Bible Reading: Psalms 108, 109, & 110
Psalms 109:1-4 Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; 2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. 3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. 4 For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.
What do you do when you have adversaries? How do you respond when people are speaking about you falsely? Sometimes people accuse you falsely and bring accusations against you - what do you do?
You give yourself unto prayer.
David had many adversaries. Not only did he face the invading nations in battle, but he was hated by his own king, Saul, and his son, Absalom, became his enemies. He had a conspiracy within his kingdom.
David's response here is very important. He did not try to argue with his adversaries and he did not try to defend himself. He gave himself to prayer.
This Psalm is Messianic in nature and prophecies the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. What did Jesus do? He gave himself to prayer. He told Peter to put away his sword. He handled the situation through praying to the Father.
Instead of gossip; instead of fretting; instead of trying to defend yourself; instead of running - give yourself unto prayer. God hears and God knows. He can take the situation and work it together for good for you (Romans 8:28).
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
David was provoked to number Israel
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21 & 22; Psalm 30
1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
Why was it a sin for David to take a census? The answer is that God did not instruct David to number Israel as he had instructed Moses to do. This was David's idea and unfortunately it has to do with pride.
David was trusting in resources rather than in the name of the Lord. It was not always so, but at this point in David's life, he fell to the temptation to glory in the size of his army.
God always wants his children to know that it is not the resources that win battles in the spiritual war, it is God. He gives the victory. The battle belongs to God. David knew this, but in his success as king, he gave in to the temptation to trust in his own powerful army.
1 Samuel 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord 's, and he will give you into our hands.
This was a costly lesson for David and all of Israel. The size of their army was decimated by God through a plague that he brought because of David's census.
Can a Christian do something like this? Yes. When we start counting the size of our budgets or glory in the number of converts we have we are doing the same things. We must always remember that Jesus is to get the glory and all battles are won by him! He is our rock and our strength!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
Why was it a sin for David to take a census? The answer is that God did not instruct David to number Israel as he had instructed Moses to do. This was David's idea and unfortunately it has to do with pride.
David was trusting in resources rather than in the name of the Lord. It was not always so, but at this point in David's life, he fell to the temptation to glory in the size of his army.
God always wants his children to know that it is not the resources that win battles in the spiritual war, it is God. He gives the victory. The battle belongs to God. David knew this, but in his success as king, he gave in to the temptation to trust in his own powerful army.
1 Samuel 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord 's, and he will give you into our hands.
This was a costly lesson for David and all of Israel. The size of their army was decimated by God through a plague that he brought because of David's census.
Can a Christian do something like this? Yes. When we start counting the size of our budgets or glory in the number of converts we have we are doing the same things. We must always remember that Jesus is to get the glory and all battles are won by him! He is our rock and our strength!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Rejoice in the Lord
Bible Reading: Psalms 95, 97, 98, & 99
Psalms 97:12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Are you rejoicing right now? For the righteous, we have much to rejoice about. Here the Psalmist says to rejoice in the Lord. We may not have the right circumstances in our lives right now (right in our own eyes, that is), but we can always rejoice in the Lord. He is good!
First, the Psalmist says for the righteous to rejoice in the Lord. Are you righteous? You are if you believe in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
What a cause for rejoicing! the fact that Jesus Christ counts us righteous when we believe on him! Wow! I am saved from the condemnation that my sins deserve! I can always rejoice in the Lord for that.
Not only that, but every time I think of the holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can be thankful. I am called to be holy, but I am not. I still sin. I am not always perfectly holy...but Jesus is!
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
There is no sin in Jesus. He is perfectly holy. When I think of this, I can be thankful. His holiness makes him a sinless sacrifice. He is the lamb of God without spot or blemish that takes away the sin of the world!
1 Peter 2:22-24 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
He bore our sins in his body! He is holy and we can be thankful and rejoice in the salvation that we have in him! Praise the Lord and thank you Jesus!
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 97:12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Are you rejoicing right now? For the righteous, we have much to rejoice about. Here the Psalmist says to rejoice in the Lord. We may not have the right circumstances in our lives right now (right in our own eyes, that is), but we can always rejoice in the Lord. He is good!
First, the Psalmist says for the righteous to rejoice in the Lord. Are you righteous? You are if you believe in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
What a cause for rejoicing! the fact that Jesus Christ counts us righteous when we believe on him! Wow! I am saved from the condemnation that my sins deserve! I can always rejoice in the Lord for that.
Not only that, but every time I think of the holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can be thankful. I am called to be holy, but I am not. I still sin. I am not always perfectly holy...but Jesus is!
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
There is no sin in Jesus. He is perfectly holy. When I think of this, I can be thankful. His holiness makes him a sinless sacrifice. He is the lamb of God without spot or blemish that takes away the sin of the world!
1 Peter 2:22-24 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
He bore our sins in his body! He is holy and we can be thankful and rejoice in the salvation that we have in him! Praise the Lord and thank you Jesus!
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, May 21, 2012
The sons of Belial
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 22, 23 & Psalm 57
2 Samuel 23:6-7 But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: 7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.
David contemplated and knew the destiny of the sons of Belial - it was hell. What is a son of Belial? The Bible defines this for us earlier in 1 Samuel.
1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.
The name of Belial means someone associated with Satan. According to the Bible, the sons of Eli were sons of Belial - they knew not the Lord. An unbeliever is a son or a daughter of Belial.
David says they will be thrust away as thorns and burned with fire. The ungodly cannot be taken with hands. The illustration is one of a farmer coming and gathering his crops. He gathers the bundles or sheaves of grain in his arms and puts them into his barn. But he cannot gather thorns with his arms. He must be fenced with iron and use the staff of a spear to gather thorns. These are gathered and burned with fire.
Matthew 13:41-42 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
This is a sobering reality. There are many things that vie for our attention, but this should be in the forefront of our minds. Hell is a reality. It is not our fear that we will go there if we are born again. However, we should fear for those who do not know Jesus Christ. Unless they are born again, they will be in hell.
Will you pray for the sons of Belial today? Will you look for opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them?
In Christ,
Rody
2 Samuel 23:6-7 But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: 7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.
David contemplated and knew the destiny of the sons of Belial - it was hell. What is a son of Belial? The Bible defines this for us earlier in 1 Samuel.
1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.
The name of Belial means someone associated with Satan. According to the Bible, the sons of Eli were sons of Belial - they knew not the Lord. An unbeliever is a son or a daughter of Belial.
David says they will be thrust away as thorns and burned with fire. The ungodly cannot be taken with hands. The illustration is one of a farmer coming and gathering his crops. He gathers the bundles or sheaves of grain in his arms and puts them into his barn. But he cannot gather thorns with his arms. He must be fenced with iron and use the staff of a spear to gather thorns. These are gathered and burned with fire.
Matthew 13:41-42 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
This is a sobering reality. There are many things that vie for our attention, but this should be in the forefront of our minds. Hell is a reality. It is not our fear that we will go there if we are born again. However, we should fear for those who do not know Jesus Christ. Unless they are born again, they will be in hell.
Will you pray for the sons of Belial today? Will you look for opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them?
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, May 18, 2012
I am poor and needy
Bible Reading: Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61, 62 & 64
Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me:
thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Only desperate people pray. People who have all they need don't ask God. People who think they have the answers don't seek God. People who think they can make their own way don't ask God for guidance. People who think what they have came by their own work or intelligence aren't grateful for God's gifts.
But the Psalmist knew that he was poor and needy. He knew that he needed God in his life. Do you know this?
The comfort for us is that God thinks upon us. Can you believe that? The Creator and Redeemer thinks about you! He not only knows what you need:
Matthew 6:8b for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
but he also can do above all that we can ask or even think:
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Where does our help come from? It comes from God. He is our deliverer and our help. He thinks upon us. He loves us. For David, he wanted God's help and he asked for it quickly. Do you ask God for his help? He has invited us to come into his throne room and ask the King for help in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Are you poor and needy? Jesus says:
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me:
thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Only desperate people pray. People who have all they need don't ask God. People who think they have the answers don't seek God. People who think they can make their own way don't ask God for guidance. People who think what they have came by their own work or intelligence aren't grateful for God's gifts.
But the Psalmist knew that he was poor and needy. He knew that he needed God in his life. Do you know this?
The comfort for us is that God thinks upon us. Can you believe that? The Creator and Redeemer thinks about you! He not only knows what you need:
Matthew 6:8b for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
but he also can do above all that we can ask or even think:
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Where does our help come from? It comes from God. He is our deliverer and our help. He thinks upon us. He loves us. For David, he wanted God's help and he asked for it quickly. Do you ask God for his help? He has invited us to come into his throne room and ask the King for help in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Are you poor and needy? Jesus says:
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Help Lord
Bible Reading: Psalms 3,4,12,13,28 & 55
Psalms 12:1 Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
Have you ever felt like this? David looked around and saw that men did not love and fear God. It seemed that there were no believers left. He felt all alone. He saw the ungodly direction that society was going and he cried out to God for help.
Many times it seems that is the case. You watch the news and from the highest positions of leadership to the school children it seems that people are immoral and godless. One of the ways that David could tell what was in their hearts were the words of their mouths.
Psalms 12:2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
As David thought about this, God began to do a work in his heart and reminded David that though men speak with a double heart, God always speaks truth. You and I may not be able to trust what men say, but we can always trust what God says.
Where do you look for hope for the future? Do you look to man with his flattering lips? No, David reminds us what God will do with those!
Psalms 12:3-4 The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
Men who think they have no one to answer to will be sadly mistaken. However, we can trust the Word of God because it is preserved. His Words are true and tried and will never fail.
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord,
thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
When it looks like there are no more faithful followers of Christ left in the world, look to God's Word. He has given us his Word that is pure and tried as sliver in a furnace of earth. He will keep his words. You can trust the Bible! It is God's love letter to us!
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 12:1 Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
Have you ever felt like this? David looked around and saw that men did not love and fear God. It seemed that there were no believers left. He felt all alone. He saw the ungodly direction that society was going and he cried out to God for help.
Many times it seems that is the case. You watch the news and from the highest positions of leadership to the school children it seems that people are immoral and godless. One of the ways that David could tell what was in their hearts were the words of their mouths.
Psalms 12:2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
As David thought about this, God began to do a work in his heart and reminded David that though men speak with a double heart, God always speaks truth. You and I may not be able to trust what men say, but we can always trust what God says.
Where do you look for hope for the future? Do you look to man with his flattering lips? No, David reminds us what God will do with those!
Psalms 12:3-4 The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
Men who think they have no one to answer to will be sadly mistaken. However, we can trust the Word of God because it is preserved. His Words are true and tried and will never fail.
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord,
thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
When it looks like there are no more faithful followers of Christ left in the world, look to God's Word. He has given us his Word that is pure and tried as sliver in a furnace of earth. He will keep his words. You can trust the Bible! It is God's love letter to us!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Amnon was so vexed
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 13-15
2 Samuel 13:2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
Just because you want to do something does not mean you should act upon it. As a matter of fact, the desires of the heart need to come from God, or they will be motivated by sin. Some say that a believer would never have the thoughts that Amnon had toward Tamar, but the fact is that we still have our flesh to deal with even when we are believers.
How should Amnon have dealt with his desires? First, he should have analyzed his thought life.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
The Bible tells us cast down imaginations and to bring every thought to the obedience of Christ. The things that we think about lead to the actions that we take. If we would see our desires change, we must change our delights.
Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Amnon should have been focusing his delight upon God instead of Tamar.
Psalms 1:1-2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Amnon did just the opposite of this! Instead of delighting himself in the law of the Lord, he listened to unwise and ungoldly counsel from his 'friend', Jonadab. Our counsel should come from God's Word. When we read the Word prayerfully, we learn God's will and God's ways. Then we are able to set our minds on godly things instead of on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
As we set our affections and desires on the things of God, we can see clearly to make godly choices. The Spirit of God living in us will guide us to live fruitful lives instead of the fleshly lusts motivating our choices.
Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Walking in the Spirit is letting God's Spirit motivate our desires and guide our decisions. Had Amnon prayed and studied the Word of God, he would never have been led by God's Spirit to make the decision he did. Amnon walked in the flesh and he reaped the consequences of his actions. Unfortunately, so did Tamar. Fleshly motivated sinful actions always have consequences.
Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Just because we want to do something, is not a good reason for doing it. We should take the thought captive and prayerfully weigh the desire against God's Word. Does the desire come from our flesh or from God's Spirit? If it is a Spiritual desire, we should pursue it. If it is fleshly, we should put it away from us and go in a godly direction.
Jesus will give us the victory, we need to listen and follow his lead!
In Christ,
Rody
2 Samuel 13:2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
Just because you want to do something does not mean you should act upon it. As a matter of fact, the desires of the heart need to come from God, or they will be motivated by sin. Some say that a believer would never have the thoughts that Amnon had toward Tamar, but the fact is that we still have our flesh to deal with even when we are believers.
How should Amnon have dealt with his desires? First, he should have analyzed his thought life.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
The Bible tells us cast down imaginations and to bring every thought to the obedience of Christ. The things that we think about lead to the actions that we take. If we would see our desires change, we must change our delights.
Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Amnon should have been focusing his delight upon God instead of Tamar.
Psalms 1:1-2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Amnon did just the opposite of this! Instead of delighting himself in the law of the Lord, he listened to unwise and ungoldly counsel from his 'friend', Jonadab. Our counsel should come from God's Word. When we read the Word prayerfully, we learn God's will and God's ways. Then we are able to set our minds on godly things instead of on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
As we set our affections and desires on the things of God, we can see clearly to make godly choices. The Spirit of God living in us will guide us to live fruitful lives instead of the fleshly lusts motivating our choices.
Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Walking in the Spirit is letting God's Spirit motivate our desires and guide our decisions. Had Amnon prayed and studied the Word of God, he would never have been led by God's Spirit to make the decision he did. Amnon walked in the flesh and he reaped the consequences of his actions. Unfortunately, so did Tamar. Fleshly motivated sinful actions always have consequences.
Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Just because we want to do something, is not a good reason for doing it. We should take the thought captive and prayerfully weigh the desire against God's Word. Does the desire come from our flesh or from God's Spirit? If it is a Spiritual desire, we should pursue it. If it is fleshly, we should put it away from us and go in a godly direction.
Jesus will give us the victory, we need to listen and follow his lead!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, May 14, 2012
I acknowledge my transgressions
Bible Reading: Psalm 32; 51; 86 & 122
Psalms 51:3-4 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
What do you do when you sin? Some people try to cover it up. Some don't believe they ever sin. Some try to make it right by doing something 'good' to offset their sin. Some say that sin is an illusion that produces 'guilt feelings' that are imagined based on the society in which you were raised.
A believer does what David did. They confess their sin. David committed adultery and murder. He lied about it and tried to hide it. Finally, God sent Nathan to him to confront him with his sin. When David was honest with God, he prayed and confessed his sin to God.
Confession is not saying you are sorry. It is saying that God is right. It is being honest about your sin and calling what you have done what God calls it - sin. When we sin we hurt others, but ultimately we sin against a holy and righteous God. Confession does not try to hide, it brings our sin out into the open before God and we say, "Yes, God. I did this. Your Word says it is sin and I confess that I have sinned against you."
That is what David did. And God forgave him. For a believer, the answer to sin is to confess it and forsake it.
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
When we confess our sins, Jesus will forgive us and cleanse us. That is the key to forsaking sin - cleansing. David asked for God to cleanse him.
Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
As followers of Jesus, we have this magnificent promise:
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Get alone with God and be honest with him. He already knows everything, but he wants us to give him our hearts. He wants our honesty about our sin and he will forgive and cleanse. The blood of Jesus is shed for this, but it is only applied when we come to him in faith.
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 51:3-4 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
What do you do when you sin? Some people try to cover it up. Some don't believe they ever sin. Some try to make it right by doing something 'good' to offset their sin. Some say that sin is an illusion that produces 'guilt feelings' that are imagined based on the society in which you were raised.
A believer does what David did. They confess their sin. David committed adultery and murder. He lied about it and tried to hide it. Finally, God sent Nathan to him to confront him with his sin. When David was honest with God, he prayed and confessed his sin to God.
Confession is not saying you are sorry. It is saying that God is right. It is being honest about your sin and calling what you have done what God calls it - sin. When we sin we hurt others, but ultimately we sin against a holy and righteous God. Confession does not try to hide, it brings our sin out into the open before God and we say, "Yes, God. I did this. Your Word says it is sin and I confess that I have sinned against you."
That is what David did. And God forgave him. For a believer, the answer to sin is to confess it and forsake it.
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
When we confess our sins, Jesus will forgive us and cleanse us. That is the key to forsaking sin - cleansing. David asked for God to cleanse him.
Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
As followers of Jesus, we have this magnificent promise:
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Get alone with God and be honest with him. He already knows everything, but he wants us to give him our hearts. He wants our honesty about our sin and he will forgive and cleanse. The blood of Jesus is shed for this, but it is only applied when we come to him in faith.
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, May 11, 2012
We will remember the name of the LORD our God
2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
On more than one occasion, David faced an enemy that we bigger and superior in weapons and technology than himself. It never stopped him. He did not trust in weapons or technology. David trusted in the name of the LORD.
He taught Israel the same lesson. Face the enemy in the name of God and trust him to be your shield. Goliath was bigger and stronger. He had armour and a spear so big it could have cut David in half. David had no armor, but he trusted in God for the victory. The Syrians had chariots and horsemen but David faced them and defeated them. He would not back down.
The lesson for you and I is that God can save by many or by few (1 Samuel 14:6). It is not by might nor by power but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). The battle belongs to the Lord.
Psalms 33:16-19 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
There is an illusion of safety because of technology or weaponry. It is only an illusion. It is the Lord who delivers. Let us learn the lesson from David to trust not in horses or chariots but to trust in the name of the Lord our God.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Rody
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
On more than one occasion, David faced an enemy that we bigger and superior in weapons and technology than himself. It never stopped him. He did not trust in weapons or technology. David trusted in the name of the LORD.
He taught Israel the same lesson. Face the enemy in the name of God and trust him to be your shield. Goliath was bigger and stronger. He had armour and a spear so big it could have cut David in half. David had no armor, but he trusted in God for the victory. The Syrians had chariots and horsemen but David faced them and defeated them. He would not back down.
The lesson for you and I is that God can save by many or by few (1 Samuel 14:6). It is not by might nor by power but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). The battle belongs to the Lord.
Psalms 33:16-19 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
There is an illusion of safety because of technology or weaponry. It is only an illusion. It is the Lord who delivers. Let us learn the lesson from David to trust not in horses or chariots but to trust in the name of the Lord our God.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The day of trouble
Bible Reading: Psalms 50, 53, 60 and 75
Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
David learned early to call upon God. As a boy tending his father's sheep, he learned to pray. Maybe it was the long days and nights of solitude in the beautiful expanse of God's creation. With no companions beside the sheep, he spent time talking with God. That is a good thing. Being alone sometimes is beneficial. If you know Jesus, you are never alone!
God invited David, and all of his children to call upon him. When trouble comes, God says we can call on his name. He promises deliverance. Do you pray? When trouble comes is your first response to call upon the name of the Lord?
What kind of trouble? Well, David had trouble with people wanting to tkae his life. He had trouble with enemies and betrayers. He had trouble with needing sustenance to keep him alive and he needed help with battles and battle plans. Any kind of trouble is a time we can call upon the name of the Lord.
Why prayer? Why does God want us to pray? The reason, of course is that God gets all the glory for our deliverance and for the answers to our prayers that he gives. Prayer shows that we depend upon God.
Psalms 60:11-12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. 12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
Man cannot help us, but God can. Call upon the name of the Lord in the day of trouble and he will deliver you. In this, we will bring glory to the name of God.
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
David learned early to call upon God. As a boy tending his father's sheep, he learned to pray. Maybe it was the long days and nights of solitude in the beautiful expanse of God's creation. With no companions beside the sheep, he spent time talking with God. That is a good thing. Being alone sometimes is beneficial. If you know Jesus, you are never alone!
God invited David, and all of his children to call upon him. When trouble comes, God says we can call on his name. He promises deliverance. Do you pray? When trouble comes is your first response to call upon the name of the Lord?
What kind of trouble? Well, David had trouble with people wanting to tkae his life. He had trouble with enemies and betrayers. He had trouble with needing sustenance to keep him alive and he needed help with battles and battle plans. Any kind of trouble is a time we can call upon the name of the Lord.
Why prayer? Why does God want us to pray? The reason, of course is that God gets all the glory for our deliverance and for the answers to our prayers that he gives. Prayer shows that we depend upon God.
Psalms 60:11-12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. 12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
Man cannot help us, but God can. Call upon the name of the Lord in the day of trouble and he will deliver you. In this, we will bring glory to the name of God.
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Lead me in thy truth
Bible Reading: Psalms 25; 29; 33; 36 & 39
Psalms 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Psalm 25 is a prayer. David is asking for God's leadership in his life. He specifically asks for God's leadership in God's truth. Do you live a life led by God? The Bible says this is what the Holy Spirit does in the lives of the children of God.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Because God has saved you through faith in Jesus Christ, he wants to lead you and teach you. He is the truth!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Do you wait for God's leadership? Do you walk in God's ways? What does this look like?
It looks like a person who knows they are saved by God's grace and is seeking him constantly. We are given a wonderful gift in the Bible and when we prayerfully open the pages of God's Word and listen, God speaks. He gives us wisdom and leadership. He teaches us truth because God the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Before we make decisions, we should pray. We should seek the mind of Christ when making decisions. Our heavenly father is good. He always leads us in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Let us wait patiently for him!
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Psalm 25 is a prayer. David is asking for God's leadership in his life. He specifically asks for God's leadership in God's truth. Do you live a life led by God? The Bible says this is what the Holy Spirit does in the lives of the children of God.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Because God has saved you through faith in Jesus Christ, he wants to lead you and teach you. He is the truth!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Do you wait for God's leadership? Do you walk in God's ways? What does this look like?
It looks like a person who knows they are saved by God's grace and is seeking him constantly. We are given a wonderful gift in the Bible and when we prayerfully open the pages of God's Word and listen, God speaks. He gives us wisdom and leadership. He teaches us truth because God the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Before we make decisions, we should pray. We should seek the mind of Christ when making decisions. Our heavenly father is good. He always leads us in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Let us wait patiently for him!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, May 7, 2012
Thy servant hath found in his heart to pray
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17
1 Chronicles 17:25 For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee.
David would have never thought to ask God for what God promised him. That is the way God works!
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
David had built himself a house and as he sat in it, he thought he should build a house for God. But that is not what God wanted. Through the prophet Nathan, God's word to David was that he would establish his kingdom as an everlasting kingdom!
The amazing thing about God is that he has plans to work in and through us in ways that our own imaginations could never even dream of. For David, God's promises to him were so amazing that he would have never prayed to God asking for this. Only after God told David what he wanted to do, did David in turn have the boldness to pray and ask God for what he had promised.
What should we ask God for? We should search his Word and be amazed at the "Great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) he has made to us. When we encounter God's promises we can have the boldness to pray and ask God to do for us what he has promised. Amazing!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Chronicles 17:25 For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee.
David would have never thought to ask God for what God promised him. That is the way God works!
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
David had built himself a house and as he sat in it, he thought he should build a house for God. But that is not what God wanted. Through the prophet Nathan, God's word to David was that he would establish his kingdom as an everlasting kingdom!
The amazing thing about God is that he has plans to work in and through us in ways that our own imaginations could never even dream of. For David, God's promises to him were so amazing that he would have never prayed to God asking for this. Only after God told David what he wanted to do, did David in turn have the boldness to pray and ask God for what he had promised.
What should we ask God for? We should search his Word and be amazed at the "Great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) he has made to us. When we encounter God's promises we can have the boldness to pray and ask God to do for us what he has promised. Amazing!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Then they cry unto the Lord
Bible Reading: Psalms 106-107
Psalms 107:28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
Four times the Psalm tells us that they cried unto the Lord in their trouble. The Israelites history is really sad when you read of how they strayed away from God and then reaped the consequences for their idolatry and waywardness. But they would eventually cry unto God and he would hear them and send help. This help came in the form of judges and kings. God was preparing them for the day that he would send his Son, Jesus the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
This is comforting to me, because God would hear their prayers and answer them by bringing them out of their distresses. Even when they had sinned, God would hear. He promised:
Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
This prepares us for the New Covenant where sinners are invited to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
It is also a reminder of those who are saved and our invitation to come boldly to God's throne of grace.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
We are invited by our God to come to him in prayer. This is how we begin the new life in Christ and it is how we continually walk in grace. Even when we sin, we are invited to come and receive forgiveness for our sin.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We come to Christ through prayer and he will hear us. He wants us to pray and ask for help, wisdom and grace. He wants us to intercede for others. What a wonderful privilege we have to be able to come to God in prayer.
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 107:28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
Four times the Psalm tells us that they cried unto the Lord in their trouble. The Israelites history is really sad when you read of how they strayed away from God and then reaped the consequences for their idolatry and waywardness. But they would eventually cry unto God and he would hear them and send help. This help came in the form of judges and kings. God was preparing them for the day that he would send his Son, Jesus the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
This is comforting to me, because God would hear their prayers and answer them by bringing them out of their distresses. Even when they had sinned, God would hear. He promised:
Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
This prepares us for the New Covenant where sinners are invited to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
It is also a reminder of those who are saved and our invitation to come boldly to God's throne of grace.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
We are invited by our God to come to him in prayer. This is how we begin the new life in Christ and it is how we continually walk in grace. Even when we sin, we are invited to come and receive forgiveness for our sin.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We come to Christ through prayer and he will hear us. He wants us to pray and ask for help, wisdom and grace. He wants us to intercede for others. What a wonderful privilege we have to be able to come to God in prayer.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
How good and how pleasant
Bible Reading: Psalm 133
Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is good when brethren dwell together in unity. It is not good when they live in strife and dispute. This goes for a church, a family or a nation. How many churches are fussing and fighting about something? How many brothers and sisters are fussing and fighting about something? Nations?
As David thought about this his mind went to the anointing of Aaron as the high priest. As the oil ran down his head and onto his beard, it was a picture of the Holy Spirit coming upon him. The Spirit who brings with him the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The Holy Spirit brings unity. He is God and when God lives in you and he lives in me, we will both have the same mind. This brings unity. It is good. It is pleasant. Against the fruit of the Spirit, there is no law. When brethren are motivated by the Spirit of God, they love one another and live in peace. They are gentle and meek toward each other. This happens when the Holy Spirit of Jesus fills the life.
David also thought about the cool dew of Hermon that would come down from the mountains into the valleys. As a shepherd, that dew was life. It might not rain for months or years in many places in the desert, but the dew would make the grass grow.
Like the anointing of God and the blessing of dew, living together in unity is a blessing associated with everlasting life. When brethren know Jesus and know they will live forever, they can live a life of rejoicing and loving one another now.
Will you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you so that his fruit flows from your life?
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is good when brethren dwell together in unity. It is not good when they live in strife and dispute. This goes for a church, a family or a nation. How many churches are fussing and fighting about something? How many brothers and sisters are fussing and fighting about something? Nations?
As David thought about this his mind went to the anointing of Aaron as the high priest. As the oil ran down his head and onto his beard, it was a picture of the Holy Spirit coming upon him. The Spirit who brings with him the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The Holy Spirit brings unity. He is God and when God lives in you and he lives in me, we will both have the same mind. This brings unity. It is good. It is pleasant. Against the fruit of the Spirit, there is no law. When brethren are motivated by the Spirit of God, they love one another and live in peace. They are gentle and meek toward each other. This happens when the Holy Spirit of Jesus fills the life.
David also thought about the cool dew of Hermon that would come down from the mountains into the valleys. As a shepherd, that dew was life. It might not rain for months or years in many places in the desert, but the dew would make the grass grow.
Like the anointing of God and the blessing of dew, living together in unity is a blessing associated with everlasting life. When brethren know Jesus and know they will live forever, they can live a life of rejoicing and loving one another now.
Will you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you so that his fruit flows from your life?
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Lord of hosts was with him
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11 & 12
1 Chronicles 11:9 So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him.
David was first made king of Judah and then all of Israel came and made David king. The mighty men surrounded him and went with him into battle. they would risk their lives just to bring the king a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem.
David grew greater in influence and his kingdom grew. David grew greater in the eyes of the people and he was a beloved king. (That is what the name 'David' means - beloved.)
The key to David's influence was the fact that God was with him. He did not fight his own battles; he fought the battles of the Lord. He did not build his own kingdom; he was a shepherd for God's kingdom. He did not choose his own path; he submitted to the will of God who sought him out and chose him to be the king.
The wonderful reality for a follower of Jesus is the secret of David's growth is the promise of every child of God.
Hebrews 13:5 for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
God was with David. God is with you, if you trust in Jesus Christ. He will never leave you and never forsake you.
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
The mighty power of God is in us and he is able to do more than you or I could even think of! Let's walk through the day trusting him and seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness. Jesus is with you.
In Christ,
Rody
1 Chronicles 11:9 So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him.
David was first made king of Judah and then all of Israel came and made David king. The mighty men surrounded him and went with him into battle. they would risk their lives just to bring the king a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem.
David grew greater in influence and his kingdom grew. David grew greater in the eyes of the people and he was a beloved king. (That is what the name 'David' means - beloved.)
The key to David's influence was the fact that God was with him. He did not fight his own battles; he fought the battles of the Lord. He did not build his own kingdom; he was a shepherd for God's kingdom. He did not choose his own path; he submitted to the will of God who sought him out and chose him to be the king.
The wonderful reality for a follower of Jesus is the secret of David's growth is the promise of every child of God.
Hebrews 13:5 for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
God was with David. God is with you, if you trust in Jesus Christ. He will never leave you and never forsake you.
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
The mighty power of God is in us and he is able to do more than you or I could even think of! Let's walk through the day trusting him and seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness. Jesus is with you.
In Christ,
Rody
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