1 I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.
2 We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.
3 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt.
4 We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant.
We've had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud.
We quickly agree until we read the context. the Psalmist is referring to people of faith who somehow believe they stand on equal footing with God. Well, that give us pause...because he may be referring to you or me.
What does it mean to be a "proud" or "arrogant" believer?
Our hint is the Psalmist's own approach to God. "We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal." We live in a culture that portrays God as our "friend". The problem with this paradigm is it leads us to the erroneous conviction that God and us are somehow in a realtionship of equals that allows for debate and disagreement. It explains why so many Christians can have completely unbiblical views on certain issues and still feel comfortable with themselves.
"Well, that might be what the Bible says, but I don't see it that way..."
It's as though they have decided they are right and God is wrong...with no sense of trepidation. I believe this kind of arrogance only comes from a failure to recognize the might and majesty of God. Our Psalmist correctly sees his place more as a servant, or slave. This view confirms that our only responsibility toward God is to obey Him and live in a way that brings Him pleasure.
Don't get caught up in this cultural reconstruction of God...it will only bring trouble...and will certainly not result in a demonstration of God's mercy.
Live boldly out there today...
December 4, 2010
December 3, 2010
Psalm 122
1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached.
4 All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people— make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel.
5 Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.
7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.
As people of faith, what should motivate us to do the things we do?
Our Psalmist today says it's all "For the sake of the Lord's house"
Of course, the "Lord's House" cannot be accurately understood to be our church, although we often call church the "Lord's House". Since the Lord's House can only be understood as the place where God dwells, we then must recognize "The Lord's House" is our own spirit...the non-physical part of our being where our emotions, intellect and desires reside. Romans 6-8 clearly declares that...as believers...God dwells within us (in our spirits) in the form of His Holy Spirit.
So, what does it mean to say I do it "for the sake of the Lord's House?".
1. We should eagerly anticipate any opportunity to commune with God (v. 1)
2. We ought to devote ourselves to strengthening God's house (v. 3)
3. The thought of "God within us" ought to fill us with thanksgiving (v. 4)
The consequence is pretty clear. When the Psalmist says "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" he is challenging us to seek harmony in our lives...body soul and spirit. Only then will we see the "Lord's House" become a place of prominence that will please God. "The peace of Jerusalem", or harmony in our lives, means that our thoughts, attitudes, desires and actions ought to work together for the purpose of serving the "Lord's House."
Scott Peck one defined a christian as "a comfortable place for God to dwell". Today, we need to be the kind of people whose lives prompt God to say "I wouldn't want to live anyplace else!"
If that's not the case, we may have our priorities mixed up.
Live boldly out there today...
2 And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached.
4 All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people— make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel.
5 Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.
7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.
As people of faith, what should motivate us to do the things we do?
Our Psalmist today says it's all "For the sake of the Lord's house"
Of course, the "Lord's House" cannot be accurately understood to be our church, although we often call church the "Lord's House". Since the Lord's House can only be understood as the place where God dwells, we then must recognize "The Lord's House" is our own spirit...the non-physical part of our being where our emotions, intellect and desires reside. Romans 6-8 clearly declares that...as believers...God dwells within us (in our spirits) in the form of His Holy Spirit.
So, what does it mean to say I do it "for the sake of the Lord's House?".
1. We should eagerly anticipate any opportunity to commune with God (v. 1)
2. We ought to devote ourselves to strengthening God's house (v. 3)
3. The thought of "God within us" ought to fill us with thanksgiving (v. 4)
The consequence is pretty clear. When the Psalmist says "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" he is challenging us to seek harmony in our lives...body soul and spirit. Only then will we see the "Lord's House" become a place of prominence that will please God. "The peace of Jerusalem", or harmony in our lives, means that our thoughts, attitudes, desires and actions ought to work together for the purpose of serving the "Lord's House."
Scott Peck one defined a christian as "a comfortable place for God to dwell". Today, we need to be the kind of people whose lives prompt God to say "I wouldn't want to live anyplace else!"
If that's not the case, we may have our priorities mixed up.
Live boldly out there today...
December 2, 2010
Psalm 121
1 I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth!
3 He will not let you stumble;the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.
5 The Lord himself watches over you!The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon at night.
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,both now and forever.
Lust for security may be our greatest addiction.
We buy gold. We fund our IRA. We make double mortgage payments...often at the expense of our childrens' current needs and interests. We do this so we can feel secure later in life when we want to retire. I occasionally have conversations with friends about retirement. When asked how much they have in their IRA they always say "not enough." And, that's not a coy way of avoiding telling. That is a genuine conviction. We now know we can't trust the banks...or Wall Street...to be good stewards of our savings. Where else can we go?
My father says I will have more than I can spend when I retire. But then, he lived through the great depression. He believes a dollars is worth something.
I suppose we could flee "to the hills" as the Psalmist speculated and hole up in a remote little cabin...letting the world worry about itself. Then again, I'd have to get somebody to hunt my meals for me. Maybe one of the guys from my first church in Dora Lake...they're good at that. But, they may be busy hunting for their own families. At the end of the day we tend to look every place for help except to the actual source of help...God himself.
How silly. Can money or things offer us this?
1. He will watch over us...and never be distracted.
2. He will not let us stumble.
3. He will keep us from harm.
I suspect that's about all we really need.
Live boldly out there today...
2 My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth!
3 He will not let you stumble;the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.
5 The Lord himself watches over you!The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon at night.
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,both now and forever.
Lust for security may be our greatest addiction.
We buy gold. We fund our IRA. We make double mortgage payments...often at the expense of our childrens' current needs and interests. We do this so we can feel secure later in life when we want to retire. I occasionally have conversations with friends about retirement. When asked how much they have in their IRA they always say "not enough." And, that's not a coy way of avoiding telling. That is a genuine conviction. We now know we can't trust the banks...or Wall Street...to be good stewards of our savings. Where else can we go?
My father says I will have more than I can spend when I retire. But then, he lived through the great depression. He believes a dollars is worth something.
I suppose we could flee "to the hills" as the Psalmist speculated and hole up in a remote little cabin...letting the world worry about itself. Then again, I'd have to get somebody to hunt my meals for me. Maybe one of the guys from my first church in Dora Lake...they're good at that. But, they may be busy hunting for their own families. At the end of the day we tend to look every place for help except to the actual source of help...God himself.
How silly. Can money or things offer us this?
1. He will watch over us...and never be distracted.
2. He will not let us stumble.
3. He will keep us from harm.
I suspect that's about all we really need.
Live boldly out there today...
December 1, 2010
Psalm 120
1 I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
2 Rescue me, O Lord, from liars and from all deceitful people.
3 O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you? How will he increase your punishment?
4 You will be pierced with sharp arrows and burned with glowing coals.
5 How I suffer in far-off Meshech. It pains me to live in distant Kedar.
6 I am tired of living among people who hate peace.
7 I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war!
Ever feel like a stranger?
It could be where we work. It could be our own home. There are times when we feel like we no longer belong...and it's exhausting to our spirit. Being a stranger is simply being in a position where we don't know others well enough to be certain they have our interests in mind. From all appearances, the folks around us do not have the same values or desires that we have. In fact, in some situations we can even sense actual hostility, deceit and danger.
What do we do about it?
The feeling is frightening and it isolates us. We are often tempted to take matters into our own hands...to become defiant and aggressive with others, or simply withdraw. Either way, we make matters worse. Our Psalmist has found a far better way to deal with this: "I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer."
Whatever needs to be done to return us to a sense of safety and security is a matter best left to God.
Live boldly out there today...
2 Rescue me, O Lord, from liars and from all deceitful people.
3 O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you? How will he increase your punishment?
4 You will be pierced with sharp arrows and burned with glowing coals.
5 How I suffer in far-off Meshech. It pains me to live in distant Kedar.
6 I am tired of living among people who hate peace.
7 I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war!
Ever feel like a stranger?
It could be where we work. It could be our own home. There are times when we feel like we no longer belong...and it's exhausting to our spirit. Being a stranger is simply being in a position where we don't know others well enough to be certain they have our interests in mind. From all appearances, the folks around us do not have the same values or desires that we have. In fact, in some situations we can even sense actual hostility, deceit and danger.
What do we do about it?
The feeling is frightening and it isolates us. We are often tempted to take matters into our own hands...to become defiant and aggressive with others, or simply withdraw. Either way, we make matters worse. Our Psalmist has found a far better way to deal with this: "I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer."
Whatever needs to be done to return us to a sense of safety and security is a matter best left to God.
Live boldly out there today...
November 30, 2010
Psalm 119:153-176
153 Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions.
154 Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised.
155 The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees.
156 Lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations.
157 Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word.
159 See how I love your commandments, Lord. Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160 The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.
161 Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.
162 I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions.
164 I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just.
165 Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
166 I long for your rescue, Lord, so I have obeyed your commands.
167 I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do.
169 O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.
170 Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.
171 Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.
173 Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174 O Lord, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight.
175 Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.
See how I love your commandments, Lord!
On my best day I would have difficulty making this claim...although it rolls off our Psalmist's lips with perfect authenticity. Why do God's laws seem difficult and restricting for us? Why are they so difficult to obey?
Perhaps the answer is in our failure to appreciate God's commandments for what they represent in our lives. Think about this:
1. The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. Give this some thought. Every word spoken by God is...by it's very nature...truth. It will stand forever. I don't always regard the "Word of God" as unassailable truth. More often I regard it as rules I must obey to secure God's blessings in my life. If we could capture some of this psalm's insight we might just re-orient our thinking. If God's commands are essential truths that will stand forever they become a blessing rather than a curse.
Sort of like playing Scrabble...and I begin the game with all the tiles. I like those odds.
2. Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. Just as important is the promise that devotion to God's commands results in peace...as well as precision. One of the great challenges in life is fear of failure. failure embarrasses us, our families and our God. This fear often leads to discouragement, even depression when we see the results of our frail efforts to please God. "We will not stumble" is a great and precious promise that should surely result in peace of mind.
Does this mean I will never sin? Not according to our Psalmist. He says "I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands". What this means is that whenever we lose our bearings...wander away...we can count on God to come and find us. It means that, for people of faith, our sin will never estrange us from God. Sin is certainly not something we accept but...more importantly...it should never be something we fear.
Live boldly out there today...
154 Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised.
155 The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees.
156 Lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations.
157 Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word.
159 See how I love your commandments, Lord. Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160 The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.
161 Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.
162 I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions.
164 I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just.
165 Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
166 I long for your rescue, Lord, so I have obeyed your commands.
167 I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do.
169 O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.
170 Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.
171 Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.
173 Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174 O Lord, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight.
175 Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.
See how I love your commandments, Lord!
On my best day I would have difficulty making this claim...although it rolls off our Psalmist's lips with perfect authenticity. Why do God's laws seem difficult and restricting for us? Why are they so difficult to obey?
Perhaps the answer is in our failure to appreciate God's commandments for what they represent in our lives. Think about this:
1. The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. Give this some thought. Every word spoken by God is...by it's very nature...truth. It will stand forever. I don't always regard the "Word of God" as unassailable truth. More often I regard it as rules I must obey to secure God's blessings in my life. If we could capture some of this psalm's insight we might just re-orient our thinking. If God's commands are essential truths that will stand forever they become a blessing rather than a curse.
Sort of like playing Scrabble...and I begin the game with all the tiles. I like those odds.
2. Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. Just as important is the promise that devotion to God's commands results in peace...as well as precision. One of the great challenges in life is fear of failure. failure embarrasses us, our families and our God. This fear often leads to discouragement, even depression when we see the results of our frail efforts to please God. "We will not stumble" is a great and precious promise that should surely result in peace of mind.
Does this mean I will never sin? Not according to our Psalmist. He says "I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands". What this means is that whenever we lose our bearings...wander away...we can count on God to come and find us. It means that, for people of faith, our sin will never estrange us from God. Sin is certainly not something we accept but...more importantly...it should never be something we fear.
Live boldly out there today...
November 29, 2010
Psalm 119:129-152
Pe
129 Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them!
130 The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.
131 I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.
132 Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name.
133 Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.
134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments.
135 Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees.
136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.
Tsadhe
137 O Lord, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair.
138 Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.
139 I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.
141 I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true.
143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.
144 Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.
Qoph
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord! I will obey your decrees.
146 I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws.
147 I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148 I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.
149 In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations.
150 Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions.
151 But you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true.
152 I have known from my earliest days that your laws will last forever.
I've heard it countless times..."It's no wonder you loved the Air Force...you kept getting promoted!" or "It's no wonder you're happy...look at the house you live in!" Whatever...
I agree on any count. I have no reason in the world to be unhappy. God has given me a very good life. But, there are times...! And the reasoning is the same: "No wonder I'm unhappy...look at the size of my mortgage payment!" You understand what I'm saying.
It's embarrassing that our state of mind is so tied to things that surround us...that have relatively little importance. In fact, we often try to rise above it. We "put on our game face" in the face of adversity. We "cowboy up" or however we want to say it. The implication is...if we were really mature we would be less emotionally reactive to the ebb and flow of life.
I need to learn to control my reactions...unless I have it backward.
David says "Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! " Sounds like he lived his spiritual life in a reactionary manner...and God loved him.
Why? "The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand."
"...that is why I love them so much."
When was the last time we wept in church because the words to that song touched our heart? When was the last time we went out of our way for our neighbor...because they needed it?
When was the last time we fell to your knees in pray because we were burdened by something?
God wants us to be reactionary. He wants us to follow our heart...because that's where He touches us.
The alternative is..."no wonder God doesn't excite me much. I have no real clue what He's done for me."
Which will it be?
Live boldly out there today...
129 Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them!
130 The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.
131 I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.
132 Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name.
133 Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.
134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments.
135 Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees.
136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.
Tsadhe
137 O Lord, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair.
138 Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.
139 I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.
141 I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true.
143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.
144 Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.
Qoph
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord! I will obey your decrees.
146 I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws.
147 I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148 I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.
149 In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations.
150 Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions.
151 But you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true.
152 I have known from my earliest days that your laws will last forever.
I've heard it countless times..."It's no wonder you loved the Air Force...you kept getting promoted!" or "It's no wonder you're happy...look at the house you live in!" Whatever...
I agree on any count. I have no reason in the world to be unhappy. God has given me a very good life. But, there are times...! And the reasoning is the same: "No wonder I'm unhappy...look at the size of my mortgage payment!" You understand what I'm saying.
It's embarrassing that our state of mind is so tied to things that surround us...that have relatively little importance. In fact, we often try to rise above it. We "put on our game face" in the face of adversity. We "cowboy up" or however we want to say it. The implication is...if we were really mature we would be less emotionally reactive to the ebb and flow of life.
I need to learn to control my reactions...unless I have it backward.
David says "Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! " Sounds like he lived his spiritual life in a reactionary manner...and God loved him.
Why? "The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand."
"...that is why I love them so much."
When was the last time we wept in church because the words to that song touched our heart? When was the last time we went out of our way for our neighbor...because they needed it?
When was the last time we fell to your knees in pray because we were burdened by something?
God wants us to be reactionary. He wants us to follow our heart...because that's where He touches us.
The alternative is..."no wonder God doesn't excite me much. I have no real clue what He's done for me."
Which will it be?
Live boldly out there today...
November 28, 2010
Psalm 119:113-128
Samekh
113 I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions.
114 You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.
115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116 Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.
117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves.
119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws!
120 I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.
Ayin
121 Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right.
122 Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your decrees.
125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.
126 Lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions.
127 Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.
128 Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.
Laura Ingraham calls them "But Monkeys." They're the people that drive us crazy. They say "I agree with you...but!" or "I like that...but!" There really isn't any "but" to it. Either you like something or you don't.
Our psalmist doesn't like "but monkeys" either. He says "I hate those with divided loyalties."
As I read this portion of the psalm I think I know why. David was fully devoted to God's Word. He said "I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope." It appears David understood that people with divided loyalties had an affect on him. The more he was surrounded by them, the more difficult it was for him to devote himself to the Lord. He says "Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God."
Very unlike today's believers. We try to look and act as much like the world as possible and still go to heaven. It might go a great distance in helping us understand why our love for the Lord and our work for the Lord has fallen on dismal times. David implies that it's mostly because we surround ourselves with "but monkeys."
"I love God...but that doesn't mean I have to go to church all the time."
"I love God...but that doesn't mean I have to be a prude!"
"I love God...but I'm only human!"
I'm not wondering if you're a "but monkey." I'm wondering if your friends are. David wouldn't have anything to do with them. They make following God too difficult. He says "Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws." It's virtually impossible without God's help anyway. How much more difficult will it be if we have a bunch of friends following us around saying "I really respect your commitment...but..."
"That is why I hate every false way." How about you?
Live boldly out there today...
113 I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions.
114 You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.
115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116 Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.
117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves.
119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws!
120 I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.
Ayin
121 Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right.
122 Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your decrees.
125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.
126 Lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions.
127 Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.
128 Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.
Laura Ingraham calls them "But Monkeys." They're the people that drive us crazy. They say "I agree with you...but!" or "I like that...but!" There really isn't any "but" to it. Either you like something or you don't.
Our psalmist doesn't like "but monkeys" either. He says "I hate those with divided loyalties."
As I read this portion of the psalm I think I know why. David was fully devoted to God's Word. He said "I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope." It appears David understood that people with divided loyalties had an affect on him. The more he was surrounded by them, the more difficult it was for him to devote himself to the Lord. He says "Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God."
Very unlike today's believers. We try to look and act as much like the world as possible and still go to heaven. It might go a great distance in helping us understand why our love for the Lord and our work for the Lord has fallen on dismal times. David implies that it's mostly because we surround ourselves with "but monkeys."
"I love God...but that doesn't mean I have to go to church all the time."
"I love God...but that doesn't mean I have to be a prude!"
"I love God...but I'm only human!"
I'm not wondering if you're a "but monkey." I'm wondering if your friends are. David wouldn't have anything to do with them. They make following God too difficult. He says "Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws." It's virtually impossible without God's help anyway. How much more difficult will it be if we have a bunch of friends following us around saying "I really respect your commitment...but..."
"That is why I hate every false way." How about you?
Live boldly out there today...
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