05 January 2014
Genesis 9; 10
Psalms 11; 12; 13
Matthew 7
"LAY UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN"
The Psalms are the Hymn Book of Israel and most of their hymns address situations among the people of God - as David understood God's all seeing eyes would perceive them. We learn that human mentality never changes - except when it is influenced by divine words and messages to "lay up treasure in heaven".
Much of the world has been blessed because 400 years ago, the A.V. version of the Bible was first printed and then sold in tremendous quantities. Many blessings came at that time because so many human minds were influenced to think godly thoughts and, as a result, to live in godly ways: that influence slowly faded away over time; it was an influence on individuals most of all.
However, those who know the Bible well know that it frankly considers the whole of our human situation. David grew up in a world that was far from godly: King Saul was a man of very limited spirituality. In one of today's Psalms we read David's words deploring the godlessness around him. He did what he could when he became king to influence his people to better ways of thinking and living.
Some of the Psalms he wrote are so true of life today. He pleaded for God's help - "Save O LORD … for the faithful have vanished from among the children of men. Everyone utters lies to his neighbour; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak" [Psalm 12:1,2] Further on we read, "On every side the wicked prowl as vileness is exalted" [Psalm 12:8] It sounds so much like the days of Noah that we read about 2 days ago; thankfully God promised Noah he would never again destroy all life on earth.
Nevertheless, our readings last week in Revelation again indicated that awesome judgements from God would occur when "the Word of God", obviously meaning Jesus, returned to judge and punish the world [Revelation 19:11-15] But looking at Psalm 12 again lets special note David's words, "The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace …" [Psalm 12:6] How great our need to feed on such words, may all who read this give priority to reading God's words every day.
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- DC
Thought for the Day
05 January 2014
"As the Lord agonized at Gethsemane one fact must have been constantly before him, upon which his whole faith rested, and that was the knowledge that all was happening to "fulfil" that which was written of him. In this he was content. May we, ... in all our strivings over our doubts and problems, in the dangers and perils, return to a simple minded approach and acceptance of the Word, crying: "Lord, I believe ..." (Mark 9:24)."
- W.I. Evans
Sunday Morning (1965)
Genesis 9; 10
Psalms 11; 12; 13
Matthew 7
"LAY UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN"
The Psalms are the Hymn Book of Israel and most of their hymns address situations among the people of God - as David understood God's all seeing eyes would perceive them. We learn that human mentality never changes - except when it is influenced by divine words and messages to "lay up treasure in heaven".
Much of the world has been blessed because 400 years ago, the A.V. version of the Bible was first printed and then sold in tremendous quantities. Many blessings came at that time because so many human minds were influenced to think godly thoughts and, as a result, to live in godly ways: that influence slowly faded away over time; it was an influence on individuals most of all.
However, those who know the Bible well know that it frankly considers the whole of our human situation. David grew up in a world that was far from godly: King Saul was a man of very limited spirituality. In one of today's Psalms we read David's words deploring the godlessness around him. He did what he could when he became king to influence his people to better ways of thinking and living.
Some of the Psalms he wrote are so true of life today. He pleaded for God's help - "Save O LORD … for the faithful have vanished from among the children of men. Everyone utters lies to his neighbour; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak" [Psalm 12:1,2] Further on we read, "On every side the wicked prowl as vileness is exalted" [Psalm 12:8] It sounds so much like the days of Noah that we read about 2 days ago; thankfully God promised Noah he would never again destroy all life on earth.
Nevertheless, our readings last week in Revelation again indicated that awesome judgements from God would occur when "the Word of God", obviously meaning Jesus, returned to judge and punish the world [Revelation 19:11-15] But looking at Psalm 12 again lets special note David's words, "The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace …" [Psalm 12:6] How great our need to feed on such words, may all who read this give priority to reading God's words every day.
-------
- DC
Thought for the Day
05 January 2014
"As the Lord agonized at Gethsemane one fact must have been constantly before him, upon which his whole faith rested, and that was the knowledge that all was happening to "fulfil" that which was written of him. In this he was content. May we, ... in all our strivings over our doubts and problems, in the dangers and perils, return to a simple minded approach and acceptance of the Word, crying: "Lord, I believe ..." (Mark 9:24)."
- W.I. Evans
Sunday Morning (1965)
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