Psalm 15 - Living in Integrity and Righteousness

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 15

Psalm 15 is one of David's liturgical psalms. After meditating on the coming Redeemer and the joy He would bring to His people, David wanted to be certain the people of Israel were following God's ways and living a righteous life.

This righteous life was not one of piety, but a life of truth and justice and a real passion for goodness and holiness. These are what would give God a `happy heart'. As a teenager, in Youth Group, I had the reputation of being a `goody goody'. I had this verse in Psalm 15 highlighted in my bible, as it was a priority in my life to be obedient to God and to live in integrity and righteousness.  It didn't make me a lot of friends, but it kept me safe in the arms of God, and gave me strength to face some difficult times ahead.

"Who may stay in your tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one who walks in integrity, does what is righteous, and speaks the truth within his heart." Psalm 15:1&2  (GWT)

"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."
 Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

1. What is the difference between living a `pious life' and a life of `integrity and righteousness'?


GOD IS WAITING FOR YOU.

Read Psalm 1:1

What does it mean to stay in God's `holy tent', to live on his `holy mountain'? Does it me literally that if we are good enough we can go to Church, or as it was in David's time, in the `sanctuary of God's presence'?

In the time of David the `holy tent' was indeed a place where the people of Israel would go to meet with the Lord.  The holy mountain was where David hoped Solomon would build a temple for the Lord. Both of these places represented a meeting place for God and His people.

For us today, some people still believe they can only meet God in the Church building or sanctuary. But it is God's desire that we meet Him anywhere and at anytime - in our homes, at school, at work, maybe when we are taking a walk and simply enjoying God's creation. What He wants from most of us is that we simply SEEK HIS PRESENCE.

I like the New Living Translation Version and the The Message has an interesting take on it too:

"Who may WORSHIP in your sanctuary Lord? Who may enter your PRESENCE on your holy hill? Psalm 15: 1 (NLT)

"God, who get's invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?" (THE MESSAGE)

Worship and communion are two opportunities we have to be in the special presence of the Lord, but this doesn't always have to be in the confines of a Church building on Sunday.  We can worship and commune with God in His presence every day - He is always WAITING FOR YOU.

2. Do you currently have this kind of experience of fellowship with God? 

3. Is there anything that is keeping from having this joyous fellowship?


IS YOUR HEART READY FOR HIM?

Read Psalm 15:2-5

How does one walk in integrity and righteousness?

1) It starts with a SINCERE FAITH and a DESIRE TO LIVE A LIFE OF INTEGRITY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS.  There are two songs that have touched my life this week. They were written by a young man who is endeavouring to live his faith, at times like Stephen, who was willing to take a stand and to give his life as he takes a `STAND' for Christ.  (Acts 7).    And then at other times, he just lives his life of integrity and sincere faith and others see it and want to know more. He tells them He is `SAVED AND FREE'.

"I'm saved and free, saved and free
By His grace and his glory, I'm saved and free.
Doesn't matter the trial, doesn't matter to me,
By the precious blood of Jesus, I am saved and free."
       (2 Corinthians 6:1, Galatians 5:1)     (Denver & the Mile High Orchestra)

Stephen: "I will stand for you because you died for me
             I'll lay down my life for the world to see.
             That your power is real, that your love is true
              You died for me, Jesus you died for me, I'll stand for you."

Jesus: "I will stand for you because you died for me.
           I'll open the heavens for the world to see.
           That my power is real, that my love is true.
           You died for me, Stephen, you died for me, I'll stand for you."

Denver: "In the midst of persecution, when it means that I must stand alone,
              If I'm worth dying for, then you're worth living for.
              So I give you my heart, I give you my soul.
              Will you give Jesus you heart, will you stand?"  (Acts 7)
                                        (Denver & the Mile High Orchestra)


2) BE HONEST, JUST AND FAIR in you dealings with all people, especially when it comes to business. Put a good concience above the desire for wealth and any unjust practices. Our activities are to be clear of compromise, not merely law abiding, but above reproach.

"Such people speak the truth from their hearts and do not tell lies to others. They do charge interest on money they lend and do not take money to hurt innocent people." Psalm 15:2b & 5  (NCV)

3) DO GOOD TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS AND FRIENDS. Do not listen to or spread gossip. Think the best of everyone and the worst of no one.

* Is it confidential?  If so, never mention it.
* Is it true? This may take some investigation.
* Is it necessary? Do many words are useless.
* Is it true? Does it serve a wholesome purpose.
                                       Charles Swindoll. 

"Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbours or speak evil of their friends." Psalm 15:3 (NLT)

"They keep their promises to their neighbours even when it hurts." Psalm 15:4b (NCV)

"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word is a gift." Ephesians 4:29 (The Message)

4) VALUE PEOPLE BY THEIR GOODNESS AND GODLINESS, not by how they look to the world. On Sunday I had the blessing of being able to pray with a man who had a severe mental illness - a man who the world, and at first, because of fear, I may have shunned. But through circumstances of my own, not only could I now reach out with empathy, but I am now able to love unconditionally.

"We must honour those who honour the Lord." Psalm 15:4b  (ICB)

"Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  
1 Samuel 16:7

For the sake of evangelism, though we will at times cultivate friendships with non-Christians, but we need to discern whether such a friendship will effect our own walk with the Lord, for `bad company" can "corrupt good character". (1 Corinthians 15:33)  Because we tend to emulate those we spend time with, we need Christlike friends.

4. If you feel secure in knowing you SAVED AND FREE, how will this effect the decisions you make in your everyday life, in regard to relationships with others?

5. Is there a situation where you need more courage to STAND up for your Christ?


CONCLUSION

God's promise at the end of this Psalm was:

"He who does these things will never be shaken." (V5)

Living a life of integrity and righteousness may seem difficult at first, and the Hebrew meaning for `shaken' actually means `insecurity' , which your may feel, especially when we remember that we are sinners by nature. But remember, you are also SAVED AND FREE - and it is because of this salvation and through the power of the Holy Spirit now in you that you have the freedom to live these new lives.

Not only that, but because of this salvation and freedom, we have a deep desire to WANT to live a life of integrity and righteousness - to make a STAND to live and walk as Jesus did. Well I know I do, and I know you too, will want to join me in His presence as we worship and commune in His `holy tent' and on His `holy' mountain', and to bring others into His presence too.

Maxi Lyrics: "Saved & Free", "Stand" (2006) Denver Bierman
You Tube . 

God's Word Translation (GWT), (2003) Green Key Publishers
The Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), (1996), Tyndale House Publishers
The Message, (2002) Eugene H Peterson, NavPress
Holy Bible, New Century Version,(NCV) (2003) Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson
International Children's Bible (ICB), (2006) Thomas Nelson

"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing"
"New Matthew Henry Commentary" , Edited by Martin H Manser. 

PSALM 14 - SALVATION FOR THE UNBELIEVING FOOL AND HIS OBEDIENT SERVANT

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 14

What is the definition of a fool? The dictionary describes them as a silly or stupid person who lacks no judgement or sense. That sounds pretty much like David's summary: `A fool in their heart who says there is no God.'

A fool is an unbeliever, basically someone who is trying to take on the big bad world on their own, usually using a corrupt means to do so.  They often end up proud, frustrated and very much ALONE. Calling on God or friends wouldn't even cross their mind, and many times family members have even turn their backs on them. As for those who are still praying for them, the righteous, loving followers of the Lord - well they are being persecuted by these very people.

But you know, isn't it amazing - no matter how foolish they are, no matter how corrupt they may seem, no matter how much they deny his existence, GOD STILL LOVES THEM, and He sent His son so THEY WOULD BE SAVED.

Yes, God will save those who obey and acknowledge Him. He has promised that salvation to all who have accepted Him and we already have a place in His Kingdom - both His chosen people, the Israelites and the Gentiles.

"Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores His people, Jacob will shout with joy and Israel will rejoice."  Psalm 14:7 (NLT)

"You (the Gentiles) by nature were a branch cut by a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you (the Gentiles) into His cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches (his chosen people, the Israelites) back into the branches where they belong." Romans 11:24 (NLT)

But this promise of salvation continues on, for Jesus came to save the `sick', not just look after the `healthy'; so we need to continue to pray for those friends and family - those fools, who are yet to acknowledge God. We need to pray for the corrupt that they will repent of their sins, realize their need for salvation, and reach out for redemption.

     "Healthy people do not need a doctor, sick people too...." 
     Matthew 9:12

"The Lord is really slow about His promise as some people think. No, He is being patient for our sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent." 2 Peter 3:9

1a) Thank the Lord for accepting you as a child in His Kingdom, for His salvation and protection.

b) Pray for those `fools' you know who have not yet responded to his message of salvation, or who have wandered away.

ALL PEOPLE ARE SINNERS

Read Psalm 14:1-4, Romans 12:9-23

This is another of David's mourning psalms. He starts with a complaint against a `diseased' world, not dissimilar to our own. It is full of malignant sinners. Things hadn't changed much from the world God destroyed which was `corrupt and filled with violence'.

"The Lord saw the extent of human wickedness on the earth and saw that everything they thought and imagined was consistently and totally evil...... It broke His heart."  Genesis 6:5

If the Lord's heart was breaking then, imagine what it was doing in David's time when everyone was still `corrupt and their actions were evil'. They were refusing to acknowledge His very existence. Not only that, they were persecuting the people who were honouring Him. No wonder David was moaning.

Things hadn't changed a lot in Rome, when Paul stood up to speak to the people - in fact he was now reminding them of their sins. Now it wasn't just the Jews, it was the Gentiles.

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Romans 3:23

It's sometimes hard to acknowledge we have sinned.  We may not feel like `corrupt fools' who have refused to acknowledge the existence of God. Our `talk' may not be `foul' or our `tongues filled with lies' and I would hope we would not `rush to commit murder'.

But maybe there is a bit of bitterness in our hearts, maybe we haven't taken a stand for Christ when the occasion arose, maybe we didn't walk away and we allowed  temptation to take hold. It may have been just a little thing, but whatever it was - it may have broken God's heart.

Praise the Lord we are able to see God's forgiveness.  We don't have to feel the guilt that comes from holding on to these sins, but can know the freedom that comes from release.

"Yet God, with undeserved kindness declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of sins." Romans 3:24 (NLT)

"There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death." 
Romans 8:1&2 (NLT)

2. Is there something you need to bring before the Lord? Seek his forgiveness and receive freedom to start this new life in Christ.

THE LORD SAVES AND PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE

Read Psalm 14:5&6; Jeremiah 20:1-4; Daniel 1:3-21; 6:1-28

There have been examples of proud and cruel persecutors who have found themselves in dire straits because of what they have done to God's people. My old mate Jeremiah was arrested by Pashur, an assistant to the priest in the Jewish temple. Because of His actions. Jeremiah prophesied that he would watch as his friends and family were slaughtered by the Babylonians.

3. Can you think of a modern day persecutor? How did their life end up?

There are also many examples of those who obeyed God and were blessed and protected. Daniel was one of these men. Having been bought into the king's palace in Babylon he was told to eat certain foods. He knew he would be killed if he did not  follow the Lord's wishes, but he wanted to obey and show His allegiance to God.

Daniel continued to pray to God. He received favour from everyone around him. He received great wisdom and knowledge from God, and was given important jobs in the palace. Even the king came to respect him. Later we read when a new king came to power, Daniel again proved honourable, by showing his faith in God, even though this meant going against the king's wishes and being thrown into a den of lions.

4. What are some ways you can show others that you are faithful to God above all else?

David himself had lots of persecution - from King Saul and later even his own son Absalom.  Recently, I received this email, and I realized just how protected I am; for God's servant's are still very much under attack today.

"AFTER MUCH REJOICING IN THE PROVISION OF THE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FOR CAMARA AND TEAM IN GUINEA WEST AFRICA, NEWS HAS COME THROUGH VIA PHONE CALL FROM CAMARA, SHEDDING MANY TEARS, THAT CHRISTIAN HOMES AND CHURCH BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN ATTACKED BY ISLAMISTS IN THE INTERIORS, WITH THE KILLING OF OVER 100 PERSONS, WHOLE FAMILIES.   THREE OF THE FOUR CONGREGATIONS OF BELIEVERS IN WHICH HE WAS PERSONALLY INVOLVED HAVE BEEN DESTROYED COMPLETELY, PASTORS AND PEOPLE KILLED, SOME ESCAPED AND HID IN JUNGLE."   Tom and Edna Hamblin

Yes, the `wicked will continue to frustrate the plans of the righteous', but God will continue to protect the ones he has saved, and those others are now with him in his Kingdom.  This is the only comfort we can have in times like this.   David comforted himself with this assurance of salvation.


GOD'S PROMISED SALVATION

Read Psalm 14:7; Romans 11

Although David mourned the evil corruption in his kingdom, he looked with anticipation towards its salvation, as he awaited for the coming Redeemer - who we now know to be God's promised Son, Jesus Christ.

Paul knew David's psalms well. In this 11th Chapter of Romans, after reminding the Jews of David's prophecy, Paul spoke to the Gentiles of God's promise of salvation for them. Paul also reminds us many a time:

"God's riches, wisdom and knowledge are so deep that it is impossible to explain His decisions or understand His ways."  Romans 11:33 (NLT)

But there are a few inspirations I have gleaned from these passages:

1. Even though the Jews rejected and disobeyed God, He never gave up on them. The Jews have and always will be GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE.

"God HAS NOT REJECTED his own people, whom He chose from the beginning."
 Romans 11:2 (NLT)

2. Our salvation as Gentiles has come through Jesus Christ, who was the fulfillment of salvation to the Jews. Because of their lack of belief, we were offered this free gift, but God still desires that His people come back to Him.

"Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think of how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it."  Romans 11:12  (NLT)

"But some of these branches from Abraham's tree - some of the people of Israel - have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and His children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God's special olive tree." Romans 11:17 (NLT)

3.God's mercy and salvation is a FREE GIFT for both Jews and Gentiles. We have been chosen already. The responsibility for now accepting that salvation is up to us.

"It is the same today for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace - His undeserved kindness in choosing them. Since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is - FREE AND UNDESERVED."Romans 11:5&6 (NLT)

"God saved you by grace when you believed. You can't take credit for this; it is a GIFT from God." Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)

4. Do you look with anticipation to the day when Jesus will come again? Have you accepted this free gift of salvation?
a) If so, take time now to thank the Lord.
b) If not, and would like to accept this free gift, I would like to help you.

CONCLUSION


"God's gift of salvation should make you feel humble and grateful."  Will McDonald


What more can I say! I think this quote sums it up perfectly. Jesus died on the cross because He loves you - Jew or Gentile - sinner and now forgiven. What more should we be doing,  but in HUMILITY and with HUMBLE HEARTS, serving and honouring our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Bible, New Living Translation, (1996) Tyndale Publishers
"Alone in Majesty", Will McDonald
The Holy Bible, New Century Version, Max Lucado, (2003)Thomas Nelson.
"New Matthew Henry Commentary", Edited by Martin H Manser. 

Psalm 13 - Omnipresent God

INTRODUCTION.

Read Psalm 13

If you haven't concluded from my writings already I am sure you will today  - my favorite description of my Heavenly Father, other than LOVING, is of an EVER PRESENT (OMNIPRESENT) God.

Unlike the song `God is watching us from a distance' presumes, I observe a Heavenly Father that is always close by.  Oh there are times I may feel `forgotten' and that I am `struggling on my own', but that is not because God has moved away; but usually because I have.

The title of my first book `In the Palm of His Hands' was based on the verse in Isaiah:

"See, I have written your name on the palms of MY HANDS." (Isaiah 49:16)

Later in Psalm 16, David writes:

"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for He is ALWAYS WITH ME."
 (Psalm 16:8)

In this Psalm we will see a David struggling with an enemy that is pulling him down again, but David likes a good fight, and His confidence and faith is renewed again in his OMNIPRESENT God.

As we discovered in Psalm 12, GOD IS OUR PROTECTOR, and if we continue to trust in our OMNIPRESENT Heavenly Father, in spite of those `down' times, our faith and confidence will rise above them.

1.  What are your favourite words to describe God?  Why?


DESPAIR AND DESPONDENCY - THAT SINKING FEELING

Read Psalm 13:1&2, Read  1 Samuel 18:9-15, 28-29, 20:30-33.

These first two verses are certainly a prayer that grew out of what Charles Swindoll would say, "David's struggle with despondency", a time before he became king of Israel when God was `preparing him for an immense task and these trials were being used to shape him into a man of maturity an inner strength'.

In the last two Psalms we learnt from David's story that Saul, someone who David admired, had turned against him and now wanted to murder him. It seemed he only had one friend - Saul's son, Jonathon. Still, David had to run for his life. He had to escape into the hills of Judea.  Now `hunted and haunted', at his real lowest, we find him again, having these doubts.

One of the things we talked about with the children at VBS last week was what it was like when they had that `sinking feeling' - those doubts and despairs, when nothing seemed to be going right. We gave them some hints during the week about how they could `STAND STRONG' during these times.

* You can rely on GOD'S LOVE.
* You can seek out those FAMILY & FRIENDS.
* You can PRAY and READ THE BIBLE.
* You can TRUST IN THE LORD.

I am sure David would have agreed with them too, for as a young shepherd boy there would have been many a time he had only the Lord to turn to. But even with all this knowledge and understanding, he still fell into despair and despondency, he still had that `sinking feeling',  and who could blame him.

For the last 6 months I have been falling deeper and deeper into despair and despondency.  Not because I have forgotten God's promises of His love and omnipresence, not because I have forgotten all of the above `hints' that I have been teaching the kids these week - though it was great to be reminded of them.

 No, God is just been preparing me for a new journey and I have just been a little bit overwhelmed by it all. The testing has just gone on a little bit longer than I thought it would and His plan isn't exactly what I had in mind.  Sound familiar!  I wouldn't be surprised if David didn't feel a little this way, which is why I believe he `got down on his knees'.

                    "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9

2. Which of these feelings (if any) are you having at the moment:

a) God has forgotten me.
b) God doesn't care about me.
c) This plan isn't exactly what I had in mind. 
d) This test is going on a little too long.

Take it to the Lord.  I assure you, he is WITH YOU!!   Find a friend or family member to talk to about it. 

DEPENDENCE ON GOD - ON OUR KNEES

Read Psalm 13:3&4

In the next few verses we see a different David; a David who knelt before the Lord. I wonder what happened between these two verses to change his frame of mind and his stature.

1. In Verse 3 we see there is a change between the `distance' he feels between God and himself. God is now spoken of as `My God'.

2. He now seeks to have that `sparkle' return to his eyes.

3. Instead of worrying about his enemy, now he is releasing him to the Lord and letting Him take care of the results.

One of the things that has been really difficult for me since my surgery has been losing my smile. Oh they say the sparkle is still in my eyes, but over the last 6 months, I haven't had that `sparkle - that joy' inside me, so if I haven't had it inside, how can other people see it on the outside.  My joy and enthusiasm in serving the Lord was something I was `famous' for, especially in my teaching and children's ministry.  A little of that came back last week.

It was also great to be able to release a lot of the fears and worries I have had to the Lord, and allow Him to take complete control; as I taught lessons, I really needed to hear myself.

"If you stop asking God to change your external circumstances and pray instead a prayer of surrender, asking Him to change you, what do you think would happen?  Notice the marked change that occurred in David when he decided to lay it all before God in prayer."  Charles R Swindoll.

3. Have you noticed any changes in you since you have surrendered your will to the Lord? What about your circumstances?

REJOICING AND PRAISING - ON YOUR FEET

Read Psalm 13:5-6

David's circumstances had not changed. Saul was still hunting him. He was still running. He was still hungry. But we can read in these last two verses that he has certainly risen above his circumstances and was rejoicing and praising the Lord.

We've heard it said before, but Psalm 13 is another reminder that trials are used by God to `transform us'. They may seem distressing at the time, but we haven't learnt the lesson God had planned for us unless we can say like David did, "He has dealt bountifully with me." (V6)

"It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn your statues.
I know, O Lord, that your statues are righteous, and that in faithfulness
you have afflicted me."  Psalm 119:71, 75

4. How can we be like David and rise above our circumstances, using our trials to transform us?

CONCLUSION

This kind of prayer is one we need to be praying every day when we feel that `sinking feeling' coming upon us, because it will come again; even though we have a certain trust in our omnipresent, loving God.  Why? Because we are human. Despondency will `wrap its clammy fingers around you and drag you under', but if you begin to sing this song of hope, it will lift you up and `put you back on your feet', and the loving, omnipresent God will wrap His arms around you.

PSALM 12 - God - Our Protector

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 12

Yesterday when I woke up I looked out at the sun over the mountains. As it was still shining today, we decided to take a drive up to those mountains - Mt Tambourine - overlooking the Gold Coast. (Sth Queensland, Australia).                                                            

Curtis Falls

From Mt Tambourine - Overlooking the
Gold Coast

We took a beautiful walk down a track to the Curtis   Falls. But of course, then we had to walk back up the mountain, and for an oldie like me that was a little harder. 

By the time I was in the car on my way home, I was nearly back in David's `moaning mode' again. It had been a wonderful day in the mountains, but I knew I had to come back down to the valley - back to the oppression, the evil, `the bragging tongues', and the `flattering lips'. Back to where the `wicked people were parading around'.

Still, I also knew, as I reminded the children in `Sunday School' this morning, `GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES'. Just like it was in David's time, these promises in Psalm 12, are just as relevant for us today: 

"I will now arise," says the Lord, "I will provide SAFETY for those who long for it." V5b (GWT)

"The promises of the Lord are pure...... O Lord, you WILL PROTECT them."  V6&7 (GWT).

What gives us the greatest strength to face a new week - the devils wimps or the Lord's promises. I would think the latter. I attend to start this week with the Lord, and if I stumble, I have another promise:

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23&24 (NLT)

1.  Do you have some promises in the Word that keep you strong?

A PRAYER AGAINST LIARS -  A PROMISE FOR THE FAITHFUL.

Read Psalm 12:1-5; Genesis 6:6-22;  Proverbs 6:16-19; 12:22; Ephesians 4:24&25 

David begins this psalm, as he does in others with a prayer against the wicked - in this case it is the liars.  If we read these other passages throughout the Bible we can see that God does have a distaste for liars or as it was in Noah's day people's whose thoughts were `consistently and totally evil'.

Yet each of these passages finished with a special promise:

*  In the story of Noah we see how because of his righteousness and obediance, he found favour with God, and the lives of he and his family were saved.

* We read in Proverbs that God `delights' in those who tell the truth.

* Paul reminds us over and over in each of his letters that when we are accepted by God as His `children of light' we will live `righteous and holy' lives.

So it isn't surprising to hear from David, that God `will rise up and rescue' the faithful as `they have longed for Him to do.'

I don't know about you, but I think I know what life I would be trying to live, don't you?

2.a)  Would you rather be a living `lier' - cut off from the Lord; or a child of the light? 

b) Is there something you need to do to bring yourself back if you have wandered out of the light? 


GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES

Read Psalm 6-8, Read Genesis 9:1-17

"The Lord's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over." 
Psalm 12:6

This is one thing I am certain about.  When I tell the children in Sunday School that GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES I tell them because I know it's true, not just it what the storybook says. When I look outside, after the rain and see a rainbow, I don't just think about the story of Noah, and the promises God made to him; but I know that those promises were made to us too.

You see that RAINBOW is a visual reminder to us that GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES to us - to David in his day, to Paul in his day, and to us today; that even though `the wicked still strut around and evil   is around the land', the Lord will protect those who trust in Him.

3.a) What are some promises in your life that God has kept? 

b) What is the most important promise you look forward to him keeping?

CONCLUSION

Look outside.  Is it raining?  Is their a storm?  Is it sunny? Is their a rainbow?  Whatever the weather outside or in your soul, remember the Lord is on your side, and wants you to know that you can depend on Him each day. Remember, GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES!! And the most important promise He will keep is the day when He will return, and take you to live with Him.  Are you ready to go?

PSALM 11 - TRUST IN THE LORD

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 11

Max Lucado calls them `doubt storms', bringing with them `gale force winds of fear'. Fortunately He reminds us `soon after the storm a light shines through'.

I am sitting here this morning looking out my window at the beautiful sun shining over the mountains. Last night , where there was thunder, lightning and grey skies of a storm and I couldn't even see what lay ahead, now all I can see is the LIGHT.

In this Psalm, we find David facing one of these `doubt storms'. It seemed for a moment, his life was falling apart. He had just killed a giant and the Philistines, his enemy were running away. Shouldn't King Saul have been happy with him. Instead, David had arrows being thrown at him from all directions. The wicked seemed to have the `upper hand' again.

It looked liked there might be `turbulent days' ahead. It seemed this new enemy was just `too big, too great, and his future too bleak'. Still, although it looked dark through the storm and he couldn't see his future, he knew there was a LIGHT and he trusted that LIGHT. That LIGHT of love, mercy and justice. That LIGHT that sat upon a throne in Heaven, and that LIGHT who would always be watching over and taking care of Him.

1. a) Do you know the LIGHT I am talking about? If not, I would like to help you find Him.

b)  Are you going through one of these `doubt storms'? Maybe David's story this week might be of help to you. I know it has helped me.

DAVID'S STORY.

Read 1 Samuel 18:1-16, 1 Samuel 19:1-10; Psalm 11:1-3


It is believed this Psalm was written when David discovered Saul's jealousy towards him. Most of us know how David had killed Goliath and how when he returned from the battle, everyone thought he was wonderful. (1 Samuel 17). Unfortunately, Saul had become jealous of David and it seemed God was totally out of the picture.

As David was struggling in fear for His life, he was also fighting the temptation to lose faith in God. Yet, as the arrows were being thrown at him, he stood his ground, "No", he said, "I am trusting in God".

David was determined to make God His confidence, when the arrows and words of discouragement were being thrown at him. He wanted to stand tall with the Lord, to face Saul and his enemies. David knew that whatever happened he would stand under God's protection.

2. Are their any `arrows' of temptation being thrown at you? How can you stand with stand, like David, in confidence of God's protection?

DAVID'S FAITH STRENGTHENED

Read Psalm 11:4-7

The attempt of David's enemies to shake His confidence just made his faith stronger. He pronounced:

* THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN.

"The Lord is in His holy heaven. The Lord sits on His throne in Heaven." V4a

*HE KNOWS EVERYONES' TRUE CHARACTER

"He sees what people do. He keeps His eye on them." V4b

*PERSECUTORS MAY PROSPER FOR A WHILE, BUT THEY WILL EVENTUALLY PERISH.

"He will send hot coals and burning sulfur on the wicked. A whirlwind is what they will get." V6

* HE IS A MERCIFUL, JUST & COMPASSIONATE GOD

"The Lord does what is right and He loves justice; so honest people will see His face." V7

David was a righteous, honest young man who wanted to live in the LIGHT. He trusted God and wanted to give his life in service to the Lord. God was like a tender Father who looked down on Him in love and compassion, and this strengthened David's faith. God will look down on all of us who walk in the LIGHT OF THE LORD, and will continue to strengthen our faith, if we continue to see Him.

3. How can  people's attempts to shake our confidence make our faith stronger?

CONCLUSION

When I woke this morning to see the sun, I was filled with joy. For many weeks these `doubt storms' and `gale force winds of fear' have been keeping me overwhelmed by darkness. But reading David's story of faith and praying with him his prayer of TRUST, has brought me back to the LIGHT.

My prayer this week is that you will pray this prayer with me, and be reminded that the TRUE LIGHT, that comes through JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, is YOURS, and that like David, you can truly TRUST HIM with your WHOLE LIFE.

*The Devotional Bible, New Century Version,(1987) Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson

*The New Matthew Henry Commentary (2002), Martin H Manser, Zondervan

PSALM 10 - PRAYER IN THE VALLEY - Part 3

GOD THE DEFENDER OF THE WEAK AND OPPRESSED

READ PSALM 10:12-16, Read Jeremiah 45:1-5, 46:27&28

Throughout the Psalms God continues to reveal his heart for His people who have been broken by pain and sin in the world. These next six verses are full of phrases describe attributes of a faithful, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, compassionate God.

*He doesn't `forget those who need help'. (V12) (ICB)
*He `helps and defends the orphans' (V14) (ICB/NLT)
*He `sees (takes note)' of their `trouble and grief' (v13) (NLT/GWT)
*He is faithful. They can `trust Him'. (V14) (NLT)
*They are `placed under His control' (V14) (GWT)
* He is merciful and just and `punished wickedness'. `God's grace wins' (V15) (GWT) (MESSAGE)

1. Which of the above do you need to believe in most at the moment?

In recognizing the attributes of God, David recognizes that God is always at works in times of trouble. He is always showing His love and care for the helpless, not always in the ways we might understand, for it is not for us to understand his ways, but to accept them in faith, but to believe that he is indeed the defender of the helpless and the source of love and mercy to all who turn to Him.

Going forward in history, nearing the end of Jeremiah's ministry, the people of Israel were now in exile in Babylon. Jeremiah's scribe Baruch who had been with him throughout his ministry was feeling miserable,

"The Lord has added grief to my pain. I am warn out from groaning. I can find no rest."
Jeremiah 45:3

Ever felt this way. In this world of wickedness that surrounds us. The words from Jeremiah to his scribe, and then later to the people of Israel may not have seemed very encouraging, but we need to remember again, God's plan and that He can't take us out of the world.

"Forget about making any big plans for yourself. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But don't worry." (Jeremiah 45:5) (Message)

Things were not necessarily going to get better straight away. Because of the wickedness in the world, God had to send His justice, but He did have a promise for Baruch and the people of Israel - the same promise He has for us:

"I will protect you wherever you go." Jeremiah 45:5b) (NLT)

"Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you." says the Lord.(NLT)Jeremiah 46:28

"Yes, dear Jacob my servant, you have nothing to fear. Depend on it. I am on your side." 46:28 (The Message)

God's intervention may not always be obvious at the time. His justice may not always seem clear, but we can be sure of these: GOD'S TIMING and HIS PROMISES.

2.a) Are there times when you worry about your future?  How can you put your life in God's hands? 

b) How can you trust in God's timing and His promises?

THE KING OF KINGS WITH REIGN FOREVER

Read Psalm 10:16-18, Matthew 25:31-46


The Lord Jesus Christ is ultimately our eternal King. He has come once and has died for us, so that we could have forgiveness and freedom from our sins. Now as we wait for the day when He comes again to rescue us from the tyranny of the evil of others, he has a job for us - we must shine the light of righteousness, so the wicked can be turned to the light of Christ's salvation and the helpless can be comforted by His grace.


* The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited by Matthew H Manser

* Holy Bible, New Living Translation (1996) Tyndale Publishers
* The Message (2002) Eugene Peterson, NavPress
* God's Word Translation (2003) Green Key
* International Children's Bible (2006) Thomas Nelson

PSALM 10- Prayer in the Valley - Part 2

FACING OUR FEARS - The Evil in the World

Read Psalm 10:2-11; 2 Timothy 2:22


Yesterday I spent an hour with my psychologist. A few days before I had convinced myself again, that no matter what direction the Lord was taking me, I wasn't sure I wanted to go. There were too many unknowns, too many fears to face, and what about those little `enemies' that kept sneaking in.

When we look with David at all the evil that was in his world, it was no wonder he was crying out to God. Things haven't changed much in our world today. Let's take a quick look:

1. Arrogance of the Powerful and Oppression of Weak - It happens in the home, it happens on the streets, it happens in the workplace. Wherever someone feels they have the upper hand and can be stronger, they can make the choice to help or oppress.

"The wicked person arrogantly pursues oppressed people." (V2)

2. Pride and Evil Desires - Drunkeness and sexual sins, greed and covetousness, approval of sin. People don't just engage in these sins, they actually enjoy them, and they feel no remorse.

"The wicked person boasts about his selfish desires.... he curses the Lord." (V3)

"Don't let the wise people brag about their wisdom. Don't let strong people brag about their strength. Don't let rich people brag about their riches. If they want to brag let it be that they understand and know me. They should brag that I the Lord act out of love, righteousness and justice on the earth. This kind of bragging pleases me, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23&24

3. Reviles the Lord - If you love sin, how can you truly honour a righteous, holy God.

".....God doesn't care'.... `There is no God" (V4)

4. Denies God's Providence - Those that deny God tend to see themselves as invincible and harden their hearts to iniquity.

"They always succeed. They are far from keeping the laws..... They say to themselves, `Nothing bad will happen to me'. " (V5&6)

5. An Evil Tongue - Along with an evil heart usually comes an evil tongue - cursing, lies and threats - which will ultimately lead to trouble.

".... They use their tongues for sin and evil." (V7)

"The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself." James 3:6

6. Violence Towards the Helpless - David continues to describes further oppression of the weak, which is something we could easily be reading in our daily newspaper.

"The poor are thrown down and crushed. They are defeated because others are stronger."
(V10)

7. Practical Atheism - Denying that God cares and is active in creation The evil person does not necessarily deny the existence of God but they lack faith in his omnipotence.

"They say to themselves, "God won't punish us." (V13)

David seems to be complain a lot about the evil in the world. Was he judging? Was it because of fear? Because he cared for the poor? Maybe a little of all three. But David also knew that it was so easy for him to fall into this same trap of evil. So easy to become uncaring and blase about the needs surrounding him.

2. Which one or any of the above do you feel most strongly about? 

The ladies in my Bible Study seem to get into heavy discussions each week about things they see on the news or Today Tonight;  because we all find injustice a little hard to take. These big problems of homelessness, spouse and child abuse, trafficking of young woman and children as prostitutes are just on our doorsteps but we feel helpless to do anything about,  though a number of our ladies help in shelters and foodbanks. We can't do a lot about the global issues of poverty, though we have our child sponsorship.  th  There are many things we may not be able to do, but there are the little things.  Maybe even just going next door and seeing if your neighbour is in need or hurting.

We may not be able to stop the evil, but at least we may be able to show some little bit of  kindness!!

3. What little bit of kindness can you do today to help make a some difference to the injustices `on our doorstep'? 

Paul told Timothy that he had a responsibility to stay pure and sometimes we are afraid to find out what is happening in our world because we might get tainted by evil. In his book, `Help I'm Being Tempted', Bob Gass tells us that `running' can sometimes be a strength and not a weakness. The world is screaming for your allegiance and there are some temptations in this world that may be a stumbling block to us, and it may be wise to `run away'.

Other times, we may be placed in situations where we need the Holy Spirit's empowerment to overcome temptation and to face evil head on. Remember when this time comes - take your SWORD - the WORD OF GOD with you and your SHIELD- the power of FAITHFUL PRAYER.

"Prayer puts a shield of divine protection around you. You can't live without it." Bob Gass.

Acknowledge that there is evil in the world or you will be vulnerable to the devil's attacks, you will become uncaring and will close your eyes to the needs around you and you will become so full of fear you will forget the empowerment you have in the Lord to fight it.

"I will not be afraid because the Lord is with me." Psalm 118:6

"You dear children are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world." 1 John 4:4

4. Is there anything that you are afraid to face on your own because you feel vulnerable to attack?
Pray, and ask God whether you should say `no' or `yes' to the fight against it. 



* The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited by Martin H. Manser

* "Help I'm Being Tempted", Bob Gass

* Holy Bible, New Living Translation (1996), Tyndale Publishers