Psalm 90: A prayer of Moses, the man of God.
1 Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!
2 Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.
3 You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals!”
4 For you, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours.
5 You sweep people away like dreams that disappear. They are like grass that springs up in the morning.
6 In the morning it blooms and flourishes, but by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We wither beneath your anger; we are overwhelmed by your fury.
8 You spread out our sins before you— our secret sins—and you see them all.
9 We live our lives beneath your wrath, ending our years with a groan.
10 Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.
11 Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.
12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
13 O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants!
14 Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
15 Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good.
16 Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.
17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!Home is where the heart is...
We say it, but do we really believe it? We usually say it when we are someplace we would rather not be. The attitude is intended to make us more comfortable. After all, we would always rather be home.
Home is where we belong. Home is where our people are. Home is where our dreams are.
Home is where we feel most confident and comfortable. Home is...well...home. We can't do better. Home is what defines us. I'm from Minneapolis. Anybody can draw some pretty accurate conclusions about me simply be knowing where I'm from. I'm Norwegian. I love the Twins and the Vikings. I went to "the U". I love lefse. Uff da!
So what do you suppose Moses was implying when he said "Lord, through all the generations you have been our home." It appears that the character of God is supposed to define our lives. Assuming Moses is right, and God is our home, some of us have some housecleaning to do.
What assumptions can people make about us...based simply on our home of record? Or are we still house hunting? Israel tried that and it didn't work out so well for them. Moses says "We wither beneath your anger; we are overwhelmed by your fury. You spread out our sins before you— our secret sins—and you see them all. We live our lives beneath your wrath, ending our years with a groan." That's what happens when we leave home.
Add on, redecorate, do what you have to do, but stay home. It's where you were created to be.
Live boldly out there today.
Psalm 91
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
It's always been called ""The Warrior's Psalm." The promise of safety is as precious as it can get.
My cousin Jimmy was a marine at the siege of Khe Sanh. He was also at the battle of Hue...two of the most deadly encounters of the war in Vietnam. He wrote to his dad and told him he was trusting the promises in
Psalm 91. "The Lord is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you."
Imagine yourself in the middle of raging combat...casualties mounting, indiscriminately, with no safe place to hide. Do you think this psalm would hold special meaning? You bet!
But, here's the interesting twist: "If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go." remember Psalm 90? The Lord is our home?
It may have been said that "home is where the heart is" but really...it's more than that. Home, in the palm of God's hand, is the only place we will ever truly be safe. That place may be in the jungles of Vietnam or the desert of Iraq or the snake pit you call a job. It might be the meat grinder you call a relationship. The location is insignificant. Anywhere with God is home. Anywhere without God is hostile territory...and you're asking to become a casualty.
I'm not suggesting you ask God to move into your life. I'm suggesting you go ahead and move in to God's life.
Live boldly out there today...
October 23, 2010
October 22, 2010
Psalm 89:38-52
38 But now you have rejected him and cast him off. You are angry with your anointed king.
39 You have renounced your covenant with him; you have thrown his crown in the dust.
40 You have broken down the walls protecting him and ruined every fort defending him.
41 Everyone who comes along has robbed him, and he has become a joke to his neighbors.
42 You have strengthened his enemies and made them all rejoice.
43 You have made his sword useless and refused to help him in battle.
44 You have ended his splendor and overturned his throne.
45 You have made him old before his time and publicly disgraced him.
Interlude
46 O Lord, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire?
47 Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!
48 No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.
Interlude
49 Lord, where is your unfailing love? You promised it to David with a faithful pledge.
50 Consider, Lord, how your servants are disgraced! I carry in my heart the insults of so many people.
51 Your enemies have mocked me, O Lord; they mock your anointed king wherever he goes.
52 Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen!
Often it seems that the people who have the most are also the people who are the hardest to satisfy.
Look at Rehoboam, the subject of this psalm. He had it all. He was born into it: His grandpa was King David. His dad was King Solomon. He couldn't have asked for a better pedigree in terms of expecting God's blessings. But, it wasn't enough. When Rehoboam was asked to lower burdensome taxes he refused. He said "Whereas my father laid upon you a heavy yoke, so shall I add tenfold thereto. Whereas my father chastised (tortured) you with whips, so shall I chastise you with scorpions. For my littlest finger is thicker than my father's loins; and your backs, which bent like reeds at my father's touch, shall break like straws at my own touch."
Brilliant...
Once Rehoboam made it all about himself, God decided to step in. The psalmists says of God ..."now you have rejected him and cast him off. You are angry with your anointed king. You have renounced your covenant with him; you have thrown his crown in the dust. You have broken down the walls protecting him and ruined every fort." Before it was over, Ten of the 12 tribes seceded and formed their own kingdom. As a result, Rehoboam's power was depleted and he became low hanging fruit for neighboring kings bent on expanding their own territories. His kingdom became a mere shadow of what his dad and grandpa enjoyed.
And the writer doesn't pull any punches. He says God "strengthened his enemies and made them all rejoice. You have made his sword useless and refused to help him in battle. You have ended his splendor and overturned his throne. You have made him old before his time and publicly disgraced him. And said Tom Petty sings "its good to be king." Maybe not.
The psalmist rightfully laments the state of affairs...life in Israel is a shambles. He asks God how long this is going to last. "Lord, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire? Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence! No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave." Well, that's depressing.
And then he closes with these words..."Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen."
39 You have renounced your covenant with him; you have thrown his crown in the dust.
40 You have broken down the walls protecting him and ruined every fort defending him.
41 Everyone who comes along has robbed him, and he has become a joke to his neighbors.
42 You have strengthened his enemies and made them all rejoice.
43 You have made his sword useless and refused to help him in battle.
44 You have ended his splendor and overturned his throne.
45 You have made him old before his time and publicly disgraced him.
Interlude
46 O Lord, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire?
47 Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!
48 No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.
Interlude
49 Lord, where is your unfailing love? You promised it to David with a faithful pledge.
50 Consider, Lord, how your servants are disgraced! I carry in my heart the insults of so many people.
51 Your enemies have mocked me, O Lord; they mock your anointed king wherever he goes.
52 Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen!
Often it seems that the people who have the most are also the people who are the hardest to satisfy.
Look at Rehoboam, the subject of this psalm. He had it all. He was born into it: His grandpa was King David. His dad was King Solomon. He couldn't have asked for a better pedigree in terms of expecting God's blessings. But, it wasn't enough. When Rehoboam was asked to lower burdensome taxes he refused. He said "Whereas my father laid upon you a heavy yoke, so shall I add tenfold thereto. Whereas my father chastised (tortured) you with whips, so shall I chastise you with scorpions. For my littlest finger is thicker than my father's loins; and your backs, which bent like reeds at my father's touch, shall break like straws at my own touch."
Brilliant...
Once Rehoboam made it all about himself, God decided to step in. The psalmists says of God ..."now you have rejected him and cast him off. You are angry with your anointed king. You have renounced your covenant with him; you have thrown his crown in the dust. You have broken down the walls protecting him and ruined every fort." Before it was over, Ten of the 12 tribes seceded and formed their own kingdom. As a result, Rehoboam's power was depleted and he became low hanging fruit for neighboring kings bent on expanding their own territories. His kingdom became a mere shadow of what his dad and grandpa enjoyed.
And the writer doesn't pull any punches. He says God "strengthened his enemies and made them all rejoice. You have made his sword useless and refused to help him in battle. You have ended his splendor and overturned his throne. You have made him old before his time and publicly disgraced him. And said Tom Petty sings "its good to be king." Maybe not.
The psalmist rightfully laments the state of affairs...life in Israel is a shambles. He asks God how long this is going to last. "Lord, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire? Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence! No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave." Well, that's depressing.
And then he closes with these words..."Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen."
Ironic? No! He arrived at this point because he knew God's history with Israel. It wasn't about that day. He knew it was just a matter of time until God took control once again.
This can happen to us...we can become Rehoboams with our own lives. When we insist on becoming the conductors of our own little symphony of life, we inevitable strike a discordant note and the Divine reviews will be merciless. On the other hand...letting God be faithful...on His terms, gives us the opportunity to live with rejoicing and confidence. Amen and Amen!"
This can happen to us...we can become Rehoboams with our own lives. When we insist on becoming the conductors of our own little symphony of life, we inevitable strike a discordant note and the Divine reviews will be merciless. On the other hand...letting God be faithful...on His terms, gives us the opportunity to live with rejoicing and confidence. Amen and Amen!"
Your choice.
Live boldly out there today...
October 21, 2010
Psalm 89:14-37
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.
15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.
17 You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong.
18 Yes, our protection comes from the Lord, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king.
19 Long ago you spoke in a vision to your faithful people. You said, “I have raised up a warrior. I have selected him from the common people to be king.
20 I have found my servant David. I have anointed him with my holy oil.
21 I will steady him with my hand; with my powerful arm I will make him strong.
22 His enemies will not defeat him, nor will the wicked overpower him.
23 I will beat down his adversaries before him and destroy those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him, and by my authority he will grow in power.
25 I will extend his rule over the sea, his dominion over the rivers.
26 And he will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’
27 I will make him my firstborn son, the mightiest king on earth.
28 I will love him and be kind to him forever; my covenant with him will never end.
29 I will preserve an heir for him; his throne will be as endless as the days of heaven.
30 But if his descendants forsake my instructions and fail to obey my regulations,
31 if they do not obey my decrees and fail to keep my commands,
32 then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their disobedience with beating.
33 But I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him.
34 No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said.
35 I have sworn an oath to David, and in my holiness I cannot lie:
36 His dynasty will go on forever; his kingdom will endure as the sun.
37 It will be as eternal as the moon, my faithful witness in the sky!”
Interlude
How many times have you regretted things you have said...wished you could take them back?
Hopefully as we get older it happens less. Even so, there is something about the wild nature of the tongue...and it most often is directly related to the swiftness with which we speak, before we give full thought to the words.
Occasionally our regret materializes as circumstances change. I promised to work the weekend for one of my fellow chaplains recently. If I had only known that another opportunity would come my way...
Yesterday we looked at the beginning of this psalm and were reminded that we need to look back at the whole history of God's activities in order to evaluate His faithfulness. Today, we see
notice something very important about that history. In referring to His choice to make David the King of Israel, God says "I will love him and be kind to him forever; my covenant with him will never end." Some might call it "the heat of passion." We say a lot of things when we are in love...and God loved David.
Now, many years later...when David's descendants have made a mess out of everything...you might think God would reconsider. Not a chance. Instead, the promise is reconfirmed. "I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him. No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. I have sworn an oath to David, and in my holiness I cannot lie."
I get the clear picture this promise is about David, not his descendants. In a flush of passion God promised David something forever. And David was a man after God's own heart. I don't doubt he was worthy. Furthermore, God is not susceptible to carelessness so He knew what He was saying. This is all very good. The strength and faithfulness of this particular covenant rests upon two things I cannot control...the righteousness of God and the worthiness of David.
I just reap the benefit...
Most of us recognize Jesus Christ, the Son of God...and the Son of David...as the fulfillment of this promise. An earthly return of David's throne is also anticipated. So, don't get bogged down in the historical dispersion of Israel. It's only temporary. Let's get to the real point here.
God has told us, when we become people of faith, we are grafted into this lineage of David. How? God changes our spiritual DNA. "If any man is in Christ He is a new creation." Simply put...I am no longer Lee, but I am Lee with God's Spirit added. My nature has changed, offering me eternal life.
That's a promise God made to me. The good thing, it doesn't rest on me, but on the holiness of God and the worthiness of Christ. God loves His son with such a passion that he isn't going to change his mind simply because He sees my bad behavior. "If his descendants forsake my instructions and fail to obey my regulations, if they do not obey my decrees and fail to keep my commands, then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their disobedience with beating". Discipline me, perhaps. Take back His promise? Never!
Our biggest problem is that we experience God's discipline and we think He's changed his mind.
The promise, through Christ, remains. "His dynasty will go on forever; his kingdom will endure as the sun. It will be as eternal as the moon, my faithful witness in the sky!” We are part of that dynasty.
Aren't you glad it's not about you?
Live boldly out there today...
15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.
17 You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong.
18 Yes, our protection comes from the Lord, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king.
19 Long ago you spoke in a vision to your faithful people. You said, “I have raised up a warrior. I have selected him from the common people to be king.
20 I have found my servant David. I have anointed him with my holy oil.
21 I will steady him with my hand; with my powerful arm I will make him strong.
22 His enemies will not defeat him, nor will the wicked overpower him.
23 I will beat down his adversaries before him and destroy those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him, and by my authority he will grow in power.
25 I will extend his rule over the sea, his dominion over the rivers.
26 And he will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’
27 I will make him my firstborn son, the mightiest king on earth.
28 I will love him and be kind to him forever; my covenant with him will never end.
29 I will preserve an heir for him; his throne will be as endless as the days of heaven.
30 But if his descendants forsake my instructions and fail to obey my regulations,
31 if they do not obey my decrees and fail to keep my commands,
32 then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their disobedience with beating.
33 But I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him.
34 No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said.
35 I have sworn an oath to David, and in my holiness I cannot lie:
36 His dynasty will go on forever; his kingdom will endure as the sun.
37 It will be as eternal as the moon, my faithful witness in the sky!”
Interlude
How many times have you regretted things you have said...wished you could take them back?
Hopefully as we get older it happens less. Even so, there is something about the wild nature of the tongue...and it most often is directly related to the swiftness with which we speak, before we give full thought to the words.
Occasionally our regret materializes as circumstances change. I promised to work the weekend for one of my fellow chaplains recently. If I had only known that another opportunity would come my way...
Yesterday we looked at the beginning of this psalm and were reminded that we need to look back at the whole history of God's activities in order to evaluate His faithfulness. Today, we see
notice something very important about that history. In referring to His choice to make David the King of Israel, God says "I will love him and be kind to him forever; my covenant with him will never end." Some might call it "the heat of passion." We say a lot of things when we are in love...and God loved David.
Now, many years later...when David's descendants have made a mess out of everything...you might think God would reconsider. Not a chance. Instead, the promise is reconfirmed. "I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him. No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. I have sworn an oath to David, and in my holiness I cannot lie."
I get the clear picture this promise is about David, not his descendants. In a flush of passion God promised David something forever. And David was a man after God's own heart. I don't doubt he was worthy. Furthermore, God is not susceptible to carelessness so He knew what He was saying. This is all very good. The strength and faithfulness of this particular covenant rests upon two things I cannot control...the righteousness of God and the worthiness of David.
I just reap the benefit...
Most of us recognize Jesus Christ, the Son of God...and the Son of David...as the fulfillment of this promise. An earthly return of David's throne is also anticipated. So, don't get bogged down in the historical dispersion of Israel. It's only temporary. Let's get to the real point here.
God has told us, when we become people of faith, we are grafted into this lineage of David. How? God changes our spiritual DNA. "If any man is in Christ He is a new creation." Simply put...I am no longer Lee, but I am Lee with God's Spirit added. My nature has changed, offering me eternal life.
That's a promise God made to me. The good thing, it doesn't rest on me, but on the holiness of God and the worthiness of Christ. God loves His son with such a passion that he isn't going to change his mind simply because He sees my bad behavior. "If his descendants forsake my instructions and fail to obey my regulations, if they do not obey my decrees and fail to keep my commands, then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their disobedience with beating". Discipline me, perhaps. Take back His promise? Never!
Our biggest problem is that we experience God's discipline and we think He's changed his mind.
The promise, through Christ, remains. "His dynasty will go on forever; his kingdom will endure as the sun. It will be as eternal as the moon, my faithful witness in the sky!” We are part of that dynasty.
Aren't you glad it's not about you?
Live boldly out there today...
October 20, 2010
Psalm 89: 1-13
A psalm of Ethan the Ezrahite.
1 I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
2 Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
3 The Lord said, “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him:
4 ‘I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.’”
Interlude
5 All heaven will praise your great wonders, Lord; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.
6 For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord? What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord?
7 The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.
8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord?
You are entirely faithful.
9 You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves.
10 You crushed the great sea monster. You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all.
12 You created north and south. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name.
13 Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.
We all talk about the good old days. We tend to measure them against what is going on in our lives today. So, when the stresses of life get us down we recall how sweet life was when we were young, in college, and had nothing to do but go to class now and then. We think of it as a simpler time. Some get serious and go to great lengths to simplify their lives once again. Sell the house, sell the cars, quit the high stress job...
For the next three days we will look at a psalm that begins with a joyful look at the "good old days" but ends with sad complaints and petitions...when the writer sees the pathetic decline of Israel. This is what's happening in psalm 89. Life in Israel has gone sour. The mighty House of David has gone to ruin and the Glory of the Lord was gone. The writer begins his song by recounting the "good old days," bringing to mind the central theme of life under King David when God, himself, said “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him: I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.” Yes, life was once wonderful!
But you know...it just doesn't always feel that way. That's why looking back can be of great value. It gives us context for evaluating life today. So, what does the author say? "I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens." Have you aver tried doing that when your life was in turmoil? It's really difficult!
There are times when we have to look back to regain our perspective. When we look at the totality of God's work with man there is no doubt about His faithfulness, Often when we look in front of us we become so overwhelmed with the difficult details we cannot see God anywhere. Have you heard the phrase "He can't see the forest for the trees?" It alludes to the fact that a person can be so obsessively focused on one tree that he doesn't realize there is an entire forest in front of him.
Step back. take a breath. Look forward, look up, and look back. You'll see God. You'll see how He has been faithful. This is how we should begin looking at the trouble in our lives.
Live boldly out there today...
1 I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
2 Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
3 The Lord said, “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him:
4 ‘I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.’”
Interlude
5 All heaven will praise your great wonders, Lord; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.
6 For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord? What mightiest angel is anything like the Lord?
7 The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.
8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord?
You are entirely faithful.
9 You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves.
10 You crushed the great sea monster. You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all.
12 You created north and south. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name.
13 Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.
We all talk about the good old days. We tend to measure them against what is going on in our lives today. So, when the stresses of life get us down we recall how sweet life was when we were young, in college, and had nothing to do but go to class now and then. We think of it as a simpler time. Some get serious and go to great lengths to simplify their lives once again. Sell the house, sell the cars, quit the high stress job...
For the next three days we will look at a psalm that begins with a joyful look at the "good old days" but ends with sad complaints and petitions...when the writer sees the pathetic decline of Israel. This is what's happening in psalm 89. Life in Israel has gone sour. The mighty House of David has gone to ruin and the Glory of the Lord was gone. The writer begins his song by recounting the "good old days," bringing to mind the central theme of life under King David when God, himself, said “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him: I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.” Yes, life was once wonderful!
But you know...it just doesn't always feel that way. That's why looking back can be of great value. It gives us context for evaluating life today. So, what does the author say? "I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens." Have you aver tried doing that when your life was in turmoil? It's really difficult!
There are times when we have to look back to regain our perspective. When we look at the totality of God's work with man there is no doubt about His faithfulness, Often when we look in front of us we become so overwhelmed with the difficult details we cannot see God anywhere. Have you heard the phrase "He can't see the forest for the trees?" It alludes to the fact that a person can be so obsessively focused on one tree that he doesn't realize there is an entire forest in front of him.
Step back. take a breath. Look forward, look up, and look back. You'll see God. You'll see how He has been faithful. This is how we should begin looking at the trouble in our lives.
Live boldly out there today...
October 19, 2010
Psalm 88
1 O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night.
2 Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry.
3 For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near.
4 I am as good as dead, like a strong man with no strength left.
5 They have left me among the dead, and I lie like a corpse in a grave. I am forgotten, cut off from your care.
6 You have thrown me into the lowest pit, into the darkest depths.
7 Your anger weighs me down; with wave after wave you have engulfed me.
Interlude
8 You have driven my friends away by making me repulsive to them. I am in a trap with no way of escape.
9 My eyes are blinded by my tears. Each day I beg for your help, O Lord; I lift my hands to you for mercy.
10 Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you?
Interlude
11 Can those in the grave declare your unfailing love? Can they proclaim your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
12 Can the darkness speak of your wonderful deeds? Can anyone in the land of forgetfulness talk about your righteousness?
13 O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day.
14 O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me?
15 I have been sick and close to death since my youth. I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors.
16 Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me. Your terrors have paralyzed me.
17 They swirl around me like floodwaters all day long. They have engulfed me completely.
18 You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend.
"My dad will kill me!" How many times have you heard (or spoken) a similar statement?
While not to be taken literally, the very fact the statement is uttered reveals a sense of dread over some situation. This is where our psalmist is today. Some scholars are of the opinion that this psalm was penned by a man named "Heman the Israelite" many years before the birth of Moses; which means this...and the following psalm...are the oldest pieces of writing the world has to show, being written by two men who felt and groaned under the bondage and affliction of Egypt.
Which, would explain the sense of dread. Egypt was not a good experience for the Israelites. For most of their 400 years in Egypt they were slaves. So, our psalmist cries out. "O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night. Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry. For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near. I am as good as dead, like a strong man with no strength left." The closest we can come to comprehending the life of a slave is by reading accounts of slavery in our own nation 150 years ago. It was an ugly existence and I'm confident many victims of that enterprise lifted their voices with the same prayer.
Just like our own nation's slaves, many of the Israelites in Egypt were people of profound faith in God. Prayers for deliverance would have been common. But, what really interests me is the sense, from Hemen, is that God was complicit in this circumstance. He says "You have thrown me into the lowest pit, into the darkest depths. Your anger weighs me down; with wave after wave you have engulfed me."
He continues throughout the psalm..."Each day I beg for your help, O Lord; I lift my hands to you for mercy. Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Can those in the grave declare your unfailing love? Can they proclaim your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
What amazes me most here is the resilience of faith. Israel was in slavery for 400 years. Our own slaves labored in that condition for over 150 years. Yet...we hear the cry "O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day. O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me?" These were people that didn't give up on God simply because it felt like God gave up on them. They persevered...for their entire lives.
We do disservice to their memory when we so quickly abandon our faith today. We face a little trouble and throw our hands up saying "God just can't come through for me" and many walk away. Life of privilege and leisure does that. It saps us of endurance and conviction.
We live in another kind of slavery today...spiritual slavery. Its all around us. Even though Christ has broken the power and penalty of sin, it's ubiquity influences our lives daily. Sin tempts us at every turn. It bombards us and often cripples us spiritually. There are times when we succumb to the pressure. It's constant and we may believe we won't survive...we say "I'm a dead man!"
Just as there were slaves in Egypt, and our own country, who managed to faithfully trust God every day, we should do the same thing. Not because we expect immediate delivery, but because it's what faithful people do.
And God will deliver us...just as He delivered the slaves in Egypt and in the southern states. I'll bet we don't have to wait hundreds of years either.
Live boldly out there today...
2 Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry.
3 For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near.
4 I am as good as dead, like a strong man with no strength left.
5 They have left me among the dead, and I lie like a corpse in a grave. I am forgotten, cut off from your care.
6 You have thrown me into the lowest pit, into the darkest depths.
7 Your anger weighs me down; with wave after wave you have engulfed me.
Interlude
8 You have driven my friends away by making me repulsive to them. I am in a trap with no way of escape.
9 My eyes are blinded by my tears. Each day I beg for your help, O Lord; I lift my hands to you for mercy.
10 Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you?
Interlude
11 Can those in the grave declare your unfailing love? Can they proclaim your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
12 Can the darkness speak of your wonderful deeds? Can anyone in the land of forgetfulness talk about your righteousness?
13 O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day.
14 O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me?
15 I have been sick and close to death since my youth. I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors.
16 Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me. Your terrors have paralyzed me.
17 They swirl around me like floodwaters all day long. They have engulfed me completely.
18 You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend.
"My dad will kill me!" How many times have you heard (or spoken) a similar statement?
While not to be taken literally, the very fact the statement is uttered reveals a sense of dread over some situation. This is where our psalmist is today. Some scholars are of the opinion that this psalm was penned by a man named "Heman the Israelite" many years before the birth of Moses; which means this...and the following psalm...are the oldest pieces of writing the world has to show, being written by two men who felt and groaned under the bondage and affliction of Egypt.
Which, would explain the sense of dread. Egypt was not a good experience for the Israelites. For most of their 400 years in Egypt they were slaves. So, our psalmist cries out. "O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night. Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry. For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near. I am as good as dead, like a strong man with no strength left." The closest we can come to comprehending the life of a slave is by reading accounts of slavery in our own nation 150 years ago. It was an ugly existence and I'm confident many victims of that enterprise lifted their voices with the same prayer.
Just like our own nation's slaves, many of the Israelites in Egypt were people of profound faith in God. Prayers for deliverance would have been common. But, what really interests me is the sense, from Hemen, is that God was complicit in this circumstance. He says "You have thrown me into the lowest pit, into the darkest depths. Your anger weighs me down; with wave after wave you have engulfed me."
He continues throughout the psalm..."Each day I beg for your help, O Lord; I lift my hands to you for mercy. Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Can those in the grave declare your unfailing love? Can they proclaim your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
What amazes me most here is the resilience of faith. Israel was in slavery for 400 years. Our own slaves labored in that condition for over 150 years. Yet...we hear the cry "O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day. O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me?" These were people that didn't give up on God simply because it felt like God gave up on them. They persevered...for their entire lives.
We do disservice to their memory when we so quickly abandon our faith today. We face a little trouble and throw our hands up saying "God just can't come through for me" and many walk away. Life of privilege and leisure does that. It saps us of endurance and conviction.
We live in another kind of slavery today...spiritual slavery. Its all around us. Even though Christ has broken the power and penalty of sin, it's ubiquity influences our lives daily. Sin tempts us at every turn. It bombards us and often cripples us spiritually. There are times when we succumb to the pressure. It's constant and we may believe we won't survive...we say "I'm a dead man!"
Just as there were slaves in Egypt, and our own country, who managed to faithfully trust God every day, we should do the same thing. Not because we expect immediate delivery, but because it's what faithful people do.
And God will deliver us...just as He delivered the slaves in Egypt and in the southern states. I'll bet we don't have to wait hundreds of years either.
Live boldly out there today...
October 18, 2010
Psalm 87
1 On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord.
2 He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel.
3 O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!
Interlude
4 I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!
5 Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city.
6 When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Interlude
7 The people will play flutes and sing, “The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!”
I'm Norwegian, Swedish, English, Scot and French. Oh, and I recently discovered I'm Irish!
Few people get excited about my viking heritage but everybody seems pleased that I'm Irish. Very strange...
It's an identity issue. "I'm Irish...and you're not!"
On a practical level it doesn't mean much. After all, from where I stand I'm primarily an American...with pre-American roots. For most of my life everybody wanted to be an American.
Today everybody wants to be unique. "I'm Irish-American." "I'm Italian-American." "I'm African-American" or "I'm Hispanic". The list is as long as the number of nations in the world. There's a price to be paid for this. If America has taught us anything through history it's that what binds us together and makes us strong is the unique identity we forge when we come together. We are first, and foremost, Americans. Many of us have lost sight of that...which may be one of the root causes of the disintegration of our culture.
Few people claim to be "Jerusalemites." We should...it means "Place of Peace."
Yet, it's hard to argue that Jerusalem isn't some of the most coveted real estate in the world. The world's three major religions call it home. Each one wants to make an exclusive claim. Isn't it ironic? People fighting over the "City of Peace?"
And...all three just don't get it. This is not our city...this is God's. He says so himself. "On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel." More to the point, God decides who can call Jerusalem home.
Some aren't going to like His decision. After all, the point of making a claim on something is that we don't want to share it with others. In the case of Jerusalem our psalmist says "When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” So much for London, Paris, Rome or DC. Jerusalem is going to become the capital of the world. Why not? It's God's home town.
So much for being Norwegian. Or, even American. There will come a day when God decides we are all "Salemites." "Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” Some will not be happy with this decision. I'm sure they will argue with God.
Another approach might be to begin making the transition today. Of course, that means acknowledging God's authority to make such decisions. It also means we need to begin aligning our priorities with God's. Still...getting a head start isn't a bad idea.
It's been said "two things are certain...death and taxes." Well, it seems our home town is certain too.
Live boldly out there today...
2 He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel.
3 O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!
Interlude
4 I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!
5 Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city.
6 When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Interlude
7 The people will play flutes and sing, “The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!”
I'm Norwegian, Swedish, English, Scot and French. Oh, and I recently discovered I'm Irish!
Few people get excited about my viking heritage but everybody seems pleased that I'm Irish. Very strange...
It's an identity issue. "I'm Irish...and you're not!"
On a practical level it doesn't mean much. After all, from where I stand I'm primarily an American...with pre-American roots. For most of my life everybody wanted to be an American.
Today everybody wants to be unique. "I'm Irish-American." "I'm Italian-American." "I'm African-American" or "I'm Hispanic". The list is as long as the number of nations in the world. There's a price to be paid for this. If America has taught us anything through history it's that what binds us together and makes us strong is the unique identity we forge when we come together. We are first, and foremost, Americans. Many of us have lost sight of that...which may be one of the root causes of the disintegration of our culture.
Few people claim to be "Jerusalemites." We should...it means "Place of Peace."
Yet, it's hard to argue that Jerusalem isn't some of the most coveted real estate in the world. The world's three major religions call it home. Each one wants to make an exclusive claim. Isn't it ironic? People fighting over the "City of Peace?"
And...all three just don't get it. This is not our city...this is God's. He says so himself. "On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel." More to the point, God decides who can call Jerusalem home.
Some aren't going to like His decision. After all, the point of making a claim on something is that we don't want to share it with others. In the case of Jerusalem our psalmist says "When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” So much for London, Paris, Rome or DC. Jerusalem is going to become the capital of the world. Why not? It's God's home town.
So much for being Norwegian. Or, even American. There will come a day when God decides we are all "Salemites." "Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” Some will not be happy with this decision. I'm sure they will argue with God.
Another approach might be to begin making the transition today. Of course, that means acknowledging God's authority to make such decisions. It also means we need to begin aligning our priorities with God's. Still...getting a head start isn't a bad idea.
It's been said "two things are certain...death and taxes." Well, it seems our home town is certain too.
Live boldly out there today...
October 17, 2010
Psalm 86
1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.
8 No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do!
9 All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name.
10 For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.
11 Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
12 With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever,
13 for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.[a]
14 O God, insolent people rise up against me; a violent gang is trying to kill me. You mean nothing to them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
16 Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant.
17 Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.
John Mann was one of our great Air Force chaplains. What made him so was not "what he did", but "who he was."
I remember meeting him for the first time at my assignment in Hawaii. Mali and I had our three young children at the chapel one morning when Chaplain Mann walked out of his office. He greeted my children with a great deal of enthusiasm and immediately sat right down on the floor with them and began talking with them. An Air Force Colonel, sitting on the floor...
For years after that my children thought he was the greatest chaplain ever. With respect to his willingness to communicate with them on their level...I'm sure they were right.
Our psalmist today says "Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help." There seems to be something very important about being able to get to the level of the people we help. Particularly if, under normal circumstance, our position in life is not close to theirs. Often times we find it difficult to believe that God...in all his majesty...can even relate to our problems. He'd probably scoff and tell us to toughen up.
So David asks, figuratively, sit down here next to me..let me tell you what I need. "Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly...listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry."
"For you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness."
This is the kind of God I need...one who will meet me where I am and listen to me. One who is patient with my failures and sure to help me. I don't need to "find him" or climb up to His level. Instead, He is prepared to come to me when I call. That's a great thing because sometimes I'm so mired in my problems I can't move toward Him.
So this is wonderful news...but also a challenge to us. The good news is, whatever our need, God will come when we call. He will sit down with us and have a conversation on our level. What a blessed encouragement in times of trouble.
The real challenge is...are we willing to do the same with those around us?
Live boldly out there today...
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.
8 No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do!
9 All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name.
10 For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.
11 Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
12 With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever,
13 for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.[a]
14 O God, insolent people rise up against me; a violent gang is trying to kill me. You mean nothing to them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
16 Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant.
17 Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.
John Mann was one of our great Air Force chaplains. What made him so was not "what he did", but "who he was."
I remember meeting him for the first time at my assignment in Hawaii. Mali and I had our three young children at the chapel one morning when Chaplain Mann walked out of his office. He greeted my children with a great deal of enthusiasm and immediately sat right down on the floor with them and began talking with them. An Air Force Colonel, sitting on the floor...
For years after that my children thought he was the greatest chaplain ever. With respect to his willingness to communicate with them on their level...I'm sure they were right.
Our psalmist today says "Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help." There seems to be something very important about being able to get to the level of the people we help. Particularly if, under normal circumstance, our position in life is not close to theirs. Often times we find it difficult to believe that God...in all his majesty...can even relate to our problems. He'd probably scoff and tell us to toughen up.
So David asks, figuratively, sit down here next to me..let me tell you what I need. "Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly...listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry."
"For you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness."
This is the kind of God I need...one who will meet me where I am and listen to me. One who is patient with my failures and sure to help me. I don't need to "find him" or climb up to His level. Instead, He is prepared to come to me when I call. That's a great thing because sometimes I'm so mired in my problems I can't move toward Him.
So this is wonderful news...but also a challenge to us. The good news is, whatever our need, God will come when we call. He will sit down with us and have a conversation on our level. What a blessed encouragement in times of trouble.
The real challenge is...are we willing to do the same with those around us?
Live boldly out there today...
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