What book has had the most impact on you, the greatest influence in your life? IN spite of the continued attack on the Bible, it remains the most impactful book ever of all the books in print. It’s been estimated that over 5 billion copies have been sold. In Psalm 19, David provides some benefits to the Word of God that tell us why it should be precious to us, powerful in us, and present in us. Have you let the word of God impact you?
David had a lot going on in his life. In Psalm 17 he is facing some serious trouble so he calls out to God. He pleads from his integrity and about his enemy, but looks beyond his troubles to what he knows will one day happen, being in the presence of God. That’s worth all the trials he was facing. What a great reminder. Yes, cry out to God when going through trouble, but look beyond that knowing that what we’re going through now is only temporary because looking forward to being in God’s presence is eternal.
He is risen. He is risen indeed! Of all the important events and people in history, Jesus is the most important person and His birth, death AND resurrection are the most important events. They are inseparably linked. From our passage in II Corinthians 5:14-21, we discover that because of His sacrifice for us, we have a new passion, we are a new person, and we have a new purpose. Only through Christ’s sacrifice for us and His resurrection can we be made new. Are you a new creation?
What a great day to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ for us and to celebrate the finished work He accomplished on the cross.
In thinking about the triumphal entry, give thought to the obedience of Jesus to His Father and headed to Jerusalem where He knew His destiny would take Him to the cross. Consider the two disciples who were obedient to the request of Jesus in going to get a donkey for Him to ride. Think about the owner of the donkey who allowed Jesus to borrow the donkey or the symbolism of the donkey carrying Jesus and how in just a week’s time, Jesus would carry the burden of mankind’s sin. Jesus did it all for us, so that we could have an eternal home in heaven. As the songwriter penned: “If that isn’t love…”
Mr. Randy Chamberlain challenges us to consider what it means to be faithful from Proverbs 20:6 and I Corinthians 4:2.
Castles in medieval times were feats of masterful construction. Virtually impregnable, they were a source of refuge for many who sought the protection of their walls. But even they could be breached. They were not completely secure. In Psalm 16, David looks to God as His refuge, source of protection that could not be overthrown. In this psalm we consider our fortress and our future. David not only looked at God’s protection in the present but also for the future. No matter what and no matter when, David was secure because of God. Do you have that same measure of security?
Why do you look in a mirror? It’s generally to take a look at ourselves. To see if we are presentable. The Word of God is a mirror for the soul. Psalm 15 is a psalm of introspection helping to answer the question as to who can come into God’s presence. It asks us to consider if we are rightly aligned with God and with one another. The person who is can come confidently into God’s presence knowing that through Christ, we are blameless and righteous. Such a firm and stable footing allows us to come in the presence of God.
God has something to say about those who don’t believe in Him. He even makes an assessment about their behavior. Those who do believe in Him are called offer praise. He deserves praise for His presence and for His protection. What you believe about God determines your eternal destiny.
Do you ever feel alone, like God isn’t anywhere to be seen? Does He seem distant? Absent? If so, this Psalm is for you. David begins in despair and then ends in delight. He goes from feeling abandonment to adoration. Will God ignore forever? Not on your life. He will always be with you and not forsake you. His silence does not mean His absence.