10/20/13

Psalm 24 NIV

Psalm 24 (New International Version)

 

 

Perhaps at first glance Psalm 24 does not appear to be a warfare Psalm. David speaks of the beauty and majesty of GOD’s creation. He speaks of the beginning of the world; the first thoughts of Creation. Yet, if you read Psalm 24 with the heart of GOD you will realize that it is a Psalm of warfare, for it gives us a glimpse into the weaponry needed to fight the battles.

 

 

Weaponry is not always physical, it is predominately spiritual. David speaks of the qualifications for the job of warrior–those qualifications that touch GOD. A clean, purely minded individual who obeys the ten commandments as Jesus taught of them in the Book of Matthew Chapter 5: 17- 20 .

 

“Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with–not until the end of all things. So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what GOD requires.”

 

Does this mean that we are to be as the Pharisees were? Are we to stand around congratulating ourselves about how holy we are? No, it does not. This means that we are to obey and revere our LORD and in so doing gain control of the battleground. It is in being willing to fight the battles that we will gain strength to overcome, and to be able to enter the gate of Heaven. Jesus is the King of Glory, the LORD mighty in battle. David knew this in his spirit, we can know it also.

So, lift up your head and let the Spirit of GOD enter your doors. Be mighty and strong in this battle that we as saints face, and let GOD be the warrior in us.

 

Additional Reference: Matthew 5 through 7; Proverbs 6: 12-19; Galatians 5:19-26; 2 Samuel 1-23

 

Charlene

 

 

Of David. A Psalm.

 

 

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters.

 

 

 

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.[a]

 

 

 

They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.[b][c]

 

 

 

Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.

 

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Psalm 24:4 Or swear falsely

  2. Psalm 24:6 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts face, Jacob

  3. Psalm 24:6 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 10.

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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10/5/13

Autumn Embraced by Charlene Kirst


Gazing at the leaves beginning to turn
The russets and golds; the crimsons that burn
With a fire that can’t be put out
Let’s embrace the autumn with a cheer and a shout.

 

 

Great trees like lollipops sway in the breeze
As I gaze at their colors they give my heart ease
They’re symbolic of change in the air and my heart
Let’s embrace the autumn; let’s embrace a new start.

 

 

Watching the fat squirrels gathering loot
Searching my closet for snug and warm boots
Curling up close to the warmth with a book
Let’s embrace the autumn while safe in our nook, and…

 

 

As winter approaches on autumn’s hued heels
To snuggle with loved ones is just what I feel
Would do us all good if we could only  try
To embrace the autumn as it passes by.

 

 Photo Credit: environment.nationalgeographic.com

 

 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Charlene Kirst