Psalm 67 PLEA, PRAISE AND PROMISE

PLEA, PRAISE AND PROMISE

Psalm 67

THE PLEA vs 1-2

Our first relationship with God begins with our asking for His mercy towards us. We accept the fact that we have sinned and are under His coming judgement, hell for eternity. Its’ then we realize we have no other hope for forgiveness than Jesus Christ who paid our penalty for sin. We then ask God foe mercy, because we have nothing to offer for ourselves. Then rely on His promises that never fail. To know more about Him and His ways we must read/study the Bible ourselves time alone with the Bible and God.

THE PRAISE vs 3

Praise follow as knowledge of God and His ways increases.  He will judge all people with righteous judgement, His judgement will never be wrong . He knows the truth and all circumstances we face. He is in control of all that happen and also allows people to do wrong things. Remember the day is coming when all will give account for thing done whether good or bad. When we accept Christ as our and the only Saviour, our past sin is forgiven and He will remember them no more.  Now we our desire is to live in ways that will be pleasing to Him. Because of Christ paying the penalty for our sin we will praise and worship Him freely.

THE PROMISE vs 6

When we are in the right relationship with God that is nothing between us.  All sin unconfessed hinders that fellowship with Christ. The hymn writer Charles Tindley put it clearly in the hymn Nothing Between my soul and my Saviour.

1. Nothing between my soul and my Savior,
   Naught of this world’s delusive dream;
   I have renounced all sinful pleasure;
   Jesus is mine, there’s nothing between.
2. Nothing between, like worldly pleasure;
   Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
   Must not my heart from Him ever sever;
   He is my all, there’s nothing between.
3. Nothing between, like pride or station;
   Self or friends shall not intervene;
   Though it may cost me much tribulation,
   I am resolved, there’s nothing between.
4. Nothing between, e’en many hard trials,
   Though the whole world against me convene;
   Watching with prayer and much self-denial,
   I’ll triumph at last, there’s nothing between.

Refrain:
Nothing between my soul and my Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor;
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between

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Psalm 65

Psalm 65
Praise, Power and Provisions
PRAISE because:
He hears our prayers.- Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not” 1John 3:22-23 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment. That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another as he gave us commandment.” He hears our call in times of trouble, sorrow, heartache and our praise in times of joy.
He Promises forgiveness.- He forgives our transgressions (sin)we all have sinned. 1 John 1:9 “ If we confess sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
He seeks us.- He searches for all to offer the gift of salvation.- Titus 2:11 : For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” 2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some man count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
His Power.- He spoke and the world was created. In the storms at sea with the apostles, He Jesus spoke and the sea immediately because calm and peaceful. He can handle the mountains and seas we face daily in life, trust Him.
His provisions. – He provides all we need. He waters the earth to bring forth our food, He feeds the animals in the pastures . He (Jesus) God the Son came to earth, willing to take our place in God’s judgement of our sin. He was crucified on the cross in our place to suffer our penalty for our sin. Mathew 28. Each one must decide whether he will accept the payment for sin that Jesus offers to all. There is no other way. We can’t work to earn it, no religion or church can provide it. Our forgiveness comes only when we admit, confess to God our sin and ask His forgiveness. There is no other hope only forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Have you personally trusted Christ alone for forgiveness and salvation, there is no other hope.

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Christmas

CHRISTMAS

Christmas is the beginning of a determined, sacrificial thirty three year walk to the Cross of Calvary . To purchase the greatest  and mostly costly and needed gift of all time. God the Son the creator of our earth and universe, leaves all the glories of heaven where He is worshipped by the angels. I just can’t imagine what it was and is like. He came to earth as a helpless little baby, to grow over time into manhood. Then He was ridiculed, rejected, arrested, tormented, beaten then suffered the unimaginable agony of death by crucifixion on the cross. All because of His love for me and you. Many in jest tell children to be good and Santa will bring you gifts. Jesus tells us He is offering us a gift and there is nothing we can possibly do to earn or deserve it. The gift of life, without it we have no hope for the eternal future. As we prepare to give gifts and celebrate Christmas, let’s be sure not to forget Christs’ gift offered freely to all. The gift of forgiveness of sin and to become one of His children . Will you accept or reject the gift He offers to all, the choice is yours.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. “ John 3:16  “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9

 

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Love and Actions

Love and Actions

Its’ been said that love is shown by actions.

God declared His love for us in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”   He demonstrated that love in actions  Matthew 27:22-46 . The answer to the question Jesus asked while on the cross is that it was for me and all others who will accept Him as savior. That’s LOVE in action.    “²⁶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. ²⁷ Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. ²⁸ And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. ²⁹ And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! ³⁰ And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. ³¹ And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. ³² And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. ³³ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, ³⁴ They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. ³⁵ And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. ³⁶ And sitting down they watched him there; ³⁷ And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews. ³⁸ Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. ³⁹ And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, ⁴⁰ And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. ⁴¹ Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, ⁴² He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. ⁴³ He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. ⁴⁴ The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. ⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? “Let’s live our lives with His love and actions in mind daily.

 

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Dealing with your Enemy

Dealing with your Enemy
I have an enemy in my life some may have more . I can narrow mine down to one real enemy. One who I realize I will never win over, he has determined to be my enemy for life, yes its Satan, the Devil he uses many others to attack me, my nature, my own mine and even other people. He waits patiently for an opportunity, just a small opening. Something maybe seen in movies, TV etc or read just a little something to give him an opening, just a small one. The Psalmist realized his weakness before the enemy and prays to God to deliver me, defend me and save me. The psalmist prayer concerning the wicked (Psalm 59:5) he prays for judgment from God who is Just in all His dealings, he does not at this time pray for mercy on the wicked. Maybe Christians today have become too easy on sin and the enemies of God, those who reject Christ. The old preacher C.H. Spurgeon states “ How wrong is that state of mind which hates to hear of the punishment of the wicked”. We call sin by many nice sounding names, living together, sleeping together instead of fornicating. Gay instead of homosexual reprobates (Romans 1:27-) Yes Gods’ desire is and ours should be for their repentance and coming to Christ for salvation. With many in churches today nothing is called sin just a different way, let’s get back to calling sin what it is horrible in the face of our Holy and loving God. Then as the Psalmist (vs 16 Psalm 59) we can sing of His power, His mercy and our deliverance from the power of sin. Remember little leaks can sink large boats if not fixed. Let’s stop the leaks, spread the Gospel and give praise to our Lord and Saviour. Psalm 59:1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. 2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. 3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. 4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. 5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. 6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. 7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? 8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. 9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. 10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. 11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield. 12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak. 13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah. 14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. 15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. 16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. 17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

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MISCHIEF & MERCY

MISCHIEF & MERCY
When we think of mischief we think of something annoying not really bad. But mischief is also wrong doing causing loss, pain and harm. All thoughts, words and actions come out of the heart of people. What is in our heart man times comes out in words, attitudes and actions. Our nation, its people are moving constantly toward a love for evil. Evidenced by TV programs etc. promoting sex without marriage, polygamy, homosexuality, profanity and social drinking as a normal good lifestyle. In Psalm 52 verse 2 speaks of the tongue working deceitfully, that is saying evil is good and good is wrong. Many today even professing Christians are turning against what God says is wrong to accepting sin as just different life styles and beliefs. Wrong is first tolerated, then accepted and finally embraced leading to the downfall of many and eventually our nation. We need to get back to calling what God says is wrong sin. Gods’ judgment is coming one day we will see Gods’ longsuffering come to an end. I believe God is sending a warning even through secular TV etc as many are talking about a coming disaster, financially, food shortages and even the need to prepare to defend and protect yourself. The Bible tells us to be ready time is short death is sure. The Christians will be taken out of this world before the coming Tribulation shown in the book of Revelation in the bible. But we don’t know how bad things will get before that time, just look at other countries it can happen here. Gods’message is simple be ready time is short death is sure. He is not willing that any should perish but He leaves that decision up to each individual. 1 Timothy 2:4-5 Who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The Gospel is simple we are all sinners and need forgiveness that can come only through Christ alone, no church, religion or anything we can do. Jesus paid our price for sin on the cross of Calvary. The invitation is open will you accept his gift. Psalm 52 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. 2 The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. 3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. 4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. 5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah. 6 The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: 7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. 8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. 9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before

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Don”t Fear

As we look around the world today we see the violence in at present foreign countries with ISIS, The crime and riots in several cities in our own country. Some predicting the collapse of our nations financial system. Then in our own personal lives the problems we may face daily along with the many “what ifs” . And in psalm 46 the psalmist tells us not to fear, remember God is our refuge our place and source of protection. He is our strength to face and deal with the problems that come our way. He is also our helper in our times of trouble. It’s easy to proclaim to others when trouble comes their way to just trust, rest and wait on God. At times it’s more difficult when we face trouble and heartache. But remember the psalmist David spent years running and hiding from King Saul for his life. But we need to maintain and cling to the truth stated here that God cares for us/me personally, He is my strength and my refuge and the one who is my eop in times of trouble and sorrow. Keep close to Him through the reading od His Word and prayer. And yes trust and totally rely on His promises. He loves us/me enough to suffer and die on the cross of Calvary for me and you to make the way of our forgiveness of sin. When we read His invitation to come to Him and His promises we need to make both personal. Many know the gospel message of salvation but have not made it personal, I did that for many years until the spring of 1968. Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabern acles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
1. A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
2. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name, from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.
3. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
4. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours, thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.

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Confidence in God

Confidence in God
Judge me O God, Psalm 43, the psalmist ask God to be his judge. We can judge actions whether they are right or wrong according to Gods’ Word. But only God can truly judge the motives and intents of a person. We may think , assume another’s motive but only that person and God know the truth of their motives. We can and should make judgements as to what is right and wrong according to the Word of God. Then because to the troubles the psalmist is facing he begins to think that even God has forsaken him in his time or need. At times many of us may have had the same feelings, at times forgetting His promise to never leave us or forsake us Hebrews 13:5 . In His despair he ask God for guidance to lead him. Then he will with joy praise God. In our times of trouble we nee to take a look around and see the heartaches, the lack of provisions others have, the health problems etc and thank and praise God for what He has given us. As we remember that’s a hare thing to do in our world today with the fast pace the many distractions. We need to take time to stop and think of the blessings He has given us. It can start with our rescue from Hells’ destination. His love paid our price of forgiveness on the cross of Calvary. Then we remember our hope is in the one true and faithful God and His promises. Then with a thankful heart we have hope in the future because our God. Psalm 43 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. 4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

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Four words in life

Four words in life
Desire, tears, why and hope are four words that are part our lives that we all experience at times. DESIRE, what is your main desire in life, remember time and actions reveal the truth so lets be honest with ourselves. Many people profess Christianity but do you have a desire, or as the psalmist says a thirst for God (Psalm 42). Two questions; do you have a desire to spent time with the Bible reading and praying personally? What priority is attendance in Church to hear the Bible taught and preached , and singing praised to God? TEARS, we all experience heartaches, disappointments, sorrow and just some hard times in this life. Some falsely teach that as Christians we will not have those times but hard times come to all one way or another, just read the examples in the Bible of men who were dedicated to God. That leads to the third word WHY the psalmist ask of himself why am I cast down set aside, without any present hope for the future. Why am I disquieted no rest for the mind, spirit ,emotions, no peace of heart just troubled in life. In all the psalmist troubles he begins to think that God has forgotten him and he is all alone. In the depths of his troubles he reminds himself as we also should to look to God. HOPE in God. As we read Gods’ Word the Bible and many times the testimonies and experiences of others our hope is renewed our spirit is lifted. The Word of God as we read it think on it and remember Gods love and care for us and His promised faithfulness our hope is restored, it may take time. But we must wait patiently on God to provide the hope encouragement and the relief it will come. Whatever the day brings remember the psalmists’ admonition hope in God. Psalm 42 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. 9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? 11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

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TAKE HEED

Take Heed
Take heed consider your ways, the psalmist here is speaking of being careful of what you say , think before you speak. What effect could your words have for the future for yourself and others. We also need to take heed to what we need to do to grow spiritually and walk close to our Lord daily. Time reading and studying His Word the Bible and praying. Consider what part really the Bible has in your daily life, are you spending time reading what Jesus wrote to you in His word. Some rarely read the letter from the one they claim to love. As a professing Christian, I almost never read the Bible, went to church because it was what Christians do, but had many excuses for missing. Then in March 1968 I was led to take a good look at myself and realized I was not a Christian, then I got saved and all that changed. I believe many professing Christians are like I was little if any evidence of a changed life and living to please the one who died in their place so we could be forgiven. As the psalmist says in Psalm 39:5 time is short be sure be ready. One day I believe soon, Christians will be taken out of this world, caught up in the Rapture to be with Jesus. Then God will release the most horrific judgements upon the earth and those left behind. Take close heed, be honest with yourself as you examine yourself to see if you are really a Christian. Faith in Him alone brings salvation to those who will confess their need. The life you live shows the evidence of your true beliefs. Psalm 39 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. 2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. 3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, 4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. 9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. 10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand. 11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. 12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

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