Non-Idol Ears

(Psa 55:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

From this opening of Psalm 55 I suggest that one of the attributes of God is that He listens.  One reason He listens is because He exists.  When you have pagans suggest that you think good thoughts instead of praying, it is because they have no target that exists outside themselves.  We do.  A stone idol cannot listen.  The Force cannot listen.  Your ancestors could listen but not any more.  God can and does.

Why does He listen?  Because we need it.  We need a listener.  I can get a good bit of satisfaction by telling the wall or my Teddy bear all about how troubled I am.  It meets my need more to be able to communicate with another human what my inner turmoil is like.  It is even better to reach out to Almighty God because He can understand our hearts.

So?  As Paul said, “Pray without ceasing.”  He can listen without wearing out.

Says Who?

(Rom 14:1 KJV)  Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

In Sunday School we were looking at this in the KJV and were asking what is it that we are not supposed to be judging.  As I was sitting there thinking about it the teacher went off down the Matthew 7:1 road about not being judgemental.  That was a pleasant thought but my thinking was more along the lines of “What does the context say?”

If you read down through the chapter you find a list of specific illustrations and they didn’t match up with the teacher’s list at all.  The two examples given were specifically the dietary laws and Sabbath observation.  In other words, the things not to get into debating had to do with keeping the OT laws on eating kosher and worship on Saturday.  It had nothing to do with all the other issues brought up in the class.

So?  Look to the scripture itself for understanding instead of listening to people repeating what they were told and never thought about. 

Clues Everwhere

 (Psa 49:15 KJV)  But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

Here we have another indication that eternal life was offered and expected, even in the Old Testament.  We know that the Sadducees did not believe but there were others that did.  This is a good example for us today.  It does not matter how clear some things are stated, there are those who will refuse to believe.

So?  Open your mind to truth.  When you see it, admit it and accept it. 

Work Hard and Prosper

(Pro 27:18 KJV)  Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

One of the cultural standards that has developed from the influence of the Old and New Testaments is the dignity of the common man.  All through the scripture we see God’s concern for the poor and oppressed.  We also see in verses like this that there is a dignity and honor in hard work.  The snob does not belong in the house of God.

So?  Work hard.  Stand tall.  Remember that Paul was a tent maker and Jesus was referred to as a carpenter.  They were not known as political leaders or moguls of commerce.  That is our example.  (Posted, June 27, 2023, PP)

Questionable

(Psa 43:2 KJV)  For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

(Proverbs 26 also read)

Good question.  I can think of many possible answers such as rebellion and a refusal to repent, but that is not the answer given here.  If you read the context I hope you will get the impression that God has not really “rejected” (2186a) the author as much as the man is simply not paying attention.  God can turn His back on us but that is not the case when we honestly seek Him.

Notice I had the squish word “honestly”.  Keep in mind that God can see our hearts and read our minds.  He isn’t like the high school counselor who mainly sees what he wants to see or is fooled by your play acting.

So?  God did not reject Him.  He ignored, or rejected, God.  Understand the difference. 

Healing Is More Than Physical

(Psa 41:4 KJV)  I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

This verse gives us an insight into what it means to have our sins dealt with.  We know about forgiveness and cleansing.  We are washed in the blood of the Lamb.  It would seem that God also wants to “heal” (7495) us.  In this context the healing deals with comprehensive healing.  We see physical ailments, spiritual sin and you might even throw in a bit of paranoia.

Healing is a marvelous picture of what it means to have our sins forgiven.  Sin is not only a pollution, it is a brokenness.  Sin cripples us.  Sin keeps our bodies from their greatest potential.  Sin makes our minds bog down.  We need to be healed.  The source of that healing is not in ourselves but in the power of God.  It has been offered to us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

So?  Think of how your car needs maintenance and care to be all it should be.  We need it even more.

Glassy Eyed

(Pro 24:7 KJV)  Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

It might be a good idea for us to broaden our understanding of what a “fool” (191) is.  Our default understanding involves someone who cannot make good decisions and fails because of ignorance or sloth.  The word includes these but it is my wider.  A fool is really anyone who does not have wisdom.  Since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom then anyone who does not embrace almighty God is by definition a fool.

You run into them all the time.  One good way to determine if someone is a fool is to start speaking about spiritual things.  It is amazing how often their eyes glaze over, they get a distracted look and start searching the immediate area for a reason to excuse themselves.  

So?  Try it.  It is true you may find someone who will engage but that just means they might actually be seeking truth. 

Broadcasting Righteousness

(Psa 40:10 KJV)  I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

One of my pet peeves, if you have not noticed, is people who claim that living a righteous life is impossible.  I am not sure why they are so consumed with that but they tend to forget that the apostle Paul who says, “there are none righteous” also called us saints.  Either Paul was wrong, not an option, Paul was confused, not an option, or we are confused, definitely an option.  We have to consider verses like this that seem to be saying to broadcast our “righteousness” (6666).

Of course it is clear it is God’s righteousness.  Everything we are to be proclaiming is rooted in the character of God.  That actually makes it more possible, not less.

So?  Live like a saint.  If someone accuses you of being self-righteous, do a self check, reboot if needed, and point out to them that it isn’t self but Emmanuel. 

The Name Not-a-Game

(Pro 22:1 KJV)  A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

I used to joke with people that I was such a goody-two-shoes that parents could trust me with their daughters, and they were right.  I would act disappointed but it was an act.  It has always been important to me to be a person of honor.  I was never a boy scout but the oath they used to say before they went woke was something I wanted in my eulogy.

People of God should have the reputation of paying debts, honesty or, you might say, integrity.  It is easy to lose and takes a long time to earn.

So.  God also wants us to be viewed that way.  It is true that the evil people of the world look at us as a target to be destroyed but we are still to stand for righteousness.

A Real Attribute

(Joh 4:24 KJV)  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(Proverbs 21 also read)

The pastor gave us a list of twelve attributes of God.  I am not sure where he got them but it seemed like it was a list one of his gurus put together as The Twelve Attributes of God.  It seemed like he thought it was a complete list.  (Wait for laughter to die down.)  At best it was a valiant beginning.  He gave Bible verses that were supposed to be proof texts.  Some were good, like the one we look at today.  Other verses had nothing to do with the attribute being mentioned.

Today I am looking at God as “spirit” (4151) [pneuma].  It is good for us to remember that God is not an old man with a long beard and flowing robes sitting in the clouds.  That is an artist rendition of what cannot be rendered.  In fact it seems to me that I remember something about not making graven images of God.  The problem is that we start to limit God by thinking He actually has a hand, and so forth.

So?  Spend some times meditating on what it means that God is spirit.  Let it change your day.  Let it deepen your understanding of God. 

Dickens Reflects on David

(Psa 39:5 KJV)  Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

David is having another bad day.  Much of his writing in Psalms reflects how depressed he got.  I feel his pain because it has been my pain.  I am encouraged by the reality of the life of a real man who served as the ancestor of Jesus.  If you have never felt the level of worthlessness expressed in this verse, I rejoice for you.  I have been there.  

Later he will remember that his hope is in God.  He may have even drawn himself that little cartoon that the Four Spiritual Laws used to use of the train.  The engine was fact and the caboose was feeling.  We need to keep coming back to that.  We live in what Charles Dickens describes as, “It was the best of times.  It was the worst of times.”  America is still a glorious place but forces are working overtime to destroy it.

So?  Don’t get derailed by having a bad day.  David went full circle.  So can we.  Admit the struggles and hold on to the hope.  Life is real.  Faith is real.

Dreaming

(Pro 19:21 KJV)  There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

This could be permission to daydream.  I don’t know about you but I am constantly running over scenarios in my head.  For the most part I am aware which ones are fantasy, the 40 foot jumper at the buzzer, and which ones have some value such as thinking of new ways to use my daily worship time.  

Whatever it is that is in our brain we need to understand the second part.  God’s plan is the one that will work now and endure the test of time.  When we are totally at a loss, if we are seeking to be obedient, I think we can count on the understanding that God is working it out.

So?  Panic not.  Keep dreaming.  Keep discerning.  Keep obeying.  He’s got this

It Isn’t Supposed to End This Way

(Rev 13:7 KJV)  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

I am not a student of the end times.  I read Revelation and Daniel when they come up in order but I quickly get to the point where I just scratch my head.  This is one of those scratchy places.  

“Saints” (40) is the designation used to refer to the redeemed that make up the church.  The marginal reading says “holy ones”.  The Greek word means “holy” but here it is preceded by “the” which make “the saints” correct.  This “war” (4171) is not a figurative expression of general persecution or harsh talk.  It is a literal expression of battles and weapons.  If taken literally this seems to be saying that the part of the visible church that is God’s is going to lose.

So?  It isn’t supposed to happen that way, but there it is.  How much this is about actual killing and mayhem and how much is a figure of speech is beyond me.  I cling to the fact that I have read to the end and I know who wins. 

Tails, You Lose

(Psa 38:15 KJV)  For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

This is one depressing Psalm.  The joy of the Lord seems to have deserted David.  In a counterintuitive way this is one reason to believe that the Bible is real and reflects reality.  It is not a fairy tale of happiness.  Life is touched by failure and misery and God’s word admits that.

Yet finally we have a word of “hope” (3276).  It is the only verse in this Psalm that is positive but it gives us a reminder that God is still on the throne, listening and that He will “answer” (6030a).

So?  Join David as he opens up about his life.  Don’t spend all of your time in the 23 Psalm.  If you are having a day of struggle then it might be good to be reminded that the Bible is open and honest about life.  Of course, it also reminds us of the remedy. 

Directing Steps

(Pro 16:9 KJV)  A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Here we have another reminder to be praying for our leaders.  Obviously that would apply to your pastor and other leaders in the church but if you read the context you find that the king is being referred to specifically.  I don’t know about you, but I keep forgetting to pray for the president and those in power politically.

Part of the neglect is because they seem too much a part of the forces of the anti-Christ.  That should be a reason to remember to pray for them.  They may have the most evil of intentions and the most devious of plans but this verse points out that God will ultimately have in hand in what comes out of the plans.  A good example would be the Jewish leaders and their mob crying for the death of Jesus, thinking that this would settle Him for good.  They went home satisfied but it didn’t take long for them to begin to realize that they had failed.

So?  Get involved politically.  Pray and keep praying.  Do it before you vote.  Do it before you complain.  Revival is the answer for the problems we see all around us. 

Hydrate III

(Joh 4:14 KJV)  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

We are told we need to spiritually hydrate.  We are told that God is the source of that refreshing.  Here Jesus tells us that this “water” (5204) is to be sourced from within, not without.  

Too often we rely on outside sources for renewal.  That is not bad in itself.  Corporate worship, sharing with friends, good books, going to camp or on a retreat are all potentially great experiences.  Go for it and enjoy but don’t forget that God has sent His Holy Spirit to reside in you.  You don’t need to go anywhere to find hydration.  

So?  Look within, not to find your New Age inner self, but to make contact with the living God who is eternal and today.  I think the big words are immanent and transcendent.  The little word is Emmanuel, God with us. 

Hydrate II

(Jer 2:13 KJV)  For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

(Proverbs 14 also read)

Yesterday I wrote about the way we dry out if we do not keep in touch with the Lord.  I found my mind returning to that and other scriptures came to mind.  Jeremiah is criticizing the Jewish people for the way they have tried to build a substitute for God.  The promise we are reminded of is that God is a constant source of refreshment.  He is the “living” (2416a) “water” (4325).

In addition to the fact that the “cisterns” (877) were empty, the water they had would have been dead, stagnant.  It might have kept you alive if any was left but there was no joy in it.  When I listen to people talking about how to brew coffee they talk about fresh water.  The same is true of our spiritual walk.

So?  If we keep up a constant contact with God our lives are much more resilient and we recover from the travails of life with alacrity.  Seek Him daily.  Keep it living.

Hydrate

(Psa 32:4 KJV)  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

This verse is much bettter in the KJV because it is more literal.

(PSA 32:4 NASB) For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away {as} with the fever heat of summer. Selah.

While “vitality” (3955) may be lost it is more a matter of evaporation and not being replenished than being “drained” (2015).  I don’t know if you have ever worked out in the hot sun or taken a long walk without any water.  Hydration is important.  I can remember how refreshing the tepid water was coming fresh out of the hose.  It was great because it was needed so much.

So?  In the same way we need to keep spiritually hydrated.  A lack of Holy Spirit infusion can cause our spirits to get foggy and unresponsive.  The drought is self inflicted and has a ready remedy. 

Possibilities

(Psa 119:3) They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

(Proverbs 12 also read)

I am having a lot of questions about concepts like righteousness and, as here, “unrighteousness” (5767b).  I have been told all my life that it impossible to be righteous.  I have heard Paul quoted repeatedly.  Usually it is by someone trying to say that we cannot live without sinning regularly.  It is a shame that people who should know better twist scripture that way.  Paul was not talking about the possibilities of saints walking in the power of the Spirit.  He was talking about the fact that we are all born with a sinful nature.

The Bible seems clear to me.  We were born sinners.  We can live as saints.  It is not done through our own strength but it can be done.

So?  Live upright.  Be blameless.  That is for today and tomorrow.  Yesterday was taken care of on the cross.  Rejoice. 

The Deceitful Path

(Pro 11:18 KJV)  The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

Who is fooled by the results of wicked behavior?  I would like to claim it is only the “wicked” (7563) but I am afraid that even the faithful fall into the trap.  Haven’t you ever wondered why it seems like evil people are running everything?  There seems to be a pattern in all organizations whether it be government, business or the church.  Take Walmart.  It started as a business run by a Christian and delivered a valuable service.  Then the founder died, the children took the money and ran to the dark side.  Look at the Methodist church, based on the teaching of John Wesley.  It is now ordaining homosexuals.  

How do we keep off of that track for ourselves and our families?  We all know believers who have had their children seduced by evil.  I don’t have an easy answer but it is not compromise.  We need to be constantly seeking personal revival and living what we believe.

So?  Walk in righteousness and trust that God is in control.  At the same time we must make allowance for free will.  Each person must make their own decisions.  That goes for us on a daily basis. 

Face It

(Psa 30:7 KJV)  LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

(Proverbs 10 also read)

I have never felt like God “hid” (5641) His “face” (6440) from me.  There have been times when I felt alienated but it was because I was not reaching out, not because God turned away.  If you look at the context of this remark you see that David is communicating with God.  My conclusion is that this is a figure of speech.  

There are situations where God will not listen.  Keep in mind that He can see our hearts and knows our motives.  He will leave us to stew in our own juices when we want to play games, but I have to believe He will always listen to a repentant heart and an honest prayer.

So?  Keep reaching out.  He will meet you if that is the desire of your heart. 

Daily Planner

(Pro 9:18 KJV)  But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

It matters whom you listen to.  It makes a difference what you read.  The problem we often run into is that the gist of our input starts out okay but somewhere along the route goes bad.  People often head down the road of life with no concern about what is at the end.  When you have atheists telling you that when you die there is no afterlife, you tend to back off on being concerned about long term consequences.  When you have phoney Christian authors telling you everyone is going to make it or “God would not ask you to do that” you quickly get off the track.

The thing is, the truth is available.  The knowledge we need is often right in front of us.  Our problem is that often we don’t want to hear it.  We want what we want and we want it now.

So?  There is a resurrection.  Everyone will be resurrected.  Some will not be happy with the results.  Others will go on to glory.  It doesn’t matter what you want to be true.  Something to ponder as we plan our day. 

Beyond Pithy

(Pro 8:1 KJV)  Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

This chapter is a continuous personification of “Wisdom” (2451) in an attempt to “understanding” (8394).  I think there is a tendency to identify wisdom as a bunch of pithy sayings that get people to nod and say, “Yes.”  Our culture is full of wise saying that really are not such as, “God helps those who help themselves.”  The wisdom of the Bible brings us to understanding.

What do we understand?  Ourselves.  Our culture.  God’s expectations.  We are given to tools to deal with life.  We are given a foundation to stand on, a compass to point the way, a hope that casts a different light on everything.

So?  Don’t just read the wisdom of Proverbs or Paul.  Memorize and meditate.  Analyze and apply.  Wisdom is given to make our life a glory to God. 

Simple Observations

(Pro 7:7 KJV)  And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

It would seem that Solomon is having a moment of jumping to conclusions.  How could he make such a quick assessment of this young man?  It occurs to me that maybe it was not quick.  It is totally possible that he has seen this young man before.  Maybe he has even had conversations with him.  It is even possible that he is the son referred to in verse 1.

Given time we get to know people.  We learn their weaknesses and strengths.  It is not being judgmental to use discernment.  Sometimes it is wisdom at work.

So?  Always be willing to make decisions based on what you know even if the conclusion is not pleasant. 

Imagine That

(Pro 6:18 KJV)  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

At this point we are half way through a list of things the Lord hates.  At this point we come across something that our modern culture is working hard to say does not exist.  This has two cultural beliefs we need to challenge.

The first is that man is born in sin.  One of the cardinal truths taught in the Bible is Original Sin.  It has various forms but they all focus on the belief that man is born with a natural rebellion against the things of God and a attitude of self-centeredness.  Our schools and all public voices would claim that is a hang-up that Christians have and that people are basically good.  This is a foundational difference.

The second is that the behavior that is being pushed today is wrong.  Whether it is letting criminals go free or grooming children, they see nothing wrong with it.  No activity is wrong unless it violates something they have their mind set on.

So?  God has standards.  He is serious about them.  We need to seek to abide by them and admit that there are many who glory in the evil that is all around us.  The second is harder than the first.

L’Chaim

(Psa 21:4 KJV)  He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

It seems like David is getting autobiographical here.  I assume that David wrote this.  That is what the first line of the chapter tells us and I assume the statement is included in the Hebrew text.  He is talking about the king.  He is the king.  

He is asking for “life” (2425b).  This is a broader request than to stay alive, although it includes that.  If you saw Fiddler on the Roof you might remember the song, “To Life”.  The phrase they us is “l’chaim” which is based on this word for life.  In that sense it is a call to a full and satisfying existence.

But I think it goes on from their.  To me this is another example of Old Testament Bible verses that point us to eternal life.

So?  The Bible is consistent, from beginning to end. 

Long Range Promise

(Psa 16:10 KJV)  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

There are two levels of hope expressed in this verse.  The first is what David is applying to himself.  He has the assurance that God will not “leave” (abandon NASB) (5800a) his “soul” (5315) [nephesh] to “hell” (Sheol NASB) (7585).  This is one of the indications in the Old Testament that God offers eternal life to believers.  If David has that hope then we have it multiplied.

The second hope was a future prophecy for David but is a past assurance for us.  David switches from himself to the Messiah.  This is one of the prophecies that are brought out to point to Jesus rising from the dead.  When David died and was buried it became clear that he was not talking about himself.  Looking back we see the basis for our hope in the resurrection.

So?  As Paul implied, death has no sting for us.  It is a promise grounded centuries before Jesus was born.  It is still a promise today.

Pilate Watches the News

(Joh 18:38 KJV)  Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

(Proverbs 3 also read)

If I had not read the entire passage I might be tempted to think that Pilate had been reading the New York Times or watching CNN.  This is a question that I find myself asking in different ways on a constant basis.  Pilate was waxing philosophical and it might be good for us to join him.

Step a bit beyond the theological.  We know that Jesus said He was the way, truth and life.  We know He is the only way to salvation, but what about deciding whether to boycott Bud Lite?  I use that illustration because I don’t drink and have no problem boycotting something I never use.  Thus we get to the philosophical.  

As Christians we have a charge to constantly live our life in the moral lane.  We are responsible to determine truth in everything we do.  That is often impossible because our sources of information are totally corrupted or warped beyond recognition.  It doesn’t seem like there are any exceptions any more.  It is obvious in the news.  It is overwhelming in the weather projections.  It even pops up with overzealous pastors when they get going.  The only way we can know how to respond to what we are hearing is if we are standing on the truth that we know we can cling to.  Common sense is only possible if we stand on solid ground.

So?  I know I repeat myself.  Imagine living in my head and having to listen to my lectures on a constant basis.  Read the word.  Know God’s specific standards and general principles.  Wrestle with truth.  It will sharpen your baloney meter. 

Swings

(Psa 13:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

(Proverbs 2 also read)

As I read through this chapter today I noticed the mood swing of David as he wrote.  I said to my self, “This could be me.”  If you have your Bible read through the chapter.  It is only six verses long.  Then see if you agree with me when I say we have all been there.  In fact some of us may be there as we read.

Feel free to ask the question.  Feel free to ask any question.  That is something we forget about God and David keeps reminding us.  We have a living relationship with the God Who Is.  Think of the mood swings of David.  Think of Moses arguing with God.  Think of Paul and his thorn in the flesh.  For that matter, think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when He was pleading with the Father to take the cup from Him.  

Take the time to listen for an answer.  And keep reading.  Maybe the answer comes in the next verse.  Maybe it will come if you will pause and let the Spirit whisper in your ear.

So?  Rejoice in a living relationship with a living God. 

Fashionable

(Psa 1:4 KJV)  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

(Proverbs 1 also read)

People who are serious about serving the Lord are often identified as conservative or traditional.  You hear such terms as fuddy duddy and stick in the mud.  I think we should bear those labels with honor and good humor.  We should also feel compassion for those who are like the “wicked” (7563) described here.

Stability is a good quality.  Stable people are for progress but only if the progress is an improvement.  They are not in favor of change for change’s sake.  It is such a part of our life.  Think of fashion.  I think fashion is a great example of planned obsolescence.  It is to separate those who can afford to keep wasting money from the frugal.  Back in the days when men wore ties as part of their Sunday outfit you could tell who was cool and who was not by the width of their tie.

So?  The things that are eternal never change.  They may be expressed differently at different times but the underlying pattern does not move.  Live by the eternal.