Today and Forever: A Narrative Coloring Book, Out NOW!
Since I was a child, I felt so much joy singing songs about Jesus in church. Throughout the years of my life, so many songs have lifted my spirit, strengthened my faith, and led me to a place of peace and worship. I pray that for the rest of my days, I will continue to sing of the goodness of God and rejoice in His mighty works. How Great Is Our GOD!
Psalm 20 brings to mind those times in my life when I felt overwhelmed with trouble. Feeling weak, anxious, helpless and afraid, I could feel my faith wavering as doubts flooded my heart and mind. In those tough times, I would call on my rolodex of prayer warriors. These precious saints would pray confidently about the faithful, unfailing and victorious God who is our Father, our refuge, our savior and deliverer.
In Psalm 19, David tells us that we need only to look to the splendor of nature, in the earth and skies, to come to know God. He speaks to all of mankind through His creation and by understanding how they are designed, we can come to understand God’s righteous laws. The one thing we all have in common around the world is that we all look up into the same sky, day and night. There is no speech or language where the voice of God is not heard (19:3). He speaks to all of us as we behold and study the sun, moon, stars, galaxies and so much more.
Psalm 18 begins with the descriptive title explaining the context of David’s song. This psalm is a song of victory, a lengthy and exuberant praise for God’s mighty deliverance of David from all his enemies and from the long-time oppression of Saul.
David seems to be presenting an argument to God, justifying his right for God’s protection because of his own works. David sees man’s covenant with God as one where, as long as you are keeping your end of the bargain, by keeping God’s commandments, then God will honor His promises by blessing and protecting you. This perspective is not unusual in light of the Old Testament/Covenant of God and man.
I know that God will keep me in perfect peace if I keep my mind on Him. I also live with the blessed assurance that this peace and joy will continue through eternity when my soul is forever with the lord. Amen.
David’s checklist provides examples of how the righteousness of the heart will correspond with righteous actions. The disciples were known as Christians by their love (John 13:35). It is not of works that any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9) because we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). I thank God that instead of condemnation, he invites us to come boldly to his throne to obtain mercy (Hebrews 4:16). All my righteousness is as filthy rags. But the blood of Jesus alone has washed me whiter than snow (Hebrews 9:14/Psalm 51:7).
Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be in the latter days.” David focused on the hearts of men and God does as well. I pray that God will cleanse my heart. I know that all of my righteousness “is as filthy rags.” [Paul] I know that it is only through the righteousness of Christ that I can stand before God cleansed from sin.
Psalm 13:1-6 (KJV) To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 1How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3Consider…
The betrayal of a friend or someone you love cuts deep into your trusting heart like a knife. Deceit, falsehood and lies—once revealed—show the true, malicious character of the person you thought was honest, caring and faithful.
