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“BUT AS FOR ME”

December 20, 2020 10:30 AM — Rev. Jeremy B. Stopford

Smyrna (NY) Baptist Church

TODAY’S SPECIAL: A RUDOLPH FUNNY

Santa: What do you want for Christmas this year?

Little Johnny: Rudolph

Santa: You can’t have my favorite reindeer. Why would you want Rudolph anyway?

Little Johnny: Cause I love venison!

INTRODUCTION What do you believe?” I believe what the church believes, and the church believes what I believe, and we get along just fine.

About 7 times in Scripture [our KJV], we are invited to see turning points in several people’s theologies.

Such turning points are introduced with a simple phrase, “but as for me”. And all should help us answer the question, “what do I believe?

PRAYER

I. A LIFETIME OF LOYALTY Joshua 24:15

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

  • V. 29. Joshua is 110 years old. Since he was 30, he was leaning from Moses how to live.
  • Vs. 1-14 He rehearses God’s handiwork on Israel’s life in the wilderness. CAN YOU REHEARSE GOD’S GRACES IN YOUR LIFE
  • Vs. 16-18 The people declare their allegiance to the Lord CAN YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU LEARNED SUCH ALLEGIANCE?
  • Vs. 19-20 Joshua reminds them of their true heart, true allegiance DO YOU REMEMBER THE TRUE BATTLES WITH SIN? (Jer. 17:9)
  • Vs. 21 The people declare again (Jer. 17:10) The Lord knows! The heart’s desire is to God’s allegiance!
  • Vs. 22-27 A covenant (v. 25) and the written Word (v. 26)

Point: For 80 years, Joshua demonstrated for him AND his house that living in allegiance to the true God is worth it all!

HOW ABOUT YOU? HAVE YOU MADE THAT ALLEGIANCE?

II. A LIFETIME OF LOVE Psalm 5:7

“But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.”

* Every verse is God-centered

* V. 9 is quoted in Romans 3:13 showing the unsaved’s non-worship

Point: The worship of Jesus is not just for Sunday alone

HOW ABOUT YOU? IS GOD’S FEAR YOUR LIFETIME FEAR?

III. A LIFETIME OF WALKING Psalm 26:11

“But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.”

* Note that David sees the Christian life – even in the OT – as a walk. iLLUSTRATION: that means discipline, because it is easier to sit in one’s recliner than to take a stroll around the block!

But it also means vision: seeing the goal of Christlikeness!

* Note the “I have”s of this psalm!

Point: The walk of the Christian is an accumulation of lessons!

HOW ABOUT YOU? WHAT LESSONS IS GOD TEACHING YOU NOW?

IV. A LIFETIME OF SUPERNATURAL WARMTH Psalm 35:13

“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”

* Note the context: vs. 1ff shows a court scene; vs. 7-8 show a battle; vs. 9-10 show God’s uniqueness.

* Note vs. 11-12. This is a Christ-sighting, where an OT reference has NT implications. In all His trials, the Savior had false witnesses – initially inconsistent – who rose up against Him. He ultimately was accused of blasphemy (Jews) and treason (Rome)

  • V. 13 is a contrast, the enemy’s hatred vs. David’s supernatural mercy. Each of us should be able to remember those times when special kindness was shown toward those who don’t have the same foundation as we do. HOW ABOUT YOU? DO YOU LOVE THE UNLOVELY?

JESUS LOVED YOU!!! SHOULDN’T WE LOVE OTHERS?

CONCLUSION

There are 3 more. Let me read 2 of them:

Psalm 69:13

“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.”

Daniel 2:30

“But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.”

But it is Psalm 73:2 that should get our attention as we close. I call this “a lifetime of supernatural wrestling”. What? Listen to what it says:

“But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.”

Have your feet almost gone? Have your steps well night slipped? Huh?

Look at verse 3: “ For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked”.

This psalm is written by Asaph, one of the singers of the temple. He would compose songs for the use of those leading worship in the temple.

But in this psalm he talks about a supernatural wrestling match that he is in. AND YOU HAVE BEEN IN IT IT, TOO! Asaph LOOKED at people. He saw their wealth, their prosperity, their success – all with NO USE for the Lord!

A supernatural wrestling match…v. 17 “until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.”

When the Lord reminded Asaph of the eternal lostness of the unbeliever, he understood that this world is full of people going in one of 2 directions: toward the Lord and heaven, or toward Satan and hell.

In NT terms, what should we do? How does this affect us entering into 2021? How does this affect Smyrna Baptist Church?

GREATLY! Because God is inviting us to see people as God sees them: with or without hope. With faith in Jesus, or without them.

Remember when YOU first came to trust Jesus? Don’t you wish everyone did? Let’s pray that in 2021 the Lord turns Smyrna upside down for Him, turns Smyrna upside down for Him, turns you and me upside down for Him! Close in prayer.

Blogs, John Grant

SEEDS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Week Fifty-Two, 2020

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11)

Everything living begins with planting of a seed, including animal and human reproduction. What happens after that varies along with other choices and events. Some, like the mustard tree begins with the smallest of seeds, but develops into a large tree. Others are stunted in their growth for a variety of reasons.

As we begin the new year, like this year, we will plant seeds, not necessarily the garden variety, but seeds that are more lasting and of greater importance. Jesus gives us an example, as He spoke of the scattering of seed in a parable.

“A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted.“

The disciples failed to understand the parable, so Jesus explained. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. He said then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.

The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.

As we go through the coming year, we will plant seeds of influence, relationships, witnessing our faith and many others. The important seeds are not those that lead to materialism, but those that change the course of the future. We plant them with our family, friends, co-workers and everyone we will meet in the coming year. We may never know the results of the seeds we plant. There is a saying: One sows and another reaps is true.

We will plant seeds by the lifestyle we lead, the words we speak and the effort we make to keep focused on our Creator. We must keep our minds and actions on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking and doing what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.

What seeds will you plant in 2021?

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

In 1992, Dennis Lee Curtis was arrested for armed robbery in Rapid City, South Dakota. In his wallet, police found a list of rules Curtis had written for himself – guidelines for his robberies. For example, he wrote:

▪ I will not kill anyone unless I have to.

▪ I will take cash and food stamps — no checks.

▪ I will not rob mini-marts.

▪ If I get chased by cops on foot, I will get away. If chased by vehicle, I will not put the lives of innocent civilians on the line.

▪ I will rob only seven months out of the year.

▪ I will enjoy robbing from the rich to give to the poor.”

However, the judge before whom Dennis Lee Curtis stood didn’t consult his list of rules. He didn’t say, “Well, at least you live by some values.” No, Curtis was judged by the laws of South Dakota. And convicted as a thief.

While Curtis’ behavior may seem odd, it’s no more different than folks who think they can live by their own standard and God will be pleased. People often compare themselves to others to judge themselves in a more favorable light. We may look at the things that we don’t do, to feel good about ourselves. I don’t commit murder. I don’t steal. I don’t commit adultery. I don’t get drunk.

Some folks excuse their bad behavior, their sinful habits, or their lack of self-control, by saying, “At least I’m nice to people. I help people. And I care about other people.” Yet, God isn’t going to judge us on the basis of what we don’t do. Or on a curve system based on the lives of those worse than we are. Or on our own value system.

While none of us will live perfectly sinless lives, we can clothe ourselves with God’s garments of righteousness. Excel to a higher level of living. And exemplify His holy standard in our lives. Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

— o —

One person said to another, “I’m too busy and have too many important things going on these days to spend time with the Lord praying and reading the Word.”

The other’s response, “I’m too busy not too.”

— o —

• All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

• 14% – Percentage of alcohol consumption over 30 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• It is the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing anything that distracts us from it. He Minimalist

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Western society was built on three piers: democracy, free-market capitalism, and consensual morality. The first two cannot sustain us without the third. Rabbi Johnathan Sacks

Jesus didn’t die for us. He died instead of us. Ken Whitten

You have to have a fixed reference point beyond this world. Victor Frankel

You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. C. S. Lewis

Sometimes we all have to be reminded of God’s great love for us through Jesus, His Son. Marty Stubblefield

The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. Socrates

Whatever you fix your eyes on is what you will encourage; fix your eyes on Jesus.” Mark Parker

Blogs, Jeremy Stopford

A WORD FROM CHRISTMAS PAST

Semi-Retired Pastor Jeremy Stopford

This message was delivered the first year that Pastor Stopford served as pastor of First Baptist Church Earlville, NY , December 13, 2009.

“Immanuel? I thought His Name is Jesus!”

Matthew 1:18-25:

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son,

and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.

And he called His name Jesus.

INTRODUCTION

This is my official first Christmas here at First Baptist. And, historically, this would be the Baby Jesus’ first Christmas – for this is the season that we commemorate His birth.

By the way, do you know the difference between the Christmas Alphabet and the English Alphabet? You bet – the Christmas Alphabet has no L.

We are not looking to Clement More for his approval, though he wrote, “’Twas the night before Christmas”. We are not looking to Bob May – a 1926 classmate of my Dad’s at Dartmouth – for his insight, although he wrote “Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.”

No, no! We are looking to the Gospel of Matthew, the first gospel of The Book. Familiar words. Sometimes TOO familiar.

Today, may the Lord Jesus give us fresh insights into the purposes of that first birth.

PRAYER

  1. THE STORY OF THE BIRTH (1:18)

“Mary was betrothed to Joseph”. This was a big deal in Jewish circles. Joseph’s and Mary’s parents got together and at one point said, “my son Joseph and your daughter Mary would be perfect for each other. There, that settles it.” Do you wish it were that way today?

So it was the betrothal – a period of time similar to an engagement, but with all the rights of marriage EXCEPT consummation. Joseph and Mary got to know each other better, their likes and dislikes. In the meantime, it was the PARENTS who figured out all the arrangements for the wedding. THEY made the plans. Don’t you wish – sometimes – that parents were more involved in today’s weddings?

And in the midst of all this betrothal stuff are these words of inspiration: “she [Mary] was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” We know from Luke 1:26-38 that by this time the angel Gabriel had visited her and explained to her what was to be. It was near that time that Mary said these words of her true heart which ring down through the centuries: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And later, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. for He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant…”. (Luke 1:38; 46-48a). Mary’s heart, her WORSHIP, was forever – and is still in glory – to her own Son.

II. THE JUST HUSBAND (1:19)

So Mary and Joseph were planning their wedding! Can you imagine each of their thoughts as they were wondering how married life would be different from their individual lives as single people? And then came the news: Mary is pregnant. Joseph knew, he just KNEW, that the baby was not HIS. She had violated her vows of betrothal to Joseph! By law, he had a number of choices. Being the espoused husband, he could have Mary stoned to death – PUBLICLY!

Please note that verse 19 comes before verse 20. [“DUH!” You say!]. BEFORE the visit from the angel of the Lord, BEFORE there is any public ridicule upon Mary – much less upon Joseph – the Scriptures in verse 19 say, “being a just man”. The scriptures identify the CHARACTER of this man of God! He was a just husband! He was a private man, with a private personal walk with the Lord, which in turn governed his public life.

We have MANY public figures today with PUBLIC problems – from the President on down. Joseph heart should make us question OUR own hearts – what is OUR character? Who are we when NO ONE (but the Lord!) is looking?

III. THE AMAZING “BEHOLD” #1 (1:20-21)

So Joseph is thinking about “doing the right thing”. Like you and me, he was thinking about all the options available to him. But most of all, he was thinking about…MARY! His heart broke for how her character would be attacked. So while he was thinking about all this, there was an interruption: “BEHOLD!!!!!!!!!”

When I read through the Christmas story, I just want to circle the word “behold”. In fact, I often can wonder how it first must have been said. Can you see the Eternal Bose Mic picking up the word? “BEHOLD!!!!!!!!!”

It was now Joseph’s turn to have a visit from the beloved angel Gabriel. Joseph’s world comes to a stop: When I read through the Christmas story, I just want to circle the word “BEHOLD!!!!!!!!!”. In fact, I often can wonder how it must have been first said. Can you see the Eternal Bose Mic picking up the word? “BEHOLD!!!!!!!!!” The area is inundated with the Glory of God.

God loves to intervene in our history when we are making OTHER plans! He does that in our lives. He does that in eternity and with His eternal purposes. Joseph is now given the BIG picture!

The angel Gabriel takes Joseph from what Joseph thinks is the temporal (the pregnancy of an unwed mother) into the eternal (God becoming Man through the work of the Holy Spirit within Mary’s womb!). Not only is Joseph given the BIG picture; he is also told the Baby’s Name: “Jesus”. “Jesus” is the Greek “Iesous” transliterated. The name means “Jeshua is Savior”. Did you catch that? JEHOVAH IS SAVIOR is Jesus’ name!

This tells Jesus’ MISSION!

IV. THE AMAZING “BEHOLD” #2 (1:22-23)

In essence, Matthew tells us ““BEHOLD!!!!!!!!!” I thought His Name is Jesus”:

He takes us to a quote of Isaiah 7:14, where the Messiah is introduced as having the Name “Immanuel”, that is, “God with us.” This refers to Jesus’ CHARACTER.

I would encourage you to read Isaiah Chapters 7-9. These chapters answer way ahead of time how the Messiah Jesus-Immanuel will be received:

* He will be given the Name “Immanuel” (7:14)

* “Immanuel” will still be waiting for Israel to acknowledge Him as “God with us” (8:8-10)

* “Immanuel” will be exalted (9:6-7)

CONCLUSION: Let’s get practical!

In 1:20-21, Joseph was told what to do (take Mary as wife; she will give birth to a Child Who is the Son of the Holy Spirit) and in 1:24-25, Joseph did what he was told to do!

He OBEYED WHAT HE HEARD!

He understood Jesus’ MISSION: to save the lost!

He understood Jesus’ CHARACTER: God with us.

But he also understood that God’s Son Immanuel would be rejected, that He would patiently wait for our trust, and one day would be exalted to the position which He already holds by character.

How about you? Are you OBEYING WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD?

OR does your trust need to be RENEWED?

At this Christmas time, God is looking for sinners to trust what HE has done for the whole world in sending His Son. God is looking for sinners to trust Jesus as Savior, God with us. God is looking for sinners to trust that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection was for each of us personally!

Is that your trust today? Did you need to be reminded afresh WHO your trust should be?

IMMANUEL! GOD WITH US! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Close in prayer

Blogs, John Grant

WHEN WE SEE JESUS

John Grant, Week Fifty-One, 2020

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus, life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ; One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase, so bravely run the race till we see Christ.

As I sat in a Cracker Barrell sipping my coffee and awaited my morning meal, I was looking at all the old things adorning the wall. There were all sorts of things, some old and rusty and some reminding me of things past. One in particular caught my eye. It was a degree from a prominent university with a man’s name printed on it and underneath it said Doctor of Medicine.

I thought how much he must have worked and studied to earn it and how it allowed him to practice medicine for many years. Now it was good for nothing other than to decorate the wall in a roadside restaurant. I thought about a certificate of which I am very proud that hangs on my wall. It is beautiful and along with my name, it says “Admitted to Practice Law” before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Here’s the point. All those things we work for will someday be worthless when Jesus returns. He doesn’t care about all we have done and accumulated. He cares about our relationship with Him. For those of us who know Christ and have given our heart and soul to Him and accepted Him as our Savior, we will see Him.

Dead or alive, life’s day will soon be over, all storms forever past. We’ll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last. We’ll share the joys of heaven – a harp, a home, a crown. The tempter will be banished, we’ll lay our burden down. It will be glory when we see Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t care about how many trophies we have won, degrees we have obtained or things and fortunes we have accumulated. He doesn’t even care how many times we have gone to church and crossed it off the weekly list of things to do.

What Jesus cares about is how we have loved people He created no matter what race or economic status. He created us all. He created my inmost being knit me together in my mother’s womb. We praise Him because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. His works are wonderful, and we know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14) They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” John 12:21

In a few days we will celebrate the commemoration of His miraculous and holy birth. American consumers will spend more than one trillion, an average of $942 per family on Christmas, buying trinkets, toys and even more expensive gifts to celebrate the “holiday.”

Yet, few will even connect the festivities, the lights, trees and gifts with the Savior of the world. In ancient times, people who saw and witnessed His marvelous works were changed and built churches, establishing ministries around the world. People who saw Jesus were wonderfully transformed, as he taught not about acquiring things, but about loving people. Today there are 2.4 billion, one third of the world’s population who are followers of Christ.

Someday we who have professed Him as our Lord will see His marvelous face and nothing else of this world will matter. For us, it is not what lies behind, but what lies ahead that matters.

Will you think of this perspective as you celebrate Christmas this year? Remember, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Legalized abortion has killed more than sixty-two million babies in the US. So far this year, more than 675,000 preborn children have died by abortion, three times the number of Americans who have died from COVID-19. Abortion is the leading cause of death in the US, surpassing heart disease and cancer.

The Satanic Temple wants to put up billboards that show people how to obtain abortions more easily. Their “religious abortion ritual” is supposed to be a “sacramental act that confirms the right of bodily autonomy.” According to the Satanic Temple, if people perform this ritual, they can claim a religious exemption from mandatory waiting periods, counseling, ultrasounds, and other measures required by some states before an abortion can be performed.

However, billboards promoting their ritual have been declined by Lamar Advertising. In response, the Satanic Temple has sued the company. In their lawsuit, they state that Lamar rejected the content of the billboards as “misleading and offensive.” The Satanic Temple alleges that this rejection was based on religious discrimination. It would be hard to make this up.

— o —

Our society needs people characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But these are the “fruit” of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), not the product of self-reliant effort. They are the result of being “filled” or controlled each day by the Spirit of God (Ephesians 5:18). Jim Denison

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus ~ Nothing!

Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing the monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward. C. S. Lewis

Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is.

When was the last time that you worshiped? I mean… truly worshiped? When you got so lost in Him. So moved by the Spirit that you let your walls down, forgot about everything and everybody else and you worshiped? You bowed down before Him filled with joy and hope and trembling fear?

Sometimes there is nothing more to say… the Word says it all.

Blogs, Jeremy Stopford

TODAY’S LESSON: Psalm 133

Semi Retired Pastor Jeremy Stopford

STUDY IN THE ASCENT PSALMS

INTRODUCTION

Today is Study #14 of our insights into the “Ascent Psalms” – Psalms 120-134! We will have one more lesson – Psalm 134 – in this study. However, Lord willing we’ll have a special “Christmas study” next week.

Each one of the Ascent Psalms is unique, an individual, one of a kind. Since we have started this study, have you seen how your life is a journey, a sojourning into the seemingly unknown but also into the hands of the One Who knows your path?

OUR THEME VERSE

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5 NKJV). Have you learned our theme verse yet?

TODAY WE ARE IN PSALM 133

Psalm 133 New King James Version (NKJV)

Blessed Unity of the People of God

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

2.  It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

3. It is like the dew of Hermon,

Descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—

Life forevermore.

TITLE AND OUTLINE OF PSALM 133

TITLE (per Dr. W. Graham Scroggie): “Fraternal Unity”

OUTLINE (per JBS):

I. Goal (v, 1)

II. Purpose (v. 2)

III. Impossibility (v. 3)

SOME INTERESTING INSIGHTS

So, you are struggling to maintain your private devotions, are you? Your moments for an intimate walk with the Lord are seemingly squelched with all the stresses of time – even in our seasons of dealing with Covid-19 and its challenges and restrictions? So the Good Lord in His kindness and wisdom has given you an huge GIFT. He has given to you Psalms 117 and 133 – the shortest psalms in the Bible! Read them on those time challenging mornings, and you can honestly say, “I’ve read my Bible today!”

Psalm 133 is indeed one of the shortest psalms, much less one of the shortest chapters in the Bible. And don’t be fooled – it’s brief content has much encouragement for the soul who is seeking the heart of his/her Father.

It begins with a call to unity, a statement of how brothers on the same journey ought to be. I remember the first time I read through the Ascent Psalms in a most intense way. Sometime during that season, I went to a meeting of the Conference my first church was in. The President of the Conference (Tioga River Christian Conference, for those of you who might be familiar with it!) said, “before we begin our meeting, I want to have a devotional on our need to be united as a Conference.” Before any more words came out of his mouth, without thinking I blurted out, “Psalm 133”. He said, “HEY! Did you read my notes?”. I told him that I have ESPN. Or something like that.

Romans 6:19 perhaps gives the heart of Psalm 133:1:

“I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.”

“Slaves [or better, ‘servants’] of righteousness for holiness.” The heart of Psalm 133:1 is that those of us who love the Lord Jesus as our Savior are on the SAME JOURNEY! We are…BRETHREN! Brothers and sisters in Christ. Bought by the precious blood of the Lamb. We are not our own, we are bought with a price. Therefore our focus should be on the oneness we have together in Christ. “Dwell together in unity” is possible ONLY if we dwell together in the awe-ness of our being ONE IN CHRIST! Anything short of that is a ticket for disaster in the body of believers.

Verse two introduces the journeyman to an interesting comparison. The key word here is “LIKE”. Such a unity which is described in verse 1 is LIKE “the precious oil upon the head”. WHAT? I don’t want no oil put on MY head! Phooey! I JUST washed my hair this morning! It would take forever to get that oil OUT! What kind of picture of unity is that?

Good questions…until. Until you answer the important question: WHY was oil upon the head, running down the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments? Why?

Listen carefully to the words from Exodus 29:1,7. These are THE LORD’S instructions to Moses. These are NOT Moses’ instructions to the people! These are the Lord’s words. And the Lord said, “And this is what you shall do to them to HALLOW [“set them apart as holy”] them for ministering to ME as priests…you shall take the anointing oil, pour it on HIS [Aaron’s] head, and anoint him…” Aaron is Moses’ brother, BUT he is NOT chosen simply because of family ties. The creation of this priesthood is by order of the LORD HIMSELF! And in order to set Aaron (and his descendants) apart, anointing oil is poured over them. Can you visualize the oil being poured on Aaron’s head, watching it flow through his beard, to his shoulders, to his priestly garments, to his feet?

What did the writer of Psalm 133:2 say, “ It is LIKE the precious oil upon the head,

running down…”. Do you remember what the disciples (in particular, the crooked Judas the treasurer) said when Lazarus’ sister Mary took costly ointment and anointed the Lord Jesus (Mark 14:3ff)? What did he/they say? “Why this waste?” The Lord Jesus turned around and said that this would be forever a memorial of Mary’s worship of the Lord Jesus. A memorial of what? The Lord Jesus’ death – His being the Lamb of God CHOSEN by the Father to be the Substitute for the sin of the world!

To the world, the church – the true church with its blood-bought members – is a WHAT? Waste! So the Savior through the writer of Psalm 133 is reminding the church that we are NOT a waste! We are PRECIOUS in His sight! We are CALLED! We are BLOOD BOUGHT! We are His PERFECT design to turn the world upside down for His glory. AND as such, we are designed to be…ONE in Christ!

But wait, there’s MORE!

Carefully look at the illustration in Psalm 133:3. It is LIKE! The unity of the brethren, focused on their ascent to Jerusalem to the temple [or, in NT practicality, focused on the glory of God on display through His body which is faithfully walking with HIM] is now given an overwhelming comparative. Watch the progression: like the dew of Hermon…descending upon the mountains of Zion…there the Lord commanded the blessing…life forever!

KEY THOUGHT: WHAT blessing? Look at Genesis 12:2,3: I [the Lord] will make you [Abram/Abraham] a great nation; I will BLESS you and make your name great; and you shall be a BLESSING. I will BLESS those who BLESS you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you ALL the families of the earth shall be BLESSED.” Tuck this away for further personal study: this is the framework of the Savior’s words of Matthew 25, the dividing of the world into the “sheep” and the “goat” nations. The “sheep” nations are the blessed ones – because they are the ones who recognize ISRAEL as God’s chosen people, and so treat him accordingly. The “goat” nations are the ones so recognized because they fail to honor Israel as GOD’S people.

CONCLUDING THOUGHT

The BLESSING? Life forevermore! Illustrated through the anointing oil upon the priest, setting him apart as God’s servant. What may have seemed a waste is God’s design! And one day the Father would send His One and only Son – the Lord Jesus – to be the High Priest of the sheep, yet One Who would take the place of the sheep and become THEIR sacrifice, the perfect, spotless, sinless Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. ANOINTED eternally as the One to be our Lamb on Calvary’s cross.

The BLESSING? Life forevermore! Fulfilling the promise of God to Moses as Jesus being the Prophet just like Moses.

The BLESSING? Life forevermore! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten [His “One and only”] Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have EVERLASTING LIFE.” (John 3:16).

The BLESSING? Life forevermore! When the body of believers recognizes the plan of the Father as put in place by the Son, effected on the cross, and eternally effectual through His shed blood, uniting FOREVER all those who have their faith and trust in that death, burial, and resurrection of Christ being in their place – then why wouldn’t the brethren dwell together in unity?

Is that YOUR walk with the Father?

Is that YOUR excitement about your local church?

Is that YOUR joy with your fellow brethren in the ascent, the journey with the Lord?

Blogs, John Grant

If my people …

JOHN GRANT, Week Fifty, 2020

If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

It is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I call it the 4/3 test. When the going gets tough, God asks His people to do four things and in turn, He promises to do three.

HIS PEOPLE:

1. We are called to humble ourselves.

2. We are called to pray.

3. We are called to seek His face.

4. We are called to turn from our wicked ways.

GOD:

1. He will hear from heaven.

2. He will forgive our sins.

3. He will heal our land.

That’s a pretty simple and easily understood formula…. we do and He does. Those who believe must forsake sins, turn from the life that is centered on self, and yield to God’s word and will. They have to humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, then and only then will the Lord hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

In this confused sinful time, when people are thinking of themselves, God wants us to think outwardly, not inwardly. People are born with an inward perspective naturally wanting to keep what they have and seize what others have. If there is any doubt in your minds about that, just observe a group of interacting two-year old’s in a room of toys. It’s a game of “gimmie.”

This simple formula tells us how to overcome those natural tendencies. It is a battle we have to face over and over again throughout life. Whether it is between nations or individuals the principles are the same. God tells us to pray and turn from our wicked ways, either as nations or individually before He will heal our land.

God wants us to pray like this: I pray to you, pledging my life to your service. Please forgive my sins, my heart, and my ways. I seek your face in prayer and in actions, please help me to be a blessing to those around me.

We all have wicked ways of various types, some more visible than others. We should examine our hearts and ask God to help us reveal and turn from our wicked ways.

As you ask God for guidance and direction, which wicked ways are you willing to turn from?

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

CONSISTENCY:

God wants us to be more consistent in life, calling us to be more consistent…

… as a follower of Christ

… as a leader at home and at work and all places in between

… as a husband

… as a father

… in my role as godly father and husband at home

… in helping my family (and friends) go deeper in their faith walk

… in me going deeper in my own faith walk

… in personal fitness and exercise

… even in getting a consistent night’s sleep

… in consistent bedtimes

… in consistent responses

… consistently fighting off sin and evil

… consistently putting on the full armor of God

… consistently taking up my cross (daily) and following Jesus

… which means consistent prayer, consistent reading and memorizing His word, and consistent devotion and accountability.

Striving to be consistent takes consistent effort and dedication.

— o —

Private Prayer

John Baillie’s A Diary of Private Prayer is empowering:

Dear Father, take this day’s life into your keeping. Guide all my thoughts and feelings. Direct all my energies. Instruct my mind. Sustain my will. Take my hands and give me the skill to serve you. Take my feet and make them quick to do whatever you ask. Take my eyes and keep them fixed on your everlasting beauty. Take my mouth and give me the words to tell others of your love.

Make this day a day of obedience, a day of spiritual joy and peace. Make this day’s work a little part of the work of the kingdom of my Lord Jesus, in whose name these prayers are said. Amen.

— o —

The new media gives everyone a microphone. The best way to communicate is face-to-face; the worst way is for communication to be anonymous, invisible, and unregulated. But the latter describes the way 3.5 billion people communicate every day. Jim Denison

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

There’s more to life than buying stuff. The Minimalist

Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues. Brother Lawrence

The good news is that our faith points the way to a better future. Here’s the foundational biblical fact about humans: “God created man in his own image” (Genesis 1:27). As a result, every person I meet today was created by my Father. They are not my competitor for survival but a member of my family. Jim Denison

When last did worshiping Jesus draw you closer to someone with whom you disagree? Jim Denison

Blogs, Jeremy Stopford

TODAY’S LESSON: Psalm 132

Semi Retired Pastor Jeremy Stopford

STUDY IN THE ASCENT PSALMS

INTRODUCTION

Today is Study #13 of our insights into the “Ascent Psalms” – Psalms 120-134!

Each one is unique, an individual, one of a kind. A visual of a pilgrim’s journey – like YOURS! Since we have started this study, have you seen how your life is a journey, a sojourning into the seemingly unknown but also in the hands of the One Who knows your path?

OUR THEME VERSE

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5 NKJV). Have you learned our theme verse yet?

TODAY WE ARE IN PSALM 132

The Eternal Dwelling of God in Zion

A Song of Ascents.

1. Lord, remember David

And all his afflictions;

2. How he swore to the Lord,

And vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3. “Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house,

Or go up to the comfort of my bed;

4. I will not give sleep to my eyes

Or slumber to my eyelids,

5. Until I find a place for the Lord,

A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

6. Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;

We found it in the fields of the woods.

7. Let us go into His tabernacle;

Let us worship at His footstool.

8. Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place,

You and the ark of Your strength.

9. Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness,

And let Your saints shout for joy.

10. For Your servant David’s sake,

Do not turn away the face of Your Anointed.

11. The Lord has sworn in truth to David;

He will not turn from it:

“I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body.

12. If your sons will keep My covenant

And My testimony which I shall teach them,

Their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore.”

13. For the Lord has chosen Zion;

He has desired it for His dwelling place:

14. “This is My resting place forever;

Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

15. I will abundantly bless her provision;

I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16. I will also clothe her priests with salvation,

And her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

17. There I will make the horn of David grow;

I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed.

18. His enemies I will clothe with shame,

But upon Himself His crown shall flourish.”

TITLE AND OUTLINE OF PSALM 132 (Dr. W. Graham Scroggie)

TITLE: “Prayer and Promise”

OUTLINE:

  1. The Prayer of the people (vs. 1-10)

A. That the King’s resolution may be remembered (vs. 1-5)

B. That the sanctuary in Zion may be accepted (vs. 6-10)

  1. The Promise of the Lord (vs. 11-18)

A. In respect of the King: the oath to David (vs. 11-12)

B. In respect of the Sanctuary: the choice of Zion (vs. 13-18)

SOME INTERESTING INSIGHTS

I was trying to remember what things I was told to remember. But I forget.

Seriously.

There were things that Mother told me to remember. And without getting remotely risqué, there was that reminder about wearing clean underwear, but I don’t remember why she told me to remember. [Was it an accident or something? I don’t remember!] And to remember that she had both the power and the authority to “send me into the middle of next week.” I’m so glad that she never remembered to do that.

But what happens when GOD HIMSELF is asked to remember something. Does God need to remember? Does God ever forget?

Well, actually He DOES forget, doesn’t He? Do you REMEMBER what He forgets? There are a good number of references, but the end of Jeremiah 31:34 will suffice: “I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will REMEMBER no more.” This is not only present for believers. In the context – as quoted in Romans 11:27 – it is a definite future promise to Israel.

Sometimes – respectfully speaking – I think the Lord has a sense of humour. Listen to the FIRST use of a form of “remember, in Genesis 8:1: “Then God REMEMBERED Noah…”. Had He forgotten about Noah and the ark? Hmm. After that pronouncement – marking 150 days that the rains and winds would subside and the earth would be dry – God makes a promise: “I will REMEMBER My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh…” (Genesis 9:15). No more would the world be completely covered/destroyed by rain [it WILL be by…fire – 2 Pet. 3:7 and elsewhere].

In an overwhelming 230 VERSES the Lord REMEMBERS the word REMEMBER! Isn’t that overwhelming?

And one day our Savior would both command and encourage the disciples in regards to the communion, “this do in REMEMBRANCE of Me.” Why would He need to use the word “REMEMBER” in that form and context? Because He knew, and He KNOWS, that His creation, well…FORGETS! In the busyness of our worlds, and in the struggles of life, we FORGET to REMEMBER that the heart of life is Jesus’ broken body and shed blood given for us at Calvary.

You ask, “WHAT does that have to do with our study in Psalm 132?” The word “remember” is the heart of this passage. Look with astonishment, awe, and wonder at verse 1, “Lord, REMEMBER David and all his afflictions.” Read that real slow, now: “Lord. Remember. David.”

Didn’t we just learn that the Lord Himself remembers in over 200 passages? Didn’t we just learn that the very first usage of “remember” was about Noah and a promise of no more world-wide destroying flood? Did we just learn that the Lord Jesus wants us to remember His sacrifice for our sins?

Isn’t that enough?

HERE’S THE HEART OF GOD: He loves us! And He loves us SO MUCH that He would include in His Word – and in particular an Ascent Psalm marking one’s direction toward the heart of God and His worship – an intimate moment between David and his amazing, faithful, loving God. DAVID! The same one who had an affair with old what’s her name! (Bathsheba, for those who forgot!). The same one who would one day flee Jerusalem because his kingdom was falling apart while under the rebellion of David’s son, Absalom. King David asks God to remember David. An intimate moment. A tender moment. David REMINDS God! He asks God to REMEMBER! Remember all I went through in my afflictions for You! Remember my heart and desire that You have a place to reside permanently in Jerusalem! Remember that I want your ark to have a permanent place of rest in a house – a temple – in the heart of the city which one day will be the center of the kingdom of the King of kings, even Your Son Whom you have promised us! Remember!

Thus the word “REMEMBER” is the heart and soul of this ascent psalm! Why is that important to us today? Why is that important to those of us who are struggling in our “ascent” to God and to His temple? Why is that such a vital word for us?

Because what do we want God to REMEMBER? His PROMISES! “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you will be…forever!” “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” “Call unto Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know!” What are YOUR favorite promises from God’s Word?

As a result, we have the freedom and JOY to ask God to REMEMBER! Remember ME! Enjoy that freedom and joy today!

There is one other phrase that the psalmist uses in this psalm. It is “clothed with”, as seen in verses 9, 16, and 18. The scriptures would encourage the student of God’s Word to be familiar with this term, one which is used at least thirty times in The Good Book! Note the 3 uses in this psalm. Verse 9 is a prayer that God’s priests be “clothed with righteousness”. The prayer is that the priests not only have a positional righteousness – because they belong to God that is what they have. But it also is a request that the priests have a living righteousness – because that is how they should behave! Further, in verse 16, the psalmist – while speaking from the mouth of God Himself – quotes the Lord as saying that He indeed WILL clothe His priests, with salvation! And as asked in verse 9 and answered in verse 16, that answer to prayer will result in His saints indeed shouting for joy!

Are you rejoicing that you who belong to Jesus by His blood shed at Calvary are clothed with righteousness – both personal and active?

Are you overwhelmed that you are clothed with salvation – both eternal and daily?

Are you?

CONCLUDING THOUGHT

As we bring this study of Psalm 132 to a close, there is a third use of “clothed with” that should give us all an heartfelt warning. In verse 18, the psalmist gives a futuristic yet present-day promise, “His enemies I will CLOTHE WITH shame, but upon Himself His crown shall flourish.” The psalmist is an instrument of God’s promise that the enemies of His eternal plan will be clothed with shame. Perhaps the shame is realizing that, despite all the promises and hopes that the Lord Himself has offered to His creation for literally centuries – if not millennia – they have refused His offers of grace. They will eternally be labelled as “His enemies.”

But the psalmist is more personal than that. The question must be asked, “WHOSE enemies?”. Go back to verse 17, “There [in Jerusalem, upon the Throne of David]…I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed.” “My Anointed”. That is “God’s anointed One”. The Hebrew is appropriately translated…aw, you knew already…MESSIAH!.

The psalmist is giving a past declaration of a present day activity of a future promise! [HEY Dr. Becker, that was pretty profound, no?]. In the past – Psalm 132 – the psalmist is declaring that in his present day the Lord Himself is promising that one day – in the future kingdom – the Savior, the promised Son of David, even the Lord Jesus, will sit upon David’s Throne in Jerusalem where He will rule and reign for a 1000 years over the world, Israel will have its promised King and kingdom.

But that promise comes with shame for all those who did not believe the promise.

How about THIS promise, in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten [His One and only] Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Have YOU believed that promise? Do you know Jesus Christ as YOUR personal Savior? OR will you be one of those whom God looks upon with shame?

Which will it be? Clothed with righteousness and salvation?

OR clothed with shame?

Blogs, John Grant

THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD

Week Forty-nine. 2020

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

As 2020 draws to a close and we look in the rearview mirror, the perspective is far different from the perspective looking out the windshield in January. Who could have imagined what the year would bring…… more hurricanes than letters in the alphabet, tornados, floods, unprecedented wild fires, the most contentious election in history, homicides and rioting in the streets and the big daddy of them all, the Pandemic.

Thousands have died and hundreds of thousands have been infected. Thousands of business have closed, some of them forever. Companies like major airlines are on the verge of bankruptcy and many who had employment cannot now even pay for their rent and mortgage. The experts tell us that it may be years, not months before we totally recover and return to something like normalcy, which will be different than it was before the pandemic.

We don’t live in a perfect world and bad times and tragedies visit Christians and non-Christians. In this world we will have tribulation. (John 16:33). Christian lives have both mountains and valleys.

With some spare time on my hands I decided to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I just finished reading through the prophets, all of whom tried to tell the people the consequences of their sin and idolatry to the people of Judah and Israel. Few listened to the fear of the Lord and dire consequences followed.

In spite of their horrible sins and from turning their backs on God, He said they were still His chosen people and He wanted them back worshiping them, with sins forgiven. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Only God knows what the news will hold as we move into 2021. We can hope and pray for specific outcomes, but our real hope is in the trustworthy promises of the God who loves us and who is working in the world to accomplish His purposes.

Only the Lord knows His purposes and we often misunderstand. God’s purpose is behind everything He does. The best way to understand His purposes is the get to know God better by getting to know Jesus, His only Son.

He is the same Jesus who was born in the manger. The same Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. The same Jesus who resurrected and defeated the grave so that we might have life.

Author and pastor John Ortberg responds this way, “Never try to have more faith – just get to know God better. And because God is faithful, the better you know Him, the more you’ll trust Him.” Then you will understand His plans and purposes better and more clearly.

Quote scriptures of deliverance and positivity and speak against your worries. Get filled with the message of good health, love, joy, and prosperity. Think on higher things [Philippians 4:8], don’t think about what’s been bothering you—that’s for God to do.

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

THOUGHTS ON ATTITUDE:

Attitude is our mental and emotional response to the circumstances of life.” —Robert Jeffress

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind” —William James

“Life is like baseball; it’s 95% mental and the other half is physical.” —Yogi Berra

“Things turn out the best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out” —Art Linkletter

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.” —James A. Allen

“It does not matter what happens to us, but our reaction to what happens to us is of vital importance.” —Fred Mitchell

“It may not be your fault for being down, but its got to be your fault for not getting up.” —Steve Davis

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal, nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude” —W.W. Ziege

“You are only an attitude away from success” John Maxwell

Everyone has their share of troubles and trials. But there is one simple way to turn your burdens into blessings. Change your attitude!

“Put off… the old man and…Be made new in the attitude of your minds” (Eph. 4:22-23)

The joy of each day is dependent not on what happens to us, but what happens within us. Not how the day looks at us, but how we look at the day.

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Decide whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is, stop worrying. Amelia Earhart

“Put off… the old man and…Be made new in the attitude of your minds” (Eph. 4:22-23)

The joy of each day is dependent not on how what happens to us, but what happens within us. Not how the day looks at us, but how we look at the day.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill

But it is vital to remember that God measures success, not by outcomes in our world, but by obedience to his word.

Blogs, Jeremy Stopford

TODAY’S LESSON: Psalm 131

STUDY IN THE ASCENT PSALMS

Semi Retired Pastor Jeremy Stopford

INTRODUCTION

Years ago, I preached a series of messages going through the entire book of Romans. I was a young pastor, quite “wet behind my ears” as far as preaching a series all the way through a book of the Bible was concerned. So the first message was prefaced, “Studies in Romans, Part 1” then the title. It wasn’t too long when came, “Studies in Romans, Part 10”, then “Part 20”, then “Part 26”. I know, I know – some pastors would take even longer. But I learned from that – NEVER again preface a study with “Part #…”. Having said that, …….

Today is Study #12 of our insights into the “Ascent Psalms” – Psalms 120-134!

Each one is unique, an individual, one of a kind. A visual of a pilgrim’s journey – like YOURS!Since we have started this study, have you seen how your life is a journey, a sojourning into the seemingly unknown but also in the hands of the One Who knows your path?

OUR THEME VERSE

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5 NKJV). This is a short verse – have you learned it yet?

TODAY WE ARE IN PSALM 131

Psalm 131 New King James Version (NKJV)

Simple Trust in the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1. Lord, my heart is not haughty,

Nor my eyes lofty.

Neither do I concern myself with great matters,

Nor with things too profound for me.

2. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,

Like a weaned child with his mother;

Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3. O Israel, hope in the Lord

From this time forth and forever.

TITLE AND OUTLINE OF PSALM 131 (Dr. W. Graham Scroggie)

TITLE: “The Quiet Soul

OUTLINE:

  1. The Negative Claim (v. 1)
  2. The Positive Claim (v. 2)
  3. The Consequent Claim (v. 3)

SOME INTERESTING INSIGHTS

This is often called “A Psalm of Humility”. Now I’m the most humble person I know – just ask me, I’ll tell you. At least, I may have THOUGHT I am humble – until I am confronted with the Word of God , and in particular with this psalm.

Ever have one of those “OH MY!” moments while reading the Scriptures? Never? Not even once? I doubt I’m the only one. Sometime last year, as I was continuing my habit of reading 5 psalms every morning, I came upon Psalm 131. I had read it MANY times before. But THAT morning was different. Why? Because the Spirit of the Lord said in a silent, yet booming voice, “this psalm is My psalm for you.” The tears came then, and the gratefulness continues now.

This psalm has become my favorite passage in Scripture. I hope in time it will become one of your favorites as well.

The psalm is only 3 verses long, yet look how this is a proper “ascent” psalm – a psalm of heading toward a spiritual goal.

In verse 1, David equates the use of two body functions – his heart and eyes – and adds to them his “concern” with great and profound matters. My NKJV has some good “center margin” understandings of this verse:

“My heart is not ‘haughty’” = it is not “PROUD”. Listen to Proverbs 18:12, “Before destruction the HEART of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility” – the SAME thinking that David has here in Psalm 131! Proverbs 6:16 and the following talk about the “six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him”. In verse 18 is “a HEART that devises wicked plans.” Solomon, the author of most of the Proverbs, learned well from his father, David!

Psalm 131 goes on to say, not only is his heart not haughty, but “nor my eyes lofty.” Again, the margin reads for “lofty” = “arrogant” – decidedly an excellent understanding of “lofty”! Again, in Proverbs 6, verse 17, one of the things God hates is “a proud LOOK”. “Arrogant” fits well in our understanding.

David says in Psalm 131, “neither do I concern myself with great matters”. The margin is helpful once again: “concern” = “walk in” or “exercise”. This is a term of the body, of trying to stay in shape. Yet in this psalm it becomes a term of the spirit – of keeping the spiritual part of us in shape!

Finally in verse 1, David says that he doesn’t concern himself “with things too profound for me.” “Profound”? Ok, here we go…the margin says, “difficult”.

So David makes a declaration of what he has learned in his many years of walking with the Lord. These are lessons learned in HIS sojourn, his pilgrimage with the Lord. My HEART (heart), my EYES (soul), my EXERCISE (strength/body), and my PROFUNDITY (mind).

What was it that Jesus told the one who was looking to see if his life measured up with what the Lord expected? In Mark 12:20, Jesus said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your HEART, with all your SOUL, with all your MIND, and with all your STRENGTH.’ This is the first commandment.”

David had learned this truth. And when we do, we will discover that our whole being is learning to be focused on a complete love for the Lord!

In verse 2, David visualizes the journey to true worship. He uses a comparison with which many of us may be familiar: the weaning of a child. The child may be human, it may be a kitten with a mother cat, a puppy with a mother dog, a young cow or other farm animal with its mother. This is a picture of contentedness. And in this contentedness, David uses terms like “calmed” and “quieted”. These are super visual, aren’t they? But what is the picture, the visual of weaning accomplishing? The calming and quieting of David’s SOUL – his innermost being and its hunger for true worship, true substance.

Have you read Ecclesiastes 3 lately? We’re all familiar with verses 1-8, “To everything there is a season…”. The Byrds made that into a famous song back in the 1960’s. In fact, when I introduce that passage as a song the Byrds sang, I often see the looks or actually hear the “I didn’t know THAT was from the Bible!” from those in my audience. But soon after the “to everything” verses is verse 11: “He [GOD] has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” What does it mean, “put ETERNITY in their hearts”? Scholars teach that when used in that form, “eternity” stands for everything that the LORD stands for: purpose, substance, holiness, righteousness, and more! In other words, when God puts “eternity in their hearts”, He has put into our hearts an hunger for…HIM. We spend ALL OUR LIVES searching to feed that hunger, to satisfy that hunger, with everything BUT Him…until we come to the cross! And then “eternity in [OUR] hearts” is satisfied indeed!

THAT’s what David is sharing in these first 2 verses – our HUNGER for the LIVING LORD is SATISFIED only with Him. Nothing else will satisfy. Are YOU satisfied in Jesus alone?

CONCLUDING THOUGHT

Verse 3, “O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever” sounds much like the last verse of Psalm 130, a prayer for Israel. That’s a good thing when the citizens of a nation – especially those of faith – are praying for its nation. Is that the heart of this verse?

I think not! As we close our study in Psalm 131, let us remember that David is thinking primarily, NOT of the nation, but of its citizens.

We here in the U.S. of A have just – I think? – finished a most tumultuous presidential election season. What is the one sad lesson that we’ve learned? That a nation becomes a DIVIDED nation when its citizens label themselves ONLY by political parties and not by allegiances to the Savior.

David in his hunger for, journey toward, and sojourn with the living Lord so desires that the citizens of Israel join him in that sojourn.

Will you be a sojourner of faith where the Lord has wisely planted YOU ?

Blogs, John Grant

LOST AND FOUND

Week Forty-Eight, 2020

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it. Luke 15:4

A recent Barna study found that although 61% of American millennials consider themselves to be Christian, just 2% of them were found to hold a biblical worldview.

A biblical worldview, as defined by Barna, includes believing that absolute moral truths exist, and that such truth is defined by the Bible, as well as firm belief in six specific religious views.

Those views are that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life; God is the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe and He stills rules it today; salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned; Satan is real; a Christian has a responsibility to share their faith in Christ with other people; and the Bible is accurate in all of its teachings.

Only an estimated 9% of adults in both the Elder (75 and older) and Boomer generations (56 to 74 years of age) hold a biblical worldview. Among Generation X (37 to 55 years of age), the percentage of subscribers to a biblical worldview drops to 5%.

While millennials have shown the most radical shift away from the Bible, other generations did not fare much better. Only an estimated 9% of adults in both the Elder (75 and older) and Boomer generations (56 to 74 years of age) hold a biblical worldview. Among Generation X (37 to 55 years of age), the percentage of subscribers to a biblical worldview drops to 5%. A nation that is at war with itself to adopt new values, lifestyles, and a new identity, is a war for worldview dominance.

The secret most people, even Christians, don’t understand is Jesus. We are lost without Him. He relentlessly pursues us until we are found by Him. We are like sheep who have turned off the path, going our own way, doing our own thing. Wandering around lost. Not realizing that we are lost until we look up and find that we are. Then the good shepherd, leaving the 99, pursues us and finds us. And rescues us from our lostness.

Amazing grace. How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I Once was lost, now am found. Was blind, but now I see. This is what our nation and its people need. Will you share your faith with them?

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Like Daniel, we face opposition that does not understand our faith or believe in our God. They need and deserve our compassion and our witness. But they will receive neither unless we live with such integrity that they see the unmistakable imprint of Jesus on our lives. If skeptics are going to find fault with us, let them say that we are too committed to our Lord. Is this what the world would say of you? Jim Denison

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15 QUALITIES OF WISE PEOPLE:

Wise people…

…bring joy to their faith (Prov. 10:1).

…work hard (Prov. 10:5).

…accept instruction (Prov. 10:8).

…treasure knowledge (Prov. 10:14).

…listen to others (Prov. 12:15).

…stay calm when insulted (Prov. 12:16).

…think before they act (Prov. 13:16).

…walk with those who are wise (Prov. 13:20).

…look ahead to see what is coming (Prov. 13:20).

…act cautiously and avoid danger (Prov. 14:16).

…make learning a joy (Prov. 15:14).

…are hungry for truth (Prov. 17:27).

…manage their anger (Prov. 29:11).

…generously shares with those less fortunate (Prov. 22:9).

…walk with integrity (Prov. 11:3).

Be wise.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Takers live better, but givers sleep better. Ken Whitten

But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 2 Timothy‬ ‭2:23‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

You are who you hang with. Bob Sprinkle

The Church’s Greatest Need Is the Word of God.

God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Plans. John 16:7

Jesus’ message is both personal and preset to us this day. Kelly Knouse

God is more interested in changing people than in condemning them. Ken Whitten

Christians are called to a higher standard than those of the world. Bob Sprinkle