A Compassionate Heart ~ Raul Ries

“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.”

Psalm 86:15

Compassion and love go hand in hand. A compassionate heart puts others first, helps others grow, forgives, and encourages. Jesus Christ was a living example of compassion. No matter what the person’s background, ethnicity, or whether they were rich or poor, the Lord forgave, met needs, solved problems, and healed wounds.

As a Christian, the Lord wants to love people through us. We need to have the heart of the Lord towards people- helping them in their troubles, encouraging them in their despair, and sharing our friendship with them in their loneliness.

Thought for the Day:

Like a window, people look through us to see Jesus Christ.

God Makes Foolish the Wisdom of the World ~ WOW the Bible in 7 minutes a day

God Makes Foolish the Wisdom of the World

1Corinthians 1:1-2:5,12-16; Psalm 119:97-100; Proverbs 21:31

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:1-2:5, 12-16

WORSHIP

Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies;
For they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.
Psalm 119:97-100

WISDOM

The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the LORD.
Proverbs 21:31

Heart to heart ~ Mike MacIntosh

Then He began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.

"Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some. Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But those vinedressers said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.'

"So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. Have you not even read this Scripture: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'?"

Mark 12:1-11


Jesus gives such a vivid picture of what the day of His suffering and death would be like. Notice one little sentence at the end of this parable; He says, "Have you not read the Scripture?" Before we had Jesus Christ in our lives, we were aimless and yet we thought we had some agenda we needed to accomplish in this life. Little did we know that we could only have complete fulfillment when we understood what it meant for Jesus to die for our sins. No more agenda. No more religion. "Have you not read the Scripture?" When you found the Bible and started reading the Word of God, it set you free and you found out that love is what being a Christian is all about.

Don't add to the Gospel and make Christianity a bunch of religious jargon and nonsense. Read the Word of God and live by what it says. If you don't have a red-letter Bible, go buy one and start reading all of the words in red; these are the words that Jesus Himself said. Start there in your daily reading and start taking to heart what Jesus is saying to you. When you start falling in love with the Bible, you fall in love with Jesus. It's all about Him. The Scriptures bring the heart of God to us and bring our heart to God. They open us up and they speak to us. And today more than ever we need the Word of God in our hearts, stirring us up to live our lives with purpose and meaning. Don't be like the Pharisees who acted religiously but didn't even see Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, right in front of them. We have God's revelation right here in front of us. Take full advantage of that wonderful and precious gift. Get into His Word and meditate on it every day.

Is your passion creating or sabotaging your success? (94-5) ~ Barry Werner

Is your passion creating or sabotaging your success? (94-5)

November 6th, 2009 in 2 Samuel, Galatians, Leadership Principles, New Testament, Old Testament, Power and Influence, Purpose/Passion, Romans | leave a response

Leaders need passion to succeed. When a leader is passionate it increases their willpower, changes them to a powerful force, makes the impossible possible and generates the energy to make the first steps toward achievement of their goals. Passion itself is neutral but a leader’s application of their passion generates results that are either positive or negative. Read 2 Samuel 13.

David’s son Absalom had passion. There was great potential for Absalom’s passion to make him a great leader in Israel; unfortunately he became a leader remembered in history only as a maverick. Absalom’s passion for justice led him to murder his half brother for raping his sister; his passion for results led him to burn his cousin Joab’s field to force Joab to get him an audience with his own father King David; his passion for fair application of the laws led him to sabotage his father’s leadership as king of Israel.

We can learn several things about passion from Absalom:

• Passion will find expression and an outlet.

• Passion without perspective sends a leader into action even if their actions are outside the laws of the land or outside the laws of God.

• People will follow leaders with passion even when that leader is taking them in an unhealthy direction.

• Self-centered passion will skew the judgment of a leader.

• Undisciplined, selfish, unbridled passion damages everyone near it.

• When passion outweighs wisdom, leaders sabotage their own chances for success.

Godly leaders learn how to bridle their passion so they can be submissive to authority, unselfish, accountable, and allow their passion to pour from a pure heart.

Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Galatians 4:18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.

• 

« Are you demonstrating responsibility with your influence? (94-4)

The Rock of our Salvation! ~ Jon Courson

… With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
-James 1:17-18

Not only is God good in the gifts He gives, but in Who He is. In Him there is no variableness or shadow of turning. That is, He’s not moody. He doesn’t have bad days. He’s not generous with me one day, but grouchy the next — as I can so often be.

We’re variable. We go through ups and downs. God doesn’t. He can be nothing but good. He doesn’t react to me according to how I’m doing with Him. He is faithful when I am faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). He is good when I am grumpy. He doesn’t change. He’s locked into His nature.

That’s why I love the Lord so much. He’s solid as a Rock. And I can just enjoy Him without worrying about Him being ticked with me or tired of me. He gives nothing but good gifts, for He is a good God.

Invest Your Life ~ Mark Balmer

Based on “Foolish Wisdom” by Pastor Dave Folkerts; 10/31-11/1/09,

Message #DF143; Daily Devotional #4 - “Invest Your Life”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): What have each one of us been given? Everyone reading this has been given the gift of life (Acts 17:25). What we choose to do with our gift determines our final destination. We are allowed to make choices, both foolish and wise. By God’s design, what seem like the most foolish choices are often the wisest. We, as was the apostle Paul, are obligated to share the gospel with both the wise and the foolish (Romans 1:14). It is in our everyday choices that we teach others about our awesome God, or give them no cause to seek Him and His ways. And we can teach no one what we ourselves have not learned.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): So what is it that we must learn? Let us start at the beginning of a life that matters, a life that makes a difference in the kingdom of God; one that begins with salvation and then a commitment to walk with God. At the moment of salvation, you become an utter fool to the world’s way of thinking. Why? Because you have begun a life of faith. You have entered a different Kingdom with different rules and requirements. It is a life where you give out of the overflow of what God first gives to you. You invest your life and all your talents in the spirit of love and humility. You work to please the One who gives you eternal life, and your goal is to lead others to Him, as you worship Him yourself. But the most amazing thing of all is the joy that comes to the heart that gives willingly and consistently. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) The world will never understand, but Christ followers must allow themselves to be thought of as foolish people when they dare to step out in faith. Then the kingdom of God will grow and prosper here on this earth, waiting for the return of Jesus. The longer a person walks with the Lord, the less he or she will want to hold onto anything but the truth in God’s Word.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): It is often difficult and lonely to step out in faith, not to mention the fear that sometimes attacks us before we even take that first step. People will not understand, and some will turn away from you. Don’t let that deter you. Remember the red bracelets: “Follow Jesus - Live Dangerously.” God has a mission for each of us. Isn’t it time to find the area of ministry you have been called into for this time in your life? God is able to use even the smallest of efforts, and He is also able to fine-tune those who have already stepped out to make us even purer vessels. In the beginning we invest our lives, and in the end we reap eternal blessings. And yes, all along the way we meet many mockers and unbelievers, but we band together with believers in prayer and thanksgiving, remembering why we love Jesus: because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). He held nothing back, but gave everything for us!

Cultivate (Additional Reading): 2 Corinthians 9:10-12; 2 Corinthians 8:10-12

Meditation Produces Success ~ Joyce Meyer

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. — Joshua 1:8

Most people do not delve into the Word of God very deeply. As a result, they get confused about why they are not powerful Christians living victorious lives. The truth is that most of them really don't put much effort of their own into the study of the Word.

They may go out and hear others teach and preach the Word. They may listen to sermon tapes or read the Bible occasionally, but they are not really dedicated to making the Word a major part of their lives, including spending time thinking about it.

The flesh is basically lazy, and many people want to get something for nothing (with no effort on their part); however, that really is not the way it works. A person will get out of the Word what he is willing to put into it.

If you want to be a success and prosper in all your dealings, the Bible says you must meditate on the Word of God day and night. How much time do you spend thinking about the Word of God? If you are having problems in any area of your life, an honest answer to this question may disclose the reason why.

Walking with God ~ Jack Graham

Be still, and know that I am God.”

-- Psalm 46:10

Before his death, my friend Dr. Adrian Rogers shared with me and a few other associates his personal approach to spending time with the Lord each morning. He used a simple acrostic based on the letters P-A-C-E to walk through four meaningful steps of time with God.

It’s a wonderful way for you to start your day with the Lord, and I hope you will try and make it a part of your daily time with him. Here are the four steps to P-A-C-E:

“P” is for Praise:

Begin by praising God and thanking him. Know that he is God! Praise him for his goodness and for his love. Thank him for meeting your needs.

“A” is for Acceptance:

Just hold your hands open before the Lord and say, “Lord, I accept what the Scripture says about me.” He is your father, you are his child, and he loves you.

“C” is for Control:

Now just turn your hands over as if to bow gently before God, saying, “Lord, I give you control of my life.” Release every care to him.

“E” is for Expectancy:

Now look with expectancy to God. Let him buoy your confidence and your trust and your strength in him. Tell him that you trust him with your life.

P-A-C-E yourself each morning and you will be blessed with the wonderful joy of God’s presence!

LET GOD SET THE PACE OF YOUR DAY.

Israel Seeing Jericho's Walls Fall Down, by Faith ~ Bob Hoekstra

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. (Hebrews 11:30)

The children of Israel are now poised on the edge of the land that God had promised to give them. By faith, they had kept the Passover and were spared the judgment of the firstborn that befell the unbelieving Egyptians. By faith, they had been delivered from bondage in Egypt. By faith, they had passed through the Red Sea. Now, they would begin to possess the promised blessings of God, seeing Jericho's walls fall down, by faith.

The first great challenge that Israel faced in the land was the fortress city of Jericho. Previously, the doubting spies had discouraged the people by speaking of these impenetrable cities. "The cities are great and fortified up to heaven" (Deuteronomy 1:28). Now, the Lord gives words of encouragement. "And the LORD said to Joshua: 'See! I have given Jericho into your hand'" (Joshua 6:2). Although these words must have stirred hope, the battle plan may have brought some perplexity. "You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days…But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets" (Joshua 6:3-4). The natural question would have been, "How can a fortified city be taken by marching in circles and blowing trumpets?" Yet, these unusual battle instructions were accompanied by a divine promise. "When they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat" (Joshua 6:5). If the people would trust in the Lord, march around the city as told, and add a victory shout at the end of the seventh day, then the walls would fall down. "And he said to the people, 'Proceed, and march around the city'" (Joshua 6:7).

Day after day, they marched on silently. On the seventh day, they marched repeatedly. Many times they may have been tempted to forsake the process as foolish and futile. Yet, patiently and obediently, they pressed on, by faith. Finally, the seventh march was completed on the seventh day. "When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout…the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city… and they took the city" (Joshua 6:20). How could this be? It was the result of faith in God. "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down."

Lord God of the impossible, many times I have been as helpless as Israel was before the impregnable fortress of Jericho. When I tried to knock down the circumstances by my own power or thought, I was defeated. When I trusted in You prayerfully, I was victorious. Please help me to patiently and persistently face such battles in prayer, awaiting Your work, by Your mighty grace, Amen.

Battle action of faith ~ David McGee

1 Chronicles 18:1

"After this it came to pass that David attacked the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its towns from the hand of the Philistines."
NKJV

Life Lesson

A life of faith is a battle.

If this statement is shocking to you my friend then perhaps, in love, you need to take a closer look at your life. Jesus promised that there would be trials and trouble for those who follow him. Paul referred to Christians as "soldiers of Christ." Because Satan has set himself against the Lord, it stands to reason that as a soldier of Christ, you are in the battle. You cannot be active in the battle and be seated on the sidelines. There are no couches on the front lines; only foxholes and fighters are found there.

David was not hiding and asking God to keep him safe. He understood there were battles in his life. Instead, David was praying and stepping out in faith. God wants to keep us and give us the victory. Sometimes, we think the worst thing that could happen is to fail. In Christianity, the worst thing is failing to try. God has declared victory in your life. Friend, don't argue with God about it...live it! Be victorious.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your Word and the desire to use me as a vessel to bless others. Lord, empower me with boldness to put Your kingdom first. I don't want to be a spectator in the battle. I want to see lives changed for Your glory. Help me to step out and be a kingdom builder. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thinking Theologically ~ Chuck Swindoll

Hebrews 6:17-18

I confess to you, at times I've doubted God's purpose and promise. I say that to my own embarrassment. When things hadn't worked as I thought they would, when I received a no instead of a yes or a yes instead of a no as an answer to prayer, when I couldn't unravel a situation and fit it with the character of God . . . those have been times when I've said, "I know down inside this isn't right."

When the bottom drops out of your life, when hope starts to wear thin, when human logic fails to make much sense, think theologically! Read Hebrews 6:17–18. The theological facts are: (1) there is an unchangeable purpose with God, and (2) that purpose is guaranteed with an oath.

It's at this juncture I should add: Don't try to explain it all to someone else. You can't. If you could, you would be God. The only thing you can explain theologically is that the issue you struggle with is part of His unchangeable purpose, guaranteed with an oath, neither of which is a lie. That's theological thinking. As Solomon states so well: "[God] has made everything appropriate in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11a).

Let me give you a syllogism—a theological syllogism:

God is in control of the times and seasons.
Some times are hard, and some seasons are dry.

So the conclusion is:

God is in control of hard times and dry seasons.

We are quick to give God praise when the blessings flow: when the checking account is full and running over; when the job is secure, and a promotion is on the horizon; when the salary is good; when our health is fine. But we have a tough time believing when those things aren't true.

There are benefits that come from thinking theologically, as found in Hebrews 6:18:

So that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.

One benefit to thinking theologically is you will have "strong encouragement." Logical thinking will discourage you, but theological thinking will encourage you. And you will also have a refuge of hope. Encouragement is the opposite of discouragement. Hope is the opposite of despair. When you accept the fact that sometimes seasons are dry and times are hard and that God is in control of both, you will discover a sense of divine refuge, because the hope then is in God and not in yourself.

In those seasons when it's difficult to see God's purpose and promise, remember where your hope and encouragement are found—in the person and purposes of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Know What You Believe ~ Charles Stanley

2 Timothy 1:12-14

All people have a belief system, whether they realize it or not. Even those who claim there is no God have faith that He does not exist. What we believe affects every area of our lives and shapes every decision we make, yet few of us take the time to really think about what we accept as true.

All belief systems have a foundation. Some people base their convictions on what fits their lifestyle, reasoning, and desires. However, Jesus calls His followers to adapt life to their faith in Him and the authority of His Word.

Anytime we add other philosophies or ideas to Scripture or pick and choose which parts of the Bible to believe, we create our own version of faith based on personal reasoning. God’s Word is the only true and reliable foundation for belief, because it contains the recorded thoughts of an eternal, all-knowing God. All other concepts must be measured against it to determine their validity.

Knowing what the Bible says is essential for developing a sound system of beliefs founded on the truth and wisdom of God. This world will offer you a variety of philosophies which sound good but are laced with lies. A faith anchored in the Scriptures is your protection against deception.

Each time you face a problem or decision, search for the answer in Scripture. Begin your day by reading the Word and asking God to help you understand what He is saying. He loves communicating with you, and as you spend time with Him, He’ll open your mind to know His thoughts.

Shepherd, King, and Prophet ~ Bob Coy

For David says concerning Him: "You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. . . ." Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne? .-Acts 2:25-31 (NKJV)

In addition to being a man after God's heart, David was a prophet. That's what we see in the passage above as the apostle Peter proclaimed what David prophesied concerning Christ's resurrection. Most of those familiar with the Bible will have no problem identifying David as a shepherd and king, but how many people think of him as a prophet? Yet David is responsible for some of the most important prophecies found in Scripture.

Most notably, Psalm 22 is a graphic depiction of the crucifixion. David predicted how Jesus would be mocked and scorned by those who passed by as He hung on the cross, even to the point of writing that they would taunt Him with the words, "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" (Psalm 22:7-8; Matthew 27:43). He then described how Jesus' hands and feet would be pierced and how those present would gamble for His clothing: They pierced My hands and My feet . . . . They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots (Psalm 22:16-18; Matthew 27:35). Keep in mind that David penned this psalm approximately 800 years before crucifixion became a familiar form of punishment!

Another example is found in Psalm 40, as David foretold how Christ's coming would serve to fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures (Psalm 40:7; Matthew 5:18). He also predicted that Christ would come to proclaim the faithfulness, salvation, loving-kindness, and truth of God (Psalm 40:9-10; John 1:17).

At first, we might not think of David as a prophet, and we may not envision Psalms as a "go-to book" for prophecy, but David's psalms are filled with prophetic riches. Those who take the time to dig for them will be all the wealthier when it comes to their walk.

Discuss what words come to your mind when you think of King David. Do you think of him as a prophet?

Dig into Psalm 22. What events are foretold here? How did David craft and create this amazing psalm?

Decide as a group to take time to write a love letter to God. Encourage each other to express your love for God through writing a letter. Offer those in your group an opportunity to share their letter if they would like to.

It Starts with the Heart ~ Greg Laurie

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.

— Acts 17:16–17

Far too often we are isolating ourselves from our culture rather than infiltrating it. We would prefer to remain in our Christian subculture when, in reality, we should want to invade our world with the message of Jesus Christ.

In Mark's Gospel, we find the story of a man who brought Jesus to his friends. Matthew became a believer, and then he invited all of his buddies over to his house. But he also invited Jesus to the party. We read that "as He was dining in Levi's [Matthew's] house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him" (Mark 2:15). Matthew brought Jesus to his friends.

Mark also tells us about four men who brought their friend to Jesus—they were working together on behalf of their companion, who was a paralytic. They wanted Jesus to heal him, but Jesus was teaching in a home that was so crowded, they couldn't get inside. So these men climbed up on the roof, broke through it, and lowered their friend down to where Jesus was. Seeing their persistence and faith, Jesus rewarded them by healing their friend.

I think one of the reasons we don't share the message of Jesus Christ more often is because—if we were really honest—we don't care. So we need to start by praying, "Lord, give me a heart for people who don't know You." When the apostle Paul was in Athens, "his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols" (Acts 17:16). He cared. And then he acted.

May we care enough to bring our friends to Jesus—and bring Jesus to our friends.

Twitter Proverbs from Rick Warren

• 280 of our young Hispanic pastors at Saddleback 4mentoring.We'll all speak Spanish in Heaven so u better start learning it!about 15 hours ago from web

• Never confuse prominence with significance.Your ministry has eternal significance, despite who knows about it now. 2Cor4:18about 15 hours ago from web

• "Only those who throw away their lives for my sake & the Good News will ever know what it means to really live" Mk8:35 LBabout 16 hours ago from web

• The more self-centered I am, the more unsatisfied I'll be.about 16 hours ago from web

• "Every civilization decays by forgetting the obvious - especially that which is permanent" - G.K. Chesterton3:46 PM Nov 4th from web

• "There's trouble ahead when you live for the approval of others...Your task is to be true, not popular" Luke 6:26(Mes)12:15 PM Nov 4th from web

• DMark, a well-known mentor once told me "You're nobody till somone writes a book against you." HA! Ignore it.12:12 PM Nov 4th from web

• Your primary identity is defined by your Savior, not your sins. "Anyone in Christ is a new creation" 2 Cor5:1712:05 PM Nov 4th from web

• Sinful inclinations ARENT your Identity!Don’t say“I’m an alcoholic”(or whatever) Say “I'm a Believer who struggles with,,,”12:00 PM Nov 4th from web

• "A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash." Proverbs 15:14 (NLT)12:18 AM Nov 3rd from web

• Finding time to read the great spiritual classics is no mystery.Turn off the TV. Nothing on TV today will matter in10 yrs12:17 AM Nov 3rd from web

• Today, by the Spirit's power, I’ll do the best I can with what I have out of love for Jesus. My definition of success7:36 AM Nov 1st from web

• Thanks to all you pastors who joined in our noisy conference call this AM. What fun! YOU are truly a group of radicals!10:33 AM Oct 30th from web

• The world is hungry for hunble people with absolute confidence in God. Obedience,not ego, is the source of true confidence10:22 AM Oct 30th from web

• I have zero confidence in myself but unlimited confidence when obeying what God has clearly commanded all of us all to do.10:16 AM Oct 30th from web

• PASTORS: Our next CONFERENCE CALL IS IN 10 MIN. at 10am PST. If u get PD CONNECTION email rw@saddleback.com 4 ACCESS CODE8:54 AM Oct 30th from web

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Spokesman For God ~ Kay Arthur

Jeremiah, Part 1 (Return To Me)
Program 30 – Spokesman For God

Do you realize, Beloved that the way you live is sending a message to the world in which you are living? The question is, what is the message? Are you a true, genuine spokesman for God? Is God pleased to have you on His team because the message that you are sending, it reflects Him and who He is, His righteousness, His holiness, His justice? I want to talk to you today about extracting the worthless from the precious.

Our subject this week has been taken from Jeremiah chapter 12, verse 5 when God speaks to Jeremiah. Because Jeremiah has become weary, and He’s saying, [Listen if you become weary when you’re running with the footmen in the land of peace. How are you going to compete with horses in the thicket of the Jordan?] (PARAPHRASE, Jeremiah 12:5)

In other words, it is getting to Jeremiah, his living righteously, his being a spokesman for God is wearying him out. His family is come against, the people in Anathoth, his hometown, wants to put him to death. He’s given this message over and over and over again all day long to people that will not listen. He’s competing with the false prophets that are saying, [“Peace, peace.” And there is not going to be peace.] (PARAPHRASE, Jeremiah 6:14) He’s telling them that sword is coming, that famine is coming, that pestilence is coming. It’s not a nice message and the false prophets are saying, “Oh no, sword is not coming, famine is not coming, pestilence is not coming we’re going to have everlasting peace.”

And the people have swung over to the side of the false prophets, and Jeremiah is about to break, he’s about had it because he knows what’s coming, he knows the Word of God. He’s heard the Word of God, but he is absolutely weary. As a matter of fact, he’s depressed. We’ll see it as we look at chapter 15 as he tells them that sword and famine and pestilence is coming. It says, ―Then the LORD said to me…,‖ verse 1, ―‗…Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people….‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:1)

Now listen, remember when Moses interceded for the people because God was going to kill them? And so God didn’t kill them because Moses interceded. Do you remember that? (See Exodus 32:9-14) Do you remember how Samuel interceded for the people when they wanted a king? And all of these things were happening and Samuel steps in and he intercedes for the people, and God hears Samuel. (See 1 Samuel 8:19-22) But God is saying, ah, ah “If they would show up again I would send them away from My presence.” ―‗And it shall be…when they say to you…,‖ I’m going to send these people away, ―‗…[and when they say to you] ―Where should we go?‖ then you…tell them, ―Thus says the LORD: ‗Those destined for death, to death…those destined for the sword, to the sword…those destined for famine, to famine...those destined for captivity, to captivity.‘‖‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:2) Go to death, go to the sword, go to famine, go to pestilence, go to captivity, go! He says, ―‗I will appoint over them [as they go] four kinds of doom,‘ declares the LORD: ‗the sword to slay, the dogs to drag off, [the body to drag off]…the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and [to] destroy.‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:3) “That’s what’s going to happen because they would not listen to Me because they were stubborn in their hearts, because they want after idols.” He said, ―‗I will make them…,‘‖ verse 4, ―‗…an object of horror among all the kingdoms of the earth….‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:4)

Why is He going to do it? Listen, very carefully, ―‗…because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:4) And if you want to see what he did in Jerusalem then you go back to 1 Kings chapter 21. And when you go back to 1 Kings chapter 21 and you read about Manasseh he rebuilds the high-places that his father who was a godly king tore down. He builds altars in the house of the Lord. (See 2 Kings 21:3-4) ―…he built altars for all the host of heaven [the two courts] in the two courts of the house of the LORD. He made his son pass through the fire…,‖ he gave his son to false gods, ―…[he] practiced witchcraft…[he] used divination…[he] dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD… he set the carved image of the Asherah…in the house of…the LORD [in Jerusalem where God said] ‗…I will put My name forever.‘‖ (2 Kings 21:5-7) He seduced the people, verse 9, ―…To do [more evil] than the nations [which] the LORD [had] destroyed before the sons of Israel.‖ (2 Kings 21:9) He shed much innocent blood, verse 16, ―…Until he…filled Jerusalem from…end to [the other]; besides his sin with which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the LORD.‖ (2 Kings 21:16)

God’s hand has been stayed. They’ve had a time of peace under Josiah who is the grandson of Manasseh. Manasseh reigns 55 years. Manasseh has a prophet at the beginning of his ministry. His name is Isaiah. Tradition tells us that he had Isaiah sawn in two. Then there is silence from God. And then near the end of Manasseh’s time, Nahum the prophet appears on scene. Manasseh dies, his son Amon takes over. He does evil. He reigns two years, and then Josiah comes. When Josiah comes God stays His hand of judgment, all of this is review. But when Josiah dies, the judgment comes. He says, ―‗Indeed…,‘‖ he says, ―‗…who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem…who will mourn for you…who will turn aside to ask about your welfare?‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:5) Nobody is going to care about you Jews. Nobody is going to care about you people for, ―‗You…have forsaken Me,‘ [says] the LORD, ‗You keep going backwards….‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:6) You just keep backing up from Me. [I made you to cling to Me. You’re worthless because you will not cling ―‗…So I will stretch out My hand against you and destroy you; I…,‘‖ God says, ―‗…[I] am tired of relenting! I will winnow them with [the] winnowing fork at the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy My people; [because] they did not repent of their ways.‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:6-7)

In other words, I am going to take them at the gates where I’ve laid siege and I am going to winnow them. The chaff is going to blow away. You are not going to be able to find it. And then He says, ―‗Their widows will be more numerous before Me than the sands of the seas; I will bring against them, against the mother of a young man, a destroyer at noonday; I will suddenly bring…her [day] anguish and dismay. She who [has] bore seven sons pines away; her breathing is labored. Her sun has set while it [is] yet day; she has been shamed and humiliated. So I will give over their survivors to the sword before their enemies,‘ declares the LORD.‖ (Jeremiah 15:8-9)

And as God talks about this woman with seven sons, Jeremiah says, ―Woe to me, my mother that you have borne me as a man of strife and…of contention to all the land…!‖ (Jeremiah 15:10) All I’ve done is be a man of strife. All I have done is stepped in and talked about judgment. All I have done is warned them. I have sat alone. I have endured all sorts of things. I’m sorry, you bore me. ―…I have not lent, nor have…lent money to me, yet everyone curses me.‖ (Jeremiah 15:10) I am a curse. I am a proverb. I am a byword. He says, “Surely.” And ―…The LORD said, ‗Surely I will set you free for purposes of good….‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:11) I know what you’re going through right now. He is saying, [Don’t grow weary running with the footmen. The horses have come. I want you to compete with the horses.] (PARAPHRASE, Jeremiah 12:5) He says, ―‗…Surely I will cause the enemy to make supplication to you in a time of disaster and [in] a time of distress.‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:11)

It’s not over. It’s not finished. The enemy is going to come to you. The enemy is going to get down on their knees, and they’re going to beg you. In a time of distress, I’m going to preserve you. He says, ―‗Can anyone smash iron, iron from the north, or bronze? Your wealth and your treasures I will give [without] booty [with] cost even…all your sins and within all your borders.‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:12-13)

What has happened to the economy of the United States? One of the things that staggers people is how suddenly it happened. How surprising it was. How all of a sudden banks were failing, businesses were closing, people were losing their homes, they were losing their jobs one on top of another after another: I’m going to destroy you economically, and ―‗Then I will cause your enemies to bring it into a land that you do not know…,‘‖ I’m going to take you into captivity. ―‗…for a fire has been kindled in My anger, [and] it will burn upon you.‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:14) And what does he say? ―You…know, O LORD, remember me, take notice of me, …take vengeance for me on my persecutors. Do not, in view of Your patience, take me away….‖ (Jeremiah 15:15) Don’t kill me, Lord. Don’t kill me, Lord. ―…Know that for Your sake I [am enduring] reproach. Your words were found…I ate them…[they] became for me a joy and [a] delight of my heart…I have been called by Your name….‖ (Jeremiah 15:15-16) God, remember me. Is that the cry of your heart? We’ll talk about it more in just a minute.

Jeremiah is having a hard time, and maybe you are too, Beloved. He’s weary. He’s tired. He is thinking that God has been to him a deceptive stream. Listen to what he says, ―I did not sit in the circle of merrymakers, nor did I exult. Because…Your hand [was] upon me I sat alone, for You filled me with indignation.‖ (Jeremiah 15:17) God, I was so indignant at their sin. I couldn’t sit with those people. I went over here, and instead with this indignation of my heart. I sat alone. He says, ―Why has my pain been perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will You indeed be to me like a deceptive stream with water that is unreliable?‖ (Jeremiah 15:18) I can’t trust you, God. I just can’t trust you. Wait a minute, Jeremiah. Weren’t you the one who spoke for God and said [that God was a fountain of living waters?] (PARAPHRASE, Jeremiah 2:13) And now you think He is a wadi? A wadi that has water one minute and then is dry the next, a “deceptive stream.” You go to get water in the wadi, and it’s dried up. Is that what God is? Jeremiah is really in the pits, and you may be in the pits also. You may say, ―[Look] Your words were found and I ate them, [they were the] joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name….‖ (Jeremiah 15:16) I’ve been in your Word. And now it feels like your Word is gone and I can’t get a hold of it. I understand. I understand because sometimes the greatest problem I have when I go to speak is “God, what is your message?” And after all these years I think, “I don’t know what Your message is. I don’t know what I’m supposed to say. I don’t know what I’m supposed to teach.” And I’m flat on my face before God, and I almost think “God, is it worth the agony of all of this to go and to be your spokesman? I could retire. I could give up.”

And see, God has given me a gift that has a prophetic tone. By prophetic, I don’t mean woo woo stuff. I mean that God burdens your heart. He gives you a message for that time and that people. And it’s not always easy. And you walk out into the audience, and I was just at a Christian school. And I see some of them, and they don’t even have a Bible there. And here I am pouring out my heart. I’ve got a message from God. And I’m standing there and I’m thinking, “God help me.” And in a sense it wears you out. And then all of sudden, you see God helping you. You see God telling you what to say, or how you approach them. And all of a sudden, you’ve shared something. You’ve stopped and you’ve given a word, a personal testimony, and all of a sudden you’ve got them again. You want to say, “What are you doing at a Christian school and you don’t even have a Bible with you? What are you doing when someone is here expounding the Word of God, and you’re talking to that girl, or that girl’s talking to that guy? What are you doing here?”

So you go home, I went home after that time, and I was excited, and I was exhilarated because God came through. But I will tell you what happened before that, I was on my face before God. I was doing this study, God had shown me pride. He talks about “the pride of Judah.” I want to be a woman of God, that doesn’t grow weary running with the footmen in the land of peace. I know what’s coming on this nation. So I was on my face. I was sick. People were praying for me, and I thought, “God, are you going to kill me?” Because I had upper respiratory infections, and now I just was vomiting, and a temperature. And that’s not like me, and chilling. And I’m not this kind of person, but I thought, “Are you getting ready? All of a sudden, like you just took this person out. Like you just took that person out, all of a sudden they just dropped dead.’” And I thought, “God, are you taking me out?” And someone had sent me an e-mail, and I read the e-mail. I haven’t heard from this woman in a long time, and she said, “God just told me I was to write and share my experience with you. And she closed with Jeremiah 29:11, ―‗…I know the plans that I have for you [not plans of evil, but plans of good] to give you a future and [to give you] a hope.‘‖ (Jeremiah 29:11) And I knew He wasn’t going to take me out. And it wasn’t that I minded going out, it’s just that I’m not all I should be. God has a lot of refining to do. And, my goodness, I’m 75. I don’t have much time. But whatever that time is, mother lived to be 96. Grandma lived to be a 100. My father died at 68. How much time I have, I don’t know, but I know that I want to be what God wants me to be. I know to be that I have to listen to His words to Jeremiah, ―Therefore, thus says the LORD, ‗If you return…I will restore you—before Me you will stand; and if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, but as for you, you must not turn to them.‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:19) You cannot compromise. You hold fast. You hold straight. You are My representative. You have stepped into the world, and you are not to change for the world. You are not to alter for the world. The world is not to squeeze you into its mold. He says, ―‗…As for you, you must not turn to them. Then I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; and though they fight against you, [and they will] they will not prevail over you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,‘ [says] the LORD. ‗So I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked…I will redeem you…,‘‖ I’ll snatch you out, ―‗…from the grasp of the violent.‘‖ (Jeremiah 15:19-21) He says, “If you’ll return.”

You and I need to know that if we’re going to be His man, His woman, if the message that we want to give is very clear then we can’t wallow in self-pity. We can’t faint in the days in the land of peace. We’ve got to be able to compete with the horses. Whatever you’re going through that is hard, that is difficult, that seems severe, that maybe has made you alone or maybe has cost you a lot is part of God’s training. He has something even greater for you. But you have to return to Him, and He’ll restore you. He’ll bring you out of this, and you’ll be able to compete with the horses. Just cling to Him.

I want to wrap-it up today by going back to Jeremiah’s words. ―Your words were found and I ate them…Your words became [to] me a joy and the delight of my heart….‖ (Jeremiah 15:16) Do you realize that every spokesman of God comes face to face with the Word of God? And when they come face to face with the Word of God, they are confronted with the idea that people are not going to listen. But they’re still to give forth the Word. Be God’s spokesman, Precious One. Be His spokesman. Give them the Word. Let His words be found. Eat them, and share them. Sweet or bitter they’re God’s words.

The Gift of Affliction ~ Bob Caldwell

The Gift of Affliction Psalm 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. There are some things that only pain has the power to instruct us about. Some truths about ourselves, our lives, and God seem to come no other way. In this psalm, we do not know the specifics of the affliction the psalmist refers to. We only know he was being attacked with lies and falsehood (v. 69, 75). However, for the author of this psalm, he saw these afflictions ultimately coming from God (v. 67). God was exposing his own wayward heart. He was not living in harmony with God or His Word. Just about every person we admire in the scriptures developed the qualities of spiritual greatness in the furnace of affliction. Affliction has an amazing ability to burn away our impurities while at the same time bringing forth gold and silver. Moses spent 40 years in the desert before God called him to return to Egypt to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. David lived for years as a fugitive, accused of evils he neither committed nor considered. Joseph lived as a slave, was falsely accused of rape, and was unjustly imprisoned before he rose to become a great ruler in Egypt. Even our Lord Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered (Heb. 5:8). It is during times of suffering, especially what appears to be unjust suffering that God's Word becomes forged gold within us. Our character is shaped to stand for God's Kingdom as we live in the midst of a fallen world that lies under the sway of the kingdom of darkness. And in the aftermath of God's ordained use of affliction, we will say with the psalmist, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn Your statutes" (v. 71). It is in these afflictions that we discover the overcoming power of God's will and the ways of His Kingdom (v. 92). When we approach our troubles with faith and prayer, we do not perish. Instead, we experience divine intervention that brings help that no force in this world can withstand. When we forgive our enemies, we discover a victory over them that the world knows nothing of. When we apply the appropriate truth from God's Word to our troubles, we will discover amazing results time after time. Those who know how to apply God's promises and wisdom to life's troubles win in the end. Thus we read, "I am afflicted very much, revive me, O Lord, according to Your Word" (v. 107). We who know what God's Word has promised, affliction can become the seedbed for revival! Surely it is good that we have been afflicted that in our need we are forced to discover the limitless resources of our God.
Psalm 119:65-128 TETH 65 You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. 68 You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease, But I delight in Your law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. 72 The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver. YOD 73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. 74 Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, Because I have hoped in Your word. 75 I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word to Your servant. 77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; For Your law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed, For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; But I will meditate on Your precepts. 79 Let those who fear You turn to me, Those who know Your testimonies. 80 Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, That I may not be ashamed. KAPH 81 My soul faints for Your salvation, But I hope in Your word. 82 My eyes fail from searching Your word, Saying, "When will You comfort me?" 83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, Yet I do not forget Your statutes. 84 How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85 The proud have dug pits for me, Which is not according to Your law. 86 All Your commandments are faithful; They persecute me wrongfully; Help me! 87 They almost made an end of me on earth, But I did not forsake Your precepts. 88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. LAMED 89 Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. 91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all are Your servants. 92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life. 94 I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. 95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me, But I will consider Your testimonies. 96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection, But Your commandment is exceedingly broad. MEM 97 Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts. 101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. 102 I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. NUN 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. 106 I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments. 107 I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word. 108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me Your judgments. 109 My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts. 111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, to the very end. SAMEK 113 I hate the double-minded, But I love Your law. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. 115 Depart from me, you evildoers, For I will keep the commandments of my God! 116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe, And I shall observe Your statutes continually. 118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, For their deceit is falsehood. 119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; Therefore I love Your testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments. AYIN 121 I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Be surety for Your servant for good; Do not let the proud oppress me. 123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation And Your righteous word. 124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, And teach me Your statutes. 125 I am Your servant; Give me understanding, That I may know Your testimonies. 126 It is time for You to act, O LORD, For they have regarded Your law as void. 127 Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold! 128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.
Psalm 119:65-128 v. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray – Suffering impels us to consider how we are living our lives and do course-correction. v. 68 You are good, and do good – a primary confession of biblical faith v. 69 forged – to smear or plaster over something (Heb.) v. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease – unfeeling and uncaring v. 73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me – The biblical understanding is that each human being is, in a special sense, an individual creation of God. v. 75 in faithfulness You have afflicted me – Troubles are not intended by God to destroy us but lead us to light and truth. v. 76 Let, I pray – God's mercy should console us in the troubles of life. v. 77 delight – enjoyment (v. 24) v. 78 the proud – arrogant enemies they treated me wrongfully with falsehood – Literally, "They twisted me." They presented the psalmist in a completely distorted way. v. 81 My soul – nephesh (Heb.) my deepest being v. 83 I have become like a wineskin in smoke – A striking image; the poet visualizes his life like a wineskin hanging in the smoke that has dried up and become hard. v. 84 How many are the days of Your servant? – Or, with my life so short, why do You not act against those who falsely attack me? v. 85 The proud have dug pits for me – a typical way to trap animals v. 89 Your word is settled in heaven – it stands firm v. 90 Your faithfulness – emunah (Heb.) consistent fidelity and steadfastness You established the earth, and it abides – The Bible uses the apparent stability and abiding existence of the earth and the heavens as a metaphor for God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people (Jer. 31:35-36). v. 91 They – all created things; the "heaven" of v. 89 and "earth" of v. 90 For all are Your servants – Genesis 1 makes clear that all things in heaven…sun, moon, and stars…are not some kind of "gods" but created things serving God's purposes and plan. v. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life – All life is a gift of God's "Word," His living will (1 Peter 1:22). v. 96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection – Better translated, "I see a limit to all perfection" v. 97 my meditation – an object of musing and study v. 98 for they are ever with me – or, Your Word is mine forever v. 99 more understanding – a wonderful promise for the young and inexperienced v. 103 How sweet – compare with Ps. 19:10, the psalm of praise for God's Word v. 104 I hate every false way – every deceptive twisting of the truth v. 107 I am afflicted very much – The suffering of the poet is a recurring theme in this psalm. v. 108 freewill offerings – In the view of the psalmist, prayer serves as a substitute for "offerings" before God. v. 109 My life is continually in my hand – constantly at risk v. 111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever – as my personal inheritance v. 112 I have inclined – directed or led v. 113 I hate the double-minded – compare with James 1:8 v. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield – God is the psalmist's shelter and protection. v. 119 dross – The impurities in metal ore that are burned away by the heat of the smelting process. v. 122 surety – offer Yourself as a pledge or "co-signer" to insure good for Your servant v. 123 My eyes fail – spent or are wasted away v. 125 give me understanding – insight v. 126 It is time for You to act, O LORD – the cry of God's suffering people through the ages (Rev. 6:9-10) v. 127 I love Your commandments – compare with Psalm 19:7 v. 128 right – straight. We use the same expression in English: "Tell it to me straight!
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word." –Psalm 119:67 God, let us count it as a privilege to be taken through the crucible of affliction. We know that Your Word says that You will discipline those whom You love. When we are taken through the fire, we pray for eyes that recognize Your divine and fatherly hand. Let us praise You in the furnace, Lord, for we know that You love us and seek to keep us from evil.
Children's Worship I have been amazed at how much the Saturday night preschool children LOVE the live worship lead by Bryan. The songs they learn and love will go with them throughout their lives. God bless all of you worship leaders! Prayer Points for the worship leaders, that the Lord would provide for them and protect them from spiritual attack for the sweet hearts of the children, that they would let Jesus in early and never let Him go for those that the Lord is calling to serve in this important ministry, that they heed God's call for their lives