let the nations know they are only mortal.<br /></span>**************************<br />Psalm 7 was a prayer for judgment. Psalm 9 is gratitude that God has judged. In response to God's help, the writer does not forget and go on his way- like a bird let out of a cage. Rather He tells others to put their hope in God- He will never forget the needy (18). <br />So we are called to tell others that God is worth remembering. </p>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716848638315041890.post-45210317450652978222024-01-09T06:48:00.000-08:002024-01-09T06:48:09.448-08:00Psalm 8<p> <span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/8-1.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">1</a></span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, our Lord, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">how majestic is your name in all the earth! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">You have set your glory </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">in the heavens. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;">2</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Through the praise of children and infants </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">you have established a stronghold against your enemies, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">to silence the foe and the avenger.</span></p><p><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/8-3.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">3</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">When I consider your heavens, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">the work of your fingers, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">the moon and the stars, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">which you have set in place, </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/8-4.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">4</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">what is mankind that you are mindful of them, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">human beings that you care for them?</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/8-5.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">5</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">You have made them</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="nivfootnote" style="background-color: white; color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: justify;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/8.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or him">d</a></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">a little lower than the angels</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="nivfootnote" style="background-color: white; color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: justify;"><sup>e</sup></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">and crowned them</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="nivfootnote" style="background-color: white; color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: justify;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/8.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or him">f</a></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">with glory and honor. <br /></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;">6</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">You made them rulers over the works of your hands; You put everything under their</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="nivfootnote" style="background-color: white; color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: justify;"><sup><a href="https://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/8.htm#footnotes" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Or made him ruler . . . ; . . . his">g</a></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">feet:</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/8-7.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">7</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">all flocks and herds, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">and the animals of the wild, </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/8-8.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">8</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">the birds in the sky, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">and the fish in the sea, </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all that swim the paths of the seas<br /><br /></span></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/8-9.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;">9</a></span><span class="name" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br />***********************<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thoughts: This is simply a great Psalm to relate Almighty God to seemingly insignificant human beings. It asks the question- Why do you even consider us? </span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answer involves the greatness of God. He is truly great. He (a personal God by name), has set His glory in the heavens, creating the moon, the stars, order/direction in the universe, and angels (larger creatures than ourselves). </span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The writer does not say that the answer for God's care in the universe is God's love. Rather, the writer implies that caring for human beings in itself is part of the glory of His power. He is able to care for human beings. </span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are times in our lives that we feel too insignificant. We feel that God is not able to love us because of our sin, our smallness, or our wanting to hide from Him. But the great power of God is that He knows us- and lifts us up by our very nature. </span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then the writer points out that human beings are considered "rulers over the work of their hands- animals, birds, fish. We are certainly called to be stewards of this earth. </span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But this brings another question, what are the smallest compared to the largest parts of the universe? </span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The smallest- to micro smallest: </span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Space-Time Fabric= 1D string 9.5 x 10(-36m</span><strike style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">)<br /></strike><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Planck Particle= 1.5 x 10 (-34m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Electron Neutrino= 10 x (-24m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Top Quark 5.8 x 10 (-22m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Bottom Quark 2.4 x 10 (-20m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Charm Quark 8 x 10 (-20m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Strange Quark 1.5 x 10 (-19m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Electron 1 x 10 (-18m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) Boson 1.1 x 10 (-17m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) Tau 4 x 10 (-16m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11) Proton and Neutron 8.4 x 10 (-16m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12) Uranium Nucleus 1.4 x 10 (-14m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13) Atoms (Caesium= 596pm)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14) DNA 1.5 nm</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15) Viruses- Influenze 80nm</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16) Chromosome 8 um</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">17) Ant 5mm; Flea 2mm</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18) Humans 1.8m (5'10")</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">19) Elephant 3.3m</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20) Blue Whale 20.5m</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">21) Hyperion Tree (Tallest Organism) 116 m</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22) Jeddah Tower (Tallest building/thing made) 1007m/3303 ft</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">23) Everest 8.8 km</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">24) Moon 3,475 km (2,159 miles in diameter)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">25) Earth 12,756 km =7,926 miles in diameter (40,074km in circumference=24,901 miles)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">26) Jupiter 142,800 km (can fit 1,300 earths inside of it)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">27) The sun 1,390,000 km</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">28) The stars- Polaris/North Star 52M km; Pistol Star 440 M km; UYScuti 2375 M km</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">29) Our Solar System 15B Km (Kuiper belt)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">30) Largest Black Hole S5 0014+81 = 237 B km</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">31) Light Year 1.5 T km</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">32) Milky Way 1 Zetameter = 10 (+21m)</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">33) Piecus Cetus Super Galaxy Cluster 1,000,000,000 LY</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">34) Our Universe 93,000,000,000 LY</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Note- much information came from "the Explained Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGu8qkbjwL0)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We are indeed small (in counting) compared to the smallest particle, and small (in stature) compared to the largest things known. The majesty of God is seen in that He created it all, and did so not chaotically but with a purpose. <br />When we google such things, we do not wonder if google can possibly pick our question out of 105,000 inquiries each second (6.3 million per minute). If google knows, cannot God know. If Google can know where you live, who you are, what you like, cannot God? He is greater, and more powerful than any machine we can create. <br />Thank you God that you are mindful of us! Help us to be mindful of you- King of the Universe!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Prayer: Lord, how great you are. You know the smallest and the largest for you made all things and direct all things. Help me, this day, to remember you in what I do. </p><p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></span></p>Daily Devotion on Faith-Hope-and Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596439397466735616noreply@blogger.com0