by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalm 57-59
What did David do when he was in trouble? He grabbed his lyre and began to sing. He created songs to God right out of his heart. Sometimes they were praise songs exclusively; sometimes they were songs which poured out his fear or anxiety. Yet every song acknowledged God as his deliverer and provider.
When we read Psalms 57 and 59, they are more meaningful if we consider when they were written. These psalms were written during the time when David was hiding from king Saul. David had already been anointed as the next king, but Saul’s jealous rages had him hunting David to kill him. For eight years, his pursuit was relentless.
When you read Psalm 57 knowing about David’s dilemma, you can understand him better. At this time, the young man was in a cave, hiding. What does he do? He recognizes God’s goodness and his ability.
“I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me.” (57:2) I have meditated on this verse many times when I needed to see God’s hand in a mighty way. There’s such a peace when we realize that God is working on our behalf.
In Psalm 59, in the same situation, David is surrounded by Saul’s vicious men. Yet David is steadfast: “For God is my stronghold, my God in His lovingkindness will meet me.”(59:10)
The strength David displays is directly tied to his trust in the Lord. Because of that trust, he knows that anything he faces will come out in victory.
Romans 4
Today, one of the most controversial subjects within the ranks of believers is the subject of grace. It was also one of the most controversial during Paul’s time. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that there is error on both sides of the argument.
Romans 4 introduces the crux of the matter. When was Abraham “reckoned as righteous” before God? When he “believed God,” which came before his circumcision. So it wasn’t the law that made Abraham righteous, but his faith.
If Abraham had been justified by his works, then his wage of “righteousness” would be considered his due. Yet God doesn’t owe any of us anything. He freely has given the gift of righteousness – first to Abraham and later to the believers through Jesus.
Now this is the problem which comes up. Sometimes people think that if we are saved by grace then we can live lives of sin and still receive the grace. That’s missing the mark. When we receive Jesus and are born again, our hearts want to live the best life. We want to walk with Him and be like Him – a sinless One. So if we think that sin is “o.k.,” we need to do some heart checking for sure.
On the other extreme is theology which has a long list of rules and regulations, comprising the only way to please God. When such legalism prevails, people are burdened under the law and they don’t have the freedom to walk with the Lord fully. They are always checking their status, afraid to approach Him.
The true liberty God has designed has built-in checks and balances. The major principle is to be in love with Jesus, walking with Him every day. When we spend time with Him and receive his love for us, we become more and more like the Lord. Sin drops off – sometimes because we don’t want it anymore and sometimes because we see error which displeases Him and us. Our desire is to be like Him.
“The more we see Him, the more we love Him” is a line from a current worship song, and it’s so true. As we receive that grace which comes from our Father, we receive His love in an unprecedented way.
Verses 16-21 are life changing verses, if we allow ourselves to “get” what they say. Abraham had received a promise of a child – and waited 25 years before it came to pass. A year before Isaac was born, angels came to Abraham and told him one more time that the child was coming. By this time, Abraham was 99 years old and Sarah was 90, so having a child was impossible.
“Without becoming weak in faith, he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was also able to perform.”(V. 19-21).
He had God-like faith. God, who created the universe out of nothing, could create a baby supernaturally for Abraham, if He said he would. The way God does it that is He “calls into being that which does not exist.” He had told Abraham that he had made Him a father of many nations. His Word was good. That Word spoken by God would create what he said.
So how’s your faith? Check it out. If God told you that He would do something impossible for you, would you believe it? It’s important to answer that question.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalm 54-56
How do you handle stress? Put your trust in God. That’s the only sure way to face the giants in your life.
David was a master at this. When we are reading psalms every day, we can’t help but realize that this man had more than the ordinary share of troubles. Yet he was God’s man of the hour; the apple of His eye. So what’s the matter with all of those people who were chasing him around? They were being led by the devil and didn’t even know it.
Every life has turmoil from time to time – some more than others. David had lots because of his position as God’s man. There were many who were jealous of him and many others who were being used by the devil to attack God’s point man.
Yet David had a secret. He truly trusted in God, and knew that his God would protect and deliver him in every situation. That’s the attitude we all need to gain in order to have the productive life we desire.
“In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?”(56:11)
So where is your battle? Is there someone at work or at school who seems to be opposed to all that you do? Are your children or spouse experiencing animosity from those around them? Put your trust in God.
When we do things God’s way – trusting in Him and being obedient to His leading, we will see His hand order our steps. He will deal with others on our behalf.
Romans 3
The early chapters of Romans are truly significant as they introduce the gospel – not only to the Jews, but to the Gentiles.
You can imagine how hard it is for the Jews to understand these new ideas which seem to be so contrary to all that they have known. They have been taught all of their lives that the law was the way to have a relationship with God, and now they are being told something else.
A new day has dawned, and it takes a heart ready to let go of tradition in order to truly follow God. Only the leading of the Holy Spirit can bring these faithful Jews to the true knowledge of what God is doing in this day.
Paul is attempting to explain that the law was good, but no one was made righteous by the law. Righteousness came as a result of the Messiah paying the sin debt and extending that gift to those who would believe in Him.
In fact, he goes on to say, no one is righteous on their own. There is no one who can claim they are just a good person without Jesus. (That’s why other religions can never suffice for a relationship with God).
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” (V. 23-24)
All have sinned, but all can be saved if they believe in Jesus and accept His sacrifice for themselves. It may be hard to understand, but it’s true. Whether your sin seems great or small in the eyes of man, God sees it the same. Man is in a fallen state without the salvation experience provided by Jesus. But with Jesus, all men can be saved.
That’s why it’s the gospel. Gospel means “good news,” and it’s indeed good news.
I hope that you have accepted Him as your Savior. If not, you can do it right now. If you have accepted Him, let your mind ponder these things as you go about your day. God’s plan is bigger than any of us have grasped. There is always more to learn; more to understand. Let Him teach you.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalm 49-53
In this group of psalms we encounter the selfish rich and the unbeliever. (The fool who says in his heart that there is no God).(53:1). It’s clear that their lives – and their eternities are not to be envied. They may have a few moments of pleasure, but their pleasant lives are short and destruction is their sure end.
Yet in this group of psalms, there is one which really stands out: Psalm 51.
Do you remember the story about David and Bathsheba? He had an adulterous affair with her while her husband was out to battle for the nation of Israel. Then, when she became pregnant, he had her husband killed so that she could be his wife. Certainly that was the low moment of David’s life.
God sends Nathan, the prophet, to David with a message. He tells of two men, one rich and one poor, who lived in the same vicinity. The poor man had only one lamb which he loved so dearly, while the rich man had many. Yet the rich man went over and took the single sheep of his friend. Then Nathan asks, “What should be done?”
Of course, David is outraged at such behavior as he begins to suggest retribution and punishment. Then come Nathan’s famous words, “Thou art the man.” (II Samuel 12:7)
Many people at that point would try to justify themselves or deny any problems existed, but not David. Even though his sin is great, he seems to be shocked back into reality at these words from Nathan. “I have sinned against the Lord.” (II Samuel 12:13). Then come his repentance and turning back to God.
This is where Psalm 51 comes in. This was written by David as he faces the great sin of his life. Be gracious to me, create in me a clean heart, restore the joy of my salvation. All of these words pour out of a repentant heart; a heart which deep within wants to know God and walk with Him.
This quickness to repent is precious in the sight of God. So many want to cover their sins and pretend they aren’t there. If we deal with the sin in our lives, God is quick to forgive and wash us clean. He makes us whiter than snow, and restores the joy of our salvation.
So don’t ever be afraid to go to God with an honest heart. He knows it all anyway; you’re not hiding anything from God. Be honest, receive your forgiveness, and move on to the next level with God. There is tremendous joy in such humility.
Romans 1-2
As we begin the letters written by Paul, we enter a new dimension in our walk with God. We have been through the beginnings of creation and the earliest years. Then we have witnessed the Abrahamic covenant and we have seen how God walked with the Jews over the centuries during that phase of history. We have witnessed the life of Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection. We have also seen the early history of the church, with the Holy Spirit being sent to live in the hearts of men.
Now we are into the letters from Paul. When the Holy Spirit was sent back to earth, a whole new dispensation began. No longer was man necessarily separated from God. Now, because of the new birth, man could have God living inside of Him – in his heart. The Holy Spirit in the hearts of men can give them insight which was never before possible. Also new anointings and new purpose.
Paul was the one God chose to reveal the mysteries of this new dispensation, and the revelation is shared in his letters. As we read the next books of the Bible, we will encounter the most significant parts of what our Christian life is all about. We will begin to see what Jesus has done for us, and begin to understand what God wants us to do.
So we start with Romans. Paul begins this letter, as he often does, by stating the foundations of the Christian faith, as laid down in the prophets of the Old Testament. Then he goes on to say that the gospel of Jesus is now to all people, the Jews, the Greeks, and even the barbarians. It is to all who will receive the gospel and believe it.
When we get to 1:17, we come to a famous verse. This is the verse which ignited the Protestant reformation under the leadership of Martin Luther. At that time in history, the Catholic church had fallen into lots of falsehood and manipulation. When people sinned, the priests required great retribution as payment. (Often the priests were getting rich off of the sins of their followers). Luther happened to see that the “just shall live by faith.” We are saved by faith. His revelation changed history.
As we go through the letters, I want to encourage you also to ask God for fresh eyes on what is said. What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you as you read?
One thing is for sure. No one has ever lived up to the fullness of what Jesus paid the price for. As we continue each day reading and listening to His Spirit, we will grow in our understanding and our ability to carry out God’s plan for us. If we continue, we will continue to grow until the day we die.
I want to reach all that my Father has for me. I don’t want to sit down at any given point. I want to keep growing until my last breath! That’s God’s way.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalm 46-48
These three psalms are by sons of Korah also, but they are definitely positive, praise psalms.
The first has a couple of famous verses in it.
“God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of trouble.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.”(46:1)
Our God is always reliable for those who trust Him, and this psalm says it very well. At the end, we see the verse, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted above the nations, I will be exalted above the earth.” (46:10)
If you are going through difficult times, these verses have the ability within them to cause peace to pour down upon you like oil from heaven. There are times when you will find yourself worked up and trying to solve your problems through merely natural means. When you allow yourself to partake of God’s psychiatry in this way, you are better able to do the things which you are required to do. You will do them in peace and not in frustration.
The next two psalms extol God, His power, and the finality of His rule.
Psalm 48 expounds on a concept we encountered when we were watching David rule the kingdom. Zion is in the heart of Jerusalem, and it is the place where the Ark of the Covenant is set up with praisers before it night and day. This represents the presence of God.
Today we know that God’s presence resides within the hearts of believers. Yet when we see this psalm we get some insight into just how significant God’s presence is to us. When we honor the Zion which is in our hearts, we honor His presence. Having our God with us is the most precious part of our lives.
Zion is truly in our hearts! The greatest joy imaginable!
Acts 28
Remember Jesus saying, “These signs shall follow those who believe…they shall pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not harm them?” Well this is fulfilled in Paul on the Island of Malta.
As Paul is putting wood on the fire they are building, a viper comes out and fastens on his hand. It is a deadly viper, causing the natives think that he will surely die, and must be a murderer being judged by God. He shakes it off and lives, however, just as Jesus had predicted. (Now the natives think that he is a god).
Well, Paul finally makes it to Rome as God had intended. He first speaks to the Jewish leaders, trying to introduce the gospel. Just as in every place he has gone, there are those who believe and those who don’t. (It’s still that way today, isn’t it)?
Thankfully, however, for two full years Paul is able to stay in his own rented quarters. He is preaching the kingdom of God to all who will listen, and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
God’s will is being fulfilled in Paul as he is able to so freely share the gospel with these new people. Next we will start the book of Romans, the letter Paul writes to these friends he is meeting in Rome. We will see the clarity of what Paul is telling these new believers, and our own faith will be sharpened ins the process.
by Suellen | Project 2013: Read The Bible
Psalm 43-45
You can tell that Psalm 43 is one of David’s. He starts out by bemoaning the fact that deceitful and unjust men are oppressing him. He is really whining as he pours out his heart to God. (Have you been there? I have).
Yet suddenly, he “comes to himself” and talks to himself again. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? Hope in God for I shall again praise Him. The help of my countenance and my God.”(43:5) He loves to talk to himself, doesn’t he? And it works.
We could certainly take a cue from David and talk to ourselves. There are times in every life when the negative circumstances seem insurmountable. When we walk with God, there will be those who falsely accuse us, deceive us, and try to overthrow our ministries. When these things happen, we have two choices. We can whine, as David did at first. Or we can praise Him and remind ourselves to trust Him, regardless of the circumstances.
This second choice is what will bring our deliverance. We must have faith in Him for our lives to be blessed abundantly. David is such a great example!
The next two psalms are not written by David himself, but by the sons of Korah. You can see a difference in their style, but they still speak the truth.
Psalm 44 remembers days of old, but goes with the “God, where are you?” theme. It even ends with the concept that “our souls are cleaving to the dust.”(44:25)
Yet the next psalm begins to recognize the faithfulness of God. “My heart overflows; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” As the psalm proceeds, it actually speaks of the coming of the Messiah. Verse 7 is quoted in Hebrews 1:9 as a scripture speaking of God’s Son. You can see that verse 6 goes right along in prophesying about the coming King.
As you read psalms, let the words speak to you. Sometimes, as with any poetry, they seem to be a hodge-podge of thoughts. However, if you think about the words and ask the Father to speak to you, there will be verses that leap off of the page and bring you faith, hope, – or sometimes correction.
Anytime you are going through a tough time, the psalms can make the difference for you. They have for me, many times.
Acts 27:27-44
Right in the middle of the storm, Paul has the answer for the sailors. The angel had appeared and spoken to Paul, so he knew exactly which actions to prescribe. As the sailors are attempting to slip away into the boats, Paul knows to warn them not to do so.
He goes on to advise them all to take some food, as they have gone 14 days without. They need the nourishment, because they are going to be saved and they will need the energy. “Not a hair from the head of any of you shall perish.”(V.34)
It happens just as Paul says it will. All 276 persons on board the ship live through the coming shipwreck, and they are all brought safely to land.
The Holy Spirit has been sent to lead us and guide us. It’s easy in our busy day to run here and there, making our own decisions, without counting on His leading. Yet if we stop and pay attention to what we are being led to do, we will avoid many pitfalls.
The Holy Spirit is our best friend, if we let Him be. Each day, if we can spend some time just listening to Him, letting Him lead us to just the right Word to read, letting Him give us counsel, and letting Him correct us, we will be amazed at the difference in our lives.
As we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will not only avoid many pitfalls, but we will also follow productive paths for our lives.
Remember, our Comforter, the Holy Spirit, “will lead us and guide us into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (John 16:13). I can’t think of a better friend to have. Can you?
