Tag Archives: Psalm 69:19-36

Daily Bible Study

September 27, 2015 Bible Study — Don’t Be Fooled By Those Who Try To Excuse Sin

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 24:7

    When true leaders discuss the actions which should be taken for the good of all, fools have nothing of value to add.

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Psalm 69:19-36

    Praising God pleases Him more than any gifts and offerings we might give. Those who humbly seek God’s help will be aided. He hears the cries of the needy and comes to their assistance.

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Ephesians 5

    I find this passage extremely relevant in today’s society. There are three things which we must not allow ourselves to be: a sexually immoral, an impure, or greedy person. Anyone who is any of those things is an idolator. Notice that these three things are lumped together by Paul. He goes on to warn us not to be fooled by those who try to make excuses for these sins.
    Rather than let ourselves be caught in such sins, we need to carefully determine what actions please God. Once we have made that determination, let us make the most of every opportunity we have to do good. In order to make the most of our opportunities we must never act thoughtlessly. Paul warns us against getting drunk, one of the leading causes of people acting thoughtlessly. Instead, we can gain a similar feeling by allowing ourselves to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

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Isaiah 51-53

    Isaiah reminds us that if we truly know and fear God there is no reason to fear any human being. We do not need to fear the oppressor, or those who have made themselves our enemies. God is our comforter and His law will be proclaimed. The earth and everything in it will come to an end, but God’s salvation is eternal. Isaiah tells us that God’s name has been blasphemed because of the actions of those who claim to serve Him, but God is going to truly reveal His name to His people. He will fill them with His power. On that day, and that day is today, the good news of God’s salvation will be proclaimed in all of the earth. God is sovereign over all of the earth.
    Then Isaiah tells us how this day came to be (although when Isaiah proclaimed it, it was still in the future). God sent Jesus to suffer for our sins. He was despised and rejected. It seemed at the time that He was punished for His sins, although, in fact, He was punished for ours. Jesus was made an offering for sin. Yet, it was because of His weakness that He was victorious. By accepting that suffering Jesus was able to bear the sins of all the world and bring the offer of salvation to all who would receive it. Let us joyfully accept the gift He has given us.

Daily Bible Study

March 28, 2015 Bible Study — How Do We Know Where the Gospel Will Thrive?

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 12:2-3

    This proverb contains a truth which those who conduct foreign policy all too often fail to heed. Those who perform wicked deeds will never create stability. Stability is a byproduct of the godly people in a society. The roots referred to in this proverb provide stability not just for the godly but for the community around them, just as the roots of a tree growing on a hill reduce the chance of a mudslide by providing stability to the soil around them.

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Psalm 69:19-36

    The psalmist continues to describe his depression. Despite his desperate depression he continues to call on God and to praise Him. As I read this psalm there was one phrase which makes me want to cry:

If only one person would show some pity;
if only one would turn and comfort me.

Every time I read this I vow that I will be that one. I know that I fail, but nevertheless, God calls us to be that one. The one who makes the difference, who shows the person suffering depression that they are not alone and that God loves them.
    Oh God, whoever it is who is crying out as the psalmist does her, if they are someone I know, make me be the one who turns and comforts them…or better yet, let me be just one of Your many servants who turns and comforts them.

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Luke 8:4-21

    I will repeat what I have said elsewhere where I have blogged about the parable of the sower. Every time I read this passage, I fear that I am the soil with the thorns. I know I am not the hard soil, because I have responded to God’s message. I know I am not the rocky soil because I do not wilt in the face of opposition. On the other hand, I have trouble seeing myself as producing a crop that is a hundred times what was planted.
    That being said, I have been starting to get a different view of this parable recently. I noticed that the farmer spread the seed on all of the soil. Why would he waste seed on soil where it would not thrive? You could say, “Well, he did not know where it would thrive?” There is some truth to that, but surely he could tell where the soil was too packed down to thrive? The answer to that is that something might happen to change things. Perhaps the soil of the path would get broken up and the seed could settle in before the birds got to it. Perhaps the rocks would get dug out of the rocky soil, allowing the seeds to thrive (I know from a farming perspective that is silly, but bear with me). Perhaps someone would come and pull out the thistles and other weeds so that they could not strangle the good crop. The point is, we don’t know where the Gospel message will thrive so we should spread it to everyone we meet.

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Deuteronomy 9-10:22

    The Israelites went against God’s will again and again, yet God gave them new chances. After Moses gives an account of all of the times they had rebelled, he tells them what God requires of them now: “He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.” This is what He requires of us today.

  • Fear the Lord

    • The best example I can think of what this means is something I witnessed happen between a friend and his dog. He had raised the dog from a puppy. He loved that dog and treated it well, but he demanded that it obey him. One day, just as it became an adult dog, he gently smacked its nose away from a bit of food it was going for. It snapped at him and bit him. He went from stern to angry. The dog ran under the table and hid. That dog feared its master the way we should fear God.

  • Live in a way that pleases Him

    • Live with integrity and honour

  • Love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul

    • Feed the hungry, clothe the poor, love your enemies, bless those that curse you, etc.

Daily Bible Study

September 27, 2014 Bible Study — Fill Your Time Doing Good

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 24:7

    Fools do not even aspire to wisdom. They should not speak when serious matters are being discussed. These are people who refuse to think deeply about things, but then want a say in deciding what should be done.

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Psalm 69:19-36

    The psalmist was in deep despair, such that if even one person had offered him comfort it would have lifted the burden. Let us strive to be that one person to those suffering despair. Let us not be like those he described as his enemies, those who added to the injury of those suffering God’s judgement. God will judge those who sin, let us remember to show His love. Let us not make the mistake of pretending that our sins are any less severe than those who are suffering despair. Let us show them the love God has for them and remind them that He will forgive them if they turn from their sin.

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Ephesians 5:1-33

    Paul tells us that we should strive to imitate God in everything we do. Christ set an example for us and we should follow it, living a life filled with love for everyone. In particular Paul points out three types of sin which will infect us and keep us from growing as Christians. Those sins are sexual immorality, impurity, and greed. It is very telling that Paul singles out these three sins. We need to strive to avoid obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse jokes. It is so easy to let these creep into our lives and then allow them to inflame our sinful nature.
    Staying away from those sins is difficult. As Paul pointed out earlier, our sinful nature constantly entices us to follow those desires. However, he tells us how to do so. The way to stay away from sins is to fill our time doing that which is good, that which God desires us to do. Let us spend our time being thankful to God, seeking to do what pleases Him. Let us fill our minds with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. If we fill our time with doing that which God desires us to do, we will not have time left over to yield to the sinful desires of our earthly nature.

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Isaiah 51-53:12

    As we seek the Lord and face the difficulties of this life, let us remember Abraham. He was but a single man when God called him. Yet God blessed him and made a great nation out of him. God’s law will be proclaimed to every nation. Indeed, it has been so proclaimed. His justice is a light for the world. This world will wear out in time, but God’s righteousness and salvation will last for eternity. Our God today is the same God who rescued His people from Egypt and drowned Pharaoh’s army in the sea. We need not fear any human agency if we serve the living God.
    This passage also contains one of the prophecies about Jesus which deeply touches my heart.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

It breaks my heart that this is true, but it also brings me joy to know that God loves me so much.

Daily Bible Study

March 28, 2014 Bible Study — Is Our Lamp Lit?

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 12:2-3

    A society becomes stable and strong through the righteous acts of the godly. Wickedness only results in ever-increasing instability. God shows favor to those who do good and condemnation to those who plot evil.

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Psalm 69:19-36

    Wealth and bounty will become a snare to those who lose sight of God and His will, those who do not have pity on the suffering of others. God does not desire our offerings out of our excess. He desires for us to praise His name and honour Him. God hears the cries of those in need and will come to their aid. If we are in need we can rely on His aid. If we are not in need, let us be the hands by which that aid is delivered.

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Luke 8:4-21

    I have talked about how the parable of the sower always makes me fear that I am the third type of soil. It feels so much like I allow the concerns about this life crowd out the word of God. Am I truly producing a bountiful harvest for God? Or has the word of God been crowded out by the cares and pleasures of this life?
    I realized one thing today as I read the parable of the lamp. If God’s light is lit on our hearts, we may try to hide it, but God will take away the bowl which we may try to place ourselves in. He will come and get us out from under the bed. He will place us on a table, or a lamp-stand, so that everyone who comes by will see out light. I will resist the temptation to turn down the lamp inside me when I find myself in public view.

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Deuteronomy 9-10:22

    When we receive good things from God, let us remember that our success is not because we are such good people. If we turn from God and behave wickedly, He will take these good things from us. Let us not forget our sins and rebellion against God. God is a great God and He will not show partiality. I will dedicate myself to doing as God requires of me (even though I know that I will only succeed through His grace and Spirit). I will love Him and serve Him with all of my heart, soul, and being. I will strive to imitate God by showing love to the foreigners who live amongst us, meeting their needs to the best of my ability (as God gives me the strength and guides my hand).

Daily Bible Study

September 27, 2013 Bible Study — Live In the Light

     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.

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Isaiah 51-53:12

     If you think, “What difference can one person make?” Remember that Abraham was but one man when God called him. God made him a great nation. God’s law will be proclaimed. His justice is coming soon. Do not be afraid of the people of this world, because they will all die in due time. However, God’s salvation will last for eternity. God offers us His comfort and protection, the only reason we still fear humans is because we forget God. IF we let Him, God will put His words in our mouth and hide us in the safety of His hand.
     I will declare God’s good news, even in the face of mockery and persecution. I know that the day will come when God’s people will praise those who brought them the Gospel. From one end of this earth to the other, everyone will see God’s victory. Isaiah declared that it was God’s purpose for His Messiah, Jesus, to be crushed and killed. Isaiah said that he would be buried like a criminal in a rich man’s grave.

***

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Ephesians 5:1-33

     Paul tells us that we should imitate God, living a life filled with love, following the example of Christ, who laid down His life out of love for us. He lists three types of behavior which we should avoid: sexual immorality, impurity, and greed. Obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse jokes are out of place for those who strive to serve God. Greed is just a form of idolatry, where the person worships wealth instead of God. People will try to make excuses for such behavior, but we will suffer for it if we do those things.
     The proper way to behave is as the people of light. If we feel compelled to hide certain behaviors from some people we should not do those things. We should be ashamed to even talk about the things which are done in secret (and if we are, that will keep us from gossiping). Let us be careful how we live, striving to act with wisdom. Take advantage of every opportunity we have to bring glory to God. Avoid foolish behavior and think things through before we act. Do not get drunk because that is likely to lead us to do things which we will regret. Instead, express our joy through singing and praising God.
     Let us submit to one another. Wives are to submit to their husbands in the same way that you submit to Christ. Historically, too much emphasis was placed on that portion of this passage and not enough on the following portion. As a husband, I am to love my wife as Christ loved the Church. Christ gave up all that He had in order to glorify and elevate the Church, even to the point of dying a painful death. Until I have shown a similar dedication to my wife, I have no basis to demand that she submit to me and even then, Christ did not demand that the Church submit to Him. The Church submits to Christ as a voluntary act in response to His love for the Church. I am to love my wife as I love my own body, caring for her so that she does not experience pain or suffering as much as I am able. I will challenge any husband reading this, if you feel that your wife does not respect you as you think she should, perhaps that is because you do not love her as you should.

***

     I always feel troubled when I write something on this passage because my wife respects me and submits to me in every way as I believe the Bible calls for, but I question whether I truly fulfill my end of the bargain and love her as Christ loved the Church. I truly love my wife, but I do not think I live up to the standard which Paul holds up for me in this passage. I will continue to strive to reach the point where I can say that I live according to what Paul is teaching here.

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Psalm 69:19-36

     I have trouble seeing what to make of this psalm, but there are a few things I see here. The psalm warns us against “piling on” on those whom God has sent punishment. It is not our place to punish those who have sinned. Instead we should show them kindness and concern. Let us show pity to those who are suffering in consequence of their sins. Let us aid them as we can to soothe their hurts.

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Proverbs 24:7

     Fools should not try to discuss things that require wisdom. They should keep their mouths shut and listen to those who understand. But how do I know if I am one of those who should speak, or one of those who should keep quiet?

Daily Bible Study

March 28, 2013 Bible Study –Seed Among Thorns, Or On Fertile Soil?

     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. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

Display at Peter Becker Home Flower Show
Display at Peter Becker Home Flower Show

Deuteronomy 9-10:22

     Moses tells the people of Israel that God is not driving the people out of the promised land because the people of Israel were so good, He is doing so because the people of the land are so evil. The children of Israel needed to recognize that they had done plenty wrong and were in constant need of God’s forgiveness. Moses then tells the children of Israel what God requires of them (and of us). God requires that we fear Him and love and serve Him with all of our heart and soul. We are to follow the commands that God has given us for our own good.
     Our God is the God of gods and Lord of Lords. He ensures that widows and orphans receive justice. God alone is our God and He has performed many mighty miracles.

sales display at Peter Becker Home Flower Show
sales display at Peter Becker Home Flower Show

Luke 8:4-21

     Today we have Luke’s telling of the Parable of the Sower. In this parable Jesus tells of seed falling on four different types of soil and how the seed did on each of those soils. At the end He says, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” The disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable to them. Jesus tells them that the seed is the word of God. The footpath represents those whom when they hear the Word of God, Satan comes along and snatches it away preventing them from being saved. The rocky soil represents those who hear the Word and respond joyously, but never put down deep roots. When trouble comes they fall away. The thorny soil represents those who hear the Word, but allow the cares for wealth and material goods to crowd it out. The good soil represents those who hear God’s Word, cling to it and patiently produce a harvest for God. Which type of soil am I? All too often I feel like I am the thorny soil, although I try very hard to be good soil.
     Jesus next tells a parable of a lamp on a lampstand. He tells us that we do not light a lamp and immediately hide it. Rather when we light a lamp, we set it on a lampstand so that it’s light can be seen. In the same way the light of God is being set so that it will reveal that which is concealed. If we listen to Jesus’ teaching we will be given greater understanding as time goes on. If on the other hand, we choose to ignore His teaching, as time goes by we will find even things we thought we understood become confusing. Just look at our society, we ignored Jesus advice about divorce and made divorce easy. Now, our society has lost its understanding of what marriage is. The Christian Church failed to defend marriage against easy divorce. I will not say that I know exactly what the Church should have done differently on the issue of divorce, but it has been clear to me for some time that the Church has been wrong on this issue.

Adam stretching, or something
Adam stretching, or something

Psalm 69:19-36

     The psalmist continues to recount his despair. He tells us that no one has shown him any sympathy or offered him comfort. He calls out to God for rescue in his despair. The psalmist tells us that when God rescues him (not if God rescues him, but when) he will praise God’s name. As deep as the psalmists despair is, he still has faith that God will answer his cries. He knows that God will provide him with salvation. Do we have a similar confidence? The humble will seek God and be glad. All who seek God’s help will be encouraged. God hears the cries of the needy. Those who love Him will live in safety.

knitting away
knitting away

Proverbs 12:2-3

     God approves of those who are good and condemns those who plan wickedness (not just those who do wickedness, but those who plan it). Wicked action never leads to stability, only the righteous are able to put down firm roots.

Daily Bible Study

September 27, 2012 Bible Study

     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. I want to apologize for not getting this posted earlier. I was under the weather yesterday and did not get my study done until this morning.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Isaiah 51-53:12

     Isaiah tells Israel to take comfort from God. Despite the fact that God has allowed them to suffer, He will redeem them. If we trust in God, there is no need to fear any human. God’s redemption is for forever, man’s scorn lasts for but a short time. Here we have a passage that has been made into a great song, “Our God Reigns.” “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” We are those messengers, or, at least, we are supposed to be. We have been sent to tell everyone the news of God’s peace and salvation. Those who listen to our message will certainly consider it beautiful that we delivered it.
     All too often we do not deliver the message we have been sent with because we are afraid of suffering just a smidgen of what our Savior suffered. He was despised and rejected. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. How often do we still do the same? When we hear someone saying that Christians behave badly, do we ask them if they think that we behave that way? Do we behave that way? Or, are we afraid to be associated with the One whose followers they hold in such contempt? I am working on not being afraid to stand with my Savior, but I know that I am no stronger than Peter who denied Him three times.

Magrat on her favorite rock

Ephesians 5:1-33

     We are to imitate God and live a life filled with love. We should follow Christ’s example as He gave Himself up to suffering for our sake. We should not be involved with sexual immorality, impurity, or greed. Those who are greedy are idolaters, they worship the things of this world. There are those today, just as there were in Paul’s day, who try to justify the above sins. Paul tells us not to be fooled by them. We should be careful how we live and take advantage of every opportunity to do what the Lord wants us to do.
     Here we come to a passage that causes many to stumble. Paul tells us to submit to one another. That is not terribly controversial. Then he tells us that wives should submit to their husbands. This is a passage that many have trouble with. I believe this passage is fully normative. However, as I am not a wife, I do not spend much time with that passage. It is what comes next that I pay attention to. Paul tells us that husbands should love their wives in the same way that Christ loved the Church. How did Christ love the Church? He suffered and died for her. In the same way, we, who are husbands, should be willing to suffer and die for the good of our wives. But more than that, we should be willing to live every aspect of our lives so that we bring happiness and joy to our wives. Showing love and care for our wives is showing love and care for ourselves.

Magrat waits

Psalm 69:19-36

     Let us praise God’s name with singing and honor Him with thanksgiving. If we humble ourselves before God, we will see Him at work and it will bring us joy. God hears the cries of the needy and cares for them. Let us imitate Him in this way.

Magrat cleans herself

Psalm 69:19-36

     When you find yourself in the presence of the wise, keep silent and learn. This is not what the proverb says, but it is what I take from it. There are times and places where I can bring wisdom. But there are also times and places where anything I would have to say would be foolishness. In those latter cases, I need to learn to keep silent.