Psalm 138

1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

2 I will worship toward thy holy temple and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

3 In the day when I cried thou answered me and strengthened me with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.

6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knows afar off.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: thy mercy, O Lord, endures forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.  (KJV)

We are living in the age where people are seeking for a purpose in life, a reason for their being here on this earth. However, as I read this psalm, I realize that it is not me that must fulfill my purpose for God, but God fulfilling his purpose in me. As I study the epistles of Paul as well as the other general epistles I realize that my purpose to God is to present myself to Him as a holy living sacrifice that has been transformed from the old man to the new man (Romans 12:1,2; Colossians 3; I John 3; Philippians 2; and II Timothy 2:21). In I Corinthians 2:2 Paul states “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified”. If we follow Paul’s example, we can become a vessel of honor, holy and acceptable for the Lord’s use. My prayer is the same then as David’s “Your love O Lord endures forever do not abandon (me) the works of your hand. In his daily devotional for January 26 Oswald Chambers writes the simplicity of this process of God fulfilling his purpose in me. He writes “By receiving His Spirit, recognizing and relying on Him, and obeying Him as He brings us the truth of His Word, life become amazingly simple.”

Reading and studying verse seven of this psalm, I realize that the reality of living a quiet life without problems and issues in this world does not exist. This psalm likes many of psalms written by David brings out the importance of praising God. Even in the midst of trouble we are to praise God. How do I make discussions of how to react to the issues in my life and at the same time let God fulfill his purpose for me? One way that I have realized is to look at the examples that God has given us of David’s life as well as the life of Christ found in the scriptures. When looking at finding purpose in my life I must always go back and reflect on the experience that Christ faced at Gethsemane. His prayer found in Luke 22: 41-44:

And he was parted from them about a stone’s cast; and he knelled down and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but your will, be done. And there appeared unto him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

This too must be our prayer. As I have been studying the Bible for over fifty years the question that I have not been able to fully comprehend is “What was the true purpose of the Cross and why did it have to be this cruel death”. Yes, I know his death was the price for the sins of this world. But why this type of death?” It was truly the only way to provide salvation to a lost and dying world. But again, why this type of death? And yet as I have face Gethsemane moments in my life I have grown to realize that even the ones close to me, just as the Lord’s disciples were close to him, cannot truly know the reason behind the purpose of praying “nevertheless not my will, but your will, be done”. The secret in being able to say this prayer is one’s knowledge that God is truly God. I have realized that getting to this place in your life where you can really have the trust and obey relationship with God is not easy. This relationship only comes when you arrive at the place in your life that you can truly pray “nevertheless not my will, but your will, be done”. This relationship is your commitment to be total dependence upon God for everything. This relationship can only come by walking daily with Him and knowing that you are the work of his hands.

Verse six states that God looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Success has a way of putting distant between us and God. It seems that the more successful we become the more likely we are to forget about the way of God. That is why the Lord stated to his disciples “that he that is the greatest among you, let him be the servant to all”. Instead of being the bottom man on the totem pole, the lowly is really the rock that supports the low man on the totem pole. To cover the roughness of the rock they place rich dirt and manure on top of this rock to plant flowers. In other words, the lowly are usually completely unseen, yet supports the entire totem pole. Unseen, perhaps by most, except for the Lord.

Psalm 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

7 Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem, who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewards thee as thou hast served us.

9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dashes thy little ones against the stones. (KJV)

Read Isaiah chapter 13 and 14 as well as Jeremiah chapter 29 to fully understand this psalm. 

Reading verse three “for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” it reminds me of the scene in the movie The Return of the Kings where Pippin is asked to sing a song of his homeland.  His reply was simple “that we do not have songs for great halls and evil times.”  The seventy years that Judah spent in captivity were times that gave three generations the time to reflect on their relationship with God.  They were living in a land that was not their home.  They also knew that through the writings of the prophets that God will redeem them and would also destroy Babylon. 

I can image a old man reading this psalm and then recalling the words from the letter which Jeremiah the prophet had sent to the exiles in Babylon (Jeremiah chapter twenty-nine).  In this letter he told the captives to build houses and take wives for their sons and give your daughters to husbands to bear sons and daughter.  He was one of the first to be born to here in exile seventy years ago.  He now also recalled Jeremiah’s word from the Lord that stated” When seventy years have been completed for Babylon I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you to bring you back to this place.” Now in the year 538 B.C. this old man has just witness the proclamation sent out by Cyrus king of Persia to rebuild the temple again in Jerusalem.  The joy he must have in his heart seeing the words of the many prophets fulfill in this proclamation.   

As believers we are also in the same place as Israel was in Babylon during this time. After hearing the gospel and by faith experiencing the redeeming salvation from God, we now realize that our desires are no longer for the things of this world.  As Israel was looking for this promise return to Jerusalem, so should we be looking forward to the second coming of our Lord.  However, while we are in this world waiting for our coming Lord, we should also strive living a productive life to seek the welfare of the place in which the Lord has placed us.  At the same time, we can also look forward to the new heaven and the new earth.  The songs we sing are those that speak of our redemption and our future with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth. 

Psalm 136

1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever.

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endures forever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endures forever.

4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endures forever.

5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endures forever.

6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endures forever.

7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endures forever:

8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endures forever:

9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endures forever.

10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endures forever:

11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endures forever:

12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched-out arm: for his mercy endures forever.

13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endures forever:

14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endures forever:

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endures forever.

16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endures forever.

17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endures forever:

18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endures forever:

19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endures forever:

20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endures forever:

21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endures forever:

22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endures forever.

23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endures forever:

24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endures forever.

25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endures forever.

26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endures forever. (KJV)

This psalm could be titled His Mercy Endures Forever. But the question that comes up very frequently in conversations is how can a God that loves us so much let so much evil exists in his world. As I meditate on this question, I recall the opening words from the Lord’s prayer found in Matthew chapter six. These words “Our Father who is in heaven holy be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” helps me realize that God’s will in the kingdom in heaven is complete; but his will on the kingdom which is on earth must not be complete. Trying to comprehend the question of how can a God that loves us so much let so much evil exist in his world is difficult to understand for man because the first step in this process is to grasp an understanding of the true nature and attributes of God. This process of grasping the nature and attributes is something that is really impossible for man who is just another creation of God.

In the first three verses the psalmist describes God as good, the God of gods, and the Lord of lords. What command are we given in this psalm? Give thanks. The reason for our thanks is simply “His love endures forever”. The next six verses give us the reasons why His love endures forever by describing His creative acts.  Verse four states that He alone does great wonders and verse five adds the phase, who by his understanding made the heavens set the stage that He is beyond our understanding. Men prides himself on his great creations. This pride can be seen in the simple sandcastle built by a young child to great cities as well as the social structures that are built through the combined forces of a nation. However, the concept of building something out of nothing is beyond my understanding as well as the understanding of all mankind. How can I or mankind as a whole grasp the nature of the creator when we cannot even grasp an understanding of how the heavens, the earth, and everything on the earth were created?

Verse ten through twenty-five gives us illustrations of how God intervenes in the history of man. These illustrations deal mainly with Israel. Why Israel? Because of God’s promises to Adam and then to Abraham, and then to David. However, in verse twenty-five the psalmist also God’s involvement on earth to include the giving food every creature. Paul summaries God’s dealing with man in his sermon on Mar’s Hill to the Athenians in Acts chapter seventeen.

The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ “Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

In studying Paul’s ministry, it is interesting that here at Athens the great city of learning that the impact of the gospel had very little effect on the people that heard this message. Paul ended his sermon with a warning that God is now dealing to all people to repent because he has fixed a day in which he will judge the world.

The psalmist closes this psalm in verse twenty-six with the phase “give thanks to the God of Heaven”. As I consider the question of “how can a God that loves us so much let so much evil exist in his world?” I must consider Paul’s warning to the Athenians that God is now dealing to all people to repent because he has fixed a day in which he will judge the world. After considering this psalm and Paul’s sermon on Mar’s Hill a more pressing question needs to be asked. Why does man reject such a great salvation (the gospel or good news) that is presented to him in God’s Word? Those who do give thanks to the God of heaven are those who have not rejected this great salvation and truly realize that His love endures forever.

Psalm 135

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, O ye servants of the Lord.

2 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

3 Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

4 For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

7 He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

10 Who smote great nations and slew mighty kings.

11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:

12 And gave their land for an heritage, a heritage unto Israel his people.

13 Thy name, O Lord, endures forever, and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations.

14 For the Lord will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.

16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not.

17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusts in them.

19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel: bless the Lord, O house of Aaron:

20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: ye that fear the Lord, bless the Lord.

21 Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord. (KJV)

The key to understanding this psalm is found in verse 6 ^“The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth”. As one recalls the Lords’ prayer in Matthew chapter six “Thy kingdom come Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”. This Psalm is similar to Psalm 115. Verse six of this Psalm “The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” compares to verse three of psalm 115 “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” Verse fifteen through eighteen of this psalm compares to verses four through eight of Psalm 115. Finally, reference is made in both psalms to the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord.

These psalms help us understand how God uses the nation of Israel. It is not because of the greatness of Israel as a nation that God uses this nation, but to the glory of God. It is because of God’s promises to Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and many others that God uses the nation of Israel be bring Him glory. His dealings with Israel throughout history give the nations of this world examples of God’s love and faithfulness. It gives the nations of the world a view of God in action. Yet it leaves an open door for all to have a relationship with Him. This psalm speaks of praising him, whereas Psalms 115 speaks of trusting Him. But both Psalms include the phase “those who fear the Lord”.

Reading this psalm, I cannot help but focus on the word praise. Praise should be a very easy task for us in our relationship with the Lord; however, I believe because of the effects of “the cares of this world” on our life we lose our focus on the relationship we are to have with the Lord. We become so wrapped up in the everyday activities that we seem to forget the most important relationship we have is with the Lord. Praise is wonderful. Our relationship with our spouse is also an important relationship we have on this earth. I have come to realize how important praise is in this relationship. The simple, yet meaningful words such as my lovely beautiful, sweet, lovely young lady before I start a conversation can set the stage for a wonderful conversation. This is the type of praise we need to come before the Lord within our conversation. Once we have set in place who God really is than why would we ever question the path he has prepared for us each day. So, as you start this day out start it out by praising the One who will lead you in paths of righteousness through the green pastures and still waters, and if by chance you happen to have to go through the valley shadow of death He will also be there.

Psalm 134

This is the last psalm of the fifteen Song of Ascents psalms

1 Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord.

2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.

3 The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion. (KJV)

What are the duties of the servant of the Lord? In these verses we are to minister and praise the Lord. The root definition means the act of serving. It is used to describe the work of one that serves. One section of scriptures that all saints need to know is Philippians chapter two. The importance of these verses from Paul describes the walk that we should have in this world “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men”. This walk should be modeled after the ministry of Christ.

So, praise the Lord and learn more of the walk of Christ. Learn more about Him and you will learn more about being a servant of the Lord.

Psalm 133

This is the 14th psalm of the fifteen Song of Ascents psalms

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.

3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (KJV)

Reading verse one, I reflect on Paul’s many verses from his introductions found in his many epistles. An example of this is found in I Thessalonians chapter one. In these verses he refers to them as an example to all that believe. How does brothers live in unity? This is not an easy task. Just consider the examples of brothers given to us in the scriptures. There is the example of the first set of brothers Cain and Abel. Other examples given in the scriptures: Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, as well as David and his brothers. As we look at these relationships, they all have one thing in common. This common theme is jealousy. Why jealousy? Because jealousy is a result of wanting something that someone does not have but desires. But what happens when two brothers have no jealousy? David found this type of relationship in Jonathan the son of Saul and David’s brother-in- law. Read I Samuel chapter twenty to see the full example of this love.

As you read and study the psalms simple truths that we know exist just appear as common knowledge to the writers of these verses. Verse three “For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” should help the believer along in the everyday aspect of living their life on earth. As we age and our bodies limits the activities that we use to do our minds should look forwarded to the new body that the Lord is preparing for us. Just as a young girl’s dream of becoming a beauty model, or a young boy’s dreams of growing into that mighty major league baseball player who hits the game winning home run, we should in our old age dream of the body that we will receive then Christ returns. Do you live your daily life on this earth that reflects this simple truth “God has bestowed this blessing on your life and that this blessing is life forevermore. From this day forward let me reflect this truth to those around me that I have life forevermore and therefore I am content with the limitations placed on me by my earthly tabernacle at this time.

Psalm 132

1 Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions:

2 How he swore unto the LORD and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob.

3 Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed.

4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,

5 Until I find out a place for the Lord, a habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.

6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.

7 We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.

8 Arise, O Lord, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.

9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

10 For thy servant David’s sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.

11 The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

13 For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.

14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish. (KJV)

Verse 5 of this Psalm gives the focus point of what should be one of a believer’s greatest desires (till I find a place for the LORD).

Verse 11 is an interesting verse when studying the generations of Christ presented in Matthew chapter one and Luke chapter three. This verse states, “The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne”. However, in Jeremiah 22:30 the Lord placed a curse on Jechoniah that none of his seed would set on the throne of David ruling Judah. That is the difference in the generations in Matthew and Luke. Matthew traces the generations (Joesph’s side) through David’s son Solomon whereas Luke traces the generations (Mary’s side) through Solomon’s brother Nathan.

This Psalm promises us a King who will reign from Zion. This King is Christ. I was questioned the other day about my faith in this King. When I told someone, I was opposed to the government trying to take care of the problems we face in society because I had faith that God would provide for me, I was told that this type of faith was not real. He told me that he had seem others who believed that God would cure them, and God did not, and they had to fall by on the government to take care of them. Then I stated that I knew God will take care of me, and that the others he referred to must had have little or no faith, he looked at me and stated, “Are you telling me that your faith is stronger than the faith of others?”. My reply was yes. For you see Christ refers to our faith with these words: o ye of little faith, ye have no faith, I have not found so great faith not in Israel, according to your faith be it unto you, thy faith have made thee whole, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, but I prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. I told him to look and read the pages that I had wrote and put on the internet on my website, I do serve a risen Savior who is in the world today. This is the same Savior that this Psalm refers to as God’s anointed one. Remember the most important faith to question is that of our faith. You do not have to get in a game of comparing faith, just make sure your faith is for real.

Psalm 131

This is the 12th psalm of the fifteen Song of Ascents psalms

¹ My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
² But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
³ O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore. (NIV)

It is amazing how a short psalm like Psalm 131 can ease our mind. The beauty of God’s Word is how the truth found in each verse can touch the heart of those who are not proud, who have quieted themselves so that the Spirit of God can renew that individual relationship between them and God.

How often do we try to put ourselves or others on a pedestal only to see how easy it is to fall off that pedestal? How often do we seem to have all the answers and then realize that the path we have charted is taking us in the wrong direction? How often do we let our thought become express words without going through the filtering system that we have developed during our experiences on this earth? Yet the opening verse of this Psalm gives us the advice that we need to avoid all these issues. The definition of pride found in the dictionary is: a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. Synonyms for being proud include pride, conceit, self-esteem, egotism, and vanity can imply an elevated idea of the way we appear to others. The advantages, achievements, as well as the position that we attain in this life, often lead us to develop characteristics that creates an environment in which self-admiration takes over in our life. I recall one of my favorites saying in the days of my youth as “when you are good you are good, but when you are great you are like me!”. However, age can sometimes have a way of adjusting our attitudes, and where pride exist a fall is close behind.

Sooner or later, we arrive at the place in our life after the fall from pride, that we realize that there are matters that we can’t handle and things that are now greater than your abilities to comprehend and explain. It is during these time that we either return again to the folly of starting over and doing things my way again, or finally stops and wait on God to make things happen. We daily face the challenge of doing it my way or waiting on God. There is a lot of pride in doing things my way, however, there is no rest. As I study the ministry of Christ, I realize that this psalm reflects the yoke that Christ refers to in Matthew chapter 11 verses twenty-five through thirty:

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Yes, to the wise and learned the hidden things of God are hidden. It is only when we realized that our hope is not the power that we have but that this hope awaits those that wait on God. So, if you are weary and burden with the issues of life then take Christ offer and take his yoke and learn from Him.

Psalm 130

This is the 11th psalm of the fifteen Song of Ascents psalms

1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.

2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

6 My soul waits for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

7 Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. (KJV)

And not only did he redeemed Israel from all their sins, but also all who believe in Christ.

As I was studying A.W. Tozer’s book Knowledge Of The Holy I was impressed by his last chapter The Open Secret. The open secret that he discusses in this chapter is how can the Christian bring back the departed glory that is missing in the church today. I believe he starts in the right direction with the statement “Any forward step in the Church must begin with the individual.” The open secret is simple “acquaint thyself with God”. He has given us the realm of nature which we can experience his created power; however, as we see from Psalm nineteen the knowledge that man receives from the nature (natural revelation) only points him to God. Only by studying his Word daily can we experience the true fellowship with God that our spiritual nature seeks. Do not allow the things and the events of this world take away time from his Word. Open the scriptures and acquaint thyself with God. This is the best self-help book available. Heed the advice that Paul gave Timothy in II Timothy three:

But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

Stay in God’s Word daily and you will find that your life will become complete.

Psalm 129

This is the 10th psalm of the fifteen Song of Ascents psalms

1 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:

2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.

4 The Lord is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.

6 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it grows up:

7 Wherewith the mower fills not his hand; nor he that binds sheaves his bosom.

8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we bless you in the name of the Lord. (KJV)

Sometimes we seem to forget verse four, “but the LORD is righteous” when we look at the events around us. As Psalm 128 explains we need to have the fear of the Lord and be walking in his ways to be blessed; here the psalmist warns against making this saying “The blessing of the LORD be upon you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.” to those who oppress Israel and hate Zion. To fear God is to acknowledge God’s love and future desires for Israel. Therefore, keep your eyes on Israel because that is the nation that God in using to determine the Second Coming of his Son.

Belief in the Jesus as your Lord and Savior can present problems for some individuals around the world.  Most of the time I believe Christians only have concerns and prayers that center around their social unit.  In large portions of the world Christians are not only looked down upon but are also persecuted for their beliefs.  We must also realize that the doctrines and belief system different greatly even within the circles of Christianity.  The one truth that we do share is Jesus is our Lord and Savior, and we build the foundation of our belief system on Him.  So, as you read this psalm realize that other believers in the world are greatly oppressed and this psalm offers them the assurance that the Lord is watching over them.

Reading this psalm reveals the true realization of the power of the sinful nature of man.  As verse one and two repeat this phase “Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth.” is as true today as it was when this psalm was written.  Today the battle against God’s chosen nation (Israel) and those they want them totally destroyed is probably as strong today as it was during the time of Haman the Agagite during the reign of Ahasuerus king of Persia and Media.  My prayer must be for Israel if I truly believe in Genesis 12:3 “And I will bless those who bless you, and the one that curses you I will curse.  And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”