Fearing God 07.15.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday July 15, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 108-118 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20108-118&version=9

Today we will read about David's praise to God for His sovereignty over nations; a prayer for judgment upon the wicked; prophecies of Jesus including His being rejected, and the urgency to trust in God, not idols. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that it is easy to praise the Lord in good times, but it is the hard times that purify our praise and bless all who fear Him.

David's mighty army go into battle singing Psalm 108, "O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds." (Psalm 108:1-4). No matter what we are facing singing praises to the Lord will not only prepare us it will also strengthen us for the battle.

When Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He fulfilled the prophecy which the Holy Spirit had earlier inspired King David to write. "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies." (110:1-2). Jesus quoted this psalm referring to Himself (Mark 12:36).

David also foretold that Israel, as a nation, would reject their Messiah King. "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.......Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." (118:22-23, 26-29). Christ will still reign by divine appointment even though Israel, as a nation, rejected their Messiah King.

When we consider Him, how can we help but worship with the psalmist, "Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments." (112:1). A respectful fear of God inspires a love for Him that will move us to delight in His Commandments. This is the fear of God that is an essential part of the life of every Christian. We are not to be afraid of God, we are to be afraid of living without Him.

There is something peaceful about knowing God is with us in the midst of our struggles. Although God does not stop us from facing them as we accept Him into our lives He does give us hope that we will get through them. A hope that nothing or anyone on this earth can give us. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through The Stone which the builders rejected, (Psalm 118:22). Jesus quoted from Psalm 118 to the chief priests and the Pharisees when they rejected Him. (Matthew 21:42-45).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your repeated warnings in Scripture that informs, instructs and protects us from those who try to hurt us and the evil one. Help us not to ignore your warnings or procrastinate in our obedience to Your commands. Embolden our spiritual leaders to be fearless watchmen who speak out Your truths, even when they're not popular or politically expedient. May we be receptive to Your Word and obedient in our response. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Enjoy your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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