If you give to the poor you will find that you have all that you need. However, those who ignore the needs of those less fortunate than themselves will never have enough. When the wicked are in charge, everyone seeks to avoid the notice of the government because everything is a crime. When the wicked suffer for their wickedness the righteous prosper.
I will not look to the mountains or the sea for help. I will look to God, because He is the only one who can always aid. He does not slumber nor sleep. Whenever trouble comes, whether by day, or by night, He will be watching and ready. Remember this psalm and read it whenever you are feeling afraid.
The writer tells us that the idea that the AntiChrist is a single individual is mistaken. The antichrist is anyone who denies that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Those who refuse to acknowledge the Father and the Son are antichrists. Such people are liars and many of them had once been in fellowship with the Body of Christ. Many of them had associated with the Church in order to pursue their own selfish interests, not out of any genuine interest in serving God.
The writer proceeds to remind us that we are God’s children if we do what is right. We do not yet know how God will change us when Christ returns, but we will be like Christ for we will see Him as He truly is. Therefore we purify ourselves so that we will pure as He is pure. If we truly live in Christ we will not keep on sinning because there is no sin in Christ. The degree to which we do keep on sinning suggests the degree to which we are apart from Christ (since there is no sin in Him). I strive to put such sinning aside so that I can become ever closer to Christ.
Daniel offered up a prayer for the people of Israel. He recognized that the people of Israel were punished for their sins as a group. I think we can easily make too much out of this prayer and the concept of corporate guilt which it presents. Nevertheless there is a degree to which we will suffer because of the sins of those others who belong to the same groups which we do. If we do not wish to be punished along with those around us we must separate ourselves from them and from their sin. And we must acknowledge the sin which the society we live has committed and is committing, recognizing that it is sin and seeking to make recompense for that sin to the best of our ability.
Pride and arrogance will lead to failure. A person needs more than just a realistic understanding of their own abilities. They need to recognize that they need the help of others and God in order to succeed.
God never slumbers nor sleeps. He will care for those who love Him. Night and day God will guard you. If you fear anything read this and let it sink in. Nothing is able to harm those over whom God stands watch. A human may get tired or distracted, but not our God.
When Peter called on the assembled followers of Jesus to select a replacement for Judas, he said that it should be someone who was with them from the time John baptized Jesus until that very moment. I don’t think I have ever thought about the implication in the way Luke phrases that they nominated two men who filled that requirement. I have always thought about it only being the Twelve who were with Jesus for His entire ministry. This passage reads as if there was a large number of men to choose from. They nominated two and chose between them by lot. What is the significance of this? There were more than twelve men, and a handful of women, who witnessed all of Jesus’ miracles and listened to Him teach. Christianity was not the creation of a small clique of men who made up a story.
When Joab pursued Sheba, who led a rebellion against David immediately after David defeated Absalom, to the town of Abel I am sure that he intended to destroy the town as a lesson to the rest of the towns in Israel. Yet when a woman of the town parlayed with him, Joab expressed his willingness to leave the town alone if they would turn Sheba over to him. The lesson here is that when you find yourself in a conflict with someone, it is valuable to determine their side of the story. You may discover that their interests do not run counter to your own despite initial appearances.
Giving to the poor is making a loan to God. Our debt to Him already exceeds what we could ever hope to repay, yet we can be assured that He will more than repay us all that we give to the poor.
My help does not come from the mountains and the high places. My help comes from the Lord. It is God who watches over us and He does not slumber, nor does He sleep. What more can I say than what the psalmist writes.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.
The writer informs us that the Antichrist is not singular. There is not a single individual who will appear who is the Antichrist. He tells us that there are many antichrists. Anyone who denies that Jesus is Lord, those who claim that it is possible to have salvation without Him, are antichrists. As I was reading this I realized that there is a question one should ask those arguing that it is Christian to accept controversial teachings (such as support for legalized abortion, or gay “marriage”). That question is this; is it possible to come to God without faith in Jesus? If their answer is “Yes”, there is no need to listen to any more of their arguments. They are rejecting the basic message of Christianity.
This is an important point made by John in this letter. Those who deny Jesus, who claim that it is possible to be righteous and good without faith in Him, are not Christian and are not serving God. It is only possible to know God and approach Him through faith in Christ. When listening to those who claim to speak on behalf of God, this is the most important thing to know about what they teach. It is not possible to follow God without first acknowledging Jesus. Those who truly follow Jesus will also know the Father.
Daniel acknowledges that God was in the right to bring judgement against the people of Israel for their sins. He does not ask God to act because he, or the people of Israel, deserve God’s mercy. Daniel acknowledges that they do not deserve God’s mercy. There is a lesson here for us. We should not think that we deserve God’s mercy. When we call on God to rescue us from trouble, we should do ask that He do so in a way which will bring honour to His name. We do not deserve God’s mercy, but He will show it to us because He loves us.
Help comes from the Lord, let us look first to God for help. If we rely on His help, He will not allow us to stumble or slip. God does not slumber, nor does He sleep. Whenever trouble may come upon us, God will be there to rescue us. This is such a beautiful psalm. I will meditate on it all day today.
Just before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He reminded the Apostles that the Holy Spirit would come upon them. It would fill them with power to do the works of God and wonders to convince people of the Gospel message. We are heirs to the Apostles and will also receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, we are also to be witnesses to Jesus locally, regionally, and worldwide.
The Eleven Apostles gathered together with other believers and selected Matthias to become an apostle with them to replace Judas. From this (and some of Paul’s writings), I conclude that the role of apostle is one which was meant to continue until Christ’s return. The word after all means “sent one” and was used in Classical Greek to refer to ambassadors and similar officials. God has not stopped sending ambassadors, apostles, to the world with His words for the world. If He has chosen any of us to be His apostle to the world today, let us not refuse to carry His message.
Sheba, the man who led a rebellion against David shortly after David had defeated Absalom, fled from David’s army led by Joab. Sheba holed up in a fortified town, along with all of the members of his clan. Joab besieged the town and began battering down the walls. A wise woman in the town parlayed with Joab asking why he was attempting to destroy this town with importance to the nation of Israel. Joab responded that he had no interest in destroying the town, he merely wanted Sheba. The woman responded that the town would throw Sheba’s head over the wall to Joab.
There is no doubt that the woman knew what Joab wanted before she started speaking to him. However, in all negotiations it is important that both sides declare what their goals are. In this case, the woman declared, indirectly, the town’s loyalty to the nation of Israel. Joab replied that he was seeking the man who was leading a rebellion. The two sides were able to negotiate peace because both sides declared what they would accept to settle the conflict. Joab declared that he would accept the minimum necessary to end the rebellion. The people of the town declared that they would no longer support rebellion against David. Thus peace was restored.
I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day in advance. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.
In studying the writings of Jeremiah Daniel discovered that Jeremiah had prophesied that Jerusalem would remain abandoned for 70 years, at which time God would restore the people of Israel. Upon learning this, Daniel turned to God in prayer and fasting. Notice that Daniel does not turn to God and “claim” His promise to restore the people of Israel. Rather Daniel turns to God with remorse and confesses his sins and the sins of his people. He begs God to restore His people, not because they deserve it but because God is merciful. At the end of his prayer Daniel lays out the order in which God does things. God forgives, listens, and acts, in that order. A bit of thought on that tells us something about how we should approach God. Let us therefore confess our sins, repent of(turn from) our sins, and pray.
John reminds us that we have heard that “the Antichrist” will appear sometime in the future. He tells us that the antichrist is not a singular being, rather there are many antichrists. Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is the antichrist. It is not possible to be in communion with God if we deny His Son. On the other hand if we are in communion with the Son we are also in communion with God. John tells us that we must watch out for those who are trying to lead us astray. The Holy Spirit lives within us and will teach us the truth. We do not need anyone to teach us the truth.
As I read this I think of those around us who argue that we should not and cannot impose our morals on others. By this they mean that we should not ask others to live according to our moral code. However, they then turn around and demand that we live by their moral code. This happens in many ways. One of the more recent examples is related to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Supporters of the Act argue that the owners of Hobby Lobby should not be allowed to force their moral opposition to abortion and contraceptives in their employees by refusing to pay for those as part of the health care coverage they provide their employees. Yet on the other hand, they claim that it is a moral duty of the owners of Hobby Lobby (and every other business) to pay for health care coverage for their employees. They are incapable of seeing the contradiction between these two positions. I hate to use such a politically charged example, but it is important to recognize that the secular world constantly attempts to impose its morals upon us while telling us that we must not even ask others to except our morals. They deny that Christ is the Son of God, then attempt to claim the moral authority of God.
I look at the mountains in their majesty and the forests in their glory, but that is not where my help comes from. When I am in need, my help comes from God. God watches over me and will not let me stumble. What a wonderful thing to know that He is watching over me and He never sleeps, not even a short nap. This is as true for you as it is for me.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.
This is true, whether we wish it or not. God is watching over us, let us willingly allow Him to guide our steps.
If we give to the poor, God will provide us with all that we need. However, if we ignore the needs of the poor and turn a blind eye to their existence, curses and trouble will fall upon us. When the government is run by the wicked, everyone attempts to stay out of sight. When the wicked fall from power, those who do not attempt to exploit others will flourish.
I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.
Sheba, the man who led the revolt against King David, took his forces into a walled town. Joab led David’s army and besieged the town. Joab and his men built a siege ramp and began battering down the walls of the town. A wise woman in the town called Joab over and asked him why he wanted to destroy the town, which she credited with being an important town in Israel. Joab responded that he had no interest in destroying the town, all he wanted was one man, Sheba. He told the woman that if they handed Sheba over to him, he would leave the town alone. The woman replied that they would throw Sheba’s head over the wall to Joab. She went to the people of the town and they did as she said they would. When Joab received Sheba’s head, he called the troops back from the attack and sent them home.
At some point after this there was a famine in the land of Israel that lasted for three years. When David inquired of God for the reason for the famine, he was told that it was because Saul had murdered the Gibeonites (a group of Amorites whom the Israelites under Joshua had entered into a treaty with to allow them to live). When David consulted with the remaining Gibeonites as to what he could do to make amends, they asked him to give them seven sons of Saul to execute. David handed over to them Saul’s two remaining sons and five of his grandsons. The Gibeonites executed them all together at the beginning of the barley harvest season. The mother of the two sons of Saul executed by the Gibeonites stayed by the bodies for the entire harvest season and would not allow scavengers to tear at the bodies. When David heard what she had done, he sent to Jabesh-gilead and retrieved the bones of Saul and his three sons killed by the Philistines. He buried those and the seven executed by the Gibeonites in the tomb of Kish, Saul’s father.
The passage tells us that after this at some point, Israel was once more at war with the Philistines. David led his army into battle. In one of those battles, David became exhausted and became cornered by a man who was descended from a giant. The man was about to kill David when Abishai, Joab’s brother, came to David’s rescue. After this, David’s men asked him to no longer come with them into battle because they were afraid that he would be killed. The passage goes on that in three later battles against the Philistines, members of David’s army killed three more descendants of giants.
Luke began his account of the Acts of the Apostles by writing that Jesus remained with the disciples for 40 days after His resurrection. During this time, the disciples asked Him if the time had come for Him to free Israel from Roman rule and re-establish the kingdom of Israel. Jesus responded that the Father alone would set those dates and times and that they were not for the disciples to know. However, the Holy Spirit would come upon them and give them power. They would then be His witnesses to tell everyone about Him throughout the world, starting in Jerusalem. After He told them this, He was lifted up into heaven before their very eyes.
The apostles returned to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Luke lists the eleven apostles, those of Jesus’ disciples who were closest to Him during His ministry. These eleven met together regularly to pray, in addition Mary, the mother of Jesus, several other women and Jesus’ brothers joined with them. This group represented the core group but they were joined by other followers of Jesus as well. At one point when they were together with about 120 followers of Jesus, Peter stood up and said that they needed to choose someone to take the place of Judas Iscariot (who had betrayed Jesus). This happened after Judas had killed himself. The group nominated two men who had been with Jesus from the time He was baptized by John until He was taken up into heaven, Joseph, known as Justus, and Matthias. They then cast lots between the two and Matthias was chosen to join the eleven as an apostle.
There are a couple of points that I want to highlight out of this passage. The first is that this passage is yet another that warns us not to try and calculate the date when Jesus will return to overthrow the kingdoms of the world. The second is the method that the apostles used to choose a new leader of the group. They reviewed the qualifications for the position. Then they chose two men who not only met the qualifications but whom they believed would be good candidates to fill the role. Finally, they cast lots between the two men, asking God to pick which one was His choice to fill the role. I think that the Church should more often use a method similar to this to choose its leaders.
This psalm is yet another reminder of what a great God we server. We need not wonder where our help in time of need will come from. It will come from God. God watches over us and He neither slumbers nor does He sleep. During the day and during the night, He is watching, ready to reach out and support us when we lose our footing. I need fear nothing because God watches over my coming and my going, now and forevermore. But this promise is not just for me, it is for everyone. If anyone will put their trust in God and strive to serve Him, He will watch over them and care for them. They will need to fear nothing.
I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.
Sheba, the rebel against David, led his men to the town of Abel-beth-maacah. Joab pursued him there and laid siege to the town. A wise woman in the town came out to Joab and asked him why he was trying to destroy this town. She argued that the town was an important town in Israel. Joab answered that if they surrendered Sheba to him, he would withdraw. The woman returned to the town and convinced the people of the town to kill Sheba and throw his head over the wall to Joab. This was done and Joab withdrew. This episode points up an important point in negotiations. Remember what your goals are. Joab had no particular interest in conquering this town. He merely wished to end Sheba’s rebellion against David. The town had no particular interest in rebelling against David. Therefore the town killed Sheba and provided Joab with proof that he was dead. With that action the conflict ended.
At some point there was a three year famine in Israel. David petitions the Lord to know why they are suffering the famine. The answer he receives is that the famine is because Saul and his family had attempted to wipe out the Gibeonites. The Israelites under Joshua had made an oath not to wipe out the Gibeonites. David summons the remaining Gibeonites and asks how he can make amends to them. They respond by requesting that seven of Saul’s sons for them to execute. David turns over to them Saul’s two remaining sons and five of his grandsons, specifically exempting Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. The Gibeonites executed them and the famine ended. I have no idea what the relevance of this is to us today, although I am sure at another time God will show me something in this passage.
Then we have an account of battles against the Philistines in which the Israelites killed several giants among the Philistines. In the first battle, David becomes exhausted and is cornered by a giant. As the giant is about to kill David, Abishai came to his rescue and killed the giant. After this the men ask David to not go into battle with them anymore because they are afraid that the next time he might be killed. The account tells us that in four different battles against the Philistines David and his men faced and killed a giant.
Luke begins the Book of Acts by telling us that Jesus was with the apostles from time to time for forty days after the resurrection (the translation I am using says after the crucifixion, but the traditional understanding is that it was after the resurrection and other translations suggest that the original Greek is slightly ambiguous). During this time the apostles kept asking Jesus if He was going to restore the kingdom of Israel now. Jesus replies that it is not for them to know. Then He tells them that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be witnesses to the ends of the earth telling people about Him. The attempt to determine the date when Jesus will return is futile. God has not revealed that information to anyone and according to this, and several other passages, will not do so.
After this when the about 120 believers were gathered, Peter stood up and said that they should choose someone to replace Judas. They all considered the qualifications such a person should have and then nominated two men: Justus and Matthias. They prayed for the Lord’s guidance and then cast lots. The lot fell to Matthias and so he was chosen. I remember several people who taught that the disciples made a mistake in replacing Judas at this time, that God intended Paul to be Judas’ replacement. This is the result of faulty thinking. There is nothing in this passage or any other that says that this was a mistake. The basis for this thinking is the idea that there were only ever supposed to be twelve apostles. Paul’s writings suggest that the role of apostle is one that God will fill according to His will and desires.
This psalm is so appropriate today. I was feeling a little depressed and starting to worry about the future earlier today. As I was doing my daily devotions, just before I got to this psalm. I received a phone call telling me that the reason I had not received a phone call about a job I had interviewed for was because the hiring manager had been out of town unexpectedly. He was just getting back and called to let me know that he would review the information on Monday when he got into the office and call me on Tuesday with their answer. I got off of the phone and read:
“My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!”
…
“The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.”
How very true I know that to be. God’s timing is wonderful in all things and this psalm reminds me to praise God in all things. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I am learning to do this.
Lord help me to remain humble when I experience good fortune. Remind me that all good things come from you and are not the result of my good works or talent.
