Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday July 7, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 67-71 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2067-71&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the blessings of God upon His people; His judgment upon His enemies; David's prayer in time of trouble; and a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is never understood by the fallen world and its perverted standards. We need to press on and praise God in the midst of all that we endure.

"God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah." (Psalm 67:1-4). This psalmist encourages everyone to rejoice and sing for joy, singing and giving praise to God always brings satisfaction and peace of mind.

While we wait for Jesus to return from heaven, the psalmist also reminds us to rejoice in God, "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him." (68:3-4). JAH is short for the Name of Jehovah which also means Yahweh, who is ever in the present. Let us join with the psalmist in a proclamation of praise and adoration for Jesus Christ, our wonderful Savior and Lord, who generously pours out His blessings upon us.

The man who trusts in God is led to praise Him irrespective of life's ups and downs. Christianity has been misrepresented by Satan and his crowd as a cheerless, gloomy, dull experience. Even the dark and trying experiences of life can produce good blessings as we realize that trials are often a blessing in disguise and that temporal loss can result in spiritual enrichment. So a Christian's greatest losses and crosses may lead to his greatest gains and joys.

However, it is far otherwise with the rebellious. "God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land." (68:8). To them trials, sorrows, and losses are unfortunate evils. They rebel against trials; and earthly losses often lead to bitterness the rebellious dwell in a dry land.  The brightest prospects of sinful enjoyment eventually leave their victims empty and wretched.

To Christians the future is radiant, beautiful, and inviting. At the close of life, they look expectantly forward to meeting their Savior, Jesus Christ, who abolished death (Revelation 20:6; 21:8). "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who led captivity captive (Psalm 68:18). With His resurrection power, Jesus broke the captive power of Satan. When He led the Old Testament saints from paradise into heaven, He led captivity captive.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
For many the circumstances in life are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. There are many things about tomorrow that we don't seem to understand, but we know who holds tomorrow, and we do know who holds our hand. Thank you, God, that You don't expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us. You simply want us to trust You as we hold on to Your unchanging hand. In Jesus' name.....Amen

Have a wonderful day and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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