The Uniqueness of the God of the Bible

 Read Psalm 115.

The God of the Bible is unique.  There is none like Him and there is no true God besides Him.  The song begins with the praise, giving Him glory.

Some question the very existence of God.  Many believe there is a God in heaven, but often question what He does or does not do.  However, the God of the Bible is not accountable to His creation.  "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." (v.3)

If a person rejects the God of the Bible the greater question is, "What is the alternative?"  They are left to their own made up religious devices.  They turn their faith to objects they made with their own hands.  But those manufactured idols do not work, do not speak, do not hear, do not do anything or any good.  Some worship the creation, instead of the Creator.  Others, place their faith in a philosophy of one kind or another in an attempt to rationalize God out of their conscience.  But none of those alternatives address their need of the forgiveness of sin and assurance of eternity.

The God of the Bible is the only One who personally involves Himself in our lives.  Three times in verses 9-11 we are reminded that He is our help and shield.  In other words, He is the provider of what we need and He is our protector. 

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”

 

Remember what the LORD has Done

 Read Psalm 114.

The nation was consistently reminded of those historic times where the LORD demonstrated His power on their behalf.

Three hallmark moments are in this psalm:
1. The Red Sea divided.
In Exodus 14, the rejoicing of freedom from bondage turned quickly to terror as the Egyptian army trapped Israel against the shores of the Red Sea.  But God intervened and parted the sea.  Israel crossed on dry ground.  Their pursuers all drowned as they attempted to follow.

2. The Jordan River divided.
In Joshua 3, God gave the next generation a similar experience.  Leaving their camp on the east side of the Jordan River, the nation marched toward the water at flood stage.  When the priests stepped into the river, it parted and Israel walked into the Promised Land on dry ground.

3. Water from the rock.
Between the first two miracles that are mentioned above is this one.  During the forty years of wandering the wilderness God miraculously provided for the nation.  In Exodus 17 they had no water for the millions of people in the Sinai desert.  The LORD instructed Moses to strike the rock and an ample supply of water flowed from it.

They were never to forget those times in the past when God intervened, answered their prayers, and met their needs.  More than their history, these events branded them as a nation.  No one else ever experienced these things.  But even greater was the overarching lesson of their faith.  The LORD always used the miracles to deliver a message.  The earth trembles at His presence (vv.6-7). 

God's miracles are proofs of His presence and care of His people.

 

He is the God who changes Lives

 Read Psalm 113.

No one who believes there is a God in heaven would argue His greatness.  The psalmist pictures the LORD seated on high watching what takes place in the universe and specifically on earth.

So, how is the God of the Bible different from all man-made mythical gods?  The LORD of heaven not only created all things, and controls all things, but He sovereignly intervenes in individual lives.  He has a purpose and a plan for each one.

Two examples are given here.
1. The poor.
He does not raise up every poor person from their poverty.  But when He does it demonstrates His power to change a life.  More than seeing this only as an economic change consider the statement in 2 Corinthians 8:9.  "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."  There is no poverty like spiritual poverty.  There is no greater wealth than becoming a child of the King of Heaven.
2. The barren woman.
He does not give children to every woman.  But when He does it is evidence of His miraculous power to give life from conception.  "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them." (Psalm 139:16)

Every person who comes to Him by faith experiences His grace.  That intervening grace changes our lives to be conformed to Christ.  As the songwriter began, so he closed: "Praise the LORD!

 

6 principles of blessed Life

 Read Psalm 112.

It is important to distinguish between a principle and a promise.  When God makes a promise, it is a commitment that He will certainly fulfill.  When the Scriptures state a principle, it is a broad, foundational truth that may vary in its effect from person to person.

In this psalm, there are multiple, general descriptions of one who is blessed by the LORD. 
1. The children will be strong champions and live uprightly. 
But not every believer has children.  And, as diligent as some godly parents are, their children do not always live lives that please the LORD.  Our responsibility is to be faithful stewards of what and who God chooses to give us. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)  Being living examples of a transformed life and seeking to disciple the next generation can be powerfully used by the Holy Spirit.

2. The person will enjoy prosperity. 
But not every fully-devoted follower of Jesus dies rich.  Indeed, many of the rich in every country are among the most wicked.  However, God has promised to meet the needs of generous believers. (Philippians 4:13)

3. They have discernment.
Like a light being turned on in a dark room, the Holy Spirit helps those who love the LORD to understand the word of God and apply it to life.  Such discernment comes from Him. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

4. All goes well with them. 
If a person is generous and just then everything in life may bring contentment beyond circumstances.  But sometimes the most kind and giving people may experience heartache, great disappointment, and loss.  Proverbs 19:17 reminds us that "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed."  That is a promise.  God sees our good works and one day will reward us for them.

5. Their legacy will be forever.
One who fears the LORD is firmly established and their good works will always be remembered.  But many who love God serve Him quietly and in obscurity.  Even many of the so-called famous Christians are forgotten in a single generation.  But the Savior promised to never forget us.  "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." (Isaiah 49:15-16)

6. He is not afraid. 
But many things in life can cause even the most mature in the faith to tremble.  God's promise is "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Regardless of the individual circumstances, God’s character does not change.  "He is gracious, merciful, and righteous" no matter what our temporal evaluation may be.  Know and practice the principles, but depend on the promises.

 

How to respond to an Awesome God

 Read Psalm 111.

The second half of verse 9 should be memorized by all those who love the LORD.  The name of God is holy and to be revered.  Never should His name ever be used as profanity or flippantly, as in OMG.  The name of God is awesome.  Too many have lost the meaning of the word awe.  He alone is truly awesome.

So, how did this songwriter respond to the holy and awesome God?

1. He gave thanks in corporate worship. (v.1)
The Bible does not know about secret believers or those who keep their faith to themselves.  Assembling with other believers to praise the LORD and to give thanks for what He has done is an essential part of genuine worship.

2. He studied God's works. (v.2-9a)
An occasional reading of the Bible will not satisfy.  One who has experienced the grace of God possesses a desire to know more.  Studying the word of God takes time and consistency.  Learning to feed oneself with the Scriptures is necessary for spiritual growth.  Notice the benefits listed here:
-It reminds us what God has done.
-It reminds us what God has provided.
-It reminds us of God's power.
-It reminds us that His word is trustworthy.
-It reminds us of our redemption.
-It reminds us of God's promises.

3. He practiced what he learned. (v.10)
Just knowing what the Bible says will not change our lives.  The Scriptures were not given to us for our information but for our transformation.  That transforming work takes place as we put into practice what we know God wants us to be and to be doing.

 

A glimpse of the 2nd coming of Jesus

 Read Psalm 110.

Amazing!  Just imagine, David was allowed to overhear a conversation in heaven among the Godhead.  Literally, verse 1 states, "Jehovah said to Adonai," "my LORD said to my Lord," or "God, the Father, said to God, the Son."

The psalmist was reassured by revelation of the Holy Spirit that the Messiah would one day come to judge and rule over all the nations on earth.

A few hundreds of years later, Isaiah famously prophesied concerning the Messiah, "the government shall be upon his shoulders...of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom..." (Isaiah 9-6-7)

In Mark 12:36, Jesus quoted Psalm 110 and quizzed religious leaders concerning the eternal nature of the Messiah.

Peter quoted this Psalm and used it to proclaim that Jesus is both Lord and the Messiah.

Hebrews chapter 1 quotes Psalm 45 to declare Jesus is God and includes Psalm 110:1.

Jesus now serves as our eternal High Priest.  But when He returns He will be the conquering King of kings and Lord of lords so vividly described in Revelation 19.  All believers will rule and reign with Him.  "Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power..."(v.3)

We will join those loud voices of heaven in singing the Hallelujah chorus that Handel could only imagine.  "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

 

Handling hurtful Words

 Read Psalm 109.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is a false statement!  Words can hurt.  And they may hurt worse with more lasting effect than any physical pain.

There simply is no substitute for having faith in the God.  Believing that He will execute justice and ultimately right every wrong relieves us when we are helpless.  He is the God of all comfort.  When there is no remedy for our pain believers can experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit and have His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Here was David's prayer in the midst of his suffering.
1. The Cause. (vv.1-5)
He found himself surrounded by evil people who lied about him and said hateful things.  What made this hurt even more was that these were people that he loved and had helped.
2. The Curse. (vv.6-20)
In pouring his heart out to God, he presented an entire list of vengeance that could be brought upon these enemies. 
3. The Cry. (vv.21-26)
"But you, O God my Lord."  Now, the turning point. Once the lies, rumors and gossip spread, it is difficult for one to defend themselves.  David asked the LORD to intervene on his behalf.   Meanwhile, he paid an awful price suffering from these attacks.  He cast himself on his faith in God and His steadfast love for him.
4. The Contrast. (vv.27-29)
They curse; God blesses.  They will be put to shame; David will be glad. 
5. The Confidence. (vv.30-31)
His prayer was not whining or mere venting.  Being full of faith, he prayed with thanksgiving and praise, knowing that the God of heaven was poised to step in and help.

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" (Romans 12:19)