Old landmarks

 What is a landmark?

According to Mr. Webster, a landmark is...

a mark to designate the boundary of land; any mark or fixed object; as a marked tree, stone, ditch or heap of stones, by which the limits of a farm, town or other portion of territory may be known and preserved. In Deu 19.14 the wise man wrote thou shalt not remove thy neighbor's landmark. 

America

Another definition explains that in navigation, it could be an  elevated object on land that serves as a guide to seamen. 

France

The second definition is my favorite, "a guide."  

You probably recognize each landmark noted in the photos. Whether you ever actually visit them, odds are you would know the location without the captions.

So, you believe we do not need all the "old-fashioned" way of doing things?

It is understandable when a child begins to grow, mature and observe the world around him, "new" things and ideas may seem best.  

However, the "old" ways were once new.  

Israel

When one remembers Gen 1.1, in the beginning God... , there is a whole different "spin" on anything "new" one learns.

Australia

England

The wise man also told us in Proverbs 22.28, Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.  

without lady liberty

Then, the question becomes, "what would happen if one DID remove the ancient landmark?  For example, for 140 years the Statue of Liberty has stood to guide scores of people from other lands to our blessed country.  If "she" had not been there, what would they have seen looking at the photo to the right? Pretty unremarkable, right?  Since she has been a beacon of hope for those leaving impoverished lands, what would hope, then, look like? In a word, "bleak, even hopeless."

So we may conclude that, "landmarks are important."  

The Psalmist penned, by unction of the Holy Ghost, Thou are my rock and my fortress, therefore for Thy Names sake lead me, and guide me. (Psa 31.3) Then in 32.8 he says, I will guide thee with Mine eye. In 25.9 the Lord gives us, the meek will He guide in judgment...and teach His way. You have also heard this famous Psalm 119.105, Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Darkness and stumbling is all you would have left without Him as Light and Guide.

Many other verses could be quoted to indicate how important "landmarks" are.  Whatever, good things you've brought with you to this post, especially from the things of God, keep them.  Pass them on.

I've often quoted others before now while "gathering" landmark treasures. Such things as, 

• "grit with my grace," 
• "God gave us common sense." 
• "Locks are to keep the intruder out, not keep the occupant of the house in." 
• "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." (Psa 150.6) "Put your hand on your tummy, if you are breathing, you should be praising.
• You believe all things work together for (your) good, don't you? (Rom 8.28) Then He is working it out for your good and His glory

So, you see, landmarks are important as guides in this wicked world.  

What landmarks have guided your life?

God bless and take care, dear reader.

Foolishness

Foolishness is bound in he heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. (Pro 22.15)

Don't spank him but correct him unless this is the third time!

Was he told not to play with the ball in the house?
Correction must follow.

For the preaching of the cross is the that perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (I Cor 1.18)

In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 1.22)

The foolish shall not stand in Thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (Psa 5.5)

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God...(Psa 14.1)

Webster says that a fool is "one destitute of reason or the common powers of understanding."  A fool could also be described as one somewhat deficient of intellect or acts absurdly without reason but is not necessarily an idiot. In scripture, fool is often used for a wicked or depraved person who acts contrary to sound wisdom or moral deportment.

When examining the first verse noted in Pro 22.15 regarding foolishness, one could compare the lack of training in a child to that of an immature or disobedient believer.

Children simply do not know better, usually, when caught in a foolish act.  Instruction that "The stove is hot" means nothing until that little hand touches the hot stove eye and realizes what the grownup said was true!  Do they learn better?  Sometimes it takes a few burnt hands to understand the truth. As baby, juvenile and immature believers, sometimes it take a long time to realize what God said in His Word about sin in any form, is true! 

Did God mean what He said?

When we disobey, repeatedly, what we are really admitting is found in Psa 14.1; There is no God... We would never utter the phrase out loud but often our behavior says exactly that.  One may think "I know stealing is wrong BUT the office will never miss a pen, a paperclip, or a sheet of paper." What we are conceding is that "God didn't really mean what He said when He told Moses to write, thou shalt not steal in Exo 20.15 and Jesus did not mean it when He told the rich young ruler the same thing in Mat 19.18. When one recalls this the very first untruth, yes, an outright lie, spoken by the devil himself in the Garden of Eden in Gen 3.1.  He saw the woman looking and lusting after the forbidden thing and said, yea hath God said...?  In other words, "God did not really mean it when He instructed not to eat of this tree."

All sin and misbehavior begins when the truth of the Holy Word of God is questioned.  It's been said to this blogger that "you're just a little soldier when doing as the preacher preached, aren't you."  The  reply was, "we are soldiers in the Lord's army."  It is never wrong to do right.  It is always wrong to disobey.

You know better, don't you?  So, when presented with a "no-no," will you respond with righteousness or foolishness?

God bless and keep you is my prayer.  Ps 57.7

Proverbs...

Since current, personal devotions have been in Proverbs, we will attempt to share the understanding gained from the wisest man God ever graced with wisdom.

Wisdom

• (W1828)    - the right use or exercise of knowledge. 
• (Strong's)   - (H2451) in a good sense, skillful, wisely, wit. (G4678) higher or lower, worldly or spiritual (G4680) clear
• Pro 1.1-3  King Solomon states what he received from the Lord this way;
• The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

All of the definitions noted above point to one thought: "One may have knowledge without having wisdom."  If knowledge is not used "clearly, skillfully, with good sense," it is, in fact probably not going to help in any way that pleases the Lord.  

The King goes on to explain good use of wisdom; proceeding to verses 4-9, it would be prudent to examine what the King, thru the unction of the Holy Spirit, is saying to his audience.

1. After admonishing one to wisdom in verse 3 we are instructed in v 4 to give subtilty (to tell the young ones and simple ones to 'pay attention.)
2. Then, in verse 5 quite simply stated is that a wise man will hear...and...attain unto wise counsels: It is a personal conviction that the individual has an inner voice directing the soul to 
   
   wise counsel.
3. Verse six sums up that when one hears...wise counsel (v5) there will be understanding. The soul, whether saved or unsaved, has a distinct unction from the Creator of all things, as to what is right or wrong.  Saying "I don't understand or I don't know which way to go," is usually just an excuse to do what one prefers to do. 
4. Verse seven further underscores where real knowledge is gained, the fear of the Lord. It is also pretty clear who will not yield to fear of the Lord - FOOLS! Again, it is this believers conviction that most souls have an inner sense of right and wrong.  It is the Lord's will whether to draw them to Himself or not.
5. Verse eight spoon feeds the soul on the source for wisdom and knowledge. When one will hear the instruction of (the) father and forsake not the law of (the) mother (in most cases the parents want to teach the children right), then wisdom begins to take root from knowledge of those who have "been there, done that."

The crown jewel, quite literally when knowledge is gained in the right way and used as instructed is this:  they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head.

Let's recap. Wisdom is this;

1. pay attention
2. listen
3. listen
4. go to church and hear preaching about HIM.
5. do as you are told by the ones gone before you.

God bless and keep you as you ponder your need for knowledge and wisdom.

 

 “HE WOULDN’T STAY DEAD”

in part by: Willard G. Thomas

(1933-2013)

They laid Jesus body in Joseph’s new tomb

And filled His disciples with sorrow and gloom

They did not remember what He had said

That the Jews would kill Him, but He wouldn’t stay dead

Mary came at the break of day

And found the stone was rolled away

She saw an angel and in terror fled

And told the disciples that Jesus didn’t stay dead

In that cold dark tomb He would not stay

He conquered death and walked away

And now that old graveyard has lost it’s terror and dread

He is living again! He wouldn’t stay dead

Full atonement and pardon were made

And forever the sin debt is marked fully paid

The price was His blood as it flowed crimson red

And I’m preaching all over that He didn’t stay dead!

Let’s go to our churches and cry aloud

Let’s go to the marketplace and talk to the crowd

Let’s go to the mission fields that lie up ahead

And tell the whole world that He didn’t stay dead!

Because if Jesus Christ had only died

Then the gulf between us and God would still be wide

But thank God He did what He said

He got up out of the ground, He couldn’t stay dead!

no commentary is needed because the words ring true,

true for me and true for you.

read the last two verses aloud for your measure

of the Lord's blessings giving us His treasure.

Have you "attained?" Do you "reach forward?"

 I'll give you the scripture. Then, please listen.  As a believer, is this your heart?

Philippians 3:11-14 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

(Message begins at 3.28)

God bless and keep you is my prayer.  Ps 57.7

Let the Redeemed...Say so

 The entire verse reads: 

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

What is it I wish to say?

Psalm 107 speaks to this weary heart.  While studying this passage several things strike me.

1. The Psalm begins as many of them do, O give thanks...He is good...His mercy endureth  for ever.
2. Four times (6, 13, 19, 28) the statement they cried...and He delivered them out of their distresses is pointed out.
3. The spiritual/physical condition is exhibited (3-5)
4. The solution is given; (7) He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. I will never leave thee nor forsake thee (Heb 13.5)
5. Then, the cry of the Psalmist heart, (8) O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and wonderful works to the children of men.

After all ones sorrows why should we still thank Him? 

• For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (9)
• "They" disobeyed in 10-12 and He saves them anyway - of course, that is who He is...they (we) cried..and He delivered (us) from all our distresses.

He is faithful, even when I am not.  Then in 22 we are reminded to sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, AND declare His works with rejoicing.  Why is this so hard to do?

• In 23-27 we see His wonders of the deep sea and the mighty winds that go to and fro like a drunken man (27).  In 29 and 30 we understand it is He alone that maketh a storm calm.
• What storm are you in, have you been in that He cannot command, Peace be still?  (Mk 4.39)
• In 33 and 34 we understand He puts rivers into a wilderness and fruitful land into barreness at His will.

Should we still praise Him even when things do not turn out as planned?

In 35-38 He reverses the hard times.

It would seem that life may not always go as planned. Yet when we cry, He delivers us out of our distresses.  He delivers by correcting the sorrow or showing the weary heart how to live with the sorrow.

Conclusion? Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. (43 - last verse)

So, this is how this believer attempts to stay encouraged in Him that he may give the desires of my heart. (Ps 37.4)

Thus, this Redeemed individual chooses to say so!

Dealing with Disappointment

Darren Rogers, Bethany Baptist Church, Pwallguam, United Kingdom 

Dealing with Disappointment

Exodus 15

We we gain victory in one moment, be prepared, disappointment is probably "just around the corner."

Exodus 15 is a song of victory from Moses.

• It will affect us personally
• We will need to encourage others
• v2 - my strength...my song...my salvation
• a song of praise and testimony
• then, v 23 came bitterness at Marah

Always the same, a great victory, then disappointment.  The wilderness or human experience.

"Great success is often followed by great failure." Usually, "when we let our guard down." Murmuring follows victory which leads to failure. See verse 24.

Moses never promoted himself as the greatest leader Israel ever had.  In fact, at the burning bush, he asked the Lord to "send someone else." (Exo 4.13)

Murmuring about the water, which is a big problem considering over one million people plus animals that needed to stay hydrated in the desert.

1. too much water at the Red Sea
2. no water in the desert
3. bitter water - could not drink it

Red Sea experiences are often followed by "Marah" or bitter experiences.  After every mountain top, one may expect a valley. However, remember "God will provide."  Bear in mind the One who brought you to this place. Following the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, God lead them to this place, not Moses. Moses merely obeyed.

Verse 25, God allows these things and provides.  Is your water bitter?  God can fix it. Our witness and testimony is not tested on the mountain top(s) but proven in the hard, dry, bitter times. Indeed it is easy to trust the Lord in the successes but what about the failures? It is difficult to like somebody when they disagree with you or just plain "get on your nerves."

"Disappointments reveal more about us than the circumstances"

-Ps 34.18-

• The model seems to be "when in doubt, blame someone else."
• "Moses, we were better off as slaves in Egypt than free men in the wilderness."
• the tendency is to focus on what is wrong in the moment rather than what He has done for us before. answered prayer is typically forgotten during the times of failure.
• murmuring and complaining leads to resentment which is like a cancer eating away inside        (Eph 4.31)

Moses did not lash out at all the murmuring and complaining.  His response? He cried unto the Lord. (verse 25).  He prayed.  Bitter water was made sweet. The tree that made bitter water sweet had been there all along.  God's solution to your disappointment(s) was "there all the time."

The tree at Marah that made bitter water sweet.

The solution to make bitter into sweet.

A truer statement has never been said, "sometimes the thing we are disappointed in will never change." But we understand the Lord can "change us." (I Pet 5.7)

"God is the Master of reversing hurts"

Look at Joseph in Genesis 37.  Sold into slavery and treated unjustly by family and friends, so-called. He could have become bitter and gotten revenge. Yet in the end he forgave and was restored.  He had to wait a long time but was rewarded in his patience and forgiving heart. (Gen 50.20)

• Verse 27 demonstrates an oasis in the middle of the great Sinai desert.  "All the water they could want." 
• "A place of rest and restoration."
•  How far was Elam from Marah? "Just around the corner!" Just a few steps away from giving up! 
• Too close to victory and often we give up too quick.

There is an oasis in your disappointment when you wait on the Lord to change you even if He does not change the circumstance.

Wait, I say, on the Lord

-Ps 27.14-

How long should a believer wait? Keep going! Past the frustrations, bitterness and disappointment.  Elam was a few steps from Marah.  "Just around the corner."  Not the time to "throw in the towel."  Take it to the Lord.  Perseverance is a hallmark testimony for every believer.

God bless and keep you is our prayer.

Danger of our Days

 The voice is gone but sounding like a trumpet in the hearing today!

                                      Danger of our Days - Billy Mitchell                                                              (you may find the entire message by clicking the title above)

• "A lost person gets disturbed.  If you can LIVE in sin and not be bothered," you better check up! 
• FREE WILL? "Man can will to will but not will to act."  "Will" died in the garden.
• "Folks have been trained 'how to do it' without the Holy Spirit inside."
• "Did you have a Good meeting? "Well we had some professions."  "Wait two or three years and see."
• "The reason you are saved, He came to where YOU were."  "You COULD NOT come to Him."
• "Just because they have religion, they think they are right with God."
  
• "knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." (2 Cor 5.11)
• "Salvation is by grace not works." (Eph 2.8, 9)
• A man that will not submit "has a rotten place in their life."
• "They are thinking about a TV program, not the preaching - asleep while awake." (Eph 5.14)
• "The devil wants you occupied in legitimate things, (smartphone, laptop, TV, cable, golfing/football etc...on Sunday) so your mind is messed up because you took off the helmet of salvation.
• "We are not like the liberals 'down at that other church.' But we are as cold as they are."
• "How long has it been since you went out to get somebody and told them what God did for you?" Not door to door but a specific individual the Lord led you to.

This preacher came into my life in my early teens.  His message on sin and the dangers of it never wavered.  He backs it all up by the scripture.  One service I filled up two or three pages front and back while he quoted bible along with his preaching.  You may trust the Spirit filled words from this man.  God bless you as you soak it up.  It is my pleasure to witness and share with you.  Ps 57.7

Bible Math

The verse that generated the idea of "Bible Math, " is found in Psalm 90.12.  ...Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."  What does it mean to number our days?"  When one looks at numbers in the bible, one usually thinks of what a number means.  

While various numbers DO have meaning, that will not be the focus of today's topic.

When the writer of Psalm 90, most likely Moses, penned these words, what was he thinking?  If you believe Moses wrote the Word of God and was inspired by the Spirit of God, then you will want to pay attention.  

Moses has been characterized as the "meekest" man in the scripture, except for the Lord Jesus, of course. Moses would have to be such a humble man to have led two million plus people across the desert sands thru the Red Sea.  He encountered complaints galore;  

•  Lack of Water (Bitter Water at Marah): Shortly after leaving Egypt, they complained about no water and then bitter water, which Moses fixed.
  

Lack of Food (Manna and Quail): They complained about starving and missed the meats and vegetables of Egypt, leading God to provide manna and quail. 
Constant Complaints about Manna: They eventually grew tired of the manna, calling it "wretched food".
No Water (Rephidim): They complained and threatened to stone Moses when there was no water to drink, demanding to know why they were brought out of Egypt.
Rebellion of Spies (Numbers 14): After hearing a negative report from spies, the community feared entering Canaan, accused God of bringing them to die, and demanded to return to Egypt.
Leadership and Authority: Aaron and Miriam questioned Moses's authority, and later groups like Korah rebelled against his leadership.
Impatience and Fatigue:  Because of the difficult journey, they grumbled against God and Moses again, causing the punishment of poisonous snakes.
Complaining Relative: Moses' sister, Miriam complained about his authority. The response? God struck her with leprosy and held up the march thru the wilderness for seven days until she repented.

All of these things and much more took place in the space of 40 years.  We know that when Moses came down from Mount Sinai the first time, (Exo 32.19) he saw the people dancing around a golden calf.  He was so enraged by their lack of obedience to God concerning idol worship that he smashed the tablets written by the finger of God! God gave him a second set of tablets but as long as the Ark was in evidence, the broken things were kept inside as a reminder of such disobedience.  

Reaping and sowing are still in the book (Gal 6.7-9) as well as repentance (Acts 3.19) and forgiveness (1 Jn 1.9)

So, where does "bible math," fit in with humility and anger?  I believe that given who wrote the words teach us to number our days, that we may apply our heart to wisdom, we have much to learn.

Each day should be regarded as a fresh start, a new page, a beginning.  Regardless of how "messed up" previous day(s) may have been. 

As/when we grow older and reflect back on our days, we should be inclined to see the errors so we may "do better" and "get it right" the next time.  This is how we grow in grace. (2 Pet 3.18) Scripture also teaches to take one day at a time. (Mt 6.34)

So, Brother Moses learned to number (his) days, that he could apply (his) heart to wisdom. In other words, if one thing didn't work, he tried, by faith and prayer, something else.  He also learned to wait on the Lord in the beginning of this forty year trek thru the wilderness.  Remember when seven plagues had to visit Egypt before Pharaoh would let (the) people go? (Exo 9.1-7)

Conclusion? No matter how old you are, there is always something to learn.  This is the Lord's purpose and plan for us. The Holy Spirit, as Teacher and Guide (Jn 14.26) will be available to any believer who trusts Him.

Instead of counting your days as you get older, determine to ask 

• What have I learned from this experience? 
  
• What can I learn from this experience

That, dear believer, is "Bible Math."

God bless and keep you.

the Vine

A very healthy Vine

 

O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; (Ps 80.14)

What/who does the "Vine" represent?

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 

• Plainly stated, the Lord indicates He is the "true vine."  
• We will look further in answer to the Psalmist statement to "visit this vine."

The first question that we would entertain is "why did 'they' go away from this vine?"

The Lord is very clear on what happens to those who do so.  Why did the "branches" wither on the vine?

Working in the Vineyard

Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that i may bring forth more fruit. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;

I AM the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.

IF a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they ARE burned. (Jn 15.1-6)

"Vine" in the Hebrew means, "to bend; as twining, particularly the grape vine."

Simply put, the branches that did not bend and dried up, were probably never fully developed shoots.

Branches may die due to disease, overwatering or winter injury.  There are techniques to bring them back to health. However, it's best to prune them all the way back to the vine so new shoots may replace them.

The point of the branch is to "bear fruit."

To any believer, spiritual application should be obvious.  The Lord was plain about His role as the vine. He was also clear about what happens to unfruitful branches.

• The Psalmist prayed that the God of heaven would visit the vine.

What will God find when He visits your branch?  Clearly, God the Father and God the Son have much communion and fellowship.  A Father loves His Son and wants to visit Him often.  Again, "what will God find when He visits The vine you are attached to?  

• Will He find ripe, juicy fruit attached to The healthy vine?
• Will He find a withered, brown, good for the fire branch?

The Lord has no use in His work for things that are withered and used up. (Mt 6.30)  Joshua reminds us in 24.15, to choose you this day whom ye shall serve.  

• Will you remain healthy and fruitful by absorbing His Word? (Eph 5.26)
• Will you remain disease free? (Deu 7.15, Eph 4.13)
• Will you stay confessed up and free from sin as much as possible? 
• (Mt 24.12, I Jn 1.7-9) 
• Do you desire fellowship with the Father?
  

or this?

Does your fruit look like this?

• 
  

Ups and Downs

 Sometimes our emotions ARE up and down.  

• How are we to remain even and "steady?"

Recently, this blogger has been in that frame of mind.  

• How is one to combat such conflicting emotions? 
• It is true that life gives us plenty of emotions, "up and down," "happy and sad," "calm and anxious..."

Current devotions have been in the Psalms. The Psalmist reflects this posture frequently.  It simply means we are human.  Still, 

• how do we remain more constant, thus peaceful?

The first verse that comes to mind is not in Psalms but in the NT, in 2 Corinthians.  The statement, yea, declarations, have calmed my heart on many occasion(s).  In verse 8 and 9, the most profound thoughts should calm any anxious soul; We are troubled on every side, YET NOT distressed; we are perplexed, BUT NOT in despair; Persecuted, BUT NOT forsaken; cast down, BUT NOT destroyed; (my favorite)

Why or how can we stay "upbeat?" Because we are always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest IN OUR (the believer's) body. (V10)

Then, in verse 15 we are given further explanation on how we may remain steady and peaceful.  We have the knowledge that For all things are for your sakes, that the ABUNDANT GRACE through the THANKSGIVING of many redound to the GLORY OF GOD. Bro. Paul said this best, I die daily. (I Cor 15.31)

Grace, grace and more grace with thanksgiving may keep a believer, "steady and peaceful."

Back to current devotion in the Psalms.  The writer said in 75.1, Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks...for that Thy name is near any wondrous works declare.  Then, he recognized that "fools" act "foolishly." The tone of the verse also seems to indicate that such ones are proud and arrogant in their dealings and behaviors, indicated in verses 4-6.  

When realizing how "foolish" such behaviors are, he also notes a truth in verse 6 and 7; 

promotion cometh neither from the east...west...(or) south. BUT GOD is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another. After this realization, faith comes back into the light when he says in verse 9, I WILL declare for ever; I WILL sing praises to the God of Jacob. 

With this affirmation, another truth is remembered in verse 10, ...the wicked also will I cut off; BUT the righteous shall be exalted.

IT IS peaceful, in the arms of my Lord...

Yes, as human beings we are prone to "ups and downs."  As believers, however, when immersed in the Word of the Lord and what words we have "hid in our hearts," we may remain calm, steady and peaceful.  The song writer said it best, "it's so peaceful in the arms of my Lord..." 

God bless and keep you as you navigate this most holy faith. (Jude 1.20)

Where did his feet go?

Psalm 73.2

"But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped."

• The Psalms are full of encouragement.  
• The Psalmist is full of discouragement.  
• The Psalms are full of praise.
• The Psalmist is full of fear

Why so many contradictions of emotion? Uh, because we are human.  Some folks seem to lead happier lives than others but are they really happy or masking fear, discouragement or sadness?

First, we must understand the meaning of the word "Psalm."  

• Webster's 1828 Dictionary states; "PSALM, as a noun is a sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise of God. We have a collection of one hundred and fifty chapters in this book of the Old Testament.
• Strong's Concordance Hebrew #4210 explains that a Psalm "is a poem set to notes."

If you've read this far then you will conclude simply, Psalm may be another word for song. 

When do you sing? Most folks would agree that one sings when one is happy.  To further illustrate; children often even "skip" when they are happy or excited.  When children are sad, sometimes they will still sing to encourage themselves or lift fear that may be in their little souls.

So, why in the middle of all the conflicting emotions in a believers life did the Psalmist say, my steps had well nigh slipped? The heart of this blogger feels compelled to examine the "why" in this matter.

The Psalmist says that he was "envious at the foolish...when he saw (their) prosperity." (v3)

Still the question remains - How did he get to this point after "singing" Psalm 23?

In verse 17 a light begins to dawn, when he went into the sanctuary of God, THEN he understood.  Is the sanctuary merely a building or something much more intimate?

In verses 24-28, the writer reminds himself of Whom he is to trust and lean on. The sanctuary would be that "inner place" with the Lord.

Still, "where did he slip?"

Psalm 72.20 says the prayers...are ended. These words caused this believer to ask, 

• "have my prayers ended?" 
• "Do I pray woodenly, routinely and of duty?"
• "Where did I slip in my prayer life?"

Many things take our time and attention in daily life.  Certainly, daily routines like eating, bathing, exercise (which profiteth little, I Tim 4.8) and jobs are necessary but should never be our focus.  We are told in I Thes 5.17 to pray without ceasing, which is doable at every activity in daily routines as well as time set aside for just this purpose. 

Once again, back to the Psalms for why we are to call on God at all times.

• repentance, Ps 51.1-12
• protection, Ps 91.14
• guidance and deliverance, Ps 143.1-12
• upon waking each day, Ps 5.1-3
• trust always, Ps 25.1-2
• thanksgiving, Ps 103.1-2

These verses demonstrate a range of emotions, from deep despair to confident praise, suitable for daily prayer. Back to our question, where did I/he slip? Where did his/my feet go?

Quite simply, he/I quit praying.  

There was a time in this bloggers life that a prayer closet was entered, words came, then whatever burden on the heart was laid at His feet, then peace.  The peace came from just knowing the Lord heard my cry.  Whether the burden was taken out of my life or not, I understood and sensed He loved me and would be with me every step of the way.

To make this a bit more personal, where did my feet slip? The burden on the words are clear, "I  quit praying as before.  I entertained my heart and mind with vanity. (Eccl 1.2) No need to explain here, you know what your problem area is. If you know to do good and don't...it is sin!(Jms 4.17)

Forgiveness has been requested at the Throne.  Mercy is granted.  My feet have been settled back on solid ground (Ps 61.2). 

My prayer is the same for anyone who reads these words.

God bless and keep you is my prayer

 

The end of gossip

Evidently, the Psalmist endured slander and gossip.  He understood he had sinned and would forever live under "the sword." (2 Sam 12.10)  He understood God's law of sowing and reaping. (Pro 11.18, Prov 22.8, Hos 10.12, Gal 6.7, 2 Cor 9.6, Gal 6.9)  He probably taught this particular law to his son, Solomon. Which would indicate why Solomon spoke of this law in Proverbs.

Nevertheless, his heart would've been in a repentant state and would be sorely burdened by those that spoke evil against him.

Psalm 64 is a prayer by King David for protection against hidden enemies who use slanderous words and secret plots as weapons, like arrows shot from ambush. It explores the fear caused by unjust, secret attacks, highlights God's swift, retributive justice, and concludes with the righteous rejoicing as the wicked fall by their own schemes.

Key Themes and Meanings:

The Power of Malicious Words: The enemies in Psalm 64 are not using swords, but tongues like swords and bitter words like arrows. It highlights how gossip, rumors, and slander can be more damaging than physical warfare, with attackers acting like "snipers" in the shadows.

Fear of Hidden Enemies: David asks to be preserved from the fear of the enemy, recognizing that the anxiety, anticipation, and dread caused by not knowing when or where a verbal attack will come is often more exhausting than the attack itself.

Inward Corruption of the Wicked: The psalm describes the enemy as having deep-seated, hidden, and premeditated evil, believing their schemes will go unnoticed.

God's Retributive Justice: The turning point in the psalm is that God shoots His own arrows at them unexpectedly. The very plots designed by the wicked to destroy others end up ruining themselves.  God intervenes to expose evil, the righteous are called to fear (revere) God, declare His works, and rejoice in Him.

Structure of the Psalm:

• Verses 1–2: David's prayer for protection and a plea for safety from a conspiracy of evildoers.
• Verses 3–6: A description of the enemies' attacks—bitter words, secret plots, and the deep, dark, and malicious thoughts of their hearts.
• Verses 7–10: A prophetic assurance of victory, as God strikes the wicked down, causing others to fear and recognize God's, judgment.
• Psalm 64 is considered a, practical lesson on trusting God’s protection, especially when facing injustice or verbal attacks, as it promises that God will ensure justice prevails. 
• Our prayer is that you guard your heart (Pro 4.23), thus, guarding your tongue.
• God bless and keep them both is our prayer. Ps 57.7

"My tongue is the pen of a ready writer"

What does the Psalmist desire to say?

What would you write?

My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: 

my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

2. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee forever. 

• A sober question to be sure, is "grace poured (from my) lips?"

Next verse indicates that with grace we are to be ready to battle, when necessary. "Gird thy sword..."

3. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.

4. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

• When one speaks with "grace, truth, meekness and righteousness," spiritual and sometimes material or physical prosperity follows. 

5. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. 6 Thy throne, O god, is for ever and ever, the sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

• There is no doubt that wise words are sometimes "sharp" to an enemy. (Heb 4.12)

7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy god, hath aointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, (like cinnamon) out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

• For those that love and practice "righteousness," the heart will be glad and the spiritual fragrance will be pleasant to others.

 9 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. 12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour. 13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

• The descriptions given in verses 9-14 imply that the King's daughter is "honourable" and definitely favored above others.  So, when a believer acknowledges their faith, loyalty and alligience to our Lord Jesus, our worth is "honourable" and highly favored as in Luke 1.28.

15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace. 16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth. 17 I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee forever and ever.

• When the tongue is governed by the Holy Spirit, then that one will be "remembered in all generations...forever."  In other words, what one does and says for the Lord will last.  Great is your reward. (Mt 5.12)

God bless and keep you is my prayer. Ps 57.7

He thinks about you

Psalm 40

1.  I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, AND heard my cry. - a most comforting thought, the Lord hears the cry of His children.

2. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, AND established my goings. - When a believer understands he/she is "heard," then, it follows of all one is delivered from.

3. AND He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. - the Psalmist sings only in praise to God.  When others "see it," there remains a testimony that also magnifies the Lord.

4. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. - It is a conscious decision to trust the Lord while dismissing proud people and those that would lie.

5. Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they (His thoughts) cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. - A powerful reflection; His thoughts of us are more than can be numbered! The Creator that stepped out on nothing and created everything "thinks" about His children all the time! While meditating on the title of this post, another word leaps to the heart, "us-ward."

Ephesians 1.19 states   ...And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to 'us-ward' who believe.

Second Peter 3.9 notes The Lord is not slack concerning His promise...;but is longsuffering to 'us-ward,' not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Examining the term "us-ward," the magnificent doctrine of election comes to mind.

This blogger believes in the sovereign, election of God's chosen peoples, Jew and Gentile.  In this particular way, the Lord "thinks about" His own.  Also, in this particular way, this heart is blessed to comprehend, meditate and praise His Name forever that He "thinks about me!" 

1.  His thoughts are to us-ward (saved folks)
2.  The greatness of His power is given to us-ward who believe
3.  Us-ward indicates "who" will come to repentance.

Others may continue to debate and discharge this truth but truth needs no defense.  If you belong to Him in the free pardon of sin and salvation thru the Lord Jesus Christ, you will

1.  come to repentance
2.  be given the greatness of His power
3.  and be blessed that His thoughts are about you

God bless and keep you is our prayer.  Ps 57.7