Psalms 69

As other mornings, I opened my computer to post a daily blog. A small icon in the right hand corner caught my eye – no internet connection. Connection to the router was good, but the router’s connection to the internet was lost and a reset was required.

How often do we lose our connection to God? That answer will vary, but if we’re not praying, we’re not in touch with the Lord. Any time we feel that separation, we need to reach out to Him. Perhaps David felt that as he prayed:

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. (Psalms 69:13 KJV)

It is part of a prayer where he felt as though he were drowning, under waters way over his head:

Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. (Psalms 69:1-3 KJV)

Was this one of the times his family failed him? Or one of the times when he failed them?

I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. (Psalms 69:8 KJV)

David knew he needed help, and he called for it to be speedy.

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. (Psalms 69:16-17 KJV)

He found no pity without God.

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. (Psalms 69:20 KJV)

After a few comments about his enemies, David turns back to his relationship to God.

But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. (Psalms 69:29-31 KJV)

David calls upon the rest of creation to praise Him.

Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. (Psalms 69:34 KJV)

So my daily posting is slightly delayed to due the frailties of our technology, which reminds me that the Lord never fails. His word offers an explanation of prayer, and it’s promise.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

If The Lord Tarries

We’ve been told He’ll return.

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)

Spend some time reading in prayer Matthew’s 24th chapter, where we find:

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. (Matthew 24:33)

Continue into chapter 25, and read:

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:13)

Many quote from Matthew 25:35-46 as good works for us to do. Yet some ignore:

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (Matthew 25:31)

Much of the detail was revealed to John on Patmos:

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (Revelation 19:11)

So, do we bow in prayer and wait for His return? I think not. Had Christians done that for the past two thousand years we would not have the stories to tell and the faith to show today. There would have been no preachers studying to rightly divide the word of truth and exhort His church.

We shouldn’t be concerned that another two thousand years may pass without hearing the sound of the trumpet. Even though He has spoken:

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)

It should be nothing to us if we’re here only another moment or not, we will complete our allotted time in His loving care.

Volunteer

The comment was part of a much longer discussion about church activities that had not gone as anticipated. One person said they thought it could be done differently. Another said, “They are volunteers.”

Forgive me, but that’s not really valid reasoning for a lack of results. God seldom used volunteers. He called people to action, and repeated the call if they declined. Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Jonah – not a volunteer among them. Our Christian churches are to be examples of New Testament churches, built on Christ’s life and His teachings. I don’t recall Him waiting for volunteers, either.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:18-19 KJV)

True, He was, is and ever will be, perfection. That’s what we are to strive for, that’s what we are work toward. Even when we fail, that’s our goal. Christ wasn’t very gentle when getting Paul’s attention and recruitment, either. And, He was specific when He told Ananias what to do.

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, (Acts 9:11 KJV)

These people didn’t “volunteer,” they were called. They were also taught. I first found that example in the Old Testament.

Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land. Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD. (2 Kings 17:27-28 KJV)

Jesus taught His disciples, too.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, (Matthew 5:1-2 KJV)

On the other hand, do not turn away volunteers – Christ didn’t turn away Philip’s friend, Nathanael. Jesus greeted him as an Israelite without guile and Nathanael asked how He knew that. Jesus answered with a comment about a fig tree. Nathanael responded and followed.

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. (John 1:49 KJV)

We, too, make such an acknowledgement when we accept Christ as our savior and request church membership. We then need training. Titus 2 has directions for all ages of church members.

Look for the programs in your church and truly volunteer where you can best serve. Ask for directions – determine the goals, set standards for the outcome, ask questions of leadership if understanding is lacking or confusion exists, share expertise and grow experience. We need to be as professional in our church service as we are in our work. Sadly, maybe we are.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (Romans 12:11 KJV)

Psalms 29

Psalms 29 KJV
(1) Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
(2) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
(3) The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
(4) The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
(5) The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
(6) He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
(7) The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.
(8) The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
(9) The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
(10) The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.
(11) The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Consider for a moment what we must give to the Lord when we understand what is due His name. What can we offer to He who spoke the universe into existence. Spoke!! No waving of wands, clapping of hands, simply, “And God said …”

What have you done with your voice recently? Have you spoke His name in prayer? Have you spoken His name in thanksgiving? Has His name even passed through your lips? Or, as so often, has His name been spoken in vain?

Oh, yes, The voice of the LORD is powerful. So, what do we give in return? Another Psalms tells gives a clue:

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4 KJV)

Wow – he promises to give us the desires of our hearts! Wait one moment. Go back to the verse just before that:

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (Psalms 37:3 KJV)

Now we have more of the puzzle – Trust in the Lord, do good (that’s all tied in with those Ten Commandments, remember?) and delight in Him. Is that so much to ask for the Lord who sitteth King for ever?

I think not. His word also provides the conclusion regarding the duty of His creation.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 KJV)

I am prepared to stand before in for judgment, knowing my shortcomings (to my shame) and His mercy (to His power and glory.)

Detail of God's hand reaching out to Adam, from Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo (Wiki Commons)

Guilty?

Beloved Husband told me last night that he felt guilty. I asked “Why?” “Because there’s so much that needs to be done and I can’t do it.” Of course not!!! Even sitting still, the talon bone spur in his shoulder is pressing into the hole it made in his tendon. It cuts wider and deeper with movement. His comment, along with another’s devotional, sent me seeking, and thinking.

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:25-27 KJV)

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

How can we feel this peace when we feel so guilty? We know our own wrongdoing, whether it’s breaking man’s societal laws or God’s holy commandments. We need to feel guilt for those until we’ve cleared them.

Stop breaking man’s laws, which were set to keep society safe and secure. That’s fairly simple – but we continue thinking of them as major and minor, continually breaking the minor ones. I heard someone describe a speeding ticket as the tax for driving fast instead of looking at it as a safety feature to protect drivers and those around them. We become hardened, inured, and we ignore those laws that tend to impact our daily lives.

We break God’s commandments just as easily. We ask His forgiveness and believe the Bible when we’re told that our transgressions are gone.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalms 103:12 KJV)

We may, however, think of some as minor and neglect to confess them. Guilt then is appropriate, and we may be disciplined. We also know that God’s discipline is applied in love and with mercy.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:9-11 KJV)

Though our goal is to emulate Christ’s perfection, we depend on Him for support in doing so. With His support, we can believe His promise:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 KJV)

When we have obeyed man’s laws, have confessed our sins against God’s law and repented, there is no more need for guilt. No need to feel as if we did something wrong. We are the children of God, accepting His discipline when required and His forgiveness as promised. False guilt can quench the Holy Spirit just as quickly as disobedience to God does. And, it can create a pattern if not cleared.

Should guilt remain though we have been obedient and/or confessed our failures, it most likely is false guilt. False guilt can erode our faith, removing that support available to us and removing our sense of peace. Give those feelings of guilt to God in prayer, too. Ask Him to cleanse, then accept the peace He has promised. It is freely available, and just as freely given.

So Are We Christ's

Recently I viewed a video taken by a professed Christian. He visited an activity held at another denomination’s church, taking them to task for actions he disapproved as being unbiblical. I questioned how we would feel if someone came to our church looking for such differences.

The incident reminded me of Paul’s response to some questioning his own relationship to Christ, perhaps boasting that theirs was more correctly in line with His teachings.

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. (2 Corinthians 10:7 KJV)

Should we think it impossible that those who call upon Christ as their Lord and savior, though there be differences between us, are His?

Are there not differences within our own denomination? Within our own church?

Are there not instructions within His word as to how to handle differences between brothers in Christ? Might these be used on a larger scale?

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (Matthew 18:15 KJV)

If that doesn’t resolve differences, there is another step Christ gave us.

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (Matthew 18:16 KJV)

Still another step is available.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18:17 KJV)

Then we can step back and see what Jesus did with heathen and publicans. How about the publican Matthew? Take a few moments to look up how Jesus spoke to him – and what he wrote about Christ afterward. Another example is found in Luke 18:9-14. Who went home justified? Do a Bible search on “publican” and “publicans.” Following one such verse is this:

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. (Luke 15:2 KJV)

Yes, I’ve presented more questions today than I have scriptures. I’ve had to answer these questions in my own mind, for I consider myself of Christ and I need exhortation, too.

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (Hebrews 3:13-15 KJV)

As Matthew Henry wrote in his “Commentary on the Whole Bible” regarding 2 Corinthians 10:7-11: “This we may plead for ourselves, against those who judge us and despise us that, how weak soever we are, yet, as they are Christ's, so are we: we profess the same faith, we walk by the same rule, we build upon the same foundation, and hope for the same inheritance.”

The Pharisee and the Publican, by James Tissot, in Brooklyn Museum (Wiki Commons)

Sometimes It Hurts

Around here, we think of becoming a follower of Christ as a fairly simple process. Understand why the Gospels were written, accept the witnesses the New Testament provides, acknowledge our need for God, respond to it in faith and locate a church in which to be baptized and serve.

For many, the hardest part is walking down the aisle of that church to make that public profession of faith. For others there are repercussions throughout their families, adjustments that must be made. There are a lot of lessons to learn after following Christ. Some of them today aren’t really easy. That hasn’t changed.

Peter comes to mind first. Enthusiastic, over the top Peter. He is such an example of the highs and lows, yet the consistency of love that goes with being a Christian. He just couldn’t accept the idea that Christ must die. Then, as now, Jews were looking for an earthly Messiah, one who would come to free them from tyranny and set up a kingdom here on earth. Instead, Christ spoke of the heavenly Father, a kingdom in heaven and a sacrificial death ahead of him. Peter protested. His protests drew a response from Jesus.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:23 KJV)

That had to hurt. Not as bad as the look he received just before the crucifixion, though.

Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:74-75 KJV)

He had not held to the faith that God was in control, that what happens is within His will. Even the tragic, unexplainable, life-costing events in life – even the works of the fallen who would have taken His place – our all-knowing, all-caring God is aware of what is coming. Even when it hurts, as Peter hurt, and wept bitterly.

Another example is Paul. Opposed to the doctrinal challenges Jesus posed, Paul sought with great fervor to eradicate the followers who claimed to have seen the risen Christ. To believe their stories would not change so much how he perceived God, but how he perceived those who taught of him. With the authority to destroy, he changed on the road to Damascus.

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Acts 9:4-5 KJV)

It must have hurt when he stood up, sightless.

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. (Acts 9:8 KJV)

Yet, neither man left Christ, instead they followed His commands and spread the word to the point their names are held in high esteem today as examples of men who served others all their lives, in the name of their Lord.

Paul beseeched others to do the same, seeing it as reasonable service.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1 KJV)

Peter's First Denial, by James Tissot, in Brooklyn Museum (Wiki Commons)