Your Pathway

O. T. #1275  "Your Pathway"
August 31, 2018
Psalm 77

LET IT GLOW

We don't know the reason the psalmist is gloomy, in despair, or depression. However, he tells us one cure for it-focusing his mind on God's goodness (verse 10-15) and His past deliverances (verse 16-20).

How did God deliver Israel in the past?

• He parted the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross over on dry ground in deliverance from Egypt's slavery.
• He overthrew the Egyptians by drowning with clouds of water in the Red Sea.
• Thunder and lightning were witnessed at the foot of Mt. Sinai as Moses went up to receive the Ten Commandments.
• Like sheep, God led His people through Moses and Aaron for 40 years.

This story was past down throughout the generations of Israel, as it demonstrated God's power, protection, and love. The psalmist recalls that. Also, he declares:

• God's ways are holy. (verse 13)
• No god is mightier than God. (verse 13)
• He is the God of great wonders. (verse 14)
• God demonstrates His awesome power among the nations. (verse 14)
• By His strong arm God redeemed His people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. (verse 15)

[Reference: New Living Translation]

Has God shown His awesome powers and great wonders to you lately?

Your road led through the sea, Your pathway through the mighty waters,-a pathway no one knew was there! (verse 19 NLT)

Instead of going around the Red Sea, God chose to lead Israel through it so they could experience His mighty power.  If we are going through troubled waters right now, remember that God delivered His children in the old days and can do the same today. We must stay on the path He has put us on, and wait for the deep waters to part. There is a path that no one knows about, except our God. He is working things out for those who love Him, and it is for our good, as well as His glory. (Romans 8:28)

LET IT GROW

Whatever is happening in the psalmist's life, he can't sleep because of it. He thinks about the good old days when his nights were filled with joyful songs. He searches his soul and ponders the difference at  that time.  He feels rejected in verses 7-9 as he questions:

•  God's kindness, and
•  unfailing love toward him;
•  His promises that are permanently kept;
•  mercy that is not clean gone, nor
•  His door of compassion slammed shut.

Oh, dear ones, God's kindness, love, promises, mercy, and compassion continue forever. They are there behind the door, waiting to be opened, for Jesus is the Door.

What will the psalmist remember?

• His infirmity, which means to be weak, afflicted, diseased, grieved, sorry; 
• The years of the Most High God's right hand was upon him;
• His works;
• God's wonders of old, the wonderful deeds He has done.

The writer is meditating on all God's works and will talk of His doings. And so should we.
Got any infirmities? Look at what the Most High God has done previously, His wonderful deeds.

LET IT GO

Focus on my awesome and wonderful God instead of my infirmities.
Remain on the path He has me on.
Do the best I can while I am here enduring my infirmities.
I will sing of You love forever, Sweet Jesus.

Promises

O. T. #1274 "Promises"
August 30, 2018
Psalm 75
Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.  Psalm 76:4

LET IT GLOW

Asaph, who was appointed by King David to be to serve in the music ministry of the Temple, wrote this psalm. It was probably written after Judah defeated the Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib in 701 B.C. This was during King Hezekiah's reign, found in 2 Kings 18.

With the setting established, we can have a better understanding of this celebration. Starting with verse 1, In Judah is God known: His name is great in Israel.

Where does God live? Where is His home?
 In Jerusalem (Salem is a shorter version) the Tabernacle is found. Mt. Zion is His home.

Now look at our key verse. How is God described? He is more glorious, which means luminous; set on fire; shine; and excellent, which mean honorable, than the mountains filled with beasts of prey.

The invading armies were comparable to mountains in greatness. Certainly the God of Israel, Jehovah, is more glorious and excellent than those. Armies are no match for God. He is victorious every time. Those haters of God back then sought to destroy God's Temple and His people. Nothing has changed throughout the years, has it? The devil's goal is still the same. The evil ones are still trying to overcome good. They need to stop fighting against God and turn to Him in repentance.

According to verse 7, God is to be feared, the object of our reverence and awe. How do we do that?
by keeping the first Commandment-have no other gods before Him. We show God do this by worshiping, reading His Word, praying, and making Him number one in our life. Are we doing it today? Is our influence bringing others to do the same?


LET IT GROW

Vow and pay unto the LORD Your God... (verse 11)
We are told to keep our vows made to God. Do what you said you would do. Pay what you committed to Him. We are to remember our obligations.  Surrender and carry them out. What is the last promise we made to God? Is it being fulfilled? Is love our motive?

Today, so many are not keeping promises or vows. God keeps His promises. He protected Judah, through whom the Messiah would come, as long as they continued to only worship Him. When they failed, then they went into captivity in Babylon for 70 years. But, afterwards, they repented and returned to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem and rebuild their nation under God.

LET IT GO

How glorious and excellent is my God and Savior.
How faithful He is to me.
Help me keep my promises.

Is It Time Yet?

O. T. #1273  "Is It Time Yet?"
August 29, 2018
Psalm 75

LET IT GLOW

"Is it time yet?" It is difficult for young children to understand the concept of time. They are anxious to get to go swimming, to a party, go to a park. They live in the present, in the moment. Waiting is not the easiest thing for them, nor is it for us adults. We want everything now, not understanding God's perspective about time.

Verse 2 gives us God's assurance that, When I choose a time, I will judge fairly.

Isn't God's timing better?  When He is ready, and it is His time, God will do what is needed. It's not what we like for Him to do that counts. Although we may be as impatient as children, we must not doubt the wisdom of God. Wait. In due time God will reveal His plan. We should be sure to not take matters into our own hands. [Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

I know that is not what I like to hear. Waiting is hard. Maybe that is because it requires faith, but we want to live by sight.

LET IT GROW

There are three metaphors the psalmist uses here:

1. pillars of the earth (verse 3)
2. horns (verses 5,6,11)
3. God's cup of wrath. (verse 8)

God never looses control of the universe. Agree? In spite of physical, moral, and societal turmoil, He knows what is going on, and He has it all planned out. He is eventually going to judge everyone, believers and the wicked.

In the meantime, we should worship God, praise Him, thank Him, glorify Him. Jesus was lifted up on a cross. When we trust in Him, He will not let us down.

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. (John 12:32)

Will we lift Him up today in praise?

LET IT GO

Wait. Pray. Trust God.
Praise Him. Glorify Jesus. Give Him credit.

Hard Days Vs. Abundant Days

O. T. #1272 "Hard Days Vs. Abundant Days"
August 28, 2018
Psalm 74
For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.  Psalm 74:12

LET IT GLOW

Just put me in the old folks home and close the door. I make more messes than I (or anyone else) want to clean up. I am tired of being stinky and sinful and failing. Let me cry and hide behind the closed door, alone. When I let him have an inch, the devil takes a mile. Humble pie is becoming a regular on my plate of life. Jesus, this is hard, too hard, You know what I mean.

Well, that was yesterday, and today is a new day. I want some abundant life today, Lord Jesus. Will You pour down some, for my cup is empty? I trusted You all these years and You never failed me back then. I know You are still working today. Folks, twice I read John 10:10 in devotions this morning. I God trying to tell me something? Help me to keep on thanking You and praising You this day. It is Your love and strength that keeps me going, Jesus. Your love is abundant today. I could use some mercy, too.

Asaph was down as he wrote this psalm, probably after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. by Babylon. The enemies ram-sacked and burned Jerusalem in an attempt to wipe out every trace of God. (They were idol worshipers.) For 70 years Israel was held captive.

When we are waiting for God to act in our life and He seems to be slow about it, He isn't. It is God's timing that is best for us-for His glory and our good. When we ask, "How long? or "Why?" or " Where is God?" Can we see Him working around us?
Asaph shows us by example what we should do review:

• the mighty acts of God in biblical history, and
• what He has done for us personally.

God controls all the things on earth, including the sea, streams, sun and moon, and seasons. His hand is upon our situation, also.

God is at work, not only in history, but also in your life today.  (Life Application Study Bible)

Jesus came to give us life and more abundant life. The thief tries to steal, kill and destroy it. (John 10:10)

So let's get up, leave the past in the past, and let the hope of Jesus rise up in us today. (I have to tell myself that often.)


LET IT GROW

Asaph said in verse 9, We see not our sign: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

The Urim and Thummim were on the High Priest's garment, but it was gone. No shekinah glory of God descended down from heaven, filling the Temple. The Temple had been destroyed and the articles inside it were capture. A little ray of hope shown through the dark days of Israel. Reread our key verse-God is working. Is He our King of old?
 
What mighty acts has God done in our lives, in days of old? Breath and salvation, strength to carry on in spite of this old body aches and pains.
God did not abandon Israel, nor will He leave us. My only hope is to trust God.




LET IT GO

Surround me with Your love today, Jesus.
Be my anchor, for my sails are torn and tattered.
You are my God in the old days and in today.
I believe.

Dissatisfaction or Satisfaction

O. T. #1271  "Dissatisfaction or Satisfaction"
August 27, 2018
Psalm 73
My flesh and heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. 
 Psalm 73:26

LET IT GLOW

Asaph was a leader in King David's Levitical choirs. He collected Psalms 73-83, but may not have written all of them. He starts out saying he did not understand why the wicked prospered, as their pride mocked God and believers. However, Asaph understood it when he walked into the sanctuary, Tabernacle. He was tempted to walk away from God, instead, he walked toward God.
What was Asaph's conclusion?

• He understood the destiny of the wicked. (verse 17)
• He saw his sin of self-pity and bitter. (verse 21)
• His foolishness was obvious. (verse 22)
• God continued to hold Asaph's right hand. (verse 23)
• God guided him with His counsel, leading him to a glorious destiny. (verse 24)
• There is no one other than God on whom he can rely. (verse 25)
• Asaph's health may have failed and his spirit grow weak, but God remains the strength of his heart. (verse 26)
• He realized it was good for him to draw near to God. (verse 27a)
• Asaph made  the Sovereign LORD his shelter. (verse 27b NLT)
• He is going to tell everyone about the wonderful things God does. (verse 27c)
• God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. (verse 1)

What could have happened to Asaph had he not gone to the Temple? He may have turned away from God and followed the way of the wicked worldly ones take over his faith. Look what he would have missed out on. God forgives, renews, and changes our perspective. He gives us second, third, and umpteen chances again to serve Him, in spite of our failures. So let us keep on going to the worship services. Our soul and heart and mind need it.

God's love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me, as the song goes.

LET IT GROW

Unfortunately, many believers wander away from God and go the way of the world. They become dissatisfied with their marriage, family, job, or situation, and leave the faith. They turn to the world for their satisfaction and not God. Asaph had that problem, too.

I like to see the good that comes in the scripture before the bad. So Asaph started out how it seemed to him that the wicked prosper and go unrewarded. Verses 2- in New Living Translation explains his attitude. They:

• seem to live a painless life;
• have bodies that are healthy and strong;
• don't have troubles like other people;
• aren't plagued with problems like everyone else;
• wear pride like a jeweled necklace;
• clothe themselves with cruelty;
• have everything their hearts could ever wish for;
• scoff and speak only evil;
• seek to crush others while in their pride;
• boast against the very heavens;
• have words that confusion and dismay with their words;
• ask, "What does God know? Does the Most High even know what is happening?"

Isn't that the truth! Oh, my word, did Asaph have an envy problem or what? Aren't we glad that his trust in God was renewed? He realized that in God, we have everything that makes for a lasting contentment. When we don't have it all together, God is patient with us. Our contentment comes from God. (The wicked one will not enjoy their eternal life if they do not repent while on earth.)

God loves us despite our sinful dissatisfaction with His providences, and when we turn to Him, our hearts will change, even if our circumstances don't, because He is faithful to His people.  (Lydia Brownback's Singing a New Song)

Work on being content in whatsoever state, situation, in which I am, like Paul.

LET IT GO
                     ... so my happiness and contentment is in You Jesus, not things.
                                ... and focus on serving God and not my flesh.
                                ... of the world and grow in faith in Jesus.

Wondrous Things

O. T. #1270  "Wondrous Things"
August 24, 2018
Psalm 72
Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 
Psalm 72:17

LET IT GLOW


Have you seen the wondrous things God has done? He does miracles when He saves the lost; when He takes a loved one to heaven; when He rains upon a dry land; when attitudes are changed and hearts are filled with His love. To me, those are wondrous things only God can do.


This psalm is written by Solomon, King David's son. He built the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and Israel rested in peace. Solomon looks beyond his reign to that of the Messiah Jesus. His kingdom will be greater than any human empire. David had been promised that through his line of kings would come the greatest blessed King-Jesus Christ. When He reigns on earth, there will be an abundance of peace, as verse 7 says. How long will it last? As long as the moon endureth. Now that is long peace.

The overall themes found here are: God's name is worthy to be praised and His glory should be multiplied to all nations, according to David Jeremiah.

Are we blessing our lineage with faith and a love for God? Are we praying for our grandchildren and great grandchildren to be servants of our God? I certainly am. What a blessing it would be to live long enough to see them serving my Savior.

LET IT GROW

The Messiah's redemption and salvation includes the poor and needy, not just the rich and in a family line of believers. We have heard it said that God helps those who help themselves, but that is not the way it is. He helps those who cannot help themselves. We read of His tenderness in the New Testament.

Let us bless the name of the LOrd Jesus Christ together, forever.
Verse 18 says, His name shall endure for ever; His name shall be considered as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in Him: all nations shall call Him blessed. 


Verse 18 tells us to Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 

Wondrous means miracles; great.

Just look around and we can see the wondrous works of God. Also, the things which are spiritual as He works in hearts.




LET IT GO

Bless the wondrous name of Jesus Christ!

My and Thy and Try

O. T. #1269  "My and Thy and Try"
August 23, 2018
Psalm 71
My life is an example to many because You have been my strength and protection. Psalm 71:7 NLT

LET IT GLOW

What kind of trial or issues are you dealing with today, friend? Right now, I am dealing with a weight problem. Yep, mom was right-one day it would catch up with me. (I was always thin in my younger years.) These have been the days all right. This year I have gained 10 pounds. Now if you add that onto last year's extra 5, that comes to a total of 15. So now I put myself on a diet and onto the treadmill. Ugh! It is hard, let me tell you. I had lost 6 of those add-ons, but now some crept back. So food is an enemy that I am battling today. (I refuse to buy larger-sized clothes.)

Apparently, this psalm is written by an aged saint. Probably it was David, though some thought it was by Jeremiah the prophet.  Old age does not exempt us from troubles. His enemies conclude that God had abandoned this believer. However, the believer is confident that God remains faithful.

While reading this chapter, I picked up on a couple of phrases that were continuously used-my and Thy. David, an old man now, whispers a prayer to the God, who is personally:

• my strong habitation;
• my rock and my fortress;
• my strong refuge;
• my God;
• my help.

For years David walked with the Lord. Even in his old age, he declares God's (in verses 15-22):

• righteousness,
• salvation,
• wondrous works,
• strength and power,
• greatness,
• truth.

Perhaps we could add to those lists of my and Thy concerning to what God has been to us in our walk with Him. I could add protector, provider, faithful, forgiving, lifter of my head. What could you add?


LET IT GROW

The Jeremiah Study Bible shares some reasons for life's trials:

• ungodly foes (verse 4)
• an uncertain future (verse 9)
• unfaithful friends (verses 10-13)
• and God's sovereignty (verse 19 and 20).

Doesn't Jeremiah pretty well sum it all up, the reasons for our trying times? Most of our psalms so far have been David complaining about his enemies and pleading for God's help. What is the right response to all of these sources of problems in our life? Some issues we endure are due to the sins of others or our own sins. We should rely upon the character and compassion of God.
In James 1:2 and 12, he reminds believers that God uses trials to refine our faith. Those refining times should knock us to our knees before a loving God.

Maybe I should add to that list Myself being my worst enemy. I think it would be appropriate, as I mentioned my struggles at the beginning.


LET IT GO

Just give me Jesus. He is everything I ever needed.