The Cure for Depression ~ Raul Ries

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”
Psalm 42:5

William Couper was a Christian, but he had sunk to the depths of despair. One foggy night he called for a horse-drawn carriage and asked to be taken to the London Bridge on the Thames River. He was so overcome by depression that he intended to commit suicide. But after two hours of driving through the mist, Couper’s coachman reluctantly confessed that he was lost. Disgusted by the delay, Couper left the carriage and decided to find the London Bridge on foot. After walking only a short distance though, he discovered that he was at his own doorstep! The carriage had been going in circles. Immediately, he recognized the restraining hand God in it all.

Convicted by the Spirit, he realized that the way out of his troubles was to look to God, not jump into the river. As he cast his burden on the Savior, his heart was comforted. With gratitude, he sat down and penned these reassuring words: “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm. O clouds, you so much dread, are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head.”

Thought for the Day:

Though we may lose hope at times, we are never WITHOUT hope!

How Love Limits Liberty ~ WOW the Bible in 7 minutes a day

How Love Limits Liberty

1Corinthians 8-9; Psalm 119:123-125; Proverbs 22:3

Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we have no right to eat and drink? Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?

Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?

Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1 Corinthians 8-9

WORSHIP

My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation
And Your righteous word.
Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,
And teach me Your statutes.
I am Your servant;
Give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.
Psalm 119:123-125

WISDOM

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished.
Proverbs 22:3

Does your leadership strengthen the bond of loyalty? (95-1) ~ Barry Werner

Does your leadership strengthen the bond of loyalty? (95-1)

November 9th, 2009 in 2 Samuel, Leadership Principles, Loyalty, Old Testament | leave a response

Leadership is a gift from God. Everyone is a leader to some degree in their home, in a peer group, etc., but a select few are given more influence and given the privilege of serving others in a leadership capacity in their church, work, play, community, or nation. Wise leaders take their leadership responsibility seriously and understand that loyalty will be earned through their consistency over a period of time. Effective leaders understand the “two way” nature of loyalty and serve with consistency while continuing to strengthen the bond of loyalty. When the leader fails in their leadership responsibilities respect can erode and loyalty can be lost. Read 2 Samuel 15:1-37.

Sometime after he returns to Jerusalem following the murder of his brother Amnon, Absalom rises to power and assumes a position of leadership in Israel. In the intervening years he becomes a stronger, more forceful leader than his father, David. He wins the people’s loyalty.

David, despite his natural leadership abilities, somehow loses his conviction and resolve. Before the chapter ends, David leaves his throne in Jerusalem, flees the city rather than defending a position and fulfilling a responsibility of leadership God assigned to him, and he forfeits the respect and loyalty of some that had committed to his leadership.

What happened? How did one of the great leaders of Israel become ineffective and a bitter, murdering rebel rise to power and steal the loyalties of the people? Absalom did not steal David’s right to lead; David gave it away:

• David no longer went to battle while Absalom provided himself and those around him with resources and weapons.

• David doesn’t provide enough deputies to handle the people’s complaints while Absalom speaks about justice and meets other’s needs for fairness in the city.

• David becomes distant and out of touch with the people while Absalom steals the people’s hearts by being available to them every day.

• David becomes politically correct in his views while Absalom rallies the people behind his vision.

• David loses courage and flees the city while Absalom rises up and leads Israel and takes the capitol city.

People usually follow leaders that are stronger than themselves. It is not hard to see why Absalom could rally so many Israelites to his side.

His Gift of Mercy ~ Jack Graham

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

-- Luke 10:25

In Luke 10 we read the story of a young lawyer who decided to engage Jesus in a debate. Because he was the equivalent of a professional theologian in his day, he thought he could catch Jesus in a trap and expose him as a fraud.

So the young lawyer asked Jesus a very common question among all the theologians. He asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Well, this question made perfect sense to this young man because he was a product of a manmade religion. His faith was about rules and regulations. His religion said that salvation was based upon the things that you do. In other words, “Do this and you will please God. Do this and you will live forever.”

But instead of debating with him, Jesus wanted to change his way of thinking! So he told him a story that demonstrated that he couldn’t be saved by the law, but by living a life of love—a love relationship with God.

That was radical thinking back then and it still is. Your salvation is not rooted in merit, but in God’s mercy!

God wants a love relationship with you, too. Come to him today and receive this free gift of salvation bought for you by Christ Jesus.

YOUR SALVATION IS NOT ROOTED IN MERIT, BUT IN GOD’S MERCY!

He gives His best ~ Jon Courson

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

James 4:3 ‘I do pray,’ you may say. ‘But I don’t get what I ask for.’

That’s because you’re asking amiss. Prayer is not giving orders. It’s reporting for duty. And once a person finally understands that prayer is not man saying, ‘Bless the business; bring in the money; solve the problem’ and God saying, ‘Aye, aye, captain’, his prayer life will be revolutionized.

Prayer is saying, ‘Father, what do You want to do in my life? I want You to do what You see is best for me because I get mixed up so easily.’

I walked into his room during his nap to find one-year-old Peter John laying on his back, eagerly reaching for an object dangling just inches above his head. Living in a rustic cabin in the woods at that time, we were sometimes surprised by the visitors we would have. And this particular afternoon was no exception, for I was surprised indeed to see the object for which Peter was so intently reaching was a black widow spider.

We’re just like Peter John. We lay on our beds or kneel beside them and, through prayer, grab for things we think would be so wonderful, failing to realize they are nothing but black widows. Therefore, every bit as exciting to me as prayers God does answer are those He doesn’t answer because I know I’ll see that what I thought was so intriguing and tantalizing will prove to be poisonous and deadly. Oh, may we learn not to give orders or grab spiders but to do what Jesus did in the Garden: to submit to whatever the Father has for us.

David and Samuel—by Faith ~ Bob Hoekstra

Time would fail me to tell…also of David and Samuel. (Hebrews 11:32b)

Our divinely inspired author sensed that time was running out to elaborate upon the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah. He also recorded that time was not sufficient to include specific testimony about the faithDavid and Samuel. This is surprising, since they would be viewed by many as likely candidates for extensive consideration. of

David was such a notable man of faith. He faced the giant Goliath by faith. "Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts'" (1 Samuel 17:45). When Saul wanted to destroy him, David entrusted the King into the hands of the Lord. "Let the LORD judge between you and me, and let the LORD avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you" (1 Samuel 24:12). He confidently confessed the Lord as his strength, his joy, and his comprehensive salvation. "The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation"Psalm 118:14). He also turned to the Lord at the lowest spiritual point in his life (after he sinned tragically in adultery and murder). In humble dependence he cried, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin" (Psalm 51:1-2). (

Samuel was another notable man of faith. He began to trust in the Lord as a young boy. "Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for Your servant hears'" (1 Samuel 3:10). Then, he grew spiritually and faithfully served the Lord throughout the nation of Israel. "So Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the LORD" (1 Samuel 3:19-20). Also, he courageously rebuked King Saul for not fully carrying out God's instructions to destroy the Amalekites. "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king" (1 Samuel 15:23).

David and Samuel were outstanding servants of the Lord. However, the noteworthy distinctive in their lives was the same spiritual distinctive that caused some men of lesser renown to be listed here as well…faith. "For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah" (Hebrews 11:32a).

Lord God of the "likely servant," in many ways, I can identify with Barak and Jephthah more readily than with David and Samuel. Yet, I am encouraged to see that what pleases You in any person is always the same—faith. Teach me to trust You, Lord.

The power of oneness ~ Mike MacIntosh

"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'?" And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away. Mark 12:10-12

There is true, supernatural power when the people of God gather together. Look at what happened when Jesus told this parable, referring to Himself as "the stone which the builders rejected," but which has become the "chief cornerstone." He was claiming to be the Messiah, but the Pharisees were upset that someone would make such a claim. In fact, they were so angered, they attempted to take hold of Jesus. But fearing the multitude, they ran away.

Wow, what a statement about the people of God! What the Pharisees experienced was sort of like a loving Christian "mob." You see, the Pharisees were pretty ticked off that Jesus Christ claimed to be who He was. They weren't looking for a Savior to come riding lowly on a donkey; they were looking for the proverbial knight in shining armor, riding a white horse. They weren't looking for the Redeemer to be a humble servant; they wanted a dictator and a ruler to lead them against their enemies. But here, surrounding Jesus, was a multitude of people full of love, kindness, and devotion--and the Pharisees were scared of them. They didn't fear the people because of their physical superiority, though. They were scared because they saw the number of like-minded people who loved Jesus and would do anything for Him.

Let me ask you this: When you walk into your church or home fellowship, do you sense a oneness and a common love for Jesus Christ and for each other? Can you feel it when you just walk in? Is there an overwhelming sense of Christ's love completely permeating your meeting places? As believers, Jesus has called us to love one another (John 13:34) and to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19)--and He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to do these amazing tasks. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be the people full of love, kindness, and devotion that the Pharisees feared. No doubt, when we, as a unified body of believers, are tapped into the awesome power of God, there's nothing that we cannot do or handle. We Christians are world-changers!

The Bible says that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39), and I think that others can feel that when we gather together. So, as Hebrews says, don't forsake the gathering together (Hebrews 10:25). There is real power in our numbers; we are truly world-changers through the power of Jesus Christ.

Love Does Not Rejoice at Injustice ~ Joyce Meyer

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
— 1 Corinthians 13:6

Love is grieved at injustice. It always wants what is fair and right. It I craves justice, not only for itself, but especially for others. I don't like to see people mistreated. I have been hurt a lot in my life, and I well remember how it feels.

We should care about others and their pain, pray for them, and do what we can to relieve their suffering. Love is not unfeeling; it cannot look at unjust situations and just simply not care or do nothing. The worldly mentality of "don't bother me with it, that is your problem" has no place in the lives of Christians.

Obviously, we cannot physically or financially fix everyone's problem, but we can care. We can work with the Holy Spirit to make sure we don't allow our hearts to become hardened by all the violence and injustice all around us.

God is love, and He loves righteousness (knowing you are right with God—acting right, talking right, etc.). Therefore, those who walk in love must also love righteousness. Psalm 97:10 states that if we love the Lord, we must hate evil. Those who love righteousness are often persecuted for it—Jesus was, and we are not above our Master (See Matthew 10:24). Don't hate evil people, just their evil ways. God hates sin, but He loves sinners.

Keep walking in love, hating injustice and unrighteousness, and the favor of God will come upon your life in an astounding way.

Q & A about God’s Will ~ Chuck Swindoll

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

As a pastor, I often get asked questions regarding God's will. Let's consider four of the more common ones.

1. What if I know the will of God but deliberately do not do it? Unhappily, this does occur. Imperfect human beings are, at times, openly disobedient. What happens on those occasions? As in every area of life, when we don't play by the rules, we must pay the consequences. But consequences don't usually happen immediately. In fact, for a temporary period of time, things may run along smoothly. Hebrews 11:25 mentions enjoying the passing pleasures of sin. Sin offers its pleasures . . . but they are short-lived.

Remember Jonah? He bought a ticket on the ship leaving for Tarshish and was even able to fall asleep. But by and by, he found himself in a threatening storm and finally in the belly of the fish. God brings discipline upon His children. This includes external consequences as well as internal conflicts. Guilt and heartache rage within. If you question that, check out David's words in Psalm 32:3–4. After his disobedience connected with the Bathsheba affair, the man admits maximum misery within.

On top of all this, there can be public embarrassment and shame as fellow Christians in the body of Christ experience the impact of your disobedience. When necessary discipline must be administered by the church (Matthew 18:15–17), the transgression you tried to keep secret becomes public knowledge. Your family also suffers. We are not isolated individuals. Like dominoes standing on end, when one falls, others are affected.

2. Can't I rely on my feelings? This is frequently asked with regard to things we really want to do—but which lack biblical support. Take the case of a young woman madly in love with the man of her dreams. She is a Christian, but he is not. With all her heart, she believes he will someday become a Christian. How does she think marrying him is God's will? Her feelings.

But the Bible states unequivocally that to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever is NOT God's will, her feelings notwithstanding. Second Corinthians 6:14–18 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 are not eased by romantic moonlit nights. No matter how strong our feelings may be, when there are biblical precepts and/or principles that point us in a certain direction, we dare not ignore or disobey God's Word.

3. Can I be in the will of God and not know it? Yes, indeed. In fact, I'm of the opinion many Christians are! While it is true God desires us to be "filled with the knowledge of His will" (Colossians 1:9), many believers are not at that level of awareness. Furthermore, there is the weird yet popular idea that God's will is always something uncomfortable, painful, or unfulfilling. To some, it is inconceivable that God's will could be enjoyable—even delightful. Romans 12:2 states very clearly that His will is "good and acceptable and perfect." Yes, we can say and do certain things that are in harmony with God's will and yet not be aware of it.

4. What about specifics that aren't addressed in Scripture? The Bible doesn't tell the Christian specifically where to live. Or which career to pursue. Or where to go to college. If it did, how easy it would be. Yet how little faith we would need! That would reduce the Bible to a vocational guidance handbook, nothing more than a divinely inspired telephone directory . . . and just about as interesting. Our spiritual maturity would be no deeper than a third-grader's.

The emphasis in Scripture is on who a person is and what a person does rather than on where a person lives. If the Lord wants you to get a specific message and to respond in an explicit manner, He has dozens of ways to communicate that to you. No mumbo-jumbo, no skywriting, no magic tricks or middle-of-the-night voices need to be sought. Those who really want to do His will, will know it (John 7:17).

Each believer is independently accountable to God for his or her response to the Lord's specific leading, even though others don't understand or agree.

Called to Serve ~ Charles Stanley

Matthew 20:20-28

Christians are identified by a variety of names in the Bible—such as believers, brothers, and saints—but one title we seldom call ourselves is “servants of Christ.” However, that is exactly what the Lord tells us to be. After His disciples wrangled about who was the greatest, Jesus turned their worldly thinking upside down with a call to become great in the kingdom by being a servant of all.

Christ is not just our Savior but also our Lord and Master, and we have a responsibility to follow His example. Just as He served His Father by caring for people, so we serve our God by lovingly meeting the temporal and spiritual needs of those around us.

Service is essential for spiritual growth. God is continually at work in the believer’s life, transforming his character into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). A major hindrance in this process is self-centeredness. Serving others is one of the tools that the Lord uses to set us free from the slavery of selfishness.

Service is required to achieve God’s purpose for our lives. The Lord has designed specific works for each of us to accomplish in our lifetime (Eph. 2:10). If we only take in and never give out, we will miss much of what He has planned for us.

Never forget that you have a high calling which is realized only by lowering yourself to the level of a servant. Look for the opportunities that the Lord will give you today to serve someone. Take your place alongside Christ, who was the ultimate servant of all.

Share His goodness with others ~ David McGee

1 Corinthians 2:14

"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."
NKJV

Life Lesson

God wants us to reveal His goodness to people that don't know Him.

The Lord wants to reveal Himself to people; His goodness to people that don't know Him. Unless God reveals Himself to someone they won't get it. The fact that we get it is not because we are so wise but because God has shown us. He opens our hearts to His Word... It's His gift by grace through faith and not by our own works.

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." NKJV

The world tries to separate man from God. When modern man tries to explain God from worldly perspectives, it ends up in a foolish mess. The cross is foolishness to those who don't understand. People cannot "get it" until God reveals it to them. Does this mean we should quit sharing and just let people figure it out themselves? Of course not! Our calling is to share and leave the rest up to God.

If your motivation in sharing the gospel is to have people accept Jesus, then you will become discouraged. If your motivation is obedience to God, then when someone accepts Jesus, you get to revel in the joy of obedience. It's an obedience issue and not a quota to be met. When God shows up, things happen! Share with expectation and know that whether someone accepts Jesus or not, you are a faithful steward of the love of Christ.

Romans 10:14 "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" NLT

Dear Father,
Thank You for loving me. Thank You that in Your vastness as creator of the heavens and earth, You desire to know me. You call me to share with others. Lord, give me the mind of Christ so that I may see You and myself more clearly than I ever have. In your grace and mercy, I am comforted to know that You have offered me forgiveness. Empower me the with a passion to tell others about You so I can reveal Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Contentment ~ Chuck Swindoll

Philippians 4

Laurence J. Peter and I are close friends. Although I’ve never laid eyes on him, I’ve smiled at his comments and nodded at his conclusions . . . amazed at his remarkable insight into my own life and those around me.

The simple answer to the riddle is this: I own a copy of his book The Peter Prescription, and you should too! It's an insignificant looking paperback filled with significant, sound principles. He says it talks about “How to Be Creative, Confident, and Competent,” but I think he overlooked a better word: how to be Content.

Isn’t it strange that we need a book to help us experience what ought to come naturally? No, not really. . . not when we’ve been programmed to compete, achieve, increase, fight, and worry our way up the so-called ladder of success (which few can even define).

Face it. You and I are afraid that if we open the door of contentment, two uninvited guests will rush in: loss of prestige and laziness. We really believe that “getting to the top” is worth any sacrifice. To proud Americans, contentment is something to be enjoyed between birth and kindergarten . . . retirement and the rest home . . . or (and this will hurt) among those who have no ambition.

Stop and think. A young man with keen mechanical skills is often counseled against being contented to “settle” for a trade right out of high school. A teacher who is competent, contented, and fulfilled in the classroom is frowned upon if she turns down an offer to become a principal. The owner of Super-Duper Hamburgers on the corner has a packed-out joint every day, but chances are selfish ambition won’t let him rest until he opens ten other joints and gets rich—leaving contentment behind.

Now, listen to Jesus: “Be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). Hear Paul: “I am well content with weaknesses,” and, “If we have food and covering . . . be content!” (2 Cor. 12:10; 1 Tim. 6:8). And hear another apostle: “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have” (Heb. 13:5).

I warn you: This isn’t easy to implement. You’ll be outnumbered and outvoted. You’ll have to fight the urge to conform. Even the greatest of all the apostles admitted, “I have learned to be content” (Phil. 4:11). It’s a learning process . . . and it isn’t very enjoyable marching out of step until you are convinced you’re listening to the right drummer.

When you’re fully convinced, however, you’ll be free, indeed!

"Striving to better, oft we mar what's well" (William Shakespeare).

An Honest Answer ~ Bob Coy

And He said to them, "When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything? Luke 22:35 (NKJV)

Provision is a concept that most of us struggle with. That's because our days are spent toiling this earth in an effort to sustain ourselves (Genesis 3:19). Each dawn signals our need to work so we can make the money we'll use to purchase the necessities of life. It's a natural cycle set in motion by Adam and which still spins inside us to this day.

But while it's God's will that we be industrious and busy with our lives, we also need to understand that He is the ultimate source of our provision. We labor, but He provides the energy and ability. We make money, but He provides the opportunity for employment. We buy what we need, but He makes sure those necessities are there in the first place. Yes, we have a part to play in providing for ourselves, but God is ultimately responsible because all provision ultimately comes from Him.

And because it does, we don't need to worry about our provision when we're walking in His will for our lives. That's the case in Luke's gospel as Jesus reminds His disciples that all their needs were met when they previously went out to proclaim the message of God's Kingdom. His method of reminding them was to ask them the simple question, "Did you lack anything?" The honest answer was no; they had all they truly needed when they needed it.

It's no different for us. Looking back on our lives, was there ever an instance when we walked in God's will and lacked? Honestly, has there ever been an instance where His provision ran out once we stepped out in obedient faith? The simple question, "Did you lack?" is actually a bold banner that proudly proclaims, "Our God Provides!"

Discuss God’s perfect provision for your life. Share with your group how you have seen God’s provision for you this week. What part did your work and faith play?

Dig into Luke 22:33–36. What point is Jesus making here about the past? How does this verse speak to you about God’s provision for the work He is calling you to do? What do you now lack in order to do God’s will?

Decide as a group to lift up someone you know who is unemployed and losing hope. Intercede on his or her behalf by bringing the person to God’s mighty throne of grace!

Twitter Proverbs from Rick Warren

• Today you can watch the International Civil Forum on the Peresecuted Church at Saddleback.http://bit.ly/jmE0zabout 21 hours ago from web

• @joshinthe818 Hey Pastor Rick, I'm a church planter in Burbank! THANKS 4 LETTING ME KNOW JOSH! RW Who else out there?10:44 PM Nov 7th from web in reply to joshinthe818

• Today:The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Last yr 176,000 Christians were murdered 4 their faith.10:42 PM Nov 7th from web

• If you are a church planter, please let me know!10:24 PM Nov 7th from web

• Size doesnt attract.Love does.People shun cold churches & flock to where they're loved. Our 4,500 home groups give love!12:05 PM Nov 6th from web

• The greatest churches in history are yet to be built.Are u prepared to be used by God? Willing to pay the price? To be hated?12:00 PM Nov 6th from web

• It’s a myth that megachurches are going away.They’ll be LARGER & MORE of them in Next Gen due to multi-site & technology.11:52 AM Nov 6th from web

• We’ve planted over 40 churches but still needed multi sites as one answer for our own space needs.11:49 AM Nov 6th from web

• Multisites arent a substitute 4 planting churches but a cheaper strategy than building bigger to handle your growth.Do BOTH11:48 AM Nov 6th from web

• Other churches are family, not competition. We’ve helped 6 denominations plant in the Saddleback Valley. We love them all.7:11 AM Nov 6th from web

• In a democracy nobody gets their way all the time. Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose.7:02 AM Nov 6th from web

• Redefining marriage has lost in EVERY state(31)when PEOPLE got to VOTE on it -still media calls the majority view extreme?6:58 AM Nov 6th from web

• 280 of our young Hispanic pastors at Saddleback 4mentoring.We'll all speak Spanish in Heaven so u better start learning it!10:32 AM Nov 5th from web

• Never confuse prominence with significance.Your ministry has eternal significance, despite who knows about it now. 2Cor4:189:42 AM Nov 5th 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 LB9:00 AM Nov 5th from web

• The more self-centered I am, the more unsatisfied I'll be.8:58 AM Nov 5th 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

This Time I Will Make Them Know! ~ Kay Arthur

Jeremiah, Part 1 (Return To Me)

Program 33 – This Time I Will Make Them Know!

Have you ever thought if God is God, and America pledges the allegiance and calls upon God, if we put on our coins “In God We Trust” then why is God not showing up for America? Why are we going through this great economic crisis? Why are we going through the things that we‟re going through? Why this great calamity? We‟ll talk about it today. God takes Jeremiah and He begins to talk to him in Jeremiah chapter 16 which is really a continuation, so to speak, of His conversation in Jeremiah 15. And He tells Jeremiah what he is not allowed to do and why. And it all has to do with the great calamity that is coming on Jeremiah‟s nation.

Now remember this is the nation of Israel. This is the nation chosen by God. This is the nation that is to be a “kingdom of priests” to the world. This is a nation that is to live under a theocracy. This is the nation to whom belongs the covenants, the promises, the Word of God. This is the nation that God has given His inheritance to, has allowed Israel to live on His inheritance, on the land.

Now watch what happens in Jeremiah chapter 16. Now remember in Jeremiah chapter 15, Jeremiah‟s been complaining to God because it‟s hard, because it‟s difficult, because they‟re trying to take his life. Because his own family is coming against him and this is where God says to Jeremiah “Hey, you better extract the precious from the worthless. You will become My spokesman if you do. But otherwise, if you‟re gonna keep complaining then I can‟t use you.” (See Jeremiah 15:18-21)

And so He lays the gauntlet before Jeremiah and Jeremiah picks it up. In Jeremiah chapter 16 in verse 1 it says “The word of the LORD also came to me….” (Jeremiah 16:1) Jeremiah‟s speaking and this is where we want you to color every reference to “Jeremiah” in your Bible because so many times Jeremiah is standing there just being a spokesman, a mouthpiece for God.

But then Jeremiah shows us like no other Old Testament prophet what it means to walk with the Lord and what it costs to be one of His prophets, because Jeremiah just bares his soul. He tells us what God says to him and what he says to God. And God says to him, “You shall not take a wife for yourself nor have sons or daughters in this place.” (Jeremiah 16:2) Not only are the priests of Anathoth going to get you and the people of Anathoth, not only are your brothers and your sisters coming after you, but you know what? I don‟t want you to get married and I don‟t want you to have children; no son, no daughter for you. “For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bear them, and their fathers who beget them in this land: they…,” the sons and daughters, “…will die of deadly diseases, they will not be lamented or buried; they will be as dung on the surface of the ground….” (Jeremiah 16:3-4) They‟re bodies will be all over. They‟ll be like dung, just all over the place, rotting, corrupting. He says, they will “…come to an end by the sword and famine, and their carcasses will become food for the birds of the sky and for the beasts of the earth.” (Jeremiah 16:4) I‟ve seen those vultures. And I‟ve seen them on a carcass and I‟ve seen how ugly they are and He says “I don‟t want you to have sons or daughters in this place because this is what I‟m going to do to the people of this land. They‟re gonna be scattered all over the ground. The vultures are gonna eat their flesh, so are the beasts of the earth.” “For thus says the LORD, „Do not enter a house of mourning….” If somebody died, don‟t you go to that house of mourning, “…or go to lament or to console them….” (Jeremiah 16:5) If someone‟s sitting here and they have a loved one that has died, you can‟t put your arm around them. You can‟t console them and say “I‟m so sorry.” If they‟re holding a dead baby you can‟t say “I‟m so sorry.” You cannot lament with them. He says “…„For I have withdrawn My peace from this people,‟ declares the LORD, „My lovingkindness and compassion.‟” (Jeremiah 16:5) I‟ve withdrawn it. I‟m taking it away. It‟s not gonna be there. “Both great men and small will die in this land….” (Jeremiah 16:6) It‟s going to know no class distinction, rich, poor, well-known, unknown, they‟re gonna die in this land. “…They will not be buried, they will not be lamented, nor will anyone gash himself or shave his head for them.” (Jeremiah 16:6)

Now they weren‟t supposed to do that for the dead because they had hope, because they belonged to God, because as I‟ve taught you the first two days, there is a throne of majesty high from the beginning. It‟s always been there. And it is the place of our sanctuary. (See Jeremiah 17:12) But these people have picked up the customs of the other people around so they‟re gashing themselves. They‟re shaving their heads. And He says, “Listen, this is what‟s going to happen: „Men will not break bread in mourning for them, to comfort anyone for the dead, nor give them a cup of consolation….‟” (Jeremiah 16:7) “Here, here, drink this. You need something.” They won‟t give them a cup of consolation He says, because “…to drink for anyone‟s father or mother. Moreover you shall not go into a house of feasting…,” where they‟re having a party. (Jeremiah 16:7-8) Don‟t go to where they‟re having a party where they‟re celebrating, when they‟re laughing, when they‟re patting each other on the back, when they‟re having a good ole time. Don‟t go there. Why? He says, “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: „Behold, I am going to eliminate from this place, [from] before your eyes and in your time, the voice of rejoicing and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride.” (Jeremiah 16:9) “I‟m gonna eliminate it from this land.”

Now we go back to this chart that we worked on on the first two days of this week and we look at it, and what He‟s saying is, “Hey, you‟re gonna be out of this land. You‟re going to go into captivity. There‟s not gonna be any singing in this land. There‟s not gonna be any rejoicing. There‟s not going to be calling „Oh! The bride groom cometh.‟” There‟s not gonna be any of that. He says “Now when you tell this people all these words, they will say to you….” (Jeremiah 16:10) “Eventually they‟re gonna say, „Hey Jeremiah, how come you haven‟t gotten married? Jeremiah, don‟t you want kids? Jeremiah, why didn‟t you go to your friend when he was mourning the death of his father? Why didn‟t you go to your loved ones when they were mourning the death of that baby? I mean Jeremiah, you don‟t go anyplace. You don‟t go to houses of mourning. We have a party and we invite you. You won‟t even come.‟ So when they start saying this and saying why, this is what you‟re to tell them.” He says “Now when you tell this people all these words, they will say to you, „For what reason has the LORD declared all this great calamity [on] us…?‟” (Jeremiah 16:10) Because what is Jeremiah‟s answer going to be to them? Jeremiah‟s answer is “Hey, I didn‟t do that because this is what God is doing to this land. Dead bodies are gonna be all over. The birds of the sky, the beasts of the earth are going to eat them,” and they‟re gonna say, “Now wait a minute, wait a minute.” See, they are God‟s chosen people. They are the sons of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. They have been given a position in the land. Surely God would not kick them out of the land. Surely God wouldn‟t do that. And he says, “Oh yes. This is why this great calamity has come on you.” And they say, “…And what is our iniquity…what is our sin [that] we[‟ve] committed against the LORD our God?” (Jeremiah 16:10) “What have we done? What is wrong?”

Just as we say, “Why has God allowed this happen America?” Now America doesn‟t know that God‟s behind this right now, the general population don‟t know. But those that know the Word of God know it. Those that know the Word of God know that a nation, Ezekiel 14, cannot sin against God and be unfaithful and not escape the judgment of God. (See Ezekiel 14:13) You say, “But I just thought it was just Israel that had to tow the line.” Listen, God made man in His image and God has to deal with any man, any woman that desecrates, that suppresses, that holds down the image of God in their lives. So as you listen to this, think Israel. But like I said, you look at what‟s happening through the lens of the Word of God.

So it says, “Then you are to say to them….” (Jeremiah 16:11) This is your answer when they say, “Why this calamity?” You know, “What‟s our iniquity?” “Then you are to say to them, „It[‟s] because your forefathers have forsaken Me,‟ declares the LORD, „and [they] have followed other gods and [they] have served them and [they] have bowed down to them; but Me they have forsaken and [they] have not kept My law.‟” (Jeremiah 16:11)

Now remember we‟re marking every reference to “idols”. We‟re putting a big “I” over “gods” over “idols” over the “them‟s” that refer to them. And then He says, “You too have done evil…,” not just your forefathers, but “...you too have done evil, even more than your forefathers….” (Jeremiah 16:12)

And I want to tell you something. I‟ve lived long enough. I‟m 75. I have lived long enough, Beloved, to see the tremendous changes in our society. I am absolutely grieved and repulsed at all the filth, at all the horrible talk, of all the talk about sex, of the ads that are on television for enhancement and stuff like this. It makes me absolutely sick and grieved. And I‟m just a human being. I am not a righteous God who is indignant in all this.

So He says “…even more than your forefathers; for behold, you are each one walking according to the stubbornness of evil heart, without listening to Me.” (Jeremiah 16:12) Listen to this announcement and do come back. Welcome back, Beloved. I left you with God telling Jeremiah, “When they come and ask you, „Why this great calamity? Why these bodies strewn all over the earth?‟ what are you going to say to them? You‟re going to tell them that it‟s because your forefathers forgot Me. And it‟s because you forgot Me. And you know what I‟m gonna do?” “…I[‟m gonna] hurl you [right] out of the land….” (Jeremiah 16:13) That‟s what I‟m gonna do.

Just picture God just taking Israel and just pitching Israel right out of that land. What is He referring to? He‟s referring to the time on our chart 586 B.C. It‟s really in three stages. It‟s in 605 B.C. It‟s in 597 B.C. when He hurls 10,000 of them out of the land and then finally in 586 B.C. when He destroys them. Now why? What is He saying?

Well, let‟s look at it in verse 13. “So I will hurl you out of this land into the land which you have not known…,” that‟s Babylon, “…neither you nor your fathers; and there you will serve other gods….” (Jeremiah 16:13) “You want to serve those gods? Okay. I‟ll send you to a land where they have plenty of them.” “…And…you will serve other gods day and night, for I will grant you no favor.” (Jeremiah 16:13) Verse 14, He says, “„Therefore behold, days are coming,‟ declares the LORD, „when it will no longer be said, „As the LORD lives, who brought [us] up…out of the land of Egypt.‟” (Jeremiah 16:14)

Now when He says that, they are referring to the reputation of God that spread all over that land because the stories were told of the plagues that God brought on Egypt, and on Pharaoh and on Pharaoh‟s household because they would not let His people go out of Egypt. They remember the plagues. They remember the story of Pharaoh‟s army drowning in the Red Sea. But He says “Listen, with this captivity.” With the Babylonian captivity, and look at your chart now, look at Egypt down there and then look at Babylon, the second dispersion out of the land, so to speak.

And as you look at it, just know this, He says “I‟m not gonna be known anymore as the God who brought you out of the land of Egypt. I‟m going to be known as the God,” now listen carefully, “that restores you back to the land.” Listen to what He says. “…It will no longer be said, „As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt,‟ but…,” (Jeremiah 16:14) and I just took a pencil and put a cloud around the “but” so that you don‟t miss it. “…As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of the north…,” and He‟s talking about Babylon. (Jeremiah 16:14) And you say, “But Babylon is really to the east.” Yes, but you have to go north before you can go east because there‟s a desert between Israel and Babylon, Babylon, remember, is modern day Iraq.

And so He says, “…As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of the north…from the countries where He had banished them.‟ For I will restore them to their own land which I gave to their fathers.” (Jeremiah 16:14-15) He says, “I‟m taking you into captivity, but I‟m gonna bring you home. I‟m going to bring you back.”

Here is the promise of restoration. It‟s a promise that we know, go back and look at your chart again, we know, remember what our key verse is for this week? Our key verse is Jeremiah 17:12, “A glorious throne on high from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” (Jeremiah 17:12) And so because He is the place of our sanctuary, because He is the throne, because He is sovereign, because He rules and does according to His will, as I told you, in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth God can do as He pleases. (See Daniel 4:35)

And this is what you and I need to remember at this time. But we need to ask, but God why are You doing what You‟re doing? Why has God devastated the economy of the United States of America? It‟s because and I‟ve been saying it for years, because greed is idolatry (See Colossian 3:5) and God is gonna pull the rug out from under our feet and put us flat on our faces.

I don‟t know where you are. I don‟t know what you‟re going through, but I will tell you, Beloved, that none of it should chase you away from God, rather it is to draw you to God. [Tribulation works patience, and patience, perseverance. And perseverance works proven character.] This is Romans 5. [And proven character brings hope and hope does not disappoint.] (PARAPHRASE, Romans 5:3-5)

So God is giving them hope. I am going to bring you back. “…I will restore them to their own land which I gave to their fathers.” (Jeremiah 16:15) But then He makes this, “„Behold, I‟m going to send for many fishermen,‟ [said] the LORD, „and they will fish for them; and afterwards I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain and every hill and from the clefts of the rocks.‟” (Jeremiah 16:16)

You see in this time they think: “Oh, I can escape the judgment”, and they‟ll go and hide. And He says, “I‟m gonna send a hunter and find you.” Oh, I can swim away, so to speak, from this. He says, “No, I‟m going to get a fisherman and he is going to reel you in.” He says, “I‟m God. My throne is on high. I can see everything that‟s going on down here on earth. (See Jeremiah 16:17) I am the Omniscient. I am the All-knowing God. I am the Omnipresent God. There‟s no hiding from Me.” He says, “…My eyes…,” verse 17, “…are on all [your] ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is there iniquity concealed from My eyes.” (Jeremiah 16:17)

You know why these things are happening in America? Because the cup of our iniquity is full and overflowing, because we take the Word of God and distort it and we say, Oh, it‟s all right to sleep around, it‟s all right to have sex outside of marriage.” “Oh you can‟t expect somebody to restrain themselves. You better give them a condom. You better give them pills.

You can expect somebody to restrain themselves.” God has made a command. And the command is that “You shall not commit adultery.”(Exodus 20:14) And “…You shall not covet your neighbor‟s wife [or your neighbor‟s husband.] (Exodus 20:17) He says “…Their iniquity [is not] concealed from My eyes. I will first doubly repay their iniquity and their sin, because they have polluted My land….” (Jeremiah 16:17-18)

America has been polluted. Polluted by all the abortions. Polluted by all the immorality. Polluted by all the corruption. “…They have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable idols and with their abominations.”(Jeremiah 16:18) And Jeremiah stops and he looks towards that throne and he says, “O LORD, my strength and my stronghold…my refuge in the day of distress, to You the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, „Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood, futility and things of no profit.‟ Can a man make gods for himself? Yet they are not gods!” (Jeremiah 16:19-20)

The nations are going to come. All of a sudden what he does is he takes us on the chart to the very last millennium when Jesus Christ rules on the face of this earth, when He comes back as Isaiah 2 says, and you can read it after the program. But in Isaiah chapter 2 He talks about all the nations coming up to Jerusalem, coming up to the earthly Zion and beating their swords into plowshares and learning the ways of the Lord. (See Isaiah 2:2-4) America better repent. America better learn the ways of the Lord.

Our Great Pursuit ~ Bob Caldwell

Our Great Pursuit Psalm 119:131 I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments. The half-hearted possess very little of what could become great and mighty spiritual riches. Their resulting spiritual poverty, however, can be blamed upon no one other than themselves. For the psalmist, it is clear why he had such a rich result from his experience with God's Word. It was his passion. He had become completely convinced that the scriptures were a literal goldmine of spiritual riches. His life reflected that conclusion. This is why he panted and longed for God's Word. This is why he searched for the truth within each statement of scripture. For him, meditating on God's Word was the wisest use of his time. He knew that if his daily actions were guided by the light of truth, whatever he put his hands and mind to do would prosper. For those who earnestly pursue this path of discovery, it soon begins to fuel their passion more and more for God's Word. The fruit we experience calls us to discover more and more of the gold in God's Word. In our relationships, our finances, our jobs, or our mental well being we will see God's blessing. The same is true in our battle with sin. Sin's grip is progressively loosened as we reshape our values and our mindset to what is true. May we truly see the reasoning behind the psalmist's statement, "I rise before the dawning of morning and cry for help" (v. 147). And those who have little expectation of God or half-heartedly seek the promises of His Word will reap what they have sown: very little. No longer blame God, your pastor, your spouse, or anyone else for your own low level of spiritual life. Look to your own heart. Search out where your hope and passions are directed. Then look to the wealth only found in God and His Word. See it, experience it, and then let the passion be fueled as you too experience what alone God can do through the wisdom and truth of His timeless Word.
Psalms 119:129-176 PE 129 Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. 131 I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments. 132 Look upon me and be merciful to me, As Your custom is toward those who love Your name. 133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your precepts. 135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes. 136 Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law. TSADDE 137 Righteous are You, O LORD, And upright are Your judgments. 138 Your testimonies, which You have commanded, Are righteous and very faithful. 139 My zeal has consumed me, Because my enemies have forgotten Your words. 140 Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it. 141 I am small and despised, Yet I do not forget Your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, Yet Your commandments are my delights. 144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; Give me understanding, and I shall live. QOPH 145 I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes. 146 I cry out to You; Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies. 147 I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. 148 My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word. 149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O LORD, revive me according to Your justice. 150 They draw near who follow after wickedness; They are far from Your law. 151 You are near, O LORD, And all Your commandments are truth. 152 Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever. RESH 153 Consider my affliction and deliver me, For I do not forget Your law. 154 Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes. 156 Great are Your tender mercies, O LORD; Revive me according to Your judgments. 157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies, Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies. 158 I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, Because they do not keep Your word. 159 Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness. 160 The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. SHIN 161 Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word. 162 I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. 163 I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law. 164 Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments. 165 Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble. 166 LORD, I hope for Your salvation, And I do Your commandments. 167 My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly. 168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, For all my ways are before You. TAU 169 Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. 170 Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word. 171 My lips shall utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes. 172 My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness. 173 Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. 174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD, And Your law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.
Psalms 119:129-176 v. 130 entrance – doorway, portal or gate (Ps. 24:7, 90). The image is that God's Law opens to reveal a brilliant light shining. Reminiscent of God's first word of creation (Gen. 1:3). the simple – peti (Heb.) the inexperienced and easily misled; usually a youth v. 131 I opened my mouth and panted – like a person or animal panting for water v. 132 as Your custom is – "as You always do" v. 133 Direct my steps – Make my footsteps sure. let no iniquity have dominion over me – Do not allow me to be ruled by any wrongdoing. v. 134 the oppression of man – human injustice and subjugation v. 135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant – calls to mind the "Aaronic" blessing of Numbers 6:23 v. 136 Rivers of water – The poet is genuinely and deeply sorrowful at the rejection of God's Word by the society around him. v. 139 My zeal has consumed me – Ps. 69:9, John 2:17 v. 140 Your word is very pure – as a refined and precious metal (Ps. 19:9-10) v. 141 I am small and despised – The poet recognizes himself as "puny" and unloved. v. 147 I rise before the dawning of the morning – "I greeted the dawn." v. 148 My eyes are awake through the night watches – "My eyes greet the watches of the night"; i.e. I am awake through the night. The night hours were announced by the watchmen as they went through the city or on its walls. v. 150 They draw near who follow after wickedness – Literally, "Nearing are those who pursue wickedness." The Hebrew word for "wickedness" can mean "evil purpose" and also "idolatry" (hence, "loathsome things"). These kind of people are at my heels. v. 151 You are near, O LORD – God is "near" and that makes all the difference. v. 152 You have founded them forever – God's "statutes," His eternal Word, is anchored in creation itself and before creation. The New Testament clearly associates this idea with Jesus as the eternal Word (logos (Gk.), John 1:1). v. 154 Revive me – chayah (Heb.) enliven me or give me life v. 158 the treacherous – "traitors" to God and His covenant with His people v. 160 The entirety of Your word is truth – Your Word is true in its totality v. 164 Seven times a day I praise You – may either indicate fixed times of prayer or stand for "praying constantly" v. 165 Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble – It would be strange indeed if the "Shin" section of this acrostic psalm left out shalom, the famous Hebrew word for peace. This verse begins (literally): "Peace+great to those who love Your instruction [Torah]." To them, nothing is truly a stumbling block. v. 168 all my ways are before You – God knows us through and through. v. 169 my cry – "my ringing proclamation" (song of prayer) v. 170 my supplication – my "plea for favor" v. 171 My lips shall utter praise…my tongue shall speak – Note the Hebrew style of using concrete nouns to anchor abstract ideas in real life. v. 174 Your law is my delight – Your law is the object of my joy. v. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep – a picture very deeply rooted in the biblical world view (Is. 53:6, Luke 15:1)
"I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments." –Psalm 119:131 We pray today, Lord, for hearts like that of this psalmist. Give us a thirst for Your Word, God.
Children's Ministry The recent volunteer appreciation BBQ went well as we were able to serve and fellowship with over 120 CM volunteers who bless the children who attend Calvary Chapel Boise each week. Prayer Points for protection and provision for those who serve each week for more volunteers to come forward to minister to the children each week for the hearts of the children, that Jesus would enter their lives early on