Monthly Archives: October 2010

10/22/10

Psalm 56/Psalm 57

Psalm 56 (Today’s New International Version)

 All of us face times of trouble and turmoil in our spirits. This journey through life is beset with pitfalls and snares that make it hard to surge forward and accomplish a complete work. If we can trust in the GOD we serve and place our faith in the Word and Christ’s promises to us–we can achieve great things through Him who strengthens us.   GOD promises to bless our diligent service–we can only bless Him and His people in return.

                                                                            Charlene

Psalm 56

For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. [a] When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

   [b] 1 Be merciful to me, my God,
       for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
       all day long they press their attack.

    2 My adversaries pursue me all day long;
       in their pride many are attacking me.

    3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

    4 In God, whose word I praise—
       in God I trust and am not afraid.
       What can mere mortals do to me?

    5 All day long they twist my words;
       all their schemes are for my ruin.

    6 They conspire, they lurk,
       they watch my steps,
       hoping to take my life.

    7 Because of their wickedness do not [c] let them escape;
       in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

    8 Record my misery;
       list my tears on your scroll [d]—
       are they not in your record?

    9 Then my enemies will turn back
       when I call for help.
       By this I will know that God is for me.

    10 In God, whose word I praise,
       in the LORD, whose word I praise—

    11 in God I trust and am not afraid.
       What can mere human beings do to me?

    12 I am under vows to you, my God;
       I will present my thank offerings to you.

    13 For you have delivered me from death
       and my feet from stumbling,
       that I may walk before God
       in the light of life.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 56:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  2. Psalm 56:1 56:1-13 is numbered 56:2-14 in Hebrew texts.
  3. Psalm 56:7  Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text does not have do not.
  4. Psalm 56:8  Or misery; / put my tears in your wineskin

Today’s New International Version (TNIV)

© Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica

Psalm 57 (Today’s New International Version)

Psalm 57

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. [a] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

   [b] 1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
       for in you I take refuge.
       I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
       until the disaster has passed.

    2 I cry out to God Most High,
       to God, who vindicates me.

    3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
       rebuking those who hotly pursue me— [c]
       God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

    4 I am in the midst of lions;
       I am forced to dwell among man-eating beasts,
       whose teeth are spears and arrows,
       whose tongues are sharp swords.

    5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
       let your glory be over all the earth.

    6 They spread a net for my feet—
       I was bowed down in distress.
       They dug a pit in my path—
       but they have fallen into it themselves.

    7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
       my heart is steadfast;
       I will sing and make music.

    8 Awake, my soul!
       Awake, harp and lyre!
       I will awaken the dawn.

    9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
       I will sing of you among the peoples.

    10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
       your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

    11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
       let your glory be over all the earth.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  2. Psalm 57:1 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12 in Hebrew texts.
  3. Psalm 57:3  The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.

Today’s New International Version (TNIV)

 

© Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica

10/19/10

Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6 (Today’s New International Version)

Good Morning,

This passage of scripture is one aimed at teaching each of us how to fight with the weapons of warfare Christ has given to us. We are equipped as saints of the most High God with His Word, with His Strength, and with His Spirit.

When life lands us a hard blow, instead of buckling under the weight of all that Satan tries to throw upon our backs, we must remember that standing firm is a result of the belief that our Sovereign Lord is in control–and that His throne is in the Heavens as He operates upon the dilemmas of this earth.

Faith is the Key. If we have faith that Jesus is interceding in Heaven on our behalf–then where is there room to fall. As it says in the Word–even if we falter, the Angels will bear us up on their wings. So there is no room for doubt or despair–there is only room for trust.

 

Ephesians 6

 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” [a]

 

    4 Fathers, [b] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

    5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do, whether you are slave or free.

    9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

The Armor of God

 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

    18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

 21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

    23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. [c]

 

Footnotes:

  1. Ephesians 6:3  Deut. 5:16
  2. Ephesians 6:4  Or Parents
  3. Ephesians 6:24  Or Grace and immortality to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today’s New International Version (TNIV)

© Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica

10/14/10

Psalm 2

Psalm 2 (Today’s New International Version)

 The LORD gave this Psalm to me this morning. There is so much corruption in High places, and we as Christians must be aware of the source and our power through Christ to make changes. Prayer is the key to change in this world, and action is the door opener.

Psalm 2

 1 Why do the nations conspire [a]
       and the peoples plot in vain?

    2 The kings of the earth rise up
       and the rulers band together
       against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,

    3 “Let us break their chains
       and throw off their shackles.”

    4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
       the Lord scoffs at them.

    5 He rebukes them in his anger
       and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

    6 “I have installed my king
       on Zion, my holy mountain.”

    7 I will proclaim the LORD’s decree:
       He said to me, “You are my son;
       today I have become your father.

    8 Ask me,
       and I will make the nations your inheritance,
       the ends of the earth your possession.

    9 You will break them with a rod of iron [b];
       you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

    10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
       be warned, you rulers of the earth.

    11 Serve the LORD with fear
       and celebrate his rule with trembling.

    12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
       and you and your ways will be destroyed,
       for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
       Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 2:1  Hebrew; Septuagint rage
  2. Psalm 2:9  Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac)

Today’s New International Version (TNIV)

10/5/10

Hebrews1

Pastor requested that we read this scripture in preparation for next Sunday’s sermon.

Hebrews 1 (New International Version)

 

Hebrews 1

The Son Superior to Angels

 1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

 5For to which of the angels did God ever say,
   “You are my Son;
      today I have become your Father[a]“[b]? Or again,
   “I will be his Father,
      and he will be my Son”[c]? 6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
   “Let all God’s angels worship him.”[d] 7In speaking of the angels he says,
   “He makes his angels winds,
      his servants flames of fire.”[e] 8But about the Son he says,
   “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
      and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
      therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
      by anointing you with the oil of joy.”[f] 10He also says,
   “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
      and the heavens are the work of your hands.
 11They will perish, but you remain;
      they will all wear out like a garment.
 12You will roll them up like a robe;
      like a garment they will be changed.
   But you remain the same,
      and your years will never end.”[g] 13To which of the angels did God ever say,
      “Sit at my right hand
   until I make your enemies
      a footstool for your feet”[h]? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

 

Footnotes:
  1. Hebrews 1:5 Or have begotten you
  2. Hebrews 1:5 Psalm 2:7
  3. Hebrews 1:5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13
  4. Hebrews 1:6 Deut. 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint)
  5. Hebrews 1:7 Psalm 104:4
  6. Hebrews 1:9 Psalm 45:6,7
  7. Hebrews 1:12 Psalm 102:25-27
  8. Hebrews 1:13 Psalm 110:1
10/4/10

Words from The Lord

      Word 1:  A Heart Applied Appropriately

          Will Always Be A Prayer

 

Word 2:  I Am the One in Control

    Follow after Me, not after man

For I AM the One you will be

standing before in judgment

Man will not judge you,

I will judge you

Follow after Christ,

not after man

And do as I command you to do