17. Continued. David asked God to hear and help him. He asked God to keep him as the apple of his eye and protect him. David was surrounded by arrogant people and he asked God to be with him, to deal with them in His way and resuce him from them. David asked God to rescue him from men whose reward was in this life, not the next. David looked forward to seeing God.
18. Calling upon God in distress. (David sang after God delivered him from Saul) David told God he loved Him. God is the great protector. When David was in danger, he called on the Lord for help and got it. The earth shook because God was angry. God rode cherubim and flew, soaring on the wind. Darkness camouflaged Him as he advanced with hail and lightning bolts preceeding Him. He routed David's enemies with his voice and lightning bolts. They scattered before God. David sank beneath the surface of the deep and God reached in and lifted him out of danger. David thought he was doomed, but God saved him. God rescued David because he loved him. David believed that God had saved him because of his righteousness. God gives us back what we give to Him. God's way is perfect, His word is flawless, and He is a shield for those who take refuge in Him. God took care of David and gave him strength, He came down to David's level to help him. God cared so much for David that He even took care to protect David's ankles!
Tomorrow read Psalms 18:37-21:13
20100606
June 6, 2010 Psalms 11-17:5
11. "The Lord our refuge." David found relief and protection with God. When given advice to run and hide from his enemies, David knew that the Lord would protect him. He also knew that the wicked would burn. For the Lord loves justice.
12. "Good thoughts for bad times." David asked God for help since everyone was lying and deceiving each other. They flattered themselves that they didn't need God. They oppressed the weak and needy whom God would protect. The words of God are flawless. The wicked strut proudly in their ways of sin.
13. "The deserted soul." David asked God how long He would hide from him. He wondered how long he would wrestle with his thoughts and feel sad. David asked God to give him life - he knew he couldn't live without God. David trusted God's unfailing love and it made him glad.
14. "The fate of the fool." The fool says "There is no God." God looks for those who seek Him, but finds that they have turned from Him. The wicked, who kill people and don't talk to God, never learn. They become overwhelmed with fear because God is present with the righteous. Evil people preyed on the poor who are protected by God. David hoped that Israel would be righteous and receive the Lord's blessing.
15. "The happiness of the holy." David asked God what made people worthy to be in His presence. The answer is those who walk with integrity and righteousness. They don't lie, gossip, hurt people, blame, disgrace or shame them. Evil people despise him but he honors those who love God. He does not cheat people out of their money. The person that chooses to live this way will be stedfast in God.
16. "Joy in God's presence." David described the ways he delighted in his relationship with God. He had no need of the other gods that other people worshiped. David was happy with the blessings God gave him. He found comfort with God. David knew God would fill him with joy and eternal pleasures in his presence.
17. "Deliverance from the wicked." David asked for God to hear him. He told Him to search his heart and He would see that David had chosen to obey God.
Tomorrow read Psalms 17:6-18:36
12. "Good thoughts for bad times." David asked God for help since everyone was lying and deceiving each other. They flattered themselves that they didn't need God. They oppressed the weak and needy whom God would protect. The words of God are flawless. The wicked strut proudly in their ways of sin.
13. "The deserted soul." David asked God how long He would hide from him. He wondered how long he would wrestle with his thoughts and feel sad. David asked God to give him life - he knew he couldn't live without God. David trusted God's unfailing love and it made him glad.
14. "The fate of the fool." The fool says "There is no God." God looks for those who seek Him, but finds that they have turned from Him. The wicked, who kill people and don't talk to God, never learn. They become overwhelmed with fear because God is present with the righteous. Evil people preyed on the poor who are protected by God. David hoped that Israel would be righteous and receive the Lord's blessing.
15. "The happiness of the holy." David asked God what made people worthy to be in His presence. The answer is those who walk with integrity and righteousness. They don't lie, gossip, hurt people, blame, disgrace or shame them. Evil people despise him but he honors those who love God. He does not cheat people out of their money. The person that chooses to live this way will be stedfast in God.
16. "Joy in God's presence." David described the ways he delighted in his relationship with God. He had no need of the other gods that other people worshiped. David was happy with the blessings God gave him. He found comfort with God. David knew God would fill him with joy and eternal pleasures in his presence.
17. "Deliverance from the wicked." David asked for God to hear him. He told Him to search his heart and He would see that David had chosen to obey God.
Tomorrow read Psalms 17:6-18:36
20100605
June 5, 2010 Psalms 9-10
9. Praise to God for deliverance. David promised to praise God with all his heart and tell of his wonders. He was glad and rejoiced because of Him. His enemies were powerless against God who defended David in battle, so that even their memory vanished. God is always there for people who seek Him. David asked God to allow him to live so he could praise Him. David's enemies were caught in their own traps. The downtrodden and needy will be remembered by God. David asked God to remind the nations they were only men.
10. God hears and acts. David asked God why he stayed so far away from him. The wicked man hunts the weak caught up in his evil schemes. He is boastful, greedy and renounces God with abusive language. There is no room for God in his thoughts. He is always wealthy, haughty, and sneers at his enemies. He believes nothing can touch him, that he'll always be happy and never have trouble. He speaks curses, lies and threats. He uses violence against the weak and thinks God doesn't see. David asks God to defend the helpless against the wicked man. He knows God will break the wicked man and help his victims. David knows that God will take care of the afflicted. The Lord is King for ever and ever. Nations will come and go, but God will always be there.
Tomorrow read Psalms 11-17:5
10. God hears and acts. David asked God why he stayed so far away from him. The wicked man hunts the weak caught up in his evil schemes. He is boastful, greedy and renounces God with abusive language. There is no room for God in his thoughts. He is always wealthy, haughty, and sneers at his enemies. He believes nothing can touch him, that he'll always be happy and never have trouble. He speaks curses, lies and threats. He uses violence against the weak and thinks God doesn't see. David asks God to defend the helpless against the wicked man. He knows God will break the wicked man and help his victims. David knows that God will take care of the afflicted. The Lord is King for ever and ever. Nations will come and go, but God will always be there.
Tomorrow read Psalms 11-17:5
20100604
June 4, 2010 Psalms 5:8-8:9
5. Continued. David asks God to lead him and help him understand what God wants him to do. He can't believe anything his enemies say and he asks God to punish them. He asks blessings on all those who love God.
6. A prayer for mercy during trouble. David begs God not to discipline him when he is angry, but rather have pity for him. Instead he asks God to rescue him through His unfailing love and keep him alive so he can praise Him. David is exhausted from sobbing and his bed is soaked with tears. His eyes are failing because of his enemies. David warns his enemies that God has heard his prayer and they had better leave him alone.
7. The prayer of a wronged man. David asks God to save him from those who would pursue him and tear him apart like a lion - no one else will save him. If he is guilty of hurting someone, then let them have him. David asks God to rise up and fight his enemies and to be the judge of people. He knows minds and hearts and can bring an end to violence and make the righteous secure. God is his shield and saves the good people. He judges everyone fairly and prepares his arsenal. Bad people have bad ideas and ways which catch up with them and trap them. David gives thanks to the Lord and sings his praise.
8. God's glory and man's honor. How majestic is the name of God in all the earth! "Out of the mouth of babes" comes praise to silence enemies. When David considered the heavens which God made, the moon and stars which he set in place, he marveled that God honors man by allowing him to rule over His creation - all the creatures of the earth. God's name is majestic in all the earth!
Tomorrow read Psalms 9-10
20100603
June 3, 2010 Job 42:10-17; Psalms 1-5:7
Job prayed for his friends as he was instructed. The Lord restored everything that Job had lost and doubled his livestock. Job had 7 sons and 3 daughters (who were the prettiest girls around) and he lived 140 more years, saw his grandchildren to the fourth generation and died old and full of years.
Psalms - Book 1 - Psalms 1-41
1. The way of the righteous. An explanation of the nature of good and evil and what kind of life awaits each choice. People who love God find happiness while those who choose not to love God find ruin. I have been known put it that we are all doomed and God is the only way out.
2. The triumph of the king. Why do nations fight against each other? They seek ways to be godless. God promised David that he would smash the other nations like pottery. You other rulers pay attention to God and obey Him! He blesses and protects those who run to Him.
3. Confidence facing the enemy. (A Psalm written by David when he fled from his son, Absalom see 2Samuel 15:13-37) David expresses his sadness about having so many enemies, and rumors spreading that God would not save him. Selah (A term of uncertain meaning seen frequently throughout the Psalms.) But David bears witness that God is his shield, that when he cries to God he is answered. When he sleeps, God sustains him, so he does not fear his enemies. David asks God to strike down his enemies and deliver him. David acknowledges that deliverance comes from God and he asks a blessing on His people.
4. Thoughts in the night. David asked God to hear his prayer and give him relief. He wondered how long men would seek shame and delusions and false gods. David knew God heard his prayers. David offers some good advice, in your anger, do not sin, and when you are lying in bed, be silent and do your emotional homework. Offer right sacrifices to God and trust him. He knows God protects him and fills him with joy. He lies down and sleeps peacefully.
5. A morning prayer. David asks God to hear his morning prayer. When he makes his requests of God he waits expectantly for the answers. God does not tolerate the wicked, the arrogant, liars, bloodthirsty and deceitful people. Because of God's great mercy, David will come into His house and bow down in reverence.
Tomorrow read Psalms 5:8-8:9
Psalms - Book 1 - Psalms 1-41
1. The way of the righteous. An explanation of the nature of good and evil and what kind of life awaits each choice. People who love God find happiness while those who choose not to love God find ruin. I have been known put it that we are all doomed and God is the only way out.
2. The triumph of the king. Why do nations fight against each other? They seek ways to be godless. God promised David that he would smash the other nations like pottery. You other rulers pay attention to God and obey Him! He blesses and protects those who run to Him.
3. Confidence facing the enemy. (A Psalm written by David when he fled from his son, Absalom see 2Samuel 15:13-37) David expresses his sadness about having so many enemies, and rumors spreading that God would not save him. Selah (A term of uncertain meaning seen frequently throughout the Psalms.) But David bears witness that God is his shield, that when he cries to God he is answered. When he sleeps, God sustains him, so he does not fear his enemies. David asks God to strike down his enemies and deliver him. David acknowledges that deliverance comes from God and he asks a blessing on His people.
4. Thoughts in the night. David asked God to hear his prayer and give him relief. He wondered how long men would seek shame and delusions and false gods. David knew God heard his prayers. David offers some good advice, in your anger, do not sin, and when you are lying in bed, be silent and do your emotional homework. Offer right sacrifices to God and trust him. He knows God protects him and fills him with joy. He lies down and sleeps peacefully.
5. A morning prayer. David asks God to hear his morning prayer. When he makes his requests of God he waits expectantly for the answers. God does not tolerate the wicked, the arrogant, liars, bloodthirsty and deceitful people. Because of God's great mercy, David will come into His house and bow down in reverence.
Tomorrow read Psalms 5:8-8:9
20100602
June 2, 2010 Job 39:13-42:9
God continued speaking to Job. He told him about ostriches and storks and their lack of wisdom or fear. God asked Job if he gave the horse his strength and his flowing mane? The horse is unafraid of battle and charges in. God asked if the hawk took flight because of Job's wisdom? Does the eagle soar at Job's command and build his nest on high?
Then God asked Job to defend himself. Job answered that he was unworthy to answer and that he had no answer. Then God told Job to brace himself like a man and answer His questions. Would Job discredit God? Would Job condemn God to justify himself? Then God told him to adorn himself with splendor, unleash his fury, and bring down every proud man low. He told Job to crush the wicked and bury them in dust. If he could do all this then God would admit that Job's own hand could save him and he didn't need God. Then God told Job to look at the hippopotamus, which he created the same day as he created man. The hippo eats grass, yet has a huge body and bones like bronze. The hippo is strong, but God is stronger.
God continued questioning Job. He asked him if he could catch a sea monster with a fishhook? Could Job tie his mouth shut with a rope? Would he beg for mercy with kind and gentle words? Would he be your pet or slave? Would traders want to buy him? God told Job that if he were to wrestle with the sea monster once, that would be too much for him to handle. Could any man inspect him or capture him? Sparks and fire shoot from his mouth. The weakest part of the monster strike fear into the hearts of men. He is king over all that are haughty and proud.
Then Job replied to the Lord. He told Him that he knew He could do all things, that no plan of His could be thwarted. Job told God that he had heard His questions and his eyes had seen Him. Job repented in dust and ashes.
Epilogue
When God finished speaking to Job, He spoke to Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar and told them that Job had spoken truth about Him, but he was angry with them because they had not. God told them to make it up to Job by offering 7 bulls and goats as a sacrifice to please Him. Then God told them that Job would pray, and God would agree not to punish them for their foolishness. So they made the sacrifices and Job prayed and God accepted Job's prayer.
Tomorrow read Job 42:10-17; Psalms 1-5:7
Then God asked Job to defend himself. Job answered that he was unworthy to answer and that he had no answer. Then God told Job to brace himself like a man and answer His questions. Would Job discredit God? Would Job condemn God to justify himself? Then God told him to adorn himself with splendor, unleash his fury, and bring down every proud man low. He told Job to crush the wicked and bury them in dust. If he could do all this then God would admit that Job's own hand could save him and he didn't need God. Then God told Job to look at the hippopotamus, which he created the same day as he created man. The hippo eats grass, yet has a huge body and bones like bronze. The hippo is strong, but God is stronger.
God continued questioning Job. He asked him if he could catch a sea monster with a fishhook? Could Job tie his mouth shut with a rope? Would he beg for mercy with kind and gentle words? Would he be your pet or slave? Would traders want to buy him? God told Job that if he were to wrestle with the sea monster once, that would be too much for him to handle. Could any man inspect him or capture him? Sparks and fire shoot from his mouth. The weakest part of the monster strike fear into the hearts of men. He is king over all that are haughty and proud.
Then Job replied to the Lord. He told Him that he knew He could do all things, that no plan of His could be thwarted. Job told God that he had heard His questions and his eyes had seen Him. Job repented in dust and ashes.
Epilogue
When God finished speaking to Job, He spoke to Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar and told them that Job had spoken truth about Him, but he was angry with them because they had not. God told them to make it up to Job by offering 7 bulls and goats as a sacrifice to please Him. Then God told them that Job would pray, and God would agree not to punish them for their foolishness. So they made the sacrifices and Job prayed and God accepted Job's prayer.
Tomorrow read Job 42:10-17; Psalms 1-5:7
20100601
June 1, 2010 Job 36-39:12
Elihu continued by asking for Job's attention a little longer. He told Job that his knowledge came from God. When a person sins, God will tell them what they have done. He makes them listen and repent of their evil. If people obey and serve God they will live in prosperity and contentment the rest of their days. The wicked suffer and die young. He told Job that he was afflicted because of God's judgement. He warned him not to turn to evil which he seemed to prefer to affliction. No one can know the greatness of God. He manages the rain and storms and thunder.
Elihu continued by telling Job how thunder made his heart pound as he listened to the roar of God's voice. He does great things beyond our understanding. The animals remain in their dens as the storm breaks over the earth. He asked Job if he understood how God did any of this? Elihu ends his talk by telling Job that we cannot know God's awesome power and mystery - it is beyond our reach. But we revere Him because He does not regard people who rely on their own understanding.
Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He told Job to brace himself and answer the questions God had to ask him. God asked Job how the earth had been created, who placed the cornerstone, and how the ocean was made? God asked Job if he had ever told the sun to rise? And did it obey him? He asked Job if he had ever walked on the ocean floor? Did he know how large the earth is? God told Job to tell him if he did. Where does darkness live? Could he lead darkness home? He ought to be able to since he was already born when God created everything. Did he know where God kept the snow and hail? Where does the weather come from? Could Job arrange the stars? Could Job govern the heavens? Could Job command the heavens to rule the earth? Could he teach the birds to know when rain was on the way? Did he help hungry lions hunt? Did Job satisfy the hunger of the birds?
God continued questioning Job. God asked Job if he could tell when animals in the wild give birth? God told Job He alone helped the wild donkeys survive. God asked Job if a wild ox would agree to live in Job's barn and work for him? Could he trust his ox to bring the grain in to the threshing place?
Tomorrow read Job 39:13-42:9
Elihu continued by telling Job how thunder made his heart pound as he listened to the roar of God's voice. He does great things beyond our understanding. The animals remain in their dens as the storm breaks over the earth. He asked Job if he understood how God did any of this? Elihu ends his talk by telling Job that we cannot know God's awesome power and mystery - it is beyond our reach. But we revere Him because He does not regard people who rely on their own understanding.
Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He told Job to brace himself and answer the questions God had to ask him. God asked Job how the earth had been created, who placed the cornerstone, and how the ocean was made? God asked Job if he had ever told the sun to rise? And did it obey him? He asked Job if he had ever walked on the ocean floor? Did he know how large the earth is? God told Job to tell him if he did. Where does darkness live? Could he lead darkness home? He ought to be able to since he was already born when God created everything. Did he know where God kept the snow and hail? Where does the weather come from? Could Job arrange the stars? Could Job govern the heavens? Could Job command the heavens to rule the earth? Could he teach the birds to know when rain was on the way? Did he help hungry lions hunt? Did Job satisfy the hunger of the birds?
God continued questioning Job. God asked Job if he could tell when animals in the wild give birth? God told Job He alone helped the wild donkeys survive. God asked Job if a wild ox would agree to live in Job's barn and work for him? Could he trust his ox to bring the grain in to the threshing place?
Tomorrow read Job 39:13-42:9
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