3 things that separate the wise from Fools

Read Proverbs 1.

Solomon had been divinely gifted by God with unusual wisdom and understanding.  As he laid the foundation for this book, he set forth three lessons that will determine one's success in life.  These literally separate a fool from those who are truly wise.

1. Reverence for the LORD. (v.7)
Holding the God of heaven in high regard is the beginning.  Without a sense of awe for Him and accountability to Him, one will make life choices that ultimately lead to self-destruction.  When a person understands this first lesson, they will hunger to know what God has said and desire to please Him in all they do.

2. Respect for parents. (vv.8-9)
A child is Biblically charged by God to honor and obey parents.  It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children to love God and to know right from wrong.  When grown and on their own,  a child is no longer living under the obedience of parents, but the requirement to honor them and their words never goes away.  The godly disciplines of the father and the precepts of the mother are never to be cast aside.

3. Resistance of wrong friends. (vv.10-19)
Perhaps nothing is more influential on a person's life development and world view that than those closest to them.  Peer pressure, at any age, can sway one's thinking and responses.  Spending time with the wrong people will only result in mischief and sin.  Here is the evaluation question in order to choose a true friend.  Have they learned the first two lessons above?  If not, our commission is to be a godly influence on them but not allow them to be an influence on us.  No one can grow in their faith being alone.  We need to be taught.  We need wise models to follow.  We need interaction with wise people on a regular basis to maintain a life full of wise choices.  

Wisdom for life is immediately available.  It is written down for us in this book.

6 ways to praise the LORD

Read Psalm 150.

The book of songs hits its crescendo with loud praises to the LORD!

1. Praise Him in His sanctuary.

A sanctuary is a holy place set apart for the worship of God.  In the 1 Corinthians 6:19 we read that the believer in Jesus "is a temple of the Holy Spirit."  Praise begins in the heart.

2. Praise Him in the heavens.

Next the praise moves from the most intimate and private place to public praise in the open sky.  In previous Psalms, all the angelic beings and even the planets and stars were called upon to join in praising the LORD.

3. Praise Him for what He has done.

Counting one's blessings and the faithfulness of God should spark within us spontaneous praise.  God is good to us and worthy of our praise.

4. Praise Him for who He is.

The sheer magnitude of His person is beyond human comprehension.  Our best efforts fall short.  As Stuart Hamblen wrote in his song "How Big is God?", "He is big enough to rule this mighty universe, yet small enough to live within the heart."

5. Praise Him with instruments and dance.

This is a full orchestra with horns, strings, percussion, and pipes.  Most churches have a long way to go to catch up to such a full complement of praise described here.

6. Praise Him with voice.

The final call to worship the LORD is not limited to believers or even to humans.  "Everything that has breath" has been given life by a loving God is fulfill His purpose.  There is no greater response than to praise the One who has given us the breath of life.

Praise the LORD!

How to praise the LORD

Read Psalm 149.

Our culture and upbringing tend to shape how we are comfortable in praising God.  It is always interesting, refreshing, and sometimes uncomfortable to experience worship with believers who do it differently than we are used to.  Some want the architecture to be to their liking.  Most are inspired by a particular style of music.  Often churches are formal and structured, while others are very informal and casual.  As this book of songs builds to a loud and all-encompassing conclusion, notice the various ways Israel worshiped the LORD.

1. Singing. (v.1)
The context was when they assembled together for worship.  The content was a new song they sang.  When one embraces Jesus, He puts a different song in our hearts, even praise to our God.

2. Dancing. (v3a)
This is not social dancing but spiritual praise.  While the assembly sang the new song some expressed their praise through choreography.  When done well the visual display enhances the message.  It requires planning, work, and excellence to honor the LORD in this way.

3. Instruments. (v.3b)
Music in the Bible was accompanied, even led, by stringed instruments, various kinds of percussion, and horns.  Many think of the organ as the standard of traditional church music.  But historically the organ is a relatively newer invention.  Some churches even have a highly trained drumline used to praise the LORD.

4. Obeying. (vv.6-9)
Obviously, these verses are specific to Israel at the time.  However, the believer is in a spiritual war all the time.  Praising our faith without practicing our faith is hypocrisy.  We should be armed and ready to face the daily battles in obedience to the Word of God.

Any art form is appreciated according to individual taste.  The focus of worship is not how but Who is being praised.  Praise the LORD!

3 perspectives on Praise

Read Psalm 148.

The praises of God continue in this series of five songs, heading for a crescendo.  The psalmist wrote this exaltation in an orderly fashion.  Looking up; then looking around; and, finally, looking in.

1. The Celestial perspective of praise. (vv.1-6)
Looking up at the sky, a call is issued for all the angelic hosts, the planets and all the stars to give forth their praises to God, the Creator.  How did God create?  "He commanded" (v.5), “He gave a decree” (v.6) "and it was so" (Genesis 1).  The March 18, 2014 edition of USA TODAY reported on page 5A a huge new finding by scientists regarding "gravitational waves."  Their theory is that just after the so-called big bang, "space expanded violently and almost instantaneously."  Anyone who ever read and believed Genesis 1 agrees.  That truth has been in the Bible for thousands of years.  It was not a big bang, but a BIG VOICE that instantly commanded the creation into being.  Any other view robs God of His rightful praise.  "The heavens declare the glory of God." (Psalm 19:1)

2. The Terrestrial perspective on praise. (vv.7-12)
Looking around at all of earth's creation on land, sea and air, who could not help but praise God for the beauty and intricacies of His handiwork.  This includes all human life, regardless of status or age group.  All are called upon to join in the song.

3. The Essential perspective on praise. (vv.13-14)
Looking in, the heart of man may be distracted by many objects, people and philosophies.  But the God of heaven demands exclusive praise for what He has done and who He is.  Praises come from those who are near to God and enjoying His presence.

Is God pleased with us?

Read Psalm 147.

Our options for personal pleasure are many.  There seems to be no end to the list of items and activities that could capture our attention and time.  But the psalmist reminds us from verse 1 of the ultimate source of what is good, delightful and beautiful.

Taking notice of what God is doing all around us should ignite praise and singing in response.  This psalm appears to be written in three stanzas and each stanza has three parts.
1. vv.1-6
v.1- A call to  praise
vv.2-4 A cause to praise
vv.5-6 A conclusion to praise

2. vv.7-11
v.7- A call to praise
vv.8-9 A cause to praise
vv.10-11 A conclusion to praise

3. vv.12-20
v.12 A call to praise
vv.13-19 A cause to praise
v.20- A conclusion to praise

But right in the middle (v.11) is, perhaps, the strongest teaching point of all.  The LORD Himself takes pleasure in us!  What an amazing thought--that the all-powerful God of heaven would not only consider us but be pleased with us.  There are two qualifiers.  "The LORD takes pleasure..."
>"in those who fear him,"  Understanding who God is and our accountability to Him results in a holy respect and holy living.
>"in those who hope in this his steadfast love."  God is a jealous God and demands exclusive loyalty.  We hope in no one else for guidance and direction in this life and for the life to come.  It is His faithful love for us that compels us to praise and please Him.

7 Reasons to praise the LORD

Read Psalm 146.

We have many causes to praise the LORD.  Putting our trust in anything or anyone else will eventually prove disappointing.  But placing trust in the one and only Eternal God, Creator of heaven and earth, we find help and hope (v.5).

That God loves us and forgives us as individuals would be enough to praise Him forever.  But the psalmist cites observable reasons for such adulation.
1. The LORD executes justice for the oppressed. (v.7a)
God is the ultimate Judge.  He has promised to right every wrong.

2. The LORD gives food to the hungry. (v.7b)
God sees the individual plight of human beings.  He has promised to meet our needs.

3. The LORD sets the prisoners free. (v.7c)
Before experiencing God's deliverance, people are bound by sin.  He offers complete forgiveness and freedom in Christ.

4. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. (v.8a)
Naturally, people are spiritually dead.  When by faith they become alive in Christ, the veil is lifted and they can begin to see and understand spiritual truth.

5. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down. (v.8b)
The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter.  He comes alongside the believer in Jesus to encourage and strengthen us.

6. The LORD watches over the sojourners. (v.9a)
We are strangers and pilgrims in this world.  Our true home is in heaven.  In the meantime, while we are here, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who watches over us and cares for us.

7. The LORD upholds the widow and fatherless. (v.9b)
God's special attention is given to those who cannot help themselves.  The Scriptures contain severe warnings for those who would try to take advantage of the helpless.

How can we NOT praise the LORD?

Let's praise the LORD!

Read Psalm 145.

What does it mean to praise the LORD?

These last six psalms in the book are all songs of praise.  Psalm 145 is alphabetical, meaning that each verse begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  However, instead of 22 verses, this song only contains 21.  One of the letters is missing.  No one is quite sure why.

Praising God is not simply a euphoric experience.  Thanksgiving and rejoicing have substantial reasoning underpinning the praises.

1. The investigation of praise. (vv.1-7)
Like a good investigative reporter, David writes the who, what, where, when, why, and how.  This praise is personal, exalting the God of heaven every day for His wonderful works.  But the praise is not done in private.  The concern moves to the next generation.  Note the word "they" in verses 6 and 7.  The children and beyond them must have their own faith in the LORD and sing His praises.

2. The inspiration of praise. (vv.8-16)
Over and over, David praised God for His character.  The LORD is gracious, merciful, patient, loving and kind.  He praised God for what He had already done in sustaining, encouraging, and providing.  Notice the pronoun change from talking about God (He) to talking to God (You).

3. The invitation of praise. (vv.17-21)
In verses 18-20, there is a list of five things God does for those who call on Him, who fear Him, and who love Him.  With those qualifiers:
>The LORD is near
>He fulfills desires
>He hears prayers
>He saves
>He preserves
David's commitment was to verbally praise the LORD.  The call is for every person on earth to join him.
Let's praise the LORD!

The happiest people on Earth

Read Psalm 144.

"Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!"

This song begins and ends with blessing.  However, they are two different Hebrew words.  In verse 1, "Blessed be the LORD", the Hebrew word is "praise."  King David is praising God with the implication of kneeling before Him.

1. His reasons for praise.  (vv.1-4)
God not only gave him strength and ability but, out of His faithful love, protected him.  Such thoughts humbled him.  Why would the God of heaven give such personal attention to human beings?

2. His requests for God's power. (vv.5-11)
David appealed to God for His all-powerful intervention.  The descriptives are awesome in the truest sense of the word.  He faced challenges from which only the LORD could deliver him.

3. His requests for prosperity. (vv.12-14)
With full confidence in the LORD for the future, he presented his requests:
>He prayed for his children to become mature and admired.
>He prayed for abundant economic provision and protection from loss.
>He prayed for public peace.

These would be blessings from God.  "Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!"  In verse 15, the Hebrew word is "happy."  Not all of life's circumstances are happy occasions; David's were not either.  But those of us know and serve God have a different perspective, even in the most difficult times.  God is in control.  He is trustworthy.  Our faith is indeed the victory.  Of all peoples on the planet, we should be the happiest of all.  Blessed.

5 prayer requests for the spiritually Stressed

Read Psalm 143.

This psalm continues the themes of Psalm 145.  David was hiding in a cave as Saul and his army searched for him.  Instead of feeling protected by the shelter, he felt trapped.  The stress wore on his soul to the point that he cried out to God for mercy.

He described his feelings.  (vv.3-4)
Notice how David felt in verses 3-4.  The enemy wanted to kill him but could not find him.  Yet, inside he felt pursued and crushed.  He likened sitting in the darkness to being entombed.  Spiritually, he thought he had reached the end of his endurance.

He remembered God's faithfulness. (vv.5-6)
What thoughts guided him toward hope?  The LORD had delivered him in the past.  He counted his blessings.  He physically and spiritually reached out to God to sustain him.

He prayed for his future. (vv.7-10)
His requests were specific and included the key elements for living beyond the current crisis.
1. "Let me hear."  He longed to hear again how much God loved him.
2. "Make me know."  He needed wisdom and guidance in what to do.
3. "Deliver me."  He needed immediate help.  Without God's intervention, he would have no future.  He cast his total dependence on the LORD, since there was no apparent way he could save himself in this situation.
4. "Teach me."  His longing was to know and do the will of God for his life.  Such actions would give him the confidence of being right with God and doing what pleased the LORD.
5. "Lead me."  The emotional ups and downs brought unbearable stresses.  He submitted himself to the Spirit of God to be able to live rightly on level ground.

When your spirit is Overwhelmed

Read Psalm 142.

Anyone who has ever been overwhelmed by a seemingly hopeless situation will identify with the elements of this prayer.  David ran for his life.  When King Saul's army was tipped off as to David's area of hiding, they came quickly and camped there.  David took refuge in a cave but instead of feeling safe, he felt trapped.  In fact, he called it a prison.  See 1 Samuel 22 for details.

1. Defenseless (vv.1-4)
The threat was real.  Those seeking his life did not know his exact location.  But the sense of terror, loneliness, and abandonment caused him to feel totally insecure.  There was no escape and no one cared.

2. Desperate (vv.5-6a)
He had fought his way out of tough circumstances before, but not this time.  It was not possible to fight an army by himself.  This song is truly a cry for mercy.  He has nothing left.  His only resource was his faith in God.  Someone once said, "When you reach the place where God is all you have, you will find that God is all you need."

3. Dependence (vv.6b-7)
He cast his dependence on the only One who could help him.  "You are my refuge."  "Deliver me."  "Bring me out."  Knowing that God would never forsake him, he prayed with hope for the future.  He looked forward to giving thanks to the LORD for answering his prayer.  He looked forward to being surrounded instead by good and godly friends.  He looked forward to freedom and God's blessings.

When no one else can help, God will.
When no one else cares, God does.
Trust Him and see.

A personal response to an evil World

Read Psalm 141.

Living in a world of evil and injustice is a daily vexation to those who desire to do what is right.  It is tempting to retaliate in kind, but in doing so we become like them.  The powerful alternative is to turn to God for personal help and intervention.

Here David called on the LORD for some quick help.  However, notice his personal checklist of requests.

1. My mouth. (v.3)
Purity of speech.  He asked God stand guard over his words.  Jesus said that we will be held accountable for every word (Matthew 12:37).  "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6)

2. My heart. (v.4)
Purity of thought.  Proverbs 4:23: "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."  The seat of our emotions, the command center of our thinking, controls everything else we do.  Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34b)  Whatever comes out was first born in our hearts.

3. My eyes. (v.8)
Purity of perspective.  David's focus was not limited to the world around him.  He cast his dependence on God to give him the bigger picture on life and afterlife.  The LORD, the Righteous Judge, will one day right every wrong and judge every evil deed.  Such a world view gives hope to the believer.  "The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." (Psalm 19:8)

Preparing for Spiritual War

Read Psalm 140.

If a person is not aware of their spiritual battle, they have already lost the battle.

Notice David's spiritual perspective on what he was experiencing.  Much like the time he faced down Goliath, he looked beyond the human factors involved and saw the evil behind them.  We need not cower and back down when confronted by sin and sinful minded people.

1. He prayed for God to deliver him from the battle. (vv.1-5)
This was not his word against theirs.  These men were evil in their thoughts, words, plans and actions.  There is only one source of evil.  Satan, the deceiver of old, the father of lies, wages war by energizing those who minds are open to him.  Such a battle cannot be won by positive thinking.  There is One greater who is all-powerful.  It is the LORD to whom we turn to guard us in the battle and to deliver us from evil.

2. He prayed for God to protect him in the battle. (vv.6-8)
The battle is inescapable.  Everyone in involved every day, throughout the day, against the enemy of our souls.  Without God and His deliverance there is no protection from evil.  People, then, become pawns of evil.  The LORD provides salvation, or deliverance, both eternally and daily.

3. He prayed for God to give victory over the battle. (vv.9-13)
The spiritual battle is the LORD's.  He has the power to overcome evil.  "Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)  And, He has the power to give us personal victory over evil.  God has provided the believer in Jesus all that is needed for victory.  "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."  (Ephesians 6:10-17)

"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8b)

The confidence of an examined Life

Read Psalm 139.

Dr. Ray Steadman wrote, "We would never understand ourselves if God did not tell us who we are."
In this psalm we learn much about God, but we also learn a lot about ourselves.

1. (vv.1-6)
What we learn about God in these verses is His omniscience; that is, He knows everything about everyone.  The LORD searches or examines us throughout every moment of every day.
What we learn about ourselves is we have constant and consistent accountability to God.  To try to understand that God does this work in the lives of billions of people all at the same time is beyond human comprehension.  And, it was for David.

2. (vv.7-12)
What we learn about God here is His omnipresence; that is, He is everywhere at the same time.  He does not show up when we pray or worship Him.  He is already there waiting for us to acknowledge His presence.
What we learn about ourselves is that there is no hiding place.  Adam and Eve discovered that quickly and so has anyone who thinks they can conceal or self-cover their sin.

3. (vv.13-18)
What we learn about God is His omnipotence; that is, He is all-powerful without any limitations.  He not only created the universe by speaking it into existence, but He personally supervises human formation in the womb.
What we learn about ourselves is that all of our attributes are the result of His workmanship.  This speaks directly to our self-acceptance.  What we may see as imperfections from birth, God sees as His design.  David declared, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

4. (vv.19-24)
What we learn about God is His thoughtfulness.  The fact that the LORD of heaven would think about us like this is "precious" or highly valued.  No one knows us better the LORD and no one loves us more.
What we learn about ourselves is that such a personal relationship with God causes us to love the things that He loves and hate the things that He hates.

Selfishness and sin causes one to run from God with the foolish notion that a human can hide from Him.  A forgiven person with a clear conscience before God humbly desires His presence.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart!"

How would you know if true worship Happened?

Read Psalm 138.

If you were to outline the elements of true worship, what would be on your list?  Much of our natural tendencies are to put some emphases on emotions, on style, on environment, or what we got out of it in meeting our needs.

King David was a man after God's own heart.  He was musician and knew a thing or two about worshiping the LORD.  Here in this song, he provides the core elements of Biblical worship for all of us.  Because it is a song, singing is a given part of worship.

1.  He began with a grateful heart to God. (v.1)
Praising the LORD is the first requirement of worship.  Psalm 100 states that we are to "enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise."

2.  He bowed down in submission and obedience to God. (v.2a)
When one realizes how much God loves them and how faithful He is in spite of our failures, who would not want to respond in such a way?

3.  He acknowledged the two things that God has made absolute priority. (v.2b)
The LORD has place His name (Who He is) and His word (what He has said, the Scriptures) above everything else.  If God is not honored and His message is not the focus, then true worship does not take happen.

4.  He verbalized his prayer requests to God. (vv.3-6)
First, he rejoiced in the prayers God had already answered.  Nothing energizes our faith like a specific answer to prayer.  Second, as a king he prayed for all other kings to come to know the LORD and experience God's goodness.  These others had heard the Word of God, but coming to faith in Him requires laying aside pride and humbly acknowledging the insurmountable need for forgiveness.

5.  He looked forward to how God would fulfill His purpose in his life. (vv.7-8)
Knowing the Scriptures provides guidance.  Experiencing a personal relationship with God sustains us.  Trusting His purpose for our lives gives us hope.  Inspiration is not enough.  Life-change only takes place when applies their faith in real life every day.

The day the music Stopped

Read Psalm 137.

This is a song of remembrance.  It recalls the time when the nation was taken captive by the Babylonians.  There the Jews live in captivity for 70 years.  They lost their land, their houses, their incomes, and the Temple.  Living in servitude, all was gone.

Anyone who has ever experienced great loss can identify with this psalm and the words "there we sat down and wept."  At the time, it was all they could do.

To add insult to their injury, their captures wanted them to sing one of the old psalms about the LORD.  But they did not have it in them to praise God and sing of joy.  The music had stopped.

What made all this especially sad was the nation had brought this pain on themselves by their sinful choices.  God had sent His prophets to warn them, but they would not listen and turn from their sin.  As a result, the nation ended up in a place where they did not want to be.  They never dreamed such a disaster would happen to them.  They felt separated from God and His blessings.

But that is not the end of the story.  As the prophets also had preached, at the end of the 70 years the LORD allowed them to return to Jerusalem and begin the rebuilding process.  He proved His faithfulness to them by providing godly leaders and teachers to rebuild their spiritual lives, as well as the city.

Sin always has consequences.  Without confession and seeking God's forgiveness the consequences will only become more painful and the losses greater.  How grateful we should be for the LORD's offer of mercy!  He pursues us, offers to cleanse us from our sin, and help us in building lives that please Him.  It is called grace.  Anyone who has experienced God's grace wants to sing about it.

5 proofs of God's Love

Read Psalm 136.

Many have read this psalm wondering why the same phrase is repeated twenty-six times.

Musically, this is an antiphonal song.  There are several ways it may have been used.  Commonly, the leader could sing the first line and the people would respond with the refrain.  Equally, it could be presented by two groups of singers or choirs.

Scripturally, the repetition drives home the message.  Love is primarily a commitment.  Yes, emotions are involved, but true love is evidenced by faithfulness no matter what.  God's love is well documented and also experienced throughout each day.  As the songwriter reminds us, it is not God's love that is wanting but our gratitude.

1. God's love is seen in His character: Who He is. (vv.1-4)
He is good.  He is God of gods and LORD of lords.  He alone is all-powerful.  As the one and only eternal God, His love will not change.  He will be faithful forever.

2. God's love is seen in His creation: What He has made. (vv.5-9)
He made the heavens and the earth.  He made the sun, moon, stars and planets and placed them into orbit.  To deny that God created these things is to rob Him of His glory and to spurn His love.

3. God's love is seen in His control: What He has done. (vv.10-22)
Israel consistently reviewed the historic evidences of God's intervention in their lives.  They never got over the Exodus.  They recounted time and again how the LORD spared them against their enemies.  It was His love that causes God to act on our behalf.

4. God's love is seen in His care: What He has done for us. (vv.23-25)
The God of heaven is personally knowable.  He loved us when we did not love Him.  He came to our rescue at times when we did not even know we were in trouble.  He faithfully supplies our needs.

5. God's love is seen in Christ: What He has done to forgive us.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)  Our first step of gratitude is to embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Our wholehearted response then is-- "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever."

3 reasons to praise the LORD Today

Read Psalm 135.

The songwriter begins with a general call to praise Jehovah.  He urged the priests who served in God's house to praise the LORD.  As the verses progress, he gave specific reasons that underpin such a response to the God of heaven.

1. His sovereign choosing of His people. (v.4)

To fulfill His messianic plan, God chose Abraham, He chose Isaac, He chose Jacob.  The people of Israel were not selected because they were the biggest or the best but solely because it pleased God to do so.  It was totally unmerited favor on His part.  And, so it is with every believer in Jesus.  There is nothing in us that warrants the forgiveness and kindness of the LORD.  Yet, it pleases Him to extend His grace to us.  Praise the LORD!

2. His sovereign control of His creation.

Since He is the Creator, He is the Owner.  He has the right to do as He wishes with His property.  The psalmist provided several examples of God's control.

--The LORD is in ultimate control of nature.  Heaven, earth, the seas, rain, and wind obey Him. (vv.5-7)

--The LORD is in ultimate control of nations.  The historical evidence is clear.  God puts down one and raises another as it pleases Him. (vv.8-12)

--The LORD is in ultimate control of notions.  People, in rejection of God, will seek other means of life-guidance.  They will carve or cast their own gods.  They will worship items of God's creation on earth or in the heavens.  They will shuffle cards, read palms and tea leaves.  They will pretend that there is a god inside themselves and try all means of self-help.  Anything and everything may be worshiped once a person rejects the LORD and refuses to learn the Scriptures. (vv.15-18)  There is only one true and living God and He is personally knowable.  He has provided His manual for life.  Praise the LORD!

3. His sovereign compassion on His people. (vv.13-14)

God's people are not perfect.  They experience hardships, injustices, and times of great need.  What makes the difference for those who have a personal relationship with the LORD is our instant access to the Throne of Grace.  Forgiven and in right standing with Him, God encourages us to come boldly, with confidence, "that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)  Praise the LORD!

Let the worship Begin

Read Psalm 134.

This is the last of the songs of ascents.  One can almost sense the worshiper getting closer to the Tabernacle; perhaps, it was in sight.  When they could see the Levites standing at their assigned posts, ready to serve the people, the travelers broke out in praise.

Traditional worship services begin with a "Call to Worship."  This brief psalm serves a similar purpose.

1. It is a call to praise the LORD.
Upward.  He is the object of our worship.  So many become enamored (or distracted) by the building, the style of music, or the people around them and are not engaged in true worship.  Worship is the bowing down in submission and thanksgiving to the Person of God Himself; nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.

2. It is a call to praise the LORD together.
Inward.  Making public worship a priority is not an option for a believer.  We need to come together for teaching of God's Word, singing together, encouraging each other, and prayer.  To be a believer in Jesus is to be an active participant in a local church.  The New Testament does not know of any other kind of follower of Christ.
"...not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25)

3. It is a call to the LORD to bless their nation.
Outward.  The concern of our worship is making God famous.  We not only want the LORD's blessings upon our nation, but we want our nation to bless God!  One who knows the LORD wants others to come to know Him too.  Inspired and equipped, believers leave the occasion of public worship to serve God in the everyday places He has assigned them.

A case for Unity

Read Psalm 133.

Walking together to the celebration, they sang this song of unity.  

1. The fragrance of unity.
The psalm begins with reference to an earthly view of oneness.  It is a family of faith; brothers and sisters who are equally committed to the LORD.  David compared such unity to the anointing of the high priest. The ceremony included pouring very fragrant oil over his head until it ran down his face.  The smell would have filled the entire immediate area and he would have carried that smell everywhere he went.

Christians give off an odor as well.  Nothing smells worse than a body of believers that cannot get along with each other.  It is most often the result of spiritual immaturity and/or sin.  The basis of our unity is our one faith in Jesus.  It is the unending work of church leaders to help believers to grow in maturity and obedience to Christ.  The family of God is to be serving together working in ministry, not gossiping or tearing down each other.  "...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Chris." (Ephesians 4:12-13)

The unbelieving world desperately needs to smell the fragrance of Christ on us.

2. The fruit of unity.
The psalm concludes with reference to a heavenly view of oneness.    The illustration is of dew falling on Mount Hermon.  In this dry and arid place, any moisture is precious.  With little rain, what dew falls sustains the plant life that is there.  Joining together with like-minded folks who are committed to unity is refreshing.  The world can sap energy and bring dryness to the soul.  Worshiping and serving the LORD together is invigorating to the spirit, encourages our growth, and sustains us.  But there is more.  The blessing of the LORD is eternal life.

We need to practice unity with other believers here because we are going to spend eternity together.

Anticipating Worship

Read Psalm 132.

As the pilgrims continued up Zion's hill to worship God, they would sing this prayer.  It served as a reminder of the past and encouraged them with some certain promises of the future.  In this song are the elements of true worship.

1. The place of public worship. (vv.1-5)
King David made it his priority to have a place where God would be worshiped.  First, he relocated the Ark of the Covenant and then raised the funds to build the Temple.  Everyone came to Jerusalem to worship the LORD and offer sacrifices.  

2. The keys to public worship. (vv.6-12)
Verse 7 provides a visual of the definition of the word "worship."  It has to do with bowing down in an act of surrender to God for who He is.  The elements of worship are all here: God's presence, leaders serving, people audibly rejoicing.

3. The promise of future worship. (vv.14-18)
God chose Jerusalem for His special attention and presence for all time.  The horn and anointed are references to the coming Messiah.  One day Jesus will rule and reign on earth and the world will once again look to that city as the center of public worship.

Satisfaction Found

Read Psalm 131.

From the slaying of Goliath to his national leadership, King David is well-known for his great victories.  Such a track record can wrongly feed a man's ego.  Many feel they must pursue big goals to achieve a sense of self-worth.  Driven by selfish ambition, life becomes a competitive game to win over others.  But not so with David.

The "man after God's own heart" set as his goal to conduct himself in a humble manner.  First, as a young man, he learned to be a good shepherd and serve the needs of his sheep.  He transferred those same skills to leading Israel's army and ultimately the nation.  In this brief song, he addressed some of his innermost feelings.

1. The Absence of Pride. (v.1)
David performed a spiritual EKG.  His heart showed an absence of ego-mania.  He was not driven by selfish ambition.  Next came the eye examination.  His vision and what he longed to accomplish was not the impossible dream.  He knew his limitations.  He recognized his giftedness and the opportunities God had given to him.  A servant's heart and a commitment to faithfulness will guard us against sinful pride.

2. The Presence of Peace. (v.2)
An infant is the picture of total dependence and selfishness.  The baby does not care what time it is or the feelings of anyone around them.  When they have a need they let it be known immediately and loudly.  There is no patience in them.  They want what they want and they want it now.  But as one matures, there is a growing ability to care for one's basic needs.  A transition takes place from looking to mother for nursing to seeking her for comfort.  David said that he had disciplined himself to calm down and quiet his soul.  How the LORD loves for us to run to Him for such quiet comfort and inner peace.
"You will keep him in perfect peace who mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3)

3. The Essence of the Promise. (v.3)
To give up one's pride and selfishness means a surrender to something or someone else.  To discover peace in a time of upheaval and great need means there must be something or someone who is trustworthy and transcends all the world around us.  David openly declared that his hope was in the LORD.  He called upon his nation to place their hope in the LORD and experience the satisfaction found only in Him.

A cry for Mercy

Read Psalm 130.

This is a deep cry for mercy.  We are not told the source of the anguish.  It does seem to be that the nation was under some punishment for their sins.  While he prayed for relief, the psalmist processed thoughts with which we all can identify.

1. Their condition. (v.3)

As he prayed, immediately the feelings of guilt and unworthiness surfaced.  God keeps records of every sinful thought, word and deed.  Revelation 20:12 shows The Judge in heaven opening the books and holding each person accountable for every unforgiven violation.  Who can possibly stand under such judgment?  The answer is no one.  We are helpless to help ourselves.

2. God's character. (vv.4, 7-8)

The good news unfolds for us in that little phrase "But with you..."  The help we so desperately need comes from the intervention of God and His grace.  Gratefully, He offers what we cannot provide.

*Forgiveness.  The only basis for the forgiveness of any sin is the once and for all, sinless sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  The blood sacrifices under the Old Testament only covered the sin until the time the Messiah would take away it away (John 1:29).  When a person confesses their sin to Jesus, He forgives, removes, and cleans the account against us. 

*Hope.  People lose hope when they see no way out of their crisis.  Once forgiven, our relationship with the LORD is restored and we have all the power of God at work on our behalf.  Our focus of the future then is not on our circumstances but on the plan and purposes God has for our lives.

3. Their consequence. (vv. 5-6)

Sin may be forgiven, but the consequences remain.  With every sin there is a loss of some kind--in a relationship, an opportunity, a reward, or a punishment.  Though forgiveness is available, not everyone comes to God for His mercy.  This is a part of the psalmist's call to the nation.  Even with forgiveness, the resolve of the consequence we may suffer takes time.  Waiting for the LORD's timing to resolve our circumstances is a test of our trust in Him. 

Encouraging the Suffering

Read Psalm 129.

Looking back, the nation of Israel has a long history of being persecuted by its neighbors on all sides.  Oppression, threats, and war have marked nearly generation of the Jews.

The Egyptians put them into slavery for 400 years.  The Philistines, among others, consistently attacked at every opportunity.  Later, it was the Assyrians who took the northern kingdom captive.  Then, the Babylonians took the southern kingdom.  In Jesus' day they were under Roman authority.  In modern times, nation after nation has risen with the announced goal to annihilate the Jews.  Yet, the Jews are still here.  Though spiritually not where God wants them to be, nonetheless, the nation of Israel stands today on the same historic spot given to Abraham.

Here is more encouragement for the traveler during this time in history.  The psalmist has taken the persecution of his nation and personalized it.  Notice his use of the words "me" and "my."  The metaphors are graphic.  But the theme is that though the Jews have suffered, their enemies "have not prevailed."

1. Prevailing over persecution. (vv.1-4)
It is one thing for enemies to run roughshod over a nation, but here the pain was personal.  Even the memory was torturous, as if they plowed across one's back.  The affliction had been great, but God is greater.  He cut the cords of the enemy that bound them.  He broke their enslaving chains and restored freedom to His people.

2. Prevailing over the persecutors. (vv.5-8)
The enemy, in their hatred, sought to shame Israel and to demonstrate that the LORD God they worshiped could not protect them.  But all the hordes of hell are no match for our God.  He can and did turn the enemies to shame.  Like grass trying to sprout up in shallow soil, the enemies of God will not be established for the long-term, their strength will not endure, and there will be nothing profitable from their evil.  They do not even deserve the customary greeting of "God bless you."

These are good reminders to all that though we may suffer for a time, our God sees and cares.  His power is not diminished by the things that threaten us.  From God's perspective, the battle has already been won and the victory will come in His time.  "...the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment." (2 Peter 2:9)

Principles or Promises?

Read Psalm 128.

Singing songs that encourage one another in our faith is a Biblical part of worship.  This psalm would have spurred on the travelers toward Jerusalem for the feast days.

These expressions remind us again of the difference between principles and promises.  A principle may be defined as a general rule to follow.  A promise is a vow to be fulfilled.  Confusing those two have caused many to fall into false doctrines while quoting the Bible.  If all these statements were promises of God then every believer would be wealthy and healthy.  Every believing woman would bear many children.  But such things were not true even of Jesus, the Apostles, or countless godly men and women throughout time.

Instead, these are principles to live by.  They are ideals for which we work for, pray for, and long to see.  But the results truly belong to God.  Not all the results of godly living are material, nor are all the results seen in this life.  Indeed, the best results and rewards are those that are eternal and await us in heaven.

1. The Principles of Blessings.  (vv.1-4)

Note the qualification: This is for "those who fear the LORD and walk in his ways," our prayer is that--

-our work would be profitable

-our family would be fruitful

2. The Prayer for Blessings. (vv.5-6)

In the context of their travel to the feast days, Jerusalem was the center for the worship of God.  So, this was not only a prayer for governmental or civic blessing but spiritual as well.

-prosperity for the city

-peace for the nation

Don't waste your Time!

Read Psalm 127.

Four of these fourteen Songs of Ascents are attributed to David.  Most of them are anonymous.  This one came from Solomon.  Even a cursory reading, with his use of the word vain, would remind one of his book Ecclesiastes.

The man who had it all--the enormous work projects, the huge family, the enormous wealth and wisdom--declared that it all proved to be "like chasing after the wind."  Grab a handful and what do you get?  Nothing.  Emptiness.  Everything in this life is temporal.  If that is all we have, misery is inevitable.  But the wise king new more. 

1. It is vain to try to establish a home on your own.
2. It is vain to try to protect yourself and others around you.
3. It is vain to work so hard only to leave it all behind.
4. It is vain to think your family is belongs to you.

"Unless the LORD"
Without the LORD homes can fail, we have no real security to depend upon, and our work will have no lasting purpose.  Clearly, our children are not biological accidents.  Life belongs to the Author of life.

So, what are we to do?  Gratefully acknowledge Him.  We must surrender our lives to the Owner and Sustainer of this temporal life.  Then, and only then, are we free to live with eternal purpose and meaning.

What kept them Going?

Read Psalm 126.

The words of the psalm appear to indicate that it was written after the nation returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity.  Many never lived to see the return.  For those who did, it seemed like a dream.  It was hard to believe.  Applying this to the Songs of Ascents, such a song would have encouraged the travelers to keep going along their journey.

1. Remembering the Joy. (vv.1-3)

Nothing encourages the weary heart like counting one's blessings.  Looking back at the goodness of God and all His blessings is a joyous exercise.  The Apostle Paul admonished believers, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).  Perhaps, Paul felt the need to repeat himself because intentionally rejoicing is so often neglected.  Proverbs 17:22 states that "a joyful heart is good medicine;" it lifts the spirits of the one rejoicing and ministers to those around them.

2. Reaping with Joy. (vv.4-6)

The psalmist did not overlook when circumstances are not joyful.  Many days in life are filled with pain and sorrow.  We weep, but not as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).  Remembering the past kindnesses of God renews and refreshes us for the future.  Our God is in the restoration business.  He can take a dry river bed and turn it into a vibrant stream.  He can take the land worked by a tireless and exhausted farmer and produce bountiful crops.  He can take a weary and broken heart and fill it with His inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8)!

An immovable Faith

Read Psalm 125.

Walking up the mount to Jerusalem, the singer compared the geography of Israel to a few spiritual truths.

1. Like Mount Zion, trust in the LORD provides stability to life. (v.1)
People change, cultures change, but "...I the LORD do not change..." (Malachi 3:6).  The eternal God of heaven is trustworthy at all times and in all places.  Therefore, those who have placed their eternal trust in the LORD possess a faith that is unmoved by the circumstances around them.  They stand upon the unchanging promises of God.  His word will not change.  What He says He will do.

2. Like the surrounding mountains, so the LORD provides security for life. (v.2)
Protecting the perimeter is a vital part of any defense.  More extensive than a wall, stronger than any army, God Himself stands between us and the enemy of our soul.  Satan understands this truth.  Concerning Job, the enemy said, "Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?" (Job 1:10a)

3. Like the land of promise, so the LORD provides surety for life. (v.3)
When God makes a promise, it is guaranteed.  "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance..." (Ephesians 1:13-14a)  Gratefully, those eternal promises and our eternal life do not change even when we fail.

The psalmist was quick to add that not everyone experiences God's protection.  There are eternal consequences for those who do not place their trust in Him.

"More secure is no one ever than the loved ones of the Savior."
"Little flock, to joy then yield thee!  Jacob's God will ever shield thee;
Rest secure with this Defender, At His will all foes surrender."
-"Security" Lina Sandell

Give Him the glory. Great things He has Done!

Read Psalm 124.

Those making the journey up to Jerusalem for the feast days encouraged each other with this song of remembrance.  As they looked back on the tests and tragedies of the past, they broke out in praise to God.  They did this, not once, but every time they made this trip.  They told the stories again and again.

If they had been attacked by an enemy was it not the army who fought back?  Yes.  But it was the LORD on their side who gave them the victory.  If the crops failed and they faced financial ruin was it not a timely rain that saved them?  Yes.  But it was the faithful and caring LORD who sent the rain.  If great loss or suffering threatened to be their end was it not physicians and friends who ministered to them.  Yes.  But it was the LORD who provided all the help that was needed.

When crises hit, people rightly seek help and pray for God's deliverance.  Yet, once the crisis is over and things return to normal, so do they.  They forget to thank those who helped them and they ignore the God who delivered them.  The LORD spares us in such times for a reason.  That reason is so we will never stop praising Him and telling others what a great God we serve.

Here then is the story of our lives: "If it had not been for the LORD who was on our side" all would have been lost.

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD and his might, and the wonders that he has done.  He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God.” (Psalm 78:4-7)