Saturday, March 28, 2009
Psalm 5
One of the most important parts in this chapter for me is in vs. 8 where David prays, "Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face." That is my prayer for each of us tonight. That God would guide us in His righteousness and give us understanding of His plans and directives for our lives. Other verses that make me think are 9-12. David discusses lip service unto God vs. heart worship. There is a comparison here that I want to address. He makes mention that those that flatter with their tongues, but have destruction in their hearts are in rebellion to God. On the flip side, those who trust in God can shout for joy and will be blessed because of their righteousness. They will also obtain favor as a result of God's covering and protection. True heart worship must come from within and cannot be created upon request. It is a passion driven desire to worship God, completely focused on Him and laying down ALL other cares, worries, pride and thoughts. As worshippers, leading God's people into His presence, we must never allow ourselves to become complacent in our worship. Don't get comfortable because the enemy would like to tell you that worship is routine and predictable. This is a lie! Everyday is different, with different trials and victories. There is always something new to worship God about. To me, true heart worship is hearing God's heart and allowing Him to minister through us to His people.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Psalm 4
Wow! One of the things that stood out to me the most and caused me to really reflect was Psalm 4:2. "O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity and seek after leasing?" Vanity is understood as worthlessness and leasing as falsehood. This is a check point in the verse to take a minute and reflect on your heart. Do I long for worthless things and desire to seek falshood instead of truth?
It goes on to say to stand in awe, and sin not... Literally be agitated or tremble (shake) and don't allow it to cause sin. That's some serious restraint. The fact that it tells it to do this is proof that we CAN actually do it! Praise God that no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it! 1 Corinthians 10:13 This is so encouraging because so many times we think that we have met our match. We think that we cannot go on with the assignment that God has placed before us. The verse reads to commune with your heart, and be still. I really believe that we must quiet our doubts and trust in God, waiting on Him to bring peace into our lives at those times. Remember when you are going through trying times where the enemy is attacking from all sides and you feel no hope or security, your strength is in God and as verse 8 states, I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Speak that over yourself and know that God's Word will NOT return void but accomplish the task for which it was sent! Isaiah 55:11 Amen!
It goes on to say to stand in awe, and sin not... Literally be agitated or tremble (shake) and don't allow it to cause sin. That's some serious restraint. The fact that it tells it to do this is proof that we CAN actually do it! Praise God that no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it! 1 Corinthians 10:13 This is so encouraging because so many times we think that we have met our match. We think that we cannot go on with the assignment that God has placed before us. The verse reads to commune with your heart, and be still. I really believe that we must quiet our doubts and trust in God, waiting on Him to bring peace into our lives at those times. Remember when you are going through trying times where the enemy is attacking from all sides and you feel no hope or security, your strength is in God and as verse 8 states, I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Speak that over yourself and know that God's Word will NOT return void but accomplish the task for which it was sent! Isaiah 55:11 Amen!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Psalm 3
This psalm spoke to me in so many ways! The "theme" of the chapter is David crying out to God in reference to his pursuers, one being his own son, Absolom! Sometimes, the very things and people that we trust will turn their backs on us because of our committment to God and His ministry. In spite of the attack, slander and tribulations, we must fixate our eyes on God and wait on Him. After David states his circumstance, the psalm says the word Selah, which means that he paused, possibly thinking about what he said. I believe that during that time, God spoke to his heart and reminded David of His character. We must remind ourselves of God's promises and who He is. The Psalm then continues with David saying that You, or God, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head! How amazing it is when we choose to redirect our focus from our problems to God!!! David is able to find rest in God in the midst of being hunted down to be killed. It says that he slept and God sustained him. The word sustained means to carry the burden of or to strengthen. When we choose to rest in God's presence and wait on Him, He brings us strength to carry on and finish the race we are running! David stated that he was not afraid of his attackers because God was the one fighting the battle and it's through His strength that victories are won! Be encouraged and know that even though all hell might be breaking loose in your life, God desires for you to have peace in the storm and rest in the chaos. As you remain in His presence, He will sustain you and you will make it through this trial because God fights for His people.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Psalm 2
As I read this Psalm, verses 1-3 talks about nations or gentiles. It mentions that they have placed their trust in themselves. The kings set themselves against the Lord and His Anointed One (Jesus) and the rulers have taken counsel together. This psalm describes the heart of so many people in the world. They look at God and instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they blame God. The time will come when God judges these people. God desires for us to be His children and He to be our Father. He is warning the rulers of this world and telling them to serve Him with fear and rejoice with trembling. This song serves as a warning to those who do not place their trust in God. It says blessed are those who put their trust in Him. We are blessed when put aside our agendas and trust God to guide our day. As worshippers, we must choose to be directed by God and allow Him to establish His presence and anointing. We will be blessed because we have placed our trust in God to accomplish His will for that time. Keep that in mind as we worship God and watch as He moves mightily because of our trust in Him!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Psalm 1
I want to concentrate on the following verse: Psalm 1:3
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
I love the reference to plants.. LOL One of the things that sticks out to me is being planted by the river. This is a comparison to those who do NOT walk in the council of the ungodly, stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful. THAT person is like this tree mentioned here. This person has been planted by the source of their nourishment, the very food that will cause growth and the bearing of fruit. A tree is and has always been destined to produce a fruit, and whether it is edible or not, reproduction was intended from Genesis. When you are not planted by the source of proper nourishment, you CANNOT fulfil your destiny and will not reach the full potential that God intended for your life. Another key to being in this location is to meditate (ponder by talking to yourself) on God's Word because that in itself is life and also take delight in His law. God knows exactly what you need and the exact moment when you need it. Not only will you produce the fruit in your life that God has intended, but it will be in the exact timing that it was predestined. Now, seasonally in nature, water sources change and there are always different concentration of minerals floating down rivers at different times of the year. When you align your life with God's timing and His agenda, you will receive the nutrition that you need for that moment, ie. His strength, understanding, etc to get you through your situation. This person shall also (or his leaf shall) not wither (be made vile or fall to wickedness). See, when you are directly connected to the source of life, you cannot easliy become disillusioned by the enemy. Whatever you do shall prosper because you are 1. connected to God's resources and 2. in His timing. The rest will fall into place because of your choice to be in God's presence.
Have an awesome day!
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
I love the reference to plants.. LOL One of the things that sticks out to me is being planted by the river. This is a comparison to those who do NOT walk in the council of the ungodly, stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful. THAT person is like this tree mentioned here. This person has been planted by the source of their nourishment, the very food that will cause growth and the bearing of fruit. A tree is and has always been destined to produce a fruit, and whether it is edible or not, reproduction was intended from Genesis. When you are not planted by the source of proper nourishment, you CANNOT fulfil your destiny and will not reach the full potential that God intended for your life. Another key to being in this location is to meditate (ponder by talking to yourself) on God's Word because that in itself is life and also take delight in His law. God knows exactly what you need and the exact moment when you need it. Not only will you produce the fruit in your life that God has intended, but it will be in the exact timing that it was predestined. Now, seasonally in nature, water sources change and there are always different concentration of minerals floating down rivers at different times of the year. When you align your life with God's timing and His agenda, you will receive the nutrition that you need for that moment, ie. His strength, understanding, etc to get you through your situation. This person shall also (or his leaf shall) not wither (be made vile or fall to wickedness). See, when you are directly connected to the source of life, you cannot easliy become disillusioned by the enemy. Whatever you do shall prosper because you are 1. connected to God's resources and 2. in His timing. The rest will fall into place because of your choice to be in God's presence.
Have an awesome day!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Psalm 95
Hello to you all!
Last night, I sat on my couch and began to read Psalm 95. I finished in a couple of minutes and looked at it for a while, trying to figure out what it was all about. I asked God to make it alive to me and give me revelation. Still nothing.... I looked up a couple of words that stuck out in my head as I listened to the words and still nothing "amazing". Then I read it again. When I finished this second reading, I reviewed the verbs used in the chapter that pertain to my abilities. My sub title for this chapter is A Call to Worship and Obedience. What IS worship and what IS obedience?? I started to just say the verbs and verb phrases. They are "come", "let us sing", "let us shout", "let us come", "let us shout", "come", "let us worship and bown down", "let us kneel", "hear His voice". I believe that God is teaching us how to be worshippers and obedient ones at that. We first must come into His presence and sing (sing outloud as in rejoicing in triumph) and shout (making a joyful noise). We must come and worship (stoop or lay prostrate) and bow down before Him. We must kneel down in reverence of Him. Lastly, we MUST hear (listen with intent to obey) His voice. This is sooo cool! God has written in His Word how He wants to be worshipped! I hope this encourages you all to press in even more into God's presence, knowing that He will delight in you worshipping Him. I'm excited to hear what God is speaking to your hearts as you read this chapter!
Andrew
Last night, I sat on my couch and began to read Psalm 95. I finished in a couple of minutes and looked at it for a while, trying to figure out what it was all about. I asked God to make it alive to me and give me revelation. Still nothing.... I looked up a couple of words that stuck out in my head as I listened to the words and still nothing "amazing". Then I read it again. When I finished this second reading, I reviewed the verbs used in the chapter that pertain to my abilities. My sub title for this chapter is A Call to Worship and Obedience. What IS worship and what IS obedience?? I started to just say the verbs and verb phrases. They are "come", "let us sing", "let us shout", "let us come", "let us shout", "come", "let us worship and bown down", "let us kneel", "hear His voice". I believe that God is teaching us how to be worshippers and obedient ones at that. We first must come into His presence and sing (sing outloud as in rejoicing in triumph) and shout (making a joyful noise). We must come and worship (stoop or lay prostrate) and bow down before Him. We must kneel down in reverence of Him. Lastly, we MUST hear (listen with intent to obey) His voice. This is sooo cool! God has written in His Word how He wants to be worshipped! I hope this encourages you all to press in even more into God's presence, knowing that He will delight in you worshipping Him. I'm excited to hear what God is speaking to your hearts as you read this chapter!
Andrew
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