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Psalm 25 Devotional – May 1

MAY 1 – PSALM 25

GOD WILL PURIFY & PROTECT US

Today, we look at Psalm 25, which is a psalm of lament. In the middle of his sorrow, David petitions God to forgive him. David confidently turned to the Lord for divine instruction and forgiveness from his iniquity because of His mercies for Israel. This psalm is a meditation on the character of God that prompts the humble to respond with confession and prayer. Although the psalm contains elements of a lament psalm and a penitential psalm, the mixture of the two forms makes this psalm unique. The psalm is an acrostic, as each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Forgiveness forms a motif throughout the psalm (vv. 6–7, 11, 18). The adversities, which the psalmist details in vv. 15–21, are also of a general nature and so function as a community lament. The emphasis lies on the personal effect of adversity in the areas of self-examination, guidance, and submission to the Lord. In his experience, the psalmist demonstrates a remarkable desire to conform to God’s will. The repetition of the prayer for forgiveness (vv. 4–7, 11) is answered in the assurance of guidance. Thus, humility and growth in godliness are two positive effects of divine correction. The psalm begins and ends on a note of trust in the Lord (vv. 1–3, 21) and a prayer that the Lord will not let him down

The structure of the psalm is: (1) an introductory appeal that David will not be ashamed before his enemies (vv. 1-3); (2) a call for God to forgive David (vv. 4-7); (3) a focus on the character of God (vv. 8-10); (4) a renewed call for God to forgive David (vv. 11-18); (5) a concluding appeal that David will not be shamed before his enemies (vv. 19-21); and (6) a concluding prayer for Israel (v. 22). This can really be broken down even simpler into two sections as verses 1-7 are a prayer for guidance and forgiveness and verse 8-22 are a reiteration of the prayer.

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
    let me not be put to shame;
    let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
    they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
    teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God of my salvation;
    for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,
    for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
    according to your steadfast love remember me,
    for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
    and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
    for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For your name's sake, O Lord,
    pardon my guilt, for it is great.
12 Who is the man who fears the Lord?
    Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
13 His soul shall abide in well-being,
    and his offspring shall inherit the land.
14 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
    and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
    for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
    bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
    and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes,
    and with what violent hatred they hate me.
20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
    Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
    for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
    out of all his troubles.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Reflect on the perfections of God (good and upright, v. 8)
  • In humility, ask God to lead and direct your path. Trust that He will
  • Prayer does not have to be stoic and static. It can be vibrant, dynamic, and emotional. It is a time of confession, forgiveness, adoration for God, thanksgiving, and asking.

CLOSER LOOK:

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APRIL 30 DEVOTIONAL– PHILIPPIANS 4:14-20 Generosity

APRIL 30 – PHILIPPIANS 4:14-20

GOSPEL GENEROSITY

Today, we continue our reading plan by looking at the Philippians generosity. Paul looked on their missionary gift as an investment that would pay them rich spiritual dividends. The church entered into an arrangement of “giving and receiving”; the church gave materially to Paul, and received spiritually from the Lord. The Lord keeps the books and will never fail to pay one spiritual dividend!

Paul looked on their gift as a spiritual sacrifice, laid on the altar to the glory of God. There are such things as “spiritual sacrifices” in the Christian life (see 1 Peter 2:5). We are to yield our bodies as spiritual sacrifices (Rom. 12:1–2), as well as the praise of our lips (Heb. 13:15). Good works are a sacrifice to the Lord (Heb. 13:16), and so are the lost souls that we are privileged to win to Christ (Rom. 15:16; it is God doing the work, we are just a vessel He is using). Here, Paul sees the Philippian believers as priests, giving their offering as a sacrifice to the Lord. In the light of Malachi 1:6–14, we need to present the very finest that we have to the Lord

Contentment comes from adequate resources. Our resources are the providence of God, the power of God, and the promises of God. These resources made Paul sufficient for every demand of life, and they can make us sufficient too.

14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (NASB)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Find contentment in Christ, not in material things.
  • Trust God with your worries, trials, and tribulations. He will meet your needs.
  • When God gives to His obedient children, He gives according to His infinite riches in glory

CLOSER LOOK:

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Psalm 24 Devotional – The King of Glory

APRIL 29 – PSALM 24

THE KING OF GLORY

In preparation for the entry of the great King of glory, the psalmist stated that those with clean hands and pure hearts may ascend to His holy place. A psalm of David, Psalm 24 is one of the royal psalms. The psalm describes the Lord’s entrance into the holy city.

Many think this psalm was written for the occasion of David’s taking the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6:15), though this cannot be proven. If such were true, then the “ancient doors” (Ps. 24:7) refer to the old fortress that then received the ark, the symbol of the Lord’s presence. Or perhaps the psalm speaks of some other return to Jerusalem after a victory in battle.

This psalm is often linked with Psalms 22 and 23 for all three psalms speak prophetically of the Lord Jesus. Psalm 24 also has some affinities with Psalm 15 for both ask and answer the question of who is fit to come into the presence of the Lord. The answer in Psalm 15 focuses on a person’s righteousness; the answer in Psalm 24 focuses on the King of glory. Psalm 24 should also be read with Psalm 2 and 110 which share a focus on the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom on earth. This psalm has three movements: (1) praise to God the Creator and Sovereign of the world (vv. 1-2); (2) an inquiry concerning the appropriate approach to the holy Lord (vv. 3-6); (3) anticipation of the King of glory (vv. 7-10)

1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
    the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
    and established it upon the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not lift up his soul to what is false
    and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty,
    the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And lift them up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord of hosts,
    he is the King of glory! Selah (ESV)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • God is the Creator and Sovereign over everything
  • No one is worthy to approach the Holy God, but thanks be to Christ for making us righteous that we can approach the Father
  • The King of Glory is strong, mighty, and victorious
Read More »Psalm 24 Devotional – The King of Glory

PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13 DEVOTIONAL: CONTENTMENT

APRIL 28 – PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13

THE LESSON OF CONTENTMENT

In today’s world, there is less and less discussion about the providence of God. There is sometimes the idea that the world is a vast natural machine and that even God Himself cannot interrupt its operation. But the Bible clearly teaches the providential workings of God in nature and in the lives of His people. God’s providence simply means that God sees to it beforehand. The providence of God does not mean that God simply knows beforehand because providence involves much more. It is the working of God in advance to arrange circumstances and situations for the fulfilling of His purposes.[1]

The well-known story of Joseph and his brothers illustrates the meaning of providence (Gen. 37–50). “God did send me before you to preserve life!” said Joseph (Gen. 45:5). “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). This is the providence of God: His hand ruling and overruling in the affairs of life.[2] Paul’s life and ministry show his experience with God’s providence that enabled him to write, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). God in His providence had caused the church at Philippi to become concerned about Paul’s needs, and it came at the very time Paul needed their love most! The Philippians had been concerned for Paul, but they had lacked the opportunity to help. Sometimes we are the opposite. Believers have the opportunities, but they lack the concern. Not in every case, but in some cases.

Paul is quick to let his friends know that he is not complaining! His happiness does not depend on circumstances or things; his joy comes from something deeper, something apart from either poverty or prosperity. Most of us have learned how to be humiliated because when difficulties come we immediately run to the Lord! But few have learned how “to abound.” Prosperity has done more damage to believers than has adversity. “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17).

All of nature depends on hidden resources. The large trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. The most important part of a tree is the part we cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw on the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life (see Phil. 1:6, 21; 2:12–13; 3:10). Paul’s motto was “I can…through Christ!”, and it can and should be our motto too.

In verses 10-20, Paul discusses what may be the reason why he wrote this letter. The Philippians had given him a gift and he desired to thank them for it. In this section, Paul indicates that the Philippians would be rewarded for their gift and that God would meet all their needs. In verses 10-13, we see the lesson of contentment, while in verses 14-20, it talks about the gift of generosity.

Today, we will focus on the lesson of contentment and the value of being satisfied in God.

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Contentment is found in the strength of Christ
  • Adaptability
    • View our changing circumstances to what God is teaching and doing in our lives
  • Dependence on God
    • Without depending on God, we will fail to the changing pressures of this life
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Psalm 23 Virus Devotional – The Lord is my Shepherd

APRIL 27 – PSALM 23

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Psalm 23, also called the shepherd’s psalm, was composed by David, who was a shepherd in his youth. Remember what Scripture tells us about David’s life as a shepherd boy. (1) David was out keeping sheep when Samuel the judge came to his father Jesse’s home to find a king of God’s choosing (1 Sam 16:11). (2) David was the youngest of eight sons and he was left behind to tend sheep when his three oldest brothers went to battle. However, he occasionally visited them (1 Sam 17:12-20, 28). (3) David used skills sharpened during years of shepherding to kill Goliath (1 Sam 17:34-37, 40-51). (4) David is remembered as having been chosen by God and taken from the sheepfolds to shepherd the people of Israel (Ps 78:70-72).

Psalm 23 reflects David’s career shift. While the first four verses paint a pastoral picture, the last two have David sitting at a banquet table, most likely as king, while his enemies—those over whom God has made him triumph—look on. Having grown up in rural places, David had come to the city to exercise authority and power.

This passage has been looked at and remembered in many different ways and is one of the most popular passages of the Bible. Let’s try and look at it with fresh eyes to see what God is showing us.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lord leads, protects, guides, and restores His flock. (v. 1-4)
  • The Lord is our Provider (v. 5)
  • Our eternal hope is in enjoying God’s presence (v. 6)
Read More »Psalm 23 Virus Devotional – The Lord is my Shepherd

April 22 – Philippians 4:4-8 Devotional – Rejoice in the Lord

APRIL 24 – PHILIPPIANS 4: 4-8

REJOICE IN THE LORD

If anybody had an excuse for worrying, it was the Apostle Paul. His beloved Christian friends at Philippi were disagreeing with one another, and he was not there to help them. We have no idea what Euodia and Syntyche were disputing about, but whatever it was, it was bringing division into the church. Paul does not write, “Pray about it!” He is too wise to do that. He uses three different words to describe “right praying”: prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. “Right praying” involves all three.

Whenever we find ourselves worrying, our first action ought to be to get alone with God and worship Him. Adoration is what is needed. We must see the greatness and majesty of God! We must realize that He is big enough to solve our problems. Too often we rush into His presence and hastily tell Him our needs when we ought to approach His throne calmly and in deepest reverence. The first step in “right praying” is adoration. The second is supplication, an earnest sharing of our needs and problems. After adoration and supplication comes appreciation, giving thanks to God (see Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:15–17).

We are prone to pray about the “big things” in life and forget to pray about the so-called “little things”—until they grow and become big things! Talking to God about everything that concerns us and Him is the first step toward victory over worry. The result is that the “peace of God” guards the heart and the mind.

Peace involves the heart and the mind. “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3). Wrong thinking leads to wrong feeling, and before long the heart and mind are pulled apart and we are strangled by worry. We must realize those thoughts are real and powerful, even though they cannot be seen, weighed, or measured. We must bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

Read More »April 22 – Philippians 4:4-8 Devotional – Rejoice in the Lord

April 23 Quarantine Devotional – Psalm 19

APRIL 23 – PSALM 19

GOD’S LAW IS PERFECT

Today, we continue our series by focusing on God. Psalm 19 is a classic psalm about the beauty, majesty, glory, and perfection of the Lord. There is so much information about God in this psalm. The psalmist gives us a great model of how we can praise God and remember who He is and what He has done. It shows us that the Bible and Christianity is not just a series of rules or laws, but is a life-giving, fruit-bearing, and restoring life. A relationship with God is vital and restores us and refreshes us. It helps us in our daily lives as well as endure this long marathon, especially during prolonged trials and tribulations.

We have looked at Psalm 19 before in discussing Hebrew parallelism, but this time we will focus on meditating on God.

1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

Key Takeaways:

  • All of creation including the heavens reveals God’s glory and majesty
  • The Law was not a burden to believers who were trying to please God with their lives. For David, keeping God’s statutes, which warned him of the dangers of folly and sin, brought reward.
  • God is our Redeemer who purchased our freedom from any bondage or slavery to sin
Read More »April 23 Quarantine Devotional – Psalm 19

THE MEANING OF “INTERPRETATION” IN 2 PETER 1:20

This post focuses whether 2 Peter 1:20 refers to the origination of prophecy or to its interpretation. This was a short two–page paper addressing this issue. Much more could be said on this topic, but this is just an introduction to the issue. Both sides have very valid arguments but this is my viewpoint on the matter

Second Peter 1:20, along with 2 Timothy 3:14-17, are two important passages affirming the divine inspiration of the Bible. However, the meaning of 2 Peter 1:20 is highly debated. The argument centers on the meaning of “interpretation” and whether Peter focused on the origin of prophecy or its interpretation. Both sides will be examined, and the context, grammar, and language will show that the origin viewpoint is the best option for 2 Peter 1:20.

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