Category Archives: Scripture to Share

01/16/12

Psalm 53 David Expounded

 Psalm 53

 For the director of music. According to mahalath.[b] A maskil[c] of David.

 1 The fool says in his heart,
   “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
   there is no one who does good.

 2 God looks down from heaven
   on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
   any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt;
   there is no one who does good,
   not even one.

 4Do all these evildoers know nothing?

   They devour my people as though eating bread;
   they never call on God.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
   where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
   you put them to shame, for God despised them.

 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
   When God restores his people,
   let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 53:1 In Hebrew texts 53:1-6 is numbered 53:2-7.
  2. Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  3. Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

I find it so amazing that these words expressed by the Psalmist echo through time to our present age as a testimony of the nature of man. We read in Scripture that GOD does not change. Sadly, neither does mankind.

Yes, we do change in our outer lives–some prosper and accumulate wordly wealth. Others may prosper and accumulate spiritual wealth. In some cases both forms of wealth are realized–but mankind has this tendency to stick to a basic, selfish nature. “The fool says in his heart, “There is no GOD”. Verse 1a. This obviously happened long ago and is still happening today. That is the reason why we still need a Savior to intervene and stand in the gap for us. Jesus is our intercessor, and He is the one who declares the reality and righteousness of the Father. We have a warrior King on our side, and even within this historical timeframe; because of this historical timeframe; it is even more desperately important to see that the Kingdom of GOD is presented to the masses, and that the people are given opportunity for redemption and salvation.

David saw into the heart of man because of his own human experiences. He also saw into the heart of GOD because of his own spiritual encounters with GOD and personal deliverance. David speaks frankly and fervently here. He knows the mercy of GOD’s Spirit–the Comfort of His presence.

“God looks down from Heaven on all mankind, to see if there are any who understand, any who seek GOD”  Verse 2.  This statement was relevant tn David’s time–it is also relevant in our own time.        Charlene

 

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

12/27/11

Hebrews 12 New International Version

Hebrews 12

 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children

 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

   “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
   and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
   and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]

 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b]so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Warning and Encouragement

 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy

 18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[c] 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[d]

 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”[e] 27The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”[f]

Footnotes:

  1. Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
  2. Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
  3. Hebrews 12:20 Exodus 19:12,13
  4. Hebrews 12:21 See Deut. 9:19.
  5. Hebrews 12:26 Haggai 2:6
  6. Hebrews 12:29 Deut. 4:24
 New International Version (NIV)
12/19/11

2 Peter 3:9 Promise of the Saviour

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish,  but that all should come to repentance.”— 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
 
Does GOD keep his promises? Does he break covenant with us? You are saying, “Of course not”, GOD does not change. So the question here is– in a relationship between ourselves and our Maker, “Who does change”?  
I believe that we can all agree that mankind is subject to change–that the nature of mankind desires change.
 
As a people, we are a restless bunch. We bore easily, and at a time in history when there are so many diversions hour by hour, humankind has less and less time to be still and listen to God’s still, small voice. If we would take the time, we would discover a world of possibilities that exist far beyond our everyday existence.
 
Service to Christ involves embracing all that He is and has been. He is the second Person of the Holy Trinity; He was God made flesh and still is today.
The teaching of the Cross and the sacrifice of Jesus lives on today in our hearts. The Christchild born of a virgin mother is still ‘God With Us’, ‘Emmanuel’, and ‘Saviour of All Mankind’. We have covenanted again and again with Our LORD when we partake of His Holy Communion; when we break the bread and lift the cup in His Name. Jesus’ name is the only  name under heaven by which we can be saved.
 
This Christmas Season is a new beginning, a time to reevaluate and reassess our Christian walk. It is not about ‘Black Day’ or ‘Macy’s Parade’–it is about ‘Giving’ as Christ has given to us over and over. It is about the “Great Commission”–going out into the world in any way possible to seek the lost sheep and bring them into the fold.
 
What is Christmas? Christmas is Jesus as an Intercessor, coming to earth to experience what we experience and to create a bridge between GOD and Man. The ‘Promise’ is still here, and the recipients of the ‘Promise’ through GOD’s Holy Spirit have much to make them rejoice.
“For unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful. Counselor, Almighty GOD, The Everlasting Father; The Prince of Peace. 
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
 
All Scripture Quotes are from The Holy Bible, KJV,  World Publishing, 1986.
12/2/11

Psalm 27 A Psalm of Trust and Faith

This Psalm of David eloquently speaks for itself. It is a heart cry to God to watch over, protect, and defend his own. I thank God for His gift of Scripture, as it gives us opportunity to  share in the Psalmist’s adoration and praise to the King of Glory.  Charlene

 

Psalm 27 

  

New International Version (NIV)

Of David.

 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?

 2 When the wicked advance against me
   to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
   who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
   my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
   even then I will be confident.

 4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
   he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
   and set me high upon a rock.

 6 Then my head will be exalted
   above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
   I will sing and make music to the LORD.

 7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
   be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
   Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
   do not turn your servant away in anger;
   you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
   God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
   the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
   lead me in a straight path
   because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
   for false witnesses rise up against me,
   spouting malicious accusations.

 13 I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
   be strong and take heart
   and wait for the LORD.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 27:2 Or slander
 
 
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

11/28/11

2 Timothy 2 NIV

2 Timothy 2

New International Version (NIV)

The Appeal Renewed

 1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

 11Here is a trustworthy saying:

   If we died with him,
   we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
   we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
   he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
   he remains faithful,
   for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

 14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

 22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

 
 
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

11/15/11

Psalm 8: A Psalm Of David

Republished January 2, 2012

 

Psalm 8

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b]

 A Psalm of David.

1 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]

5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 8:1 In Hebrew texts 8:1-9 is numbered 8:2-10.
b.Psalm 8:1 Title: Probably a musical term
c.Psalm 8:4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?
d.Psalm 8:5 Or him
e.Psalm 8:5 Or than God
f.Psalm 8:5 Or him
g.Psalm 8:6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his

Psalm 8 is a Psalm of Inquiry. David is contemplating the nature and work of GOD.

 “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, and human beings that you  visit them…”  ?

David is asking “Why am I here, LORD, and what is the purpose in my relationship with you”? 

 Haven’t we all asked this question at many times in our lives? It is astonishing to us that, we, as mere sinful mortals, have the attention of the Triune GOD. We have a Father in Heaven who looks down upon his children and sees each one as the creation he ordained into being. We are all here for a specific purpose because GOD sees us as equals in His sight. We have all been preordained to perform a work in Him that will draw others unto Him. No one is more important than the other, and each of us has to seek out our personal place in His ministry.

I’m learning as time goes on to concentrate my energies into fewer projects. To spread my Godly gifts more discreetly. This does not mean that I turn my back on those things that have gone before–it means that I embrace new possibilities while gradually passing the baton to others to guide ministries in which I am presently engaged. The word ‘gradually’ is employed here because stewardship demands that we keep our responsibilities until others are fully able to assume them.

David said “You have made them a little lower than the angels, and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the work of your hands, you put everything under their feet… ”  Why would GOD place us in such a position in Him?

There is a trust that exists between a committed believer and Christ.  We engage in a covenant relationship with Him, God’s Holy Spirit, and GOD the Father. This relationship is what fuels our abilities, our heart committments, and our purpose here on earth. We knew GOD before we were “formed in the belly”, and our connection to Him is not severed at birth but diverted until we learn to conquer he of this world through Jesus our LORD. “You, dear children, are from GOD and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” !    John 4:4 NIV

God has made us to be His hands, His voice, His feet, and His heart here on earth. We have been given a ‘trust’ in Him to guard, keep, and distribute wisely. Everything that is GOD’s is ours–therefore we are to keep His WORD, His world, His work, His church, and His people from all harm and danger. Can we do this alone? No we cannot. We must work together through GOD’s Holy Spirit to perform the works of Christ in all humility and diligence, establishing His Kingdom here on earth, and seeking the reward of Heaven. Does that mean that we do, or give, to get? No–it means that we do to give and allow GOD to determine the reward. Keep in mind that GOD is justice–therefore when we turn our backs on His WORD,  His world, His work, His church, and His people He will establish a just reward here also.

The Psalmist gives GOD praise. We  should all praise the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS for it is He who gives us life, breath, and hope for this world and beyond.  PRAISE YE THE LORD, HALLELUJAH!!

Rev. Charlene

All Scripture Quotes are from the New International Version of the Bible@  www.biblegateway.com

 

10/23/11

How To Walk Into Your Shoe of Destiny

How to Walk Into Your Shoe of Destiny

 (A Lesson in Refusing to “Hide” Your Gifts and Allowing the “Body” of Christ to Bring Support  and Healing to Your Life)

 Matthew 3: 11&12

 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

What do physical shoes do for you? They provide protection from sharp or blunt objects, support your arches, help you to walk powerfully, and make a fashion statement. This is in the natural.

 Let’s talk about Holy, spiritual shoes.

What do spiritual “shoes” do for you? They provide protection from sharp or blunt mouths, minds, and attitudes, support you in Christ, and make a Godly statement. The important thing to know is what statement are you making? What type of shoe best represents your walk in Christ Jesus? How do you reflect Christ in your worship, service, and relationships?

Flats

Are you a Flat in your Christian Walk?

Flat means Blah!  Nothing there-nix-no excitement. Just standing there letting every load weigh you down, breaking down your supports, never attempting to lift the load by reaching beyond yourself to embrace Christ and others. Over time Flats lose their motivation and can no longer support themselves or others. Flats need encouragement from the Body to get pumped up and moving.

Are you a Flat?  “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalm 51:12

Loafers

Loafers just gather pennies. They aren’t motivated to do much else.

Loafers sit there and watch everyone else work, gaining benefit from everyone else’s walk, but don’t judge them. Loafers may be burned out from prior commitments to the work or over-commitments to the work, not lazy. If so, loafers should try to do something small, but effective, to help the body to function. Loafers need understanding from the Body so that they have time to heal.

Are you a Loafer?  “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”  James 1:22

 Tennis Shoes

Tennis shoes were made for running, jumping, and walking long distances. Tennis shoes are fancy-smancy–sporting symbols and logos of the world’s heroes. They tend to walk in their own strength, not leaning and depending on Christ to see them through trials and share in their triumphs.  Therefore, tennis shoes have potential for extreme burn-out, and the rubber, or padding, which is God’s presence in their lives tends to wear thin. They are so busy moving that they cannot hear God’s voice. The Body should strive to help the tennis shoes to lay down some tasks and burdens.

Are you a Tennis Shoe?  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5&6

Boots

At first glance, you could imagine that boots are strength. They have thick linings and strong leather bindings—but boots can fall into the area of bullying which is weakness. By sheer force of will Boots order others to step their way—in their timing. They fail to see the small indicators that point to other’s frustration or exhaustion. Boots, whether they walk heavy or light, can still strip others of their dignity. This results in body members stumbling in their steps. Boots need the honesty of the Body to let them know when they tread on other’s toes.

Are you a Boot?  “And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4: 32

 Sandals

Sandals bring thoughts of the seashore—of waves rolling onto the sand, bringing treasures, but also debris. Sandals tend to be exposed, rubbed raw by life; their foundation eroded by the waters. Yet there is hope for Sandals. He who walked on the water is there to shore up their foundation and He provides Living Water. Jesus can shield the sandals from the sprays of life. He can soothe the sting of the salt of this earth with the salt that does not lose its savor. The Body can help by pouring the Balm of Gilead on the Sandal’s wounds.

Are you a Sandal?  “Wherefore seeing we are also compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses—let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us; Looking unto Jesus the author and Finisher of our Faith…” Hebrews 12: 1& 2a

Slippers

Slippers are those who pay no attention to how they live in Christ from day to day. Their actions tend to pull others away from Christ or at least cause them to stumble in their Christian walk. Slippers need to realize that the responsibility and accountability that exists in the Kingdom of GOD is for everyone to embrace. There is no room for false doctrine or backsliding behavior. The Body of Christ has a responsibility to the Slipper. It is the Body’s job to recognize, confront, and offer teaching and support to the Slipper.

Are you a Slipper?  “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather; that no man (or woman) put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brothers (or sisters) way.”  Romans 14: 13

Pumps

With gas prices skyrocketing out of control—our minds are constantly on the pumps. Pumps are the dancers of the Body of Christ. They are the height attainers—the ones who stretch and reach for the prize. Pumps help to build up the Body of Christ. They provide the spiritual Oomph that fuels the Holy Spirit’s fire in His church. Pumps lift others up to where they are—releasing energy to bring others into God’s throne room. Every Body needs pumps. Not only are they tall and beautiful—they are willing to help you grow too. Pumps are encouragers.

Are you a Pump? “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”  1 Thess. 5: 11

Work Shoes

Last, but certainly not least are the Work Shoes. Work Shoes are always needed in the Kingdom of God. As the Bride of Christ, the church needs to work toward the “Great Commission”. Work Shoes are like worker bees in the hive. They fulfill their destiny in Christ within the Body without thought of glory or seeking acclaim. They recognize their job as those who provide for the basic needs of the Body whether it be teaching, preaching, prayer and exhortation, worshipping, cleaning, mending, or a combination of all of these acts of service. Looking to Jesus as the Head of the Church—they walk in His presence guided by God’s Living Spirit who motivates them to be servant leaders and servant followers. They do their work decently and in order, listening to the mind of Christ and His Word as their guide.

Are you a Work Shoe? Then count yourself among the Blessed, as are all of the shoes in the Body. God is not a respecter of persons—He simply encourages you to respect one another and to pull your own weight in providing for His Church. He loves you all as examples of the shoes we have spoken of,  and He grants mercy to each of us as we work out our salvation.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16: 24

Let us Pray…

Father, help me to be the kind of Christian you designed me to be. Let me always grant mercy and grace, as You do, to my sisters and brothers in the Body. Each of us make up the whole—and as we wear the shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, we ask that you would shore us up and help us to strive for Your kingdom that has no End. AMEN

All Scripture quotes taken from the Authorized King James Version

Charlene W. Kirst

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
10/17/11

Psalm 16

 

My heart is sometimes troubled over things I cannot control. Spiritual matters are in the realm of our Sovereign Lord, and I have to lean on Him. Prayer and petition are our only means to safety, so I will pray and I will petition the Lord for deliverance.  Charlene

Psalm 16

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 16

A miktam[a] of David.
1 Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 16:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
b.Psalm 16:10 Or holy

10/10/11

Psalm 38 A Miktam of David The King

Do you relate to this Psalm? I certainly do because it speaks to me as if David were here today and aware of the trials I go through. I am so grateful that God’s Holy Spirit inspired David to pen his prayers and petition. Man is unreliable and judgmental, and cannot be depended upon to treat you as a child of  The King. There is too much pharisitical behavior, unneighborliness, and constant control exercised over God’s people.

The Psalmist sees affliction here as a result of sin, and God does allow us to go through trials when we make poor decisions–but we can always be assured that when we ask for forgiveness grace is granted to us. God is our deliverer and our shield.  Man can only do to us what God allows, and as children of the Most High GOD, He is ever faithful to protect us.

 

Psalm 38

New International Version (NIV)

    A Psalm of David. A petition.

 1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
   or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Your arrows have pierced me,
   and your hand has come down on me.
3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
   there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
   like a burden too heavy to bear.

 5 My wounds fester and are loathsome
   because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low;
   all day long I go about mourning.
7 My back is filled with searing pain;
   there is no health in my body.
8 I am feeble and utterly crushed;
   I groan in anguish of heart.

 9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord;
   my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me;
   even the light has gone from my eyes.
11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
   my neighbors stay far away.
12 Those who want to kill me set their traps,
   those who would harm me talk of my ruin;
   all day long they scheme and lie.

 13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,
   like the mute, who cannot speak;
14 I have become like one who does not hear,
   whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 LORD, I wait for you;
   you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat
   or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”

 17 For I am about to fall,
   and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity;
   I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause[b];
   those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil
   lodge accusations against me,
   though I seek only to do what is good.

 21 LORD, do not forsake me;
   do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me,
   my Lord and my Savior.

10/6/11

Psalm 16 A Miktam of David

 

How Safe Do You Want To Be?

The only guaranteed place of safety is in the arms of the most High GOD.

This Psalm of Refuge is a reflection of what we all need. The surety and peace found in being the child of God. Noone else can give us our provision and love like Our GOD. Praise His Holy Name!!!!   Charlene

Psalm 16

A miktam[a] of David.
1 Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 16:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
b.Psalm 16:10 Or holy

09/20/11

Psalm 88 A Cry of Affliction

 

 

All of us suffer through moments of despair and indecision when it seems as if everything familiar has been taken away. If we do not listen well to heed the call of GOD’s Holy Spirit on our comings and goings then GOD will move us. There is so much work still to be done in the Name of Jesus Christ. Do not kick against the pricks but move steadily forward in Him.  Charlene

 

Psalm 88

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 88[a]

    A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. For the director of music. According to mahalath leannoth.[b] A maskil[c] of Heman the Ezrahite.

 1 LORD, you are the God who saves me;
   day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
   turn your ear to my cry.

 3 I am overwhelmed with troubles
   and my life draws near to death.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
   I am like one without strength.
5 I am set apart with the dead,
   like the slain who lie in the grave,
whom you remember no more,
   who are cut off from your care.

 6 You have put me in the lowest pit,
   in the darkest depths.
7 Your wrath lies heavily on me;
   you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.[d]
8 You have taken from me my closest friends
   and have made me repulsive to them.
I am confined and cannot escape;
 9my eyes are dim with grief.

   I call to you, LORD, every day;
   I spread out my hands to you.
10 Do you show your wonders to the dead?
   Do their spirits rise up and praise you?
11 Is your love declared in the grave,
   your faithfulness in Destruction[e]?
12 Are your wonders known in the place of darkness,
   or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?

 13 But I cry to you for help, LORD;
   in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 Why, LORD, do you reject me
   and hide your face from me?

 15 From my youth I have suffered and been close to death;
   I have borne your terrors and am in despair.
16 Your wrath has swept over me;
   your terrors have destroyed me.
17 All day long they surround me like a flood;
   they have completely engulfed me.
18 You have taken from me friend and neighbor—
   darkness is my closest friend.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 88:1 In Hebrew texts 88:1-18 is numbered 88:2-19.
  2. Psalm 88:1 Title: Possibly a tune, “The Suffering of Affliction”
  3. Psalm 88:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  4. Psalm 88:7 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 10.
  5. Psalm 88:11 Hebrew Abaddon
09/15/11

Psalm 92 Verses 12 through 15 King James Version

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD.

They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him”.

09/15/11

Psalm 63 A Psalm of David

 

Psalm 63 is a warrior Psalm. It speaks of David as a seeker of the Lord–desiring to be in His presence and in His shelter. “There are many who rise up against me, O Lord”.

King David speaks of seeing the Lord in His sanctuary; of praising the Lord with song. He speaks of how Godwill destroy his enemies and stop all of their lies. Don’t we all all need this Sovereign protection? As the worship songsays, “Our GOD is greater, all our GOD is stronger, our GOD is higher than any other”.

Trust In The LORD and in the power of His might.  Charlene

Psalm 63
New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 63
Psalm 63[a]

A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.
1 You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.

9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 63:1 In Hebrew texts 63:1-11 is numbered 63:2-12.

09/14/11

Psalm 61 A Psalm of David, the King

Psalm 61 and I go back a long way. I associate this Psalm with a beautiful song sung by Maia Amada, and also with a dear friend who has been spiritually imprisoned for many years. This Psalm is a cry for peace and shelter in the arms of our Almighty Savior. That is where you and I can find  comfort, solace, and joy.

Penned by King David, who suffered much at the hands of his enemies, I can safely say that if we can trust like David, who proved that faithfulness wins the battle, we can be overcomers in this life.  God’s Blessings, Charlene

 

Psalm 61

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 61

Psalm 61[a]

    For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

 1 Hear my cry, O God;
   listen to my prayer.

 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
   I call as my heart grows faint;
   lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
   a strong tower against the foe.

 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
   and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.[b]
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;
   you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

 6 Increase the days of the king’s life,
   his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
   appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

 8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
   and fulfill my vows day after day.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 61:1 In Hebrew texts 61:1-8 is numbered 61:2-9.
  2. Psalm 61:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
09/7/11

The Two Jerusalems–The Book of Life

The LORD gave me Psalm 87 this morning. This is a Psalm that can be hard to decipher, so I looked for an inspired explanation of this Psalm. Isn’t it awesome how so much of GOD’s holiness can be found in so few words.

Be in Christ Jesus,  Charlene

The Two Jerusalems

Psalm 87

An EasyEnglish Translation with Notes (about 1200 word vocabulary) on Psalm 87

www.easyenglish.info

Gordon Churchyard

Words in boxes are from the Bible.

A word list at the end explains words with a *star by them.

The translated Bible text has yet to go through Advanced Checking.

Jesus said, “You must be born again”. (John 3:7)

Psalm 87
(This is) a song with music, for the sons of *Korah.

v1 He built it on the mountains of *holiness.

v2 The *LORD loves the gates of Zion.
He loves them more than all the places where *Jacob lives.

v3 (People say) *wonderful things about you, city of God. *SELAH

v4 I will remember the people that I know, from Rahab and Babylon;
also from Philistia, Tyre and Ethiopia.
I will remember that this man was born there.

v5 They will say in Zion, “A man … this man … was born there”.
So he … the *Most High … will build her up.

v6 The *LORD will write in his book (the name of) everyone that says,
“This man was born there”. *SELAH

v7 The singers and the *musicians (will say),
“All my *springs are in you”.

The Story of Psalm 87
This is an important psalm but we do not know who wrote it. It was for the sons of *Korah. This is probably the name of the *musicians in the *temple in Jerusalem. The *temple was the house of God that Solomon built. Solomon was the son of David. He was the third king of Israel.

The psalm is about Jerusalem. The psalm calls Jerusalem by the name Zion. Really, Zion was the name of the hill on which Solomon built the *temple. The *Jews thought that God lived on this hill. It was his home on earth. Because they thought that God was *holy (or very, very good) they thought that Zion was *holy also. So they called the hill of Zion a “mountain of *holiness”.

But the psalm is really the story of two Jerusalems! Verses 1-3 are about Jerusalem on earth, the capital city of the *Jews. Verses 4-6 are about another Jerusalem. We can see this very clearly in the translation from the *Greek Bible below. (The translation above is from the *Hebrew Bible.) 250 years before Jesus came to the earth, the *Jews translated their Bible into *Greek.

This meant that more people could understand it. In some places, the two Bibles are different. We do not know why. We do believe that both translations teach us what is true.

What Psalm 87 means
Verses 1-3 are about Jerusalem, the capital city of the *Jews. Verses 4-6 are about the *Church. The *Church is the City of God, the New Jerusalem. The person that wrote Psalm 87 did not know this. But God inspired them to write verses 4-6. “Inspired” means “gave them words to say”. The person that wrote the psalm thought that Jerusalem would become the most important city on earth. God knew that the NEW Jerusalem would be the most important city! But it would not be on earth, but in *heaven where God lives.

Verses 1 – 2: These verses are about the Jerusalem that is on earth. To give you help to understand this difficult psalm we have shown it like this:

He built it on the mountains of *holiness

the *LORD loves the gates of Zion

He loves them more than the places where *Jacob lives

To the left it is about the *LORD God; to the right it is about the Jerusalem on earth, the capital of Israel. The “mountains of *holiness” are the hills on which they built Jerusalem. They were *holy because they thought that God lived there. “The gates of Zion” means the whole city of Jerusalem. *Jacob is another name for Israel, and the land where the *Jews lived.

Verses 4 – 6: These verses are about the *Church. The person that wrote the psalm did not know about our *Church. He thought that people from all over the world were becoming *Jews. This was probably true. But the *New Testament of the Bible repeats Psalm 87:5 and says that it is about the *Church (Galatians 4:26). People come to it from all over the world: Rahab (Egypt), Babylon (Iraq), Philistia, Tyre (Lebanon) and Ethiopia (Sudan) were countries near Israel.

We think that God is speaking in verses 4-6. He says that everyone that is born in Jerusalem is in his book. What does “born in Jerusalem” mean? We believe that it means “born again”. This is another way of saying “becoming a Christian”. The name of every Christian is in God’s book. He will not forget any of them. They are all included in those that say, “this man was born there”. In verse 6, this means “I was born there”. Here is Psalm 87:5 in another translation. It is not from the *Hebrew Bible. It is from the *Greek Bible:

“A man will say, ‘Zion is my mother’. This man was born in her. So he … the *Most High … will build her up”.

It is the translation from the *Greek Bible that the *New Testament uses. In Galatians 4:26 Paul wrote, “the Jerusalem that is above … is our mother”. Remember, Jerusalem and Zion are the same place.

What does all this mean? It means that when we are born again (or become Christians) we are born in a place called Jerusalem. This is not the Jerusalem that is on earth. It is a Jerusalem that is in *heaven, where God lives. The people that live there are all the people that have become Christians. The Jerusalem that is in *heaven is made up of people, not buildings.

Verse 7: This verse is difficult to translate. It probably means one of:

· the singers and *musicians must use music that is called “All my *springs are in you”

· the singers and *musicians all say that their *springs are in Jerusalem (this means that Jerusalem gives them new life)

Something To Do
1. If you have a Bible, read Galatians 4:21-31, Hebrews 11:13-16, and Hebrews 12:22-24.

2. Ask God to put your name into his Book of Life!

Word List
Adonai ~ *Lord or master; (or better, my *Lord or my master) in *Hebrew.

church ~ all those people that believe all about Jesus.

covenant ~ two people have agreed what each should do (here, God and his people). Look after Psalm 25 in Book 1 of the Psalms of David for more about the covenant.

Greek ~ a language.

heaven ~ the home of God.

Hebrew ~ the language that the *Jews spoke when they wrote the Psalms of David.

holiness ~ something that is very good; in Psalm 87, a place where God is.

holy ~ very, very good; only God is really *holy, the land where he lives with his people is also *holy because he is there.

Jacob ~ another name for Israel, both the people and the land. (Jacob was Abraham’s grandson).

Jehovah ~ how some languages say *Yahweh, one of the names of God in *Hebrew.

Jew ~ someone who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.

Korah ~ look in the Introduction in Book 3 of the Psalms of David.

like ~ another word for “as”.

Lord ~ a name for God; it means he has authority, or “master”; *Adonai in *Hebrew. Look also at *LORD below.

LORD ~ a special name for God that his people use. It is the *covenant name of God. In *Hebrew it is *Yahweh or *Jehovah. Look after Psalm 25 in Book 1 of the Psalms of David for more about the names of God.

Most High ~ a name for God.

musical instrument ~ something that makes music when you hit it (cymbals, drum), blow in it (flute, trumpet, horn, shofar) or touch it in a quiet way (harp, lyre). Many of these are in Psalm 150 in Book 5 of The Psalms of David.

musicians ~ people that make music. They sing, or play *musical instruments.

New Testament ~ the last part of the Bible, which the writers wrote after the life of Jesus. It is about the things that Jesus did and taught and about the church [see church].

SELAH ~ a place to pray or think or make music.

springs ~ another word for “wells” (of water) in Psalm 87.

temple ~ a place where people meet to *worship God.

wonderful ~ great and surprising.

worship ~ tell someone that they are very great and that you love them.

Yahweh ~ the *covenant name for God. Most Bibles translate it *LORD with 4 capital letters. It means something *like “I am” or “always alive”.

© 2001-2002, Wycliffe Associates (UK)

This publication is written in EasyEnglish Level A (1200 words).

January 2002

Visit our website: www.easyenglish.info